Finland: 7-Day Summer Trip with Helsinki and Lapland

If you’re dreaming of a summer escape to the far north, this 7-day tour through Finland offers an intriguing mix of city sights, Arctic wilderness, and unique cultural experiences. Designed for those who want to see Finland’s natural beauty without sacrificing comfort, this journey takes you from Helsinki’s vibrant streets to the tranquil lakes and forests of Lapland. It’s an adventure that balances lively sightseeing with quiet moments in untouched nature.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the opportunity to stay in a Glass Sea Villa, offering a rare chance to watch the Midnight Sun from the comfort of your room. Second, the chance to meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, even in summer—a magical highlight for families and fans of the fairy-tale North. The only thing to consider? The itinerary is packed, so travelers should be prepared for some longer days and multiple modes of transportation. This trip is ideal for active travelers who appreciate a well-rounded experience blending culture, nature, and Arctic charm.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic experience: From the Midnight Sun to wildlife encounters, you’ll get an up-close look at Finland’s natural wonders.
• Comfortable accommodations: Staying in a glass villa in Kemi and hotels in city centers provides a good mix of relaxation and practicality.
• Diverse activities: Expect reindeer rides, river rafting, gondola rides, and berry picking—each adding a special touch to your adventure.
• Cultural highlights: Meeting Santa Claus and exploring Helsinki’s historic sites round out a well-balanced trip.
• Small group size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Flexible booking: The reserve-and-pay-later option offers some peace of mind in planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Helsinki — City Sights and First Impressions

Your adventure begins in Helsinki, Finland’s lively capital. After arriving, you’ll transfer to your hotel and join a city tour that highlights the must-see sights. Helsinki’s mix of modern design, historic architecture, and seaside charm means you’ll get a good first impression of the city. This city tour is a great way to orient yourself, especially if you’re tight on time. In the evening, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace—perhaps enjoying a local café or strolling along the waterfront.

Day 2: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress & Train to Lapland

Starting your day with a ferry ride to Suomenlinna Sea Fortress offers a scenic glimpse into Finland’s maritime history. The fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combines military architecture with seaside charm. We loved the way the boat ride provides stunning views of Helsinki and the archipelago, making it a photogenic start to your day.

After exploring, you return to Helsinki in the afternoon to catch your train northward to Lapland. Traveling by train is a smart choice, offering comfortable, scenic transit through Finland’s boreal forests and lakes. It’s a relaxed way to switch from urban to wilderness settings.

Day 3: Kemi & Ranua Wildlife Park

Arriving in Kemi, you’ll check into a Glass Sea Villa, a standout feature of this trip. These transparent accommodations let you enjoy the Arctic sky and, if lucky, see the Midnight Sun right from your bed. Staying in such a unique lodging elevates the experience and makes the trip memorable.

Later, you’ll visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, home to Arctic animals like polar bears, lynxes, and Arctic foxes. We loved the way the park is designed for easy walking and close encounters with native wildlife. It’s a highlight for nature lovers and those eager to learn about Arctic fauna.

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Day 4: Santa Claus Village & Rovaniemi

A day trip to Rovaniemi makes for one of the most enchanting stops. Meeting Santa Claus in his official village is a surreal experience—especially crossing the Arctic Circle, which is marked with a festive line and a symbolic photo opportunity. Rovaniemi’s charming town offers festive shops and museums, giving you a taste of local culture and holiday cheer, even in summer.

Traveling back to Kemi in the evening, you get a sense of the area’s quiet, unspoiled beauty. This day combines cultural magic with Arctic wilderness.

Day 5: Ruka Kuusamo & Ski Resort

From Kemi, you’ll drive to Ruka Kuusamo, a popular summer destination for outdoor activities. The highlight here is the gondola ride at the Ski Center Resort, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding forests and lakes. The ride is thrilling yet accessible, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.

The rest of the day is yours to explore Ruka’s charming town center or relax in your hotel, soaking in the summer scenery.

Day 6: Oulanka National Park & Berry Picking

This day is a true nature lover’s dream. Visiting Oulanka National Park, you’ll experience river rafting along the flowing Oulanka River—think about the thrill of navigating the rapids amid lush forest scenery. The hanging bridge provides fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Finland’s pristine wilderness.

Post-rafting, berry picking in the forest is an authentic activity. You’ll gather fresh blueberries and strawberries, which you can turn into jams, cakes, or shakes—delicious proof that summer in Finland is about simple pleasures. The reviews highlight how peaceful and scenic this part of the trip is, with travelers appreciating the “stunning views” and “delicious berries.”

Day 7: Return to Helsinki

After breakfast, the journey back to Helsinki begins. It’s a good moment to reflect on the diverse experiences—from city sights to Arctic wildlife, and outdoor adventures—packed into just a week.

What Makes This Tour Unique and Valuable

This 7-day Finland trip offers great value for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to both urban and wild Finland. The combination of city highlights, wildlife encounters, and Arctic adventures creates a well-rounded experience. The staying in a Glass Sea Villa is especially memorable—imagine falling asleep under the Midnight Sun or starry skies, a true highlight for anyone who appreciates unique accommodations.

The inclusion of Santa Claus Village in summer might seem unusual, but it’s genuinely magical to meet Santa outside of winter. The fact that you cross the Arctic Circle in mid-summer adds an extra layer of wonder, especially since the Midnight Sun means you’ll experience nearly 24 hours of daylight.

The diverse activities—river rafting, gondola rides, berry picking—offer plenty of variety, ensuring that you’re engaged and active throughout. The smaller group size (limited to 8) means you’ll get more personalized attention and easier access to local guides, which adds to the authenticity and ease of the experience.

Pricing-wise, considering the included accommodations, activities, and transportation, this tour provides solid value, particularly given the uniqueness of the Glass Sea Villa and the fully guided experience. It’s a good deal for travelers who want to maximize their time and see the highlights without the hassle of planning each activity separately.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Pack layers, even in summer, since evenings and northern areas can still be cool.
• Bring your camera—many stops, like Suomenlinna and the gondola ride, offer spectacular photo opportunities.
• Be prepared for some longer travel days, especially on the train and bus segments.
• If you’re sensitive to motion or tend to get seasick, bring remedies for the ferry ride to Suomenlinna.
• For berry picking, wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes suited for forest walks.
• Travel insurance is recommended, especially for outdoor activities like rafting and hiking.

The Sum Up

This 7-day tour packs a surprising amount of adventure, culture, and scenery into a relatively short trip. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to see Finland’s best sights without sacrificing comfort. The experience of staying in a Glass Sea Villa, combined with the chance to meet Santa Claus and explore the Arctic wilderness, makes it stand out from more typical city tours.

Travelers who value authentic outdoor experiences combined with cultural highlights will find this trip engaging and rewarding. It’s especially well-suited for families, couples, or small groups seeking a personalized, memorable journey through Finland’s summer landscape.

For those looking to add a touch of magic and plenty of natural beauty to their summer travel plans, this Finland adventure offers a compelling mix of everything the country does best—stunning views, friendly locals, and unforgettable Arctic moments.

FAQ

Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes, especially since activities like meeting Santa Claus and berry picking are family-friendly. The small group size also adds a personal touch that kids often enjoy.

What kind of accommodations are included?
You’ll stay in hotels in Helsinki, Kemi, Rovaniemi, and Ruka Kuusamo, plus the highlight—a Glass Sea Villa in Kemi, which offers stunning views and a unique sleeping experience.

Are all transportation costs included?
Yes, transfers to and from hotels, activities, train tickets from Helsinki to Lapland, and ferry rides are included.

What should I wear for outdoor activities?
Layered clothing is best, with waterproof options for river rafting and sturdy shoes for berry picking and walking in the park.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment options?
Absolutely, you can reserve now and pay later, which provides some flexibility in planning.

Is the Midnight Sun visible during this trip?
Yes, from May to August in Lapland, the Midnight Sun occurs, and staying in a glass villa enhances this experience.

How physically demanding are the activities?
River rafting and hiking are moderate; the gondola ride is relaxed. Travelers should be comfortable with outdoor activities but don’t need prior experience.

What’s the best time to do this trip?
Between May and August, when the Midnight Sun is visible, and the weather is suitable for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.

This trip offers a rich taste of Finland’s summer magic—whether you’re chasing the Midnight Sun, seeking Arctic wildlife, or simply craving a unique adventure in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.

You can check availability for your dates here: