Lapland is Finland's vast, mystical northern wilderness, stretching above the Arctic Circle and home to the Northern Lights, endless fells, pristine national parks, and the legendary Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. This subarctic region offers extraordinary experiences year-round, from dogsled adventures and snowmobile safaris in winter to midnight sun hiking and wild berry picking in summer. Lapland is also the ancestral homeland of the indigenous Sámi people, whose rich culture and reindeer-herding traditions add a unique dimension to any visit.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Santa Claus Village (from Rovaniemi city)
The official Arctic Circle headquarters of Santa Claus sits just 8 km north of Rovaniemi city centre, right on the Arctic Circle line. Year-round meetings with Santa, reindeer sleigh rides, elf training, and Christmas activities make it a magical excursion any time of year.
Highlights: Meet Santa Claus · Cross the Arctic Circle · Reindeer sleigh rides · Arctic Circle certificate · Glass igloo stay option
Ranua Wildlife Park
Finland's only polar bear park makes an excellent day excursion from Rovaniemi, featuring over 50 Arctic species including polar bears, wolves, brown bears, wolverines, lynx, and Arctic foxes in large natural enclosures through boreal forest.
Highlights: Polar bears · Wolverines · Arctic foxes · Reindeer and elk · Snowy forest setting
Saariselkä and Urho Kekkonen National Park
Saariselkä fell resort is the gateway to Finland's second-largest national park, offering a completely different landscape from Rovaniemi's river valleys—open Arctic fells, pristine wilderness, and exceptional Northern Lights conditions. An ambitious day trip or better as an overnight.
Highlights: Urho Kekkonen National Park access · Kiilopää fell views · Excellent Northern Lights potential · Glass igloo accommodation option
Inari and Lake Inari
The Sámi cultural heartland of Inari is far north but rewarding—the Siida Museum is world-class, Lake Inari is sacred and spectacular, and the village authenticity is unlike the tourist resort towns. Strongly recommend an overnight stay rather than a day trip.
Highlights: Siida Sámi Museum · Lake Inari boat tour · Sámi cultural authenticity · Northern Lights potential
Pyhä-Luosto National Park and Amethyst Mine
The Pyhä-Luosto fell area offers the dramatic Pyhäkuru canyon trail, the unique Lampivaara Amethyst Mine where visitors dig their own gems, and quieter fell skiing than the big resorts. A very rewarding day trip combining nature and a unique experience.
Highlights: Pyhäkuru canyon hike · Lampivaara Amethyst Mine (dig your own) · Fell views · Luosto ski resort
Tankavaara Gold Village and Sodankylä
The Gold Village at Tankavaara lets visitors pan for real gold in the streams of the 1860s Gold Rush, while nearby Sodankylä is the geographical heart of Lapland with its historic church and the renowned Midnight Sun Film Festival venue.
Highlights: Gold panning (keep what you find) · Finnish Gold Rush history · Sodankylä historic church · Central Lapland wilderness
Oulanka National Park (from Ruka/Kuusamo)
Finland's most dramatic national park features the spectacular Karhunkierros (Bear Trail) along river gorges, hanging suspension bridges over rapids, and waterfalls through ancient canyon scenery. The short Pieni Karhunkierros (12 km) is an excellent day hike.
Highlights: Kiutaköngäs rapids · Jyrävä waterfall · Suspension bridges · Old-growth boreal forest · Possible bear sightings
Ylläs Ski Resort (from Rovaniemi or Kittilä Airport)
Finland's largest ski area by vertical drop and slope count makes an excellent day ski excursion, with 63 slopes and direct access to Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park for cross-country skiing and summer hiking.
Highlights: 63 ski slopes · Access to national park · Scenic Äkäslompolo village · Summer fell hiking
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised day tours from Rovaniemi to Ranua, Pyhä-Luosto, and Saariselkä from €70–150 including transport
- Private
- Private car with driver from €200/day for customised day trips
- Public
- Buses serve Sodankylä, Saariselkä, and Inari from Rovaniemi bus station—check Matkahuolto schedules
- Rental
- Car rental from €50/day at Rovaniemi Airport; essential for flexibility in Lapland
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Always start early—Lapland distances are enormous and some trips (Inari, Saariselkä) are better as overnights
Check road conditions before long drives in winter; call 0200 2100 for Finnish road condition information
Carry extra fuel on very long drives to remote areas (fuel stations can be 80+ km apart)
Book activities at destinations in advance during peak season
Many Lapland attractions are open year-round but hours vary significantly by season—check ahead