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Northern lights in autumnal Lapland

5-Day Northern Lights Lapland Adventure

(5 days / 4 nights)

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Autumn in the beautiful Arctic

Immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn on this seasonal trip to remember. Discover the charming city of Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland and join enchanting excursions in the surrounding wilderness. Hunt for the northern lights with an expert guide, then later spend the night beneath the stars in a glass igloo, where the auroras might appear as you doze off. Learn about indigenous Sámi culture at a traditional reindeer farm. Plus, get in the festive spirit at the magical Santa Claus Village.

5 days / 4 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1220 EUR

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— Why book with Nordic Visitor

  • Seamless travel experience
  • Handpicked hotels, services & routes designed by Lapland travel experts
  • Comprehensive itinerary & travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Carbon offsetting for reduced environmental impact
  • Great customer reviews

Read more

Travel style

Partially Guided i

Interest

Arctic Circle i, Family i, Glass Igloos i, Northern Lights i, Reindeers and Sami Culture i, Santa Claus i

Season

Sep - Nov

Departure

Daily

Interest

Arctic Circle i, Family i, Glass Igloos i, Northern Lights i, Reindeers and Sami Culture i, Santa Claus i

Itinerary

A day-by-day plan to guide your northern adventure.

  • Day 1: Arrival in Rovaniemi & Northern Lights Hunt

    Welcome to Finnish Lapland! At the airport, you’ll be met by your driver and taken directly to your accommodation.

    You then have time to explore Rovaniemi. It’s a small but charming city close to the Arctic Circle. Stroll through the city centre while breathing in the autumnal atmosphere.

    This evening, it’s time to head out on a northern lights hunt. An expert guide will drive you into the countryside, away from city lights, where conditions are best to spot the colourful aurora borealis.

    Spend the night in Rovaniemi.

    *The northern lights are a natural phenomenon so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 2: Santa Claus Village & an Arctic Stay

    It’s time to get into the festive spirit with a visit to the magical Santa Claus Village. Do some souvenir shopping, send postcards from Santa’s main office, and of course meet the “man in red” himself! You’ll enjoy lunch at the Santa Claus Village as well, surrounded by autumnal charm.

    Then board a transfer to the Arctic SnowHotel resort, where a hotel is being built from snow and ice. You can get a sneak peak of the building works and admire the sparkling structures that have already been completed.

    Before staying the night under the stars in your very own glass igloo, end the evening with a traditional Finnish sauna session.

    Spend the night in a glass igloo at the Arctic SnowHotel.

    Attractions Attractions Attractions

  • Day 3: Sámi Culture & Friendly Reindeer

    Start the morning early with a hearty breakfast at the Arctic SnowHotel resort. Then join a transfer to a reindeer farm run by Sámi people.

    At the reindeer farm, you’ll learn about the Sámi nation and their culture. Greet the gentle reindeer, then enjoy a hot drink and a sweet treat inside a traditional timber lodge.

    Later, you’ll be transferred back to Rovaniemi. Enjoy the evening at your leisure exploring some more of the city.

    Spend the night in Rovaniemi.

    Attractions

  • Day 4: A Day to Explore Rovaniemi

    You have the whole day to explore Rovaniemi as you wish.

    Learn more about local history, nature and culture, including the Sámi nation by paying a visit to the Arktikum museum. Here you can browse interesting exhibits about the Arctic region.

    To take full advantage of your time in the Arctic, you can add more fun autumn activities to your itinerary.

    If you love wildlife, you might want to tour the Ranua Wildlife Park located about 1 hour south of the city. Or you could even go fishing in a scenic lake out in the peaceful wilderness.

    Spend another night in Rovaniemi.

    Attractions

  • Day 5: Departure from Lapland

    Today is your last day in Finnish Lapland. After an adventurous getaway, a driver will take you back to Rovaniemi Airport in time for your departure flight.

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Map

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

Included

Not included

5 days / 4 nights

Price p.p. from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1220 EUR

Find your price
Request info

Essential information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this partially guided tour in Lapland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Lapland Travel Guide.

On a partially guided tour, Nordic Visitor books your accommodation and excursions for a self-guided travel experience. That means you’ll enjoy some free time to explore on your own as well as planned, guided day tours.

Each activity is run by a different tour operator, so you’ll get to meet a few local guides throughout your trip.

You can rest assured that Nordic Visitor only works with a small number of handpicked suppliers that meet our high standards. The activities you’ll participate in are all extremely well rated so you’re sure to have a memorable time.

During your tour, we’re with you every step of the way. Plus, you’ll always be able to reach us on your trip by calling our 24/7 helpline.

As Lapland is a popular family travel destination, our Lapland adventures are suitable for travellers aged 4 years and up.

Adjustments may need to be made for some activities though, for example snowmobile excursions. Children under 140 centimetres (4.5 feet) tall will usually be seated in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Children over 140 centimetres are allowed to sit on the snowmobile behind an adult, when paying the adult price.

This package is subject to availability. That means we recommend that you wait to book your flights until after we have confirmed your reservation. If there is no available accommodation on your preferred travel dates, your travel consultant will be in touch with information about the next available dates.

We recommend that you have moderate to good physical fitness to take part in this tour comfortably. This is because our Arctic tours are considered adventure travel, and can involve extreme weather conditions. Some excursions will also include vigorous activity and animals such as huskies and reindeer.

If you are pregnant, we do not recommend taking part in dog sledding and snowmobiling excursions. If this applies to you or any members of your group, please let your travel consultant know in advance.

Transfers between your accommodation and tour meeting locations are not included, and it is your responsibility to get to these locations on time. Your vouchers and itinerary will provide you with all the information you need, so make sure you check these carefully. Thankfully, it’s never far to walk from your accommodation.

When you stay at the Arctic SnowHotel, you’ll sleep in a magical glass igloo underneath the starry sky. Also included in your stay is access to a traditional Finnish sauna, a 3-course dinner and breakfast.

If the northern lights are likely to make an appearance, you can request a wake-up call at your igloo to make the most of the remarkable show.

Please note that from October–December every year there is ongoing construction work to add the final touches to the SnowHotel (as it is rebuilt every year).

As well as all that, your stay at the Arctic SnowHotel also includes free entrance to the Santa Claus Village.

On your Lapland adventure you’ll stay in accommodation that’s been hand-picked by our Lapland travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and have selected hotels and guesthouses in Rovaniemi based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

During the booking process, you can choose from single, double or triple rooms. Please note that in Lapland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

You can customise this tour online during the booking process. You can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. You are also welcome to combine this tour with any of our other Scandinavian packages.

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you have a passport from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Finland. This visa-free entry is valid for up to 90 days.

Visiting from another country? You can find out whether you require a visa to enter Finland on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland website. Simply select your home country to view details.

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months after your departure from Finland. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

Most of the Lapland region lies within the Arctic Circle, so the difference in daylight hours throughout the year is extreme.

In September and early October, the days will still be long, as they slowly begin to shorten from the "midnight sun" of July. You can expect 11-15 hours of daylight if you visit Lapland during this time.

In late October and November, daylight hours reduce rapidly as the Arctic region heads towards polar night. You'll experience around 10 hours of daylight in mid-October, but only 4-5 hours towards the end of November.

That said, the advantage of the snowy surroundings in late autumn is that the light reflects off the snow, making the days seem brighter.

Yes! Autumn is a great season to visit Lapland if you want to see the northern lights. Because this region is so close to the Arctic Circle, the auroras start to appear in clear night skies here as early as September.

As the nights get longer in Lapland in October and November, your chances of seeing a show are even stronger.

In fact, the great thing about autumn in Lapland is that you still have plenty of daylight hours for exploring, as well as dark nights where you can chase the auroras - or join other thrilling nighttime excursions.

Northern lights tours will operate according to a schedule, even in unfavourable viewing conditions. Your guide will do their utmost to determine the best possible location for sightings and make this an enjoyable experience for you.

Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, which means that sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Visiting Lapland in the autumn season is a cosy wonderland. Expect orange-hued and gold-tinted leaves on the trees, shorter evenings and the smell of winter in the air.

In October and November, snow will begin to fall, dusting the landscapes.

In September and early October, temperatures will likely drop below 10°C (50°F). By late October and November, most days will experience below-freezing temperatures, with the average temperature in November being 6°C (21°F). This means you’ll want to come prepared with plenty of warm, insulated clothes. You can read more about what to pack in our Lapland Travel Guide.

Please note that sightseeing and tours are dependent on weather and road conditions and might need to be altered at the last minute. If something unexpected occurs, you can call our 24-hour helpline to speak directly with Nordic Visitor staff.

Be aware that there might be snow and ice on the ground, and this may make walking around more difficult. Please note that there is no luggage handling service available in Lapland so you must be able to carry your own luggage in snowy conditions.

During Lapland’s autumn months you’ll regularly experience temperatures below 10°C (50°F). In late October and November, temperatures will start to drop below freezing on most days. For that reason, you’ll want to pack plenty of layers to keep yourself warm and dry.

Essential items to bring with you include:

  • Insulated waterproof jacket
  • Cosy wool or fleece jumpers
  • Snow or waterproof trousers
  • Warm gloves, hat and scarf
  • Insulated boots
  • Thermal socks
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen (when snow starts to fall, you'll find it really reflects the sunlight!)
  • Travel adaptors and battery packs for your electronic gear
  • Your camera!

You could also bring glove liners and hand warmers for extra warmth.

But don’t worry if you don’t have all the kit. You'll be loaned some additional gear, like thermal overalls and sturdy winter boots, when you embark on your outdoor excursions.

For more guidance on what to bring, check out this Lapland packing list.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking.

As this package is subject to availability, please wait for a confirmation from your travel consultant to ensure your travel dates and accommodation are available. You’ll then be able to purchase your flights with confidence.

If you like to plan well ahead, you’ll find that it’s possible to book many tours for the following year. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

We aim to complete bookings within a few weeks. During this time we take care of booking your accommodation, activities, and transport, confirming all parts of your journey. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. 

When we get back to you might depend slightly on how far ahead you’ve booked your travels and other tours running at the time. 

If you have any questions before your trip, you can get in touch with our Lapland travel experts. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Lapland Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

After you have booked your tour, we will begin the booking process for your trip. We aim to complete the preparation within a few weeks. This includes reserving your accommodation and confirming all your services in Lapland.

Once your trip details are finalised, we will prepare your personal itinerary and booking overview, and send all of this to you via email. When you arrive in Lapland, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Lapland Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect when you land in Lapland?

After picking up your luggage, you will be greeted by a driver holding a sign with your name in the arrivals hall. They’ll drive you directly to your accommodation.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM. 

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel until check-in. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your trip if you’d like an early check-in.

When you leave your hotel will depend on the time of your return flight. We suggest checking out early if your flight is in the morning. If you’re flying home later in the day, you could enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will usually need to check out from your room around 10–11 AM. If you’re staying in town longer, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags. Your package includes a private transfer back to the airport, so you can sit back and relax as you start your journey home.

And make sure you’ve returned any outdoor clothing that you borrowed during your trip before you leave.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

Because of inclusions on this tour, it requires a non-refundable deposit payment of 50% of the total price at the time of booking. You can view more about the deposit and cancellation fees here.

All bookings are billed in Euro (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

Accommodation

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Rooms with private shower or bath and WC. These are in three-star hotels and are all centrally located within towns. Daily breakfa..

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Superior

Rooms with private shower or bath and WC. These are in four-star hotels and are all centrally located within towns. All hotels pro..

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Price per person from

EUR

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1220 EUR

Request info

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