Meet Santa Claus: Helsinki, Rovaniemi & Tromso Escape in 7 Nights
Meet Santa Claus: Helsinki, Rovaniemi & Tromso Escape in 7 Nights
Ride the rails across the Arctic Circle, wake up in Santa’s hometown, and chase the Northern Lights across Norway’s frozen north. This 7-night winter escape brings you the magic of Finland and Norway in one unforgettable trip — with flights, 4-star hotels, a scenic overnight train, and daily breakfast included.
From Helsinki’s design-forward streets to Lapland’s snowy wilderness and Tromsø’s aurora-filled skies, this cozy Nordic journey offers the perfect mix of adventure, comfort, and once-in-a-lifetime winter wonder.
✨ Trip Highlights:
✅ Helsinki – Kick off your Arctic escape in Finland’s capital, where sleek design and seaside charm come together. Enjoy two nights in a modern city hotel while exploring top spots like Oodi Library, Market Square, and the Rock Church.
✅ Santa Claus Express Overnight Train – Enjoy the thrill of traveling overnight on Finland’s iconic sleeper train. In your private cabin, journey north through snow-covered wilderness on a route that feels like it’s straight out of a storybook.
✅ Rovaniemi – Wake up in the heart of Finnish Lapland — the official hometown of Santa Claus. Spend two nights exploring this Arctic town, with frozen rivers, pine forests, and the chance to hunt for the Northern Lights under a starlit sky.
✅ Tromsø – Fly west into northern Norway to wrap up your trip in Tromsø — an Arctic capital known for its fjords, cozy cafes, and some of the best aurora viewing on Earth. Tromsø is a bucket-list finale under the polar night.
Whether you’re chasing Northern Lights or simply seeking a peaceful winter getaway, this itinerary blends comfort, leisure, and winter magic in one unforgettable northern escape.
Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki – Begin Your Nordic Escape
Arrive in Helsinki and meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Finland’s capital. Settle in and explore at your own pace — Helsinki is a stylish blend of neoclassical architecture, design-forward cafés, and icy coastal charm. Time permitting, take a stroll along the elegant Esplanadi, visit the futuristic Oodi Library, or unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna.
Overnight in Helsinki
Hotel: VALO Hotel Helsinki 
Room: Double Room
Day 2: Explore Helsinki – Design, Saunas & Seaside Vibes
Enjoy a full day to discover Helsinki’s laid-back Nordic rhythm. Take a ferry to the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, explore the indie shops and design studios in the Punavuori district, or marvel at landmarks like the Rock Church and Helsinki Cathedral. Try local favorites like salmon soup or cinnamon “pulla” at the waterfront market — winter in Helsinki is cozy, creative, and full of charm.
Overnight in Helsinki
Hotel: VALO Hotel Helsinki
Room: Double Room
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Board the Santa Claus Express – Northbound Adventure
After breakfast, check out of your hotel by noon. You can store your luggage and make the most of your free afternoon. The Santa Claus Express typically departs between 8–10pm, giving you time for one more stroll around the snowy city.
Relax at a waterfront café, visit the Helsinki Art Museum, or walk along the frozen shoreline of Töölönlahti Bay. Later, head to the central station and board the overnight train to Rovaniemi. Settle into your private sleeper cabin and drift off as Finland’s snow-covered forests glide past under a starry sky. (Approx. 12 hrs)
Overnight on board the Santa Claus Express
Accommodation: Private Sleeper Cabin
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Arrive in Rovaniemi – Santa’s Hometown
Wake up to the wintry beauty of Finnish Lapland as your train arrives in Rovaniemi — the official hometown of Santa Claus. After you disembark, head to your hotel in the city center and check in. Spend the day exploring at your own pace: visit Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle, or dive into local culture at the Arktikum Museum. In the evening, keep an eye out — the Northern Lights often make an appearance right from town.
Overnight in Rovaniemi
Hotel: Arctic City Hotel
Room: Classic Double Room
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Rovaniemi at Leisure – Arctic Adventures Await
Enjoy a full day in the heart of Finnish Lapland. Optional excursions include dog sledding with huskies, reindeer sleigh rides, or snowmobile safaris through the wilderness. For a slower pace, walk through the peaceful forests of Ounasvaara Hill or sip hot cocoa at a cozy café. At night, you can join a guided Northern Lights tour — you're in one of the best places on earth to see them.
Overnight in Rovaniemi
Hotel: Arctic City Hotel
Room: Classic Double Room
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Fly to Tromsø – Cross into Arctic Norway
After breakfast, transfer to Rovaniemi Airport for your flight to Tromsø, Norway. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of town. Nestled between fjords and snow-capped peaks, Tromsø is a true Arctic gem.
Spend your afternoon exploring — visit the Arctic Cathedral, stroll along the harbor, or catch the golden winter light from a scenic viewpoint.
Overnight in Tromsø
Hotel: Home Hotel Aurora
Room: Double Room
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Tromsø at Leisure – Fjords, Cable Cars & Northern Lights
Discover Tromsø at your own pace. Ride the Fjellheisen cable car for sweeping views, visit the Polaria Arctic Center or Tromsø University Museum, and learn about local wildlife and Sámi heritage. Optional tours include whale-watching (Nov–Jan), Northern Lights photo safaris, or a scenic fjord cruise. As night falls, keep your eyes on the sky — Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to see the aurora borealis.
Overnight in Tromsø
Hotel: Home Hotel Aurora
Room: Double Room
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Depart Tromsø – Arctic Memories to Last a Lifetime
After breakfast, check out and take your private transfer to Tromsø Airport for your flight home. Return with unforgettable memories of Northern Lights, Lapland landscapes, and the serene charm of the Arctic.
Meals: Breakfast
Round-trip flights from US with baggage