This is the adventure of a lifetime.

Begin in festive Helsinki before heading north to the magic of Finnish Lapland — a land of snowy forests, frozen lakes and star-filled skies. Experience unforgettable moments: reindeer sleigh rides, husky safaris, snowmobiling, and a private meeting with Santa.

Stay at Salla Wilderness Lodge, your home in the Arctic — remote, peaceful and surrounded by pristine wilderness. By day, surrounded by endless white landscapes; by night, watch for the Northern Lights dancing overhead.

View digital brochure: Fairytale Christmas

How far in advance should we book?
Lapland is extremely popular during the Christmas period, and availability is limited. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred dates and accommodation.

Is this tour crowded?
No. This itinerary is designed to take you away from the busiest areas into a more remote and authentic part of Lapland, offering a quieter and more immersive experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is ideal for families. Activities such as meeting Santa, reindeer sleigh rides, and husky safaris are particularly memorable for children. We recommend this experience for children aged 5 years and above.

Do we need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers to cover unexpected events such as cancellations, delays, or medical needs.

We are agents for Go Insurance - let us know if you would like to include a quote for your travel insurance.

Arrive in Helsinki, where Christmas sparkles around every corner. After checking in to your selected accommodation, enjoy a relaxed evening soaking up the atmosphere — the perfect start to your Lapland adventure.

Visit the Christmas Market and walk the streets enjoying the lights and window displays.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Helsinki before your overnight train journey North begins.

This evening, step aboard the original Santa Express overnight train — a highlight in itself. Settle into your private sleeper cabin, perhaps visit the restaurant carriage for a warm meal or drink, then drift off to sleep as the train glides through snow-covered forests and frozen lakes.

How long is the journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi?
The journey takes approximately 12 hours, departing in the evening and arriving the following morning.

hat are the sleeper cabins like?
Sleeper cabins are compact but comfortable, typically configured for 1–2 adults or 2 adults and 1 or 2 small children (sharing bunk beds). The cabins include beds (bunk-style), a private bathroom with toilet and shower in newer cabins, and power outlets with storage space.

Is there food available onboard?
Yes, there is a restaurant carriage where you can purchase meals, snacks, and drinks. Many travellers choose to have dinner or a drink before heading to bed.

Do I need to bring my own food?
No, but you can if you prefer. There are also supermarkets at Helsinki station if you’d like to bring snacks onboard.

Are there showers on the train?
Most modern sleeper cabins include a private bathroom with a shower. Some older cabins may have shared facilities.

Can you see the scenery?
Yes, especially in the morning. You’ll wake up to snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and classic Lapland landscapes.

Do we need to carry our luggage onboard?
Yes, you take your luggage into your cabin. There is space for suitcases, but packing efficiently is recommended.

Early morning arrival in Lapland.

On your transfer to Salla, the scenery becomes beautifully remote — endless white landscapes, silent forests, and crisp Arctic air.

Salla is proudly known as “in the middle of nowhere” — and that’s exactly its charm. No crowds, no rush — just pure wilderness and a deep sense of calm.

Home over the next few days will be the beautiful and authentic Salla Wilderness Lodge. With it’s large panoramic windows at the surrounding landscape comes right into view, overlooking ancient pine forests with the gentle slopes of the Sallatunturi fells beyond. As you take in the scenery, there’s time to slow down, watch the forest, and observe the quiet details of life in the Arctic.

Tonight, gather for a traditional Lappish dinner in a cosy kota hut. Warm firelight, local flavours, and a relaxed atmosphere make for a memorable welcome to Lapland.

With a bit of luck, tonight — or in the nights ahead — you may witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky .

Accommodation options:

Salla Wilderness Lodge:  Beautifully located in the wilderness and with these beautifully appointed lodges with their large panoramic windows overlooking ancient pine forests, are the perfect location to take in the views created by Nature and observe the quiet details of life in the Arctic.

Family Lodge is perfect for families with two children. With a double bed for adults, an alcove with a 120cm  bed for children and jacuzzi, they’re ideal for the family to enjoy after a day out in the snow.

Couple Lodge Two person lodges are a superb option for couples. With panoramic windows facing the forest, the lodge has it’s own jacuzzi and sauna – perfect for relaxing moments after a day of activities.

Time today to meet Lapland’s favourite animal – reindeer! Seated in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer, enjoy a sedate ride through the snowladen forest. It’s quiet, unhurried, and surprisingly peaceful. Along the way, you’ll meet reindeer, feed them, and learn more about reindeers in Lapland.

Warm up around the fire with hot drinks before heading back. Special issue to take home to show family and friends – a Reindeer Driving Licence!

Today brings a high energy activity.

You’ll meet your husky team — excited, eager, and ready to run. After a quick introduction, you’ll set off through the snowy landscape, taking turns driving your sled. It’s exhilarating, but also incredibly scenic.

Halfway through, you’ll pause by the fire to warm up before continuing your journey.

If the sky is clear tonight, you may head out in search of the Northern Lights — one of those moments you never quite forget.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights can be seen from September through March, with peak conditions during the darker winter months. December offers a magical festive atmosphere, while January to March typically provides more daylight hours and strong aurora activity.

Will we definitely see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. However, your stay in remote Salla, away from light pollution, offers excellent viewing opportunities, and guided searches are included to maximise your chances.

Breakfast is included this morning

Today you head deeper into the wilderness.

Following your guide, you’ll travel by snowmobile through forests and across open landscapes to Ruuhitunturi Fell. At the top, the views stretch for miles — snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and endless white horizons.

You’ll stop along the way to warm up, enjoy lunch, and take it all in before heading back

How physically demanding are the activities?
Most activities are suitable for beginners and require only a moderate level of fitness. Snowmobiling and husky safaris include full instruction, and guides are there to assist throughout.

Do we need prior experience for activities like snowmobiling or husky sledding?
No prior experience is required. Full safety briefings and instructions are provided, and all activities are guided by experienced professionals.

A slower, quieter day.

On snowshoes, you’ll walk through the forest at an easy pace, noticing the small details — animal tracks, the silence, the crisp air. Your guide will share stories about the landscape and wildlife as you go.

Later, try ice fishing on a frozen lake. It’s simple, peaceful, and a very local experience — just you, the ice, and a bit of patience.

This is the day many have been waiting for.

Travelling by snowmobile and sleigh, you’ll head deep into the forest to find Santa’s cabin, hidden among the trees. It feels wonderfully real — quiet, snowy, and just a little magical.

Each family has a private visit with Santa. There’s time to talk, take photos, and enjoy the moment — and for children, a special gift makes it even more memorable.

While you wait, there’s plenty of fun outside in the snow, with time to play, explore, and warm up with hot drinks.

It’s a special kind of day — one that stays with you long after you leave.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Salla and head to Rovaniemi.

Depending on your time of departure from Rovaniemi, take time to visit Santa Village and send a postcard back home to your envious family and friends.

Your time in Lapland may have come to an end but you’re leaving with a suitcase full of memories of snowy forests, quiet moments, shared laughter, and a taste of Arctic magic.