Apukka Resort Lapland

Day 1 : Helsinki

On arrival at the airport in Helsinki, make your own way to your hotel for check-in and time at leisure.

Helsinki is the centre of Finnish commerce and culture, as well as the nation’s capital. The skyline features a dramatic blend of classical architecture and clean modernism, with Russian and Swedish influences throughout. Be sure to pay a visit to Senate Square, the focus of the city which dates from the early 19th century and boasts fine neoclassical buildings, St. Nicholas Cathedral and the University of Helsinki. Helsinki is also home to Temppeliaukio Church, one of the most unique structures in the world, being carved from solid granite and topped with a huge copper dome.

Day 2 : Helsinki

Enjoy today at leisure to explore Helsinki. The official Christmas street of the city is Aleksanterinkatu, also one of Helsinki’s best known shopping streets. Stroll past the decorated shop windows, festively lit by Christmas illuminations. The most eagerly awaited shop window unveiling is that of the Stockman department store, which draws families into town from the surrounding areas. Don’t miss the stalls at the Helsinki Christmas Market, selling gifts as well as food and hot drinks such as the mulled wine known locally as glogi.

Day 3 : Helsinki > Rovaniemi > Apukka Resort

Today make your way north to Rovaniemi by train (approx. 8.5 hours). On arrival in Rovaniemi just before 5pm, you will be met and transferred to the Apukka Resort, located near Santa’s village approximately 20 minutes out of Rovaniemi.

Placed on the last frontier, where the city of Rovaniemi ends and the outback begins, the warm glow from the fireplace of Apukka Resort welcomes you for an adventure. In the embrace of two remote lakes at the edge of unspoiled wilderness, Apukka Resort offers unique accommodation options. Since the time when nomadic reindeer herders roamed the plains of Lapland, kammis have provided shelter and warmth for the ventures of the North.

The word “kammi” traditionally means a partially underground built accommodation insulated with moss. Today in Apukka, old traditions and modern innovations have intertwined together in the unique and luxurious Kammi Suite. In the embrace of the breathtaking Lappish nature and in the heart of Apukka’s Lappish Village, the ancient tales of Northland safeguard your sleep.

Just 10km south of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland’s northernmost province, Lapland. Rovaniemi is considered by Finns to be the official home town of Santa Claus, and the city’s most famous resident can be visited every day of the year in Santa Claus Village right on the Arctic Circle, just 8km from the centre of Rovaniemi. The aurora borealis (northern lights) is a phenomenon which also attracts numerous visitors per year. In Finnish Lapland the number of auroral displays can be as high as 200 per year, whereas in southern Finland, the number is usually fewer than 20.

Day 4 : Apukka Resort

Enjoy a 2-hour husky adventure this morning. Huskies are one of the most loved animals of the north, and you will understand why when you meet the pack at Apukka. You can pet them and learn about their lives. Huskies absolutely love pulling loads and running on trails through the forests. The highlight of the day is the 5–10 km long safari, where you get to be the musher yourself, controlling the pack of huskies towing the sled.

Return to the hotel for lunch and time at leisure before your afternoon reindeer journey, travelling through the snowy forests on a reindeer sleigh. This traditional, Arctic mode of transport allows you to experience the peace and purity of the Lappish nature all around you. Following a peaceful pace the reindeer will lead you on a journey through the forest. Enjoy the silence of the woods and the still atmosphere all around you as you let these beautiful animals lead the way. Afterwards it’s time to relax by a hot drink and a light snack by an open fire.

Day 5 : Apukka Resort

Today, enjoy a Snowmobiling & Ice Fishing excursion, experiencing life like a local! On this safari, we will drive our snowmobiles to the local lake by the track on top of the ice cover of the lake. When we reach our secret fishing place your guide will teach you all the elements to be a successful fisherman like the locals do. If you are lucky, you might catch a pike, a perch, or even a trout. While you are fishing your guide will prepare a campfire and you can enjoy a tasty snack by the fireplace.

Return to the hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure. After dinner, embark on a ride through the winter wonderland in a warm carriage of Apukka’s famous Snowtrain! Head out into the wilderness, far from artificial lights, looking for the northern lights. You cross the beautiful snowy landscape to reach a traditional, Lappish “kota” – a hut deep in the wilderness. Gather around the blazing bonfire to enjoy light snacks and hot drinks. An aurora expert will help you with camera settings to best capture the northern lights. This excursion is completely focused on the lights, but you also get to experience the beauty of the pure, snowy forest in darkness and silence. As the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, it can never fully guaranteed that they’ll be visible in the skies, but the location of Apukka Resort offers you great chances of spotting them when they do appear.

Day 6 : Apukka Resort > Rovaniemi

Following breakfast and checkout you will be transferred to Rovaniemi airport for your onward flight.