Festive Arctic - Tromsø to Rovaniemi
Category
Travel period
Winter
Trip type
FIT
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Celebrate the most magical time of year in true Nordic style. This Christmas-inspired journey takes you from Tromsø — the gateway to the Arctic — to the peaceful wilderness of Kilpisjärvi, before arriving in Santa’s official hometown: Rovaniemi. With time at leisure to craft your own experience, this itinerary allows travellers to choose their ideal mix of adventure, relaxation, and festive spirit.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tromsø
Arrival at Tromsø Airport. A quick and sustainable airport bus transfer is included to the city centre. Upon arrival, check in to your centrally located 4-star hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin soaking up the festive atmosphere. Overnight stay in Tromsø.
Day 2 & 3: Tromsø
Breakfast is served daily. These days are purposefully left at leisure, allowing time to personalise your Arctic adventure. Optional activities include Northern Lights photography tours, reindeer experiences, or an electric boat dinner cruise. Tromsø’s museums, cafés, and winter excursions offer something for every traveller. Overnight stays in Tromsø.
Day 4: Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi
After breakfast, check out and board the Arctic Route coach, heading from Tromsø into the scenic Arctic wilderness. The journey to Kilpisjärvi offers dramatic views of mountains, frozen lakes, and the point where Finland, Norway and Sweden meet. Upon arrival, check in to a 4-star hotel surrounded by snow-covered landscapes. Overnight stay in Kilpisjärvi.
Day 5: Kilpisjärvi to Rovaniemi
Breakfast is served at the hotel’s onsite restaurant. Depart Kilpisjärvi by coach and head south through the fell region of Finnish Lapland. Arrival in Rovaniemi marks the beginning of your festive experience in Santa’s official hometown. Accommodation is arranged for three nights in the heart of Santa Claus Village. Overnight stay in Rovaniemi.
Day 6 & 7: Rovaniemi
Breakfast is served daily. These days are left free to explore the magic of Santa’s Village and the surrounding region. Optional experiences include visiting Santa himself, exploring Snowman World (entrance applies), reindeer sleigh rides, or enjoying the glow of the Northern Lights by open fire. Overnight stays in Rovaniemi.
Day 8: Departure from Rovaniemi
After breakfast, a transfer is arranged from your hotel to the airport or train station. Departure marks the end of a truly magical Arctic Christmas experience.
Tour Details
Accommodation
3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Tromsø with breakfast
1 night in a 4-star hotel in Kilpisjärvi with breakfast and dinner
3 nights in a 4-star hotel in Rovaniemi with breakfast
Excursions & activities
Optional Experiences (available at additional cost)
Northern Lights photography tour (Tromsø)
Electric boat dinner cruise (Tromsø)
Snowman World entrance (Rovaniemi)
Husky and reindeer safaris (Rovaniemi)
Santa Claus meeting (Rovaniemi)
Transport & Transfers
Airport express bus from Tromsø Airport to Tromsø city centre
Arctic Route coach from Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi
Arctic Route coach from Kilpisjärvi to Rovaniemi
Transfer from Santa Claus Village to Rovaniemi Airport or train station
Local tip
To maximize your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights during Tromsø's winter months, consider visiting Prestvannet Lake and Telegrafbukta Beach. Both locations are accessible by walking or public buses from the city center and offer darker environments away from city lights, enhancing aurora visibility.
