Activities

Lapland by rail in summer and autumn

Lapland by rail in summer and autumn


8 days

Easy

Helsinki to Lapland by train with river rafting in Kukkolankoski, nature trips in Pyhä-Luosto National Park and an interesting day in Rovaniemi

Overnight train is a comfortable way of travelling in Finland. The cabins are for 2 people and in some trains two of the cabins can be combined . You will sleep through the night and wake up in your destination. Every train has a restaurant where you can buy drinks, snacks and meals. 

Boutique Hotel Kemi is located as well as it is possiblle for a hotel to be located — right at the railway station! Boutique Hotel is a beautifully renovated old wooden building with a relaxed vibe.

Kemi Snow Castle is rebuilt yearly and opened only at the end of January, but the all-year-round Snow Restaurant is where you'll have an exotic lunch. 

River rafting activity day in Kukkolankoski adds adrenaline to your tour. The scenery of the western Lapland as well as the life of the locals is dominated by this big river, which divides the area to Sweden and Finland. The Kukkolankoski rapid is 3,5km long with 13,5m relief, which makes it the biggest rapid in Finland. You can choose a traditional rubber boat rafting (twice the rapid) or a softer river rafting in a bigger wooden-decked raft (the only alternative for those under 15yrs). After the rafting you will get to see, how white fish is traditionally prepared in this area and will enjoy a 3-course dinner.

Pyhä-Luosto National Park is known for its 35-kilometre chain of hills and its extra-ordinary beautiful nature. In the middle of the park there is an amethyst mine, the only gemstone mine in the world that welcomes visitors. This mine hides many jewels, some of them can be up to 2000 million years old. If you are lucky you can find most famous jewel in Lapland – the Shaman jewel. In Pyhä village you will find the Naava heritage centre, which is worth stopping by. There is a nice lunch restaurant and no entrance fee to the exhibition, where you can learn about the geology of Pyhä- Luosto´s national park as well as about the cultural history of the local Sámi people.

Luosto with its unique log cabin area is surrounded by the most beautiful Arctic forests and hills. The environment is silent and authentic. There is less light in the village, which makes Pyhä-Luosto one of the best northern light observation places during the aurora seasons (Sept-Nov, Feb-April).

Rovaniemi was rebuilt at the end of 1940s as almost 90 % of the city surface was destroyed in October 1944 during World War II. Therefore the city is full of interesting architecture in functionalist style.The main attractions are the Arktikum museum and Arctic science center, Korundi house of culture with Rovaniemi arts museum exhibiting art from 1940's until today and naturally the Arctic circle with the Santa Claus post office. Your hotel is located on a hill so that you can admire the ever-changing arctic nature. Arktikum Arctic Nature Centre and Museum tell about life in the Arctic. You will learn about the history, nature, customs and culture. You will hear about the 8 seasons of Lapland and see a beautiful multimedia about the sesonal changes. The building itself is architecturally interesting with its glass-roofed passageway.

Helsinki, also called the daughter of the Baltic sea, is the capital city of Finland, located on the Southern coast. The top sights are the Rock church, Chapel of Silence, the Market Square, Senate Square and UNESCO World Heritage site Suomenlinna Sea Fortress.

What's included?

     

    Accommodation:

    • 2 nights in overnight train (Helsinki-Kemi and Rovaniemi-Helsinki) cabin with shower for 2 people
    • 1 night in Boutique Hotel, Kemi in double/twin rooms
    • 3 nights in Log cabin, Pyhä-Luosto ( or alternatively 2 nights in Ecological Aurora Cabin in Pyhä) 
    • 1 night in Panorama Hotel, Rovaniemi in double/twin rooms

    Activities:

    Kemi

    • lunch in the all-year-round Snow Restaurant
    • Kukkolankoski: River Rafting and Traditional White Fish Preparation

    Pyhä-Luosto, 5 activities to be chosen

    • Fishing Tour, 3h
    • Canoeing on river Pyhä, 5h
    • Midnight Sun Canoeing, 2h (1.6.-15.8.)
    • Midnight Sun Hiking, 3h (1.6.-15.8.)
    • The historical village of Suvanto and Naava nature heritage centre, 2,5h
    • Hiking tour to the Isokuru Ravine and the Pyhänkasteenputous Waterfall, 6,5km, 2,5h
    • Birdwatching & hiking on nature trail, 3h
    • Photography Tour to the Amethyst mine, 2,5h
    • Northern Lights Photography Hiking tour (15.8.-15.4.2021)

    Rovaniemi

    • possibility to visit Santa Claus Village (01.06 – 25.08.)
    • morning walk in Ounasvaara hill with local guide, 2h
    • visit Arktikum Arctic Nature Centre/Museum, 2h
    • Summer Sauna Experience, 2h

    Meals:

    • breakfast x5
    • lunch x6
    • dinner x5
    • Transportation:
    • as mentioned in the itinerary
    Exclusions

      Flights to Helsinki

      Please note
      • Public transportation nearby

      The physical difficulty level can be adapted. In Pyhä there are easy but also trips requiring moderate condition. 

      What to bring

        Wind and water proof outdoor outfit and good hiking boots. 

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