11-Day Sámi Lapland Winter Quest
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
They’re elusive, they’re magical, and this trip gives you multiple chances to catch them doing their swirly green thing across the Arctic sky.
You haven’t lived until you’ve sprinted from 90°C heat into a hole in the ice like a maniac. No regrets!
Ever crushed a frozen sea beneath your feet? You will now. And if you’re brave enough to bob in it like a human ice cube, you’ll become iconic.
You’ll feed them, sleigh with them, and then probably get an antlers souvenir (sorry). When in Lapland…
Two words: Husky sledding. Their ears flop, their tails wag, and they are oh-so-ready to run.
Trip Details
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
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$3,661 AUD
Private Supplement: +$789
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Details
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available: max 6 spots.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
11 days, 10 nights
Meeting point
Solo Sokos Hotel Pier, Helsinki
Ending point
Lapland Hotels Hetta, Hetta
Group size
Maximum 14
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners and 1 four-course fine dining dinner with matching wines.
- 1x Afternoon Tea
- 2 x Morning tea
- Private vehicle transportation and train ride
- 10 nights of boutique and premium accommodation
- Icebreaker Cruise
- Traditional Finnish Sauna experience
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1: Welcome to Helsinki!
Welcome to Finland – land of northern lights, forest-dwelling elves (allegedly), and more types of rye bread than you ever knew existed. You’ve just landed in Helsinki, and your Lapland adventure starts now! One of our friendly crew will be there at the airport to scoop you up and whisk you off to your hotel, where you can shake off the travel day and maybe sneak in a quick sauna (you are in Finland, after all).
This evening, you’ll head out to dinner with your new group of Patchies. These are the women you’ll be train-tripping, snow-sledding and memory-making with all across Lapland. The conversation might start with “where are you from?”, but by the end of the night, you’ll be raising a glass (or maybe a shot of cloudberry liqueur) to the adventures ahead.
Accommodation: Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 (or similar), Helsinki
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Exploring Helsinki
Helsinki does cool, calm and cutting-edge like nobody else, and your local guide is a pro when it comes to both the heavy-hitters and those locals-only hidden spots. So, it’s only right that they lead the charge through the city, including one very famous church built straight into solid bedrock. (Hint: it looks like a supervillain’s sci-fi lair!)
After all that eye-candy, you’ll get a chance to rest your feet with a Nordic-style afternoon tea. The smell of freshly-baked scones that’ve just come out of the oven is to die for, and there’s just enough cinnamon sprinkled over everything to keep it sweet and spicy.
You’ll get some free time tonight, and we think we can hear golden hour over the harbour calling your name. Just saying…
Accommodation: Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 (or similar), Helsinki
Included: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea
Day 3: Kemi
You know it’s going to be a good day when your to-do list starts with catch a train to Lapland. Head to Helsinki’s grand old station, nab a window seat, and settle in – you’ve got seven hours of slow-travel heaven ahead. This is Finland in full winter mode: snow-frosted forests, frozen lakes, and sleepy little towns that flicker past so quickly that if you blink, you’ll miss them!
There’s a restaurant car onboard (obviously), so do the right thing and treat yourself to a coffee and a cinnamon bun – you’re living the cosy commuter dream! By late afternoon, you’ll glide into Kemi, a coastal town tucked beside the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. Dinner tonight is at a no-fuss local spot where the lights are low and the plates are piled high. One word for you: YUM.
Accommodation: Hotel Merihovi (or similar), Kemi
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Icebreaker Cruise
This morning, you’re off to do something not many people can say they’ve done: sail through solid sea ice on board the Arktis. As the icebreaker heaves and cracks its way through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, you’ll be out on deck watching it all split beneath your boots. If you’re feeling brave enough, you can even suit up and float in the icy water.
Afterwards, it’s north to Rovaniemi for a quick hello at Santa Claus Village. It’s hard not to smile when you’re standing in the Arctic Circle, sending a postcard stamped from the North Pole, thinking how the eight-year-old version of you would feel about being here.
This afternoon, you’ll head to a small local workshop where two Lappish artisans will walk you through their centuries-old practice of using reindeer antlers to craft! Ready for a one-of-a-kind souvenir?
Accommodation: Santa’s Hotel Aurora (or similar), Luosto
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Reindeer Time!
After breakfast, it’s time to meet Lapland’s antlered A-listers. At Jaakkola Reindeer Farm, a Sámi family who’ve been herding here for nearly 40 years will welcome you into their world. You’ll feed the herd, hop in a sleigh for a peaceful ride through the forest, and warm up afterwards in a kota (a traditional Sámi hut) where the fire’s crackling and the coffee’s strong.
This afternoon holds an arty little surprise (no spoilers), before you roll into Tankavaara, an old gold mining village where lunch is served in a buffet that feels more like a museum. Wanha Waskoolimies is all creaky floors, timber walls, and enough mining relics to make you feel like you’ve struck storytelling gold.
By early evening, you’ll arrive in Ivalo and check into Hotel Kultahippu, your cosy base for the night in the heart of Finnish Lapland.
Accommodation: Hotel Kultahippu (or similar), Ivalo
Included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Inari
Today’s all about getting to know the Sámi, the only Indigenous people of the EU, and the original experts on life this far north. So, where better to start than at SIIDA, the national museum for Sámi culture and Arctic nature? You’ll get a proper sense of the Sámi way of life through the eight Arctic seasons here, with displays on reindeer herding, traditional clothing, fishing, and daily life in one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
After lunch, you’ll continue to Sajos, Finland’s Sámi Cultural Centre and the home of its Sámi Parliament, where a guided tour will bring it all to life. It’s a brain-heavy day, but one you’re going to love. Promise!
Accommodation: Hotel Kultahippu (or similar), Ivalo
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Hetta
This morning, it’s a 45-minute journey full of snowy forest views before you land at a reindeer farm! The matriarch here is a master felt-maker. She’s not only decked out her whole family in traditional Sámi clothing, but also uses plants and natural dyes to create wearable works of art. She’ll walk you through her process, then hand over the wool so you can give it a go yourself. No one’s expecting haute couture, just stab, squish and hope for the best.
After another divine homemade lunch, it’s back on the road for the 3-hour drive to Hetta. You’ll roll in around sunset and check into your lakeside hotel, where your room comes with views of snow-covered fells and, yes, once again, a traditional Finnish sauna.
Accommodation: Lapland Hotels Hetta (or similar), Enontekiö
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Sledding and Saunas!
Today is dedicated to Finnish traditions, and first up is potkukelkka. These old-school kick sleds are outrageously fun! One foot glides, one foot kicks, and before you know it, you’re zipping across the snow with rosy cheeks and the sound of your fellow Patchies laughing behind you. Your local guide will lead the way through wide-open fells, where the crunch of snow and swish of sled runners are the only sounds around. Then, at the bottom, you’ll find a cosy wooden hut with a fire crackling, soup bubbling, and steaming mugs ready to warm your crew’s cold hands.
Then, it’s sauna time! In this masterclass, you’ll learn the why, the how, and the “yep, I’m actually doing the ice plunge”. You’ll float out feeling softer, calmer, and finally understanding why the Finns love their saunas so much. Sleep will come easily tonight!
Accommodation: Lapland Hotels Hetta (or similar), Enontekiö
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Northern Lights
You’ll start the day huddled inside a smoky kota hut, chopping, sizzling and maybe flicking a little flour at each other as you learn how to prep a proper Lappish lunch. No stress if you’re not a kitchen whiz – everything tastes better out here anyway.
Tonight’s the night: Northern Lights hunting! There’s no guarantee (they’re famously fussy), but conditions here are about as good as it gets. Your guide will lead you into the most snow-blanketed and silent part of the forest. If the aurora decides to show up, you’ll have to pinch yourself. Swirling green ribbons. Cameras down. Mouths open. This is the one.
Accommodation: Lapland Hotels Hetta (or similar), Enontekiö
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Husky Adventure
Today’s your husky day, and you’ll hear it before you see it. The barking, howling, tail-wagging chaos of a husky farm is impossible to resist. After a meet-and-greet with your new four-legged teammates (and the mushers who love them), you’ll take off on a 6-kilometre sled ride through the forest. This is full-body joy!
After lunch and a well-earned rest, your final evening is something special. Wrapped in blankets, you’ll ride by sleigh to a lakeside kota, where dinner is served fireside, as a Sámi artist shares the haunting tradition of the joik. And if the skies are clear, get ready. There’s one last chance for the aurora to make her grand finale: glowing green, swirling wide, and hopefully stealing the show.
You’ve caught it now – “Lapin hulluus”, also known as Lapland madness. Side effects include snow withdrawal, compulsive trip rebooking, and an unhealthy obsession with huskies.
Accommodation: Lapland Hotels Hetta (or similar), Enontekiö
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Farewell Friends!
Hard to believe it’s over, right? After 11 unforgettable days in Lapland, don’t be surprised if you’ve made friends for life (plus developed a minor obsession with reindeer and saunas).
Don’t forget to swap numbers and hugs before heading off. Your departure transfer’s sorted, so all that’s left to do is soak up that last breath of icy, pine-scented air and start plotting your return.
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Good to Know
Lappish cuisine is all about simple, hearty food that comes straight from nature. It reflects the way people in Lapland have lived for generations — close to the land and in tune with the seasons.
Reindeer is a big part of the local diet and is often served sautéed with mashed potatoes and a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side. You’ll also find plenty of fresh fish like salmon and Arctic char, usually smoked or cured, and comforting dishes made with root vegetables and wild mushrooms. One of the real treats is leipäjuusto, a mild squeaky cheese that’s delicious when served warm with sweet cloudberry jam. It’s honest, nourishing food that tells the story of life in the far north — simple, soulful, and full of warmth.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travel but don’t like being herded around B-grade attractions… just the mere idea of joining a ‘big bus’ tour makes you want to run for the hills.
You also know, however, that some places are worth the wait.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation!
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that could involve trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
If that sounds like you, you’d make a great Patchie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:EUR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD: 0.55 EUR
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
Level 2 – Moderate
This trip requires a moderate level of fitness. If you can comfortably walk for 3–4 hours at an easy pace on uneven and undulating terrain, you should be well prepared. There will be days when you’ll spend a good amount of time on your feet and will need to get on and off various types of transport, including boats. Occasionally, you may need to sit on the floor or crouch down.
While the trip isn’t physically demanding overall, walking on icy terrain can make some moments more challenging. That said, please don’t be alarmed — all planned activities are light and designed to be enjoyable.
Activities are optional, so you can skip them if needed. However, to fully enjoy the experience, you should be comfortable joining a walking tour that may last an entire afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for those who require walking aids.
Australians and New Zealanders don’t need a visa to enter Finland.
Most of our trips include a tip kitty, as tipping customs vary widely between countries. This helps avoid over-tipping, under-tipping, or tips going to the wrong person.
In Finland, tipping is not common, so a tip kitty isn’t necessary. However if your guide and driver have helped make your trip truly memorable, we recommend the following as a gesture of appreciation at the end of your journey:
- €45 for the guide
- €35 for the driver
This trip begins in Helsinki, Finland, and ends in Hetta, Finland. We recommend that you fly into Helsinki International Airport, as that is where your hotel transfer will be waiting for you. The most convenient departure airport is Kittilä International Airport. Both transfers – on arrival and on departure are included in your price.
There are several 1 and 2-stop flights available from Australia and New Zealand that transit through Middle East and European countries to Finland. The similar routes are available for your return flight from Finland.
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier is recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
March is a magical time to visit Lapland, as winter still holds the landscape in its snowy grip, but the days are growing longer and brighter. Temperatures typically range from -5°C to -15°C, so it’s still chilly, but not as bitterly cold as the deep winter months. The snow is thick and pristine, perfect for enjoying classic Arctic activities like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. With up to 13–14 hours of daylight by the end of the month, there’s plenty of time to explore the frozen forests and icy lakes. Clear skies and long nights also make March one of the best months to catch the northern lights dancing overhead — a truly unforgettable sight in this winter wonderland.
