Santa Claus Express Helsinki to Lapland
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Travel from Helsinki to Rovaniemi on the iconic Santa Claus Express and discover the magic of Finnish Lapland on this winter journey. Explore Helsinki on a guided sightseeing tour before travelling north by overnight train into the Arctic Circle. In Rovaniemi, enjoy unforgettable included experiences such as reindeer and husky safaris, a visit to Santa Claus Village, and a guided trip to Ranua Zoo, with opportunities to hunt the Northern Lights.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
7 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
HelsinkiEnds
RovaniemiMinimum Age
4 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Finland that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
No - can be booked for a supplementTour Guide
Helsinki: Semi-independent with local guides for sightseeing | Rovaiemi: Tour escort with local guides for sightseeing & activitiesCountry
FinlandMeals Included
Breakfast: 5, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 1Passengers
$10,480.50
$5,240.25
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 40 (higher during festive dates)
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Helsinki: Semi-independent with local guides for sightseeing | Rovaiemi: Tour escort with local guides for sightseeing & activitiesGroup Size
Min 4 / Max 40 (higher during festive dates)Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome
Welcome to Helsinki! On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Stroll through this vibrant seaside capital and enjoy its design, architecture and lively food scene.
Day 2 - Helsinki Sightseeing & Santa Claus Express
Helsinki – Rovaniemi (Overnight train). Enjoy breakfast at the hotel followed by a panoramic tour of Helsinki. You will join other travelers for a sightseeing bus tour of the city’s key landmarks, including the historical centre, City Hall, the Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. There will also a short stop at either Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) or the Sibelius Monument if the church is closed.
In the evening, depart for Rovaniemi by overnight train on the Santa Claus Express, a comfortable double-decker night train through Finland’s winter landscapes.
Accommodation is in a private sleeper cabin with bedding, power sockets and a washbasin, with access to shared bathroom facilities. Onboard, there is a restaurant car and the option to have meals delivered to your cabin, as well as Wi-Fi, making for a relaxed and scenic journey to Lapland. This is an approximately 12-hour journey.
Day 3 - Welcome to Rovaniemi
Welcome to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. After your overnight train journey, breakfast can be purchased onboard before arrival.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Please note that check-in is from 15:00, however you may leave your luggage at reception until your room is ready. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace.
In the early evening, you will meet your tour escort in the hotel lobby for a welcome meeting with the rest of the group.
Day 4 - Reindeers, Huskies & Santa Claus Village
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off by private transfer to a local reindeer farm. Here, enjoy a traditional reindeer sleigh ride, a peaceful way to experience the snowy landscapes and learn about Lapland’s unique culture.
Continue to the iconic Santa Claus Village, where a buffet lunch is served at the Christmas House Restaurant or similar. In the afternoon at around 14:30, the adventure ramps up with a 2.5km husky safari, travelling in teams of four on a sled led by a professional musher.
Then, this evening at 21:00, head out to the Ounasvaara area for an Aurora hunting excursion with your tour leader. Roundtrip transfers are included for this unforgettable Northern Lights experience.
Please note: Inclusions in the itinerary remain the same, however the order or timing of activities and days may be subject to change depending on weather and operational conditions.
Day 5 - Ranua Zoo & Optional Activities
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before departing for Ranua Wildlife Park, the world’s northernmost zoo, located near Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. The park is home to Arctic species living in spacious, natural forest enclosures, offering an authentic glimpse into the region’s wildlife.
On arrival, enjoy a guided visit through Ranua Wildlife Park, where you’ll see native Arctic animals in their naturalistic surroundings.
At around 13:00, a full lunch buffet with dessert and coffee is served at Ranua Resort. After returning to Rovaniemi, the afternoon is free for relaxation.
In the evening, a homestyle buffet dinner is served at the hotel, featuring a selection of main dishes and seasonal sides. For those looking for more adventure, two optional activities are available: a three-hour snowmobile safari with a campfire experience known as the Evening Escape at 20:00, or a specialised Aurora hunting tour at 20:30, including marshmallow grilling and transfers.
Day 6 - Rovaniemi at Leisure & Glass Igloo
After a busy day yesterday, today is completely free for you to do as much or as little as you like. You could learn about the indigenous Sami people at the Arktikum Museum, try your hand at ice floating, or head out on a reindeer safari. Alternatively, channel your inner Kimi Raikkonen, Valterri Bottas and Mika Hakkinen with an Ice Karting experience, allowing you to drive fast on the sheet ice and discover why some of the world's best racing drivers hail from Finland. Your tour escort will be able to help you plan the day to ensure you don't miss out on your preferred activity.
In the late afternoon, transfer to your unique glass igloo, where you will spend the night. As long as skies are clear, you have a great chance of being able to spot the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed tonight!
Day 7 - Goodbye
Our tour arrangements end after breakfast and hotel check out. Make your own way to the airport, unless you've pre-booked transfers with us. Safe travels!
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Additional Extras
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Aurora hunting with Marshmallow grilling including transfer
The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are possible to be observed in the Polar zone of the world. Our location on the Arctic Circle gives us the best possibilities to try and see them. Our guide will drive you out of the city reaching the perfects spots offering us the best open sky vision to enjoy the Lappish picnic hopefully under the Auroras. Transfers by car or bus. Included: Transfers, snacks, hot drinks, winter clothes and guiding
Forest Skiing
Forest skiing, or "skishoeing," is a traditional, slow-paced winter activity using wide, short skis (roughly 1.5 meters) designed to float on deep, ungroomed snow. Combining snowshoe stability with ski glide, it allows for navigating dense forests, often with regular winter boots rather than specialized gear. It is a peaceful, accessible nature experience requiring only basic fitness Included: Transfers, hot drinks, equipment and guiding
Snowmobile quick spin
This snowmobile adventure offers fantastic opportunity to learn how to master the art of driving a snowmobile. During the safari we stop for a break to enjoy hot drinks and the silence of the wilderness. Each person driving a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving license (B). Please remember to take your driving license with you. Two persons per snowmobile. For groups of 3 persons or other odd number of people, we highly recommend purchasing one single driver supplement. Snowmobile driver is held liable for any damages caused to the vehicle. Personal self-liability is max. 900 €/person/snowmobile/case of accident. By purchasing a 15 € self-liability insurance before the start of the safari, you reduce the amount of self-liability down to max. 150 €/person/snowmobile/case of accident. Self-liability insurance is personal and valid in one snowmobile safari. Children 0-14 years old are seated in a sledge behind the guide’s snowmobile. We highly recommend one of the parents to sit with a small child in the sledge for the child’s comfort and safety. Included: Winter clothing, snowmobile instructions and snowmobile safari 2 persons per snowmobile, driving time approx. 1,5 hours, hot drinks with biscuits, guiding.
Snowmobile evening escape
Experience the Arctic night by riding through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river. With a little luck, you’ll travel under a bright sky lit by the moon and the stars. Perhaps the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – will appear to show you the way. Sip warm beverages and savor a snack by a campfire and learn more about the Northern Lights and the beauty of Lapland. Each snowmobile is shared by two guests taking turns in driving. The driver of the snowmobile has to be at least 18 years of age with a driver’s license valid in Finland. Driving a motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs is prohibited by the laws of Finland. Child price entitles children to a seat in a sled pulled by a snowmobile driven by the guide. Children over 140 cm in height are allowed to sit on the snowmobile behind an adult, when paying the adult price. Lapland Safaris AC Ltd reserves the right to deny the participation of small children due to safety reasons (e.g. demanding weather or trail conditions).The Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon and it can be predicted but not guaranteed. Included: Thermal outfit, guidance in English, snowmobiling 2 persons / snowmobile, fuel, traffic insurance (maximum personal liability €980), snack by the fire, hot beverage, information about Northern lights

Roviniemi Airport Transfer (4 -7 passengers) from price

Roviniemi Airport Transfer (max 3 persons) from price
Upgrade to Deluxe Room with Sauna

Ice Karting with Rovaniemi Transfer
Now you can feel the fun of driving on ice safely with our new ice kart cars. Kimi Räikkönen and Max Verstappen have created careers on CRG’s karts. Duration: 2 hours in total, including transfer from Rovaniemi, safety briefing, preparations and 2 driving sessions of 10 minutes for adults and 15 minutes for children. Minimum age is 4 years old and height between 120-140. There is no need for driving license. Included: Transfers, snacks, hot drinks, winter clothes and guiding
Showshoe Experience
Having a walk with snowshoes is a fun way to play in the snow and explore the forest, all you need is positive energy! Our guide will take you to a winter wonderland, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet, take photos and have fun in the snow! Duration: 2 hours. Included: Winter clothing, transfers, hot chocolate with marshmallows, guiding in English. Notice: Not suitable for children under 12 years old.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a winter recreational activity involving catching fish through holes drilled in frozen lakes or rivers. Participants will be able to use short rods for "jigging" or "tip-ups" to suspend bait, often fishing from shelters for warmth. It combines fishing skills with, for many, a relaxing, scenic Arctic experience, often involving local guides Included: Transfers, hot drinks and guiding
Aurora Borealis Ice Fishing
Join our professional ice fishing guide to the frozen wilderness lake in the middle of the forest. Here, you can learn how to lure the fish from under the ice with special ice fishing gear. On this trip you can really enjoy the silence and tranquility of the winter nature. While ice fishing, our guide will serve us hot drinks from thermos. Duration: 2-3 hours. Included: Winter clothing, transfers, ice fishing equipment and instructions, hot drinks from thermos, guiding in English.
3 day Thermal Clothes Rental
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
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