Reasons for recommendation
- Polar expedition icebreaker
- Snowmobiles, dog sledding, reindeer farms and other snow activities
- Ice Castle, Polar Zoo
Route overview
| days | Itinerary Overview |
| D1 | helsinki ‣ Oulu ‣ Kemi ‣ Haparanda |
| D2 |
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| D3 |
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| D4 |
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| D5 |
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| D6 |
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| D7 |
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Itinerary
|
Line number |
K3081 |
|
Departure time and location |
08:00 Departure from Burger King at Helsinki Central Station in Finland 14:30 Oulu Railway Station, Finland |
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Time and place of dissolution |
VR train schedule reference: 20:55 Oulu–06:27 Helsinki or 23.53Oulu-09.15Helsinki |
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days |
7 days and 6 nights |
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language |
Chinese speaking guide |
Specific itinerary
D1: Helsinki‣ Oulu‣ Kemi‣ Haparanda
Depart Helsinki in the morning and take the Polar Train to Oulu, ( Train number 8:24 Helsinki – 14:24 Oulu) After arriving, take the bus to visit the magnificent [Kemi Ice Castle] (the ice castle is open from 20.1.-6.4.2024, it will be replaced by SnowExperience365 before opening, and the daily ticket is 10.00 for adults) Euro/Children 3-12 years old 5.00 Euro) Afterwards, check in at the Haparanda Hotel.
D2: Haparanda ‣ Gulf of Bothnia ‣ Kukko Lafson ‣ Haparanda
After breakfast, go to the northern bay of the Baltic Sea - the Gulf of Bothnia to board the "Polar Explorer" icebreaker. You will start a 3-hour breathtaking icebreaking experience. Feel the trembling of the ice under your feet. You can also put on a warm floating suit (need to be above 125cm tall) Floating), experience the unique charm of floating on the ice sea, or try walking on the ice. Then go to Kukkolaforsen, a small town known as one of the most beautiful fishing villages in Sweden, for lunch and sightseeing. Afterwards, drive back to the Harampada Hotel to rest.
D3: Haparanda‣ Rovaniemi‣ Salisalka
Depart from the hotel in the morning and visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. You can take photos with Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, enjoy delicious food, buy souvenirs and send postcards. Then leave Santa Claus Village and go to Saariselka. After a short rest and dinner, you will go on a jungle adventure in the evening to experience [Polar Snowshoes] and pursue the charm of the aurora. After that, you will return to the Saariselka cabin.
For the third, fourth and fifth nights of the itinerary, the wooden hut can be upgraded to a glass house at your own expense: Northern Light Village requires a second confirmation! [For details, please refer to the "Meals and Accommodation Arrangements" in the fee description]
D4: Saariselkä (flat slope skiing + husky sledding + snowmobile chasing the aurora)
After breakfast, you will start to participate in various snow activities. Under the guidance of the coach, you will first experience the fun of [flat slope skiing]. Afterwards, we participated in [Husky Safari], and as Erha ran, the wonderful snow scenery came to us. After a short rest and dinner, we will take a night [snowmobile] ride into the dark forest to look for the Northern Lights. The foreign tour leader and Chinese-speaking tour guide will tell stories about the night sky and constellations along the way. In the dark night forest, embrace nature and feel the power of the polar regions. Stay at the Saariselkä Specialty Chalet Hotel that night
D5: Salisalka‣ Kirkenes‣ Salisalka
In the morning, we set off from Salisalka and headed to Kirknes, a fishing resort for king crabs. We followed local fishermen and took a sled out to sea [fishing for king crabs] and enjoyed the fresh king crabs we caught. After the activity, we We will return to Salisekar and stay at a local wooden hotel. 
D6: Saariselka‣ Rovaniemi‣ Oulu
After breakfast, proceed to Rovaniemi to visit the Polar Museum. The exhibition halls within the museum provide a lot of information about the development of today's Arctic Circle region. There are also exhibitions about the history, culture and nature of the Lapland region. After the tour, return to Oulu, take the polar train back to Helsinki that night, and stay overnight on the sleeper train for 2 people.
D7: Oulu‣ Helsinki
Arrive in Helsinki early in the morning and the trip ends.
VR train schedule reference: 20:55 Oulu– 06:27 Helsinki
Attractions
| Ice Castle
The world's largest ice and snow castle was first built in 1996. Since then, it has been built by artists from all over the world every winter. The ice used in the building comes from the ice sea, and the entire building and interiors are all made of ice and snow. It's like playing in a dream.
| Polar Explorer icebreaker
The Polar Explorer Icebreaker was built in 1976 and is known as one of the best icebreakers in Lapland. It is 78 meters long and 14 meters wide. It can currently carry 199 people. The Polar Explorer icebreaker offers 3-hour sailings in the frozen waters of Lapland's Gulf of Potinha. In 3 hours you will become a witness to the ship's immense ice-breaking capabilities, taking a guided tour from the engine room all the way to the captain's wheelhouse. Audio tours are available in 16 languages via the Audio Guide App, including an 11-minute Icebreaker movie featuring icebreakers around the world. Relax in the comfortable lounge, enjoy a warm juice, or take a walk on the frozen sea ice while the ship is parked. The icebreaker will create an ice-free swimming pool where each visitor can swim in the dark, icy water wearing a flotation suit.
| Chasing the aurora on polar snowshoes
When the sky on the top of the mountain dimmed, the stars gradually poked their faces out of the sky. The adventurous explorers decided to set off, put on specially-made snowshoes, and entered the dark forest of Urho Kekkonen, the second largest national park in Finland. They rushed to the highest point east of the town to look for the mysterious Northern Lights. The guide will tell stories about the mysterious night sky and Lapland along the way. In the dark night forest, embrace nature and feel the mysterious power of the polar regions. Please dress warmly and protect yourself from the cold. This is a physical activity that requires a certain amount of stamina and appropriate moisture-wicking, quick-drying clothing as you will sweat a lot. Warm professional boots are also required; sneakers are not allowed on the hike. (Height 140cm and above, about 2 hours, 50% off for children under 14 years old)
| Chasing the aurora on snowmobiles
Ride a snowmobile at night through the snow-covered forest, away from residential areas and light pollution, and drive along the silent snowfield slopes to pursue the mysterious aurora. On the hillside we warmed ourselves by the fire under the stars and enjoyed cookies and hot drinks. Two people drive a snowmobile, and each person can drive for about thirty minutes. Professional thermal equipment is provided: Jackets, Overalls, Boots, Gloves, Mittens, Balaclava, Helmet. A driver's license is required (original/copy/photo/motorcycle/car). Passengers with driving experience are recommended to participate in this project. (Under 13 years old or under 140cm tall can only ride on the sleigh at a 50% discount, which lasts about 3 hours)
| Santa Claus Village
The most famous and authentic Santa Claus Village in the world. In Santa Claus's main office, you have the opportunity to tell Santa Claus your wishes in person, take photos with him, or pull his beard :), and get precious gifts Videos and photos. In addition to Santa's office, you can also pick up small souvenirs at the Christmas Post Office and send Arctic Circle postmarked postcards to your close friends and family. In the end, you will also receive an Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate officially certified by Lapland as a precious souvenir.
| King Crab Catching + King Crab Dinner
Ride a snowmobile to a king crab fishing site and listen to expert local fishermen tell you about the history of king crabs, how to catch them, and the culture and history of Kirkenes. Then start catching king crabs and then enjoy the freshly caught king crabs together with a glass of white wine/non-alcoholic beverages, coffee and tea at the Sami Tent Restaurant or the Barents Safari Restaurant. Necessary equipment is provided: jumpsuit, helmet, boots, mittens and balaclava (about 3 hours)
| Ranua Wildlife Park
In the northern primeval forest, there are typical Finnish and Nordic animals, with more than 50 different species, including bears, Finnish polar bears, lynxes, wolves, wolverines, moose, etc. The only immigrants from abroad are polar bears from Sweden. The tour route in the park is about 2.5 kilometers long, passing through the jurisdiction of various animals, and you can see many wild animals. There is also a JussanPirtti restaurant, candy shop and souvenir shop in the park.
| Flat slope skiing
Finland's national sport is very interesting and popular. Under the leadership of foreign coaches and Chinese-speaking tour guides, put on the equipment. The coach will provide guidance and demonstration teaching, and lead everyone to practice on professional ski trails in the national park. Please note that this is a physical activity that requires a certain amount of stamina and appropriate moisture-wicking and quick-drying clothing as there will be a lot of sweating. Skis, boots and poles are provided. (Height 150cm and above, about 2 hours, 50% off for children under 14 years old)
Fee description
- Round trip tour bus
- VR Polar Train from Helsinki to Oulu
- 6 nights accommodation cost as listed in the itinerary
- Chinese tour guide service
- Tips for the driver (payable in cash in euros on the group): 6 euros/person/day, same price for adults and children
- Full breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Tickets for attractions and self-paid items (see the table below for prices of self-paid items)
- Personal consumption
- travel insurance
- Items not included in the fee
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Self-financed project price
3-hour Polar Explorer Icebreaker experience
Includes transfers, hot drinks, floating on the water, and free ice-breaking certificate
285,00€
4-12 years 242,00€
3 hours of king crab fishing + king crab dinner (over 4 years old)
Includes snowmobile sledding, king crab fishing and lunch, necessary warm equipment (jumpsuit, helmet, boots, mittens and balaclava)
200,00€
4-12 years 90,00€
Polar snowshoe chasing aurora (over 140cm 2H)
50,00€ Husky sledding 2-3KM + reindeer farm visit including sleigh 250M
170,00€ Snowmobile Aurora Chasing including warm equipment (3H)
145,00€
polar museum
18,00€
Tips for driver and tour guide
Each guest is required to tip the driver at least every day
3,00€
Each guest is required to tip the tour guide at least every day.
3,00€
The above is only a reference price. If the price is adjusted, it will be subject to the announcement at that time.
For self-funded projects, please cooperate with and obey the tour guide’s itinerary, and the tour guide’s itinerary will be the main one.
Booking instructions
age policy
- Snow activities are not recommended for children under 4 years old.
schedule
- It is recommended to arrive at the designated departure point at least 30 minutes in advance and close the car door 15 minutes before departure. All itineraries will depart on time. If tourists do not show up on time, the itinerary will be treated as "NO SHOW" and no rescheduling or refund will be provided.
- In the event of changes in the itinerary or inaccessibility of the attractions caused by major local events, closure of attractions or other force majeure, adjustments may be made or the appearance of the attractions may be changed, subject to the final arrangement on the day.
- In addition to the thermal equipment provided for snowmobiles, for other snow activities, please rent professional thermal equipment (overalls, gloves, boots, etc., estimated to be 5-10 euros per day). If you do not wear enough warm, waterproof, and cold-proof shoes Service, in order to protect your personal safety, our guide has the right to refuse you to participate in snow activities on site without refund!
Accommodation and board arrangements
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About meals
In order to ensure competitive prices, we choose to live in cabins with complete kitchenware. The tour price does not include breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is a supermarket not far from the wooden house, where you can buy your own ingredients and enjoy cooking. Of course, hotels and restaurants near the camp will also provide meals, and tourists can choose to try local food on their own. Some optional items will also include some meals and snacks, please see the event introduction for details. -
About accommodation
For a single room throughout the journey, the cost will be increased by €600/person.
Cabins for 2-8 people Cabins include: cutlery, dishwasher, refrigerator and freezer, stove, microwave, oven, toaster, kettle, dryer, TV, radio, CD player, fireplace and wood. There are small lofts and standard double rooms.
Dishwasher: Please open the water inlet valve, otherwise the dishwasher will not work.
Water heater: Bath water heater can boil up to 200 liters of bath water at one time. Please be careful not to use up all the boiled water at once, otherwise others will have to wait at least 1 hour for bathing. - On the third, fourth and fifth days of the itinerary, you can upgrade the glass house at your own expense:
Most wooden houses are suites for 3-6 people. There are multiple rooms in the suite, and one room is usually for 2 people. The room types are not as uniform as those in hotels. The number of standard rooms is relatively limited and the room type cannot be specified. I hope everyone can understand and cooperate with the arrangements for different room types, but I believe that this night's cabin experience will be an unforgettable experience for you.
- Northern Light Village [requires second confirmation! 】Number of people staying: 2 people (Note: After upgrading the glass house, guests need to handle the round-trip transportation between the glass house and the event venue by themselves.)
- Winter price: a glass house 439 euros/night/1 person, 539 euros/night/2 people Time period: [14.11–19.12] & [08.01–04.02] & [21.02–24.03]
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Holiday prices: 469 euros/night/1 person for a glass house, 609 euros/night/2 people Time period: [20.12–07.01] & [05.02–20.02]
*Up to 2 additional people can be accommodated. The prices for the third/fourth person are as follows:
Low peak price: 179 euros/person/night; children 4-14 years old: 89.5 euros/person/night
Peak price: 209 euros/person/night; children 4-14 years old: 104.5 euros/person/night
Price includes: one night's accommodation in a glass house, Lapland special dinner that night and breakfast the next day
The price does not include: other personal expenses and expenses not included in the above "Expenses not included", transportation, etc.
Glass House cancellation terms:
If you cancel an order more than 121 days before check-in, a handling fee of 30% of the order amount will be charged;
If you cancel the order within 120 days before check-in, a handling fee of 50% of the order amount will be charged;
If an order is canceled within 60 days before check-in, a handling fee of 100% of the order amount will be charged.
Note: We can assist in booking the transportation between the Glass House and Saariselkä city provided by the hotel. Adults are 5 euros/person/one way, children are 2.5 euros/person/one way; transportation between the Glass House and nearby places , adults 15 euros/person/one way, children 7.5 euros/person/one way. The fee can be paid to the hotel in cash.
Special Note
- We recommend that you bring the following items with you during your trip:
Very warm clothes, swimsuit needed for sauna, cash, change and essential medical supplies/medicines, bank card, credit card, etc., pillow for overnight bus, travel pillow, etc., high-quality camera for photographing the Northern Lights - Is it cold in the Arctic Circle?
According to the feedback we have received from guests, the Arctic Circle feels less cold than its theoretical temperature. Since there are many windless days, the body temperature when people get active is similar to the body temperature in Beijing during the same period in China. - Will it stop snowing in the Arctic Circle?
All of our Arctic Circle tour destinations are at least 250 kilometers further north than the Arctic Circle line. The reason is that the higher the latitude, the greater the probability of auroras and snow. However, we cannot guarantee the weather conditions when you arrive at the Arctic Circle. Generally speaking, heavy snow will come to the Arctic Circle in early November every year. If the snow is not deep and some projects cannot be carried out, we will provide replacement options or provide a full refund for the project. - Is there no daylight during the polar night in winter in the Arctic Circle?
In the Arctic Circle, the sun rises around 9-10 am and sets before 3-4 pm. The sunshine time is about 6 hours. It’s a completely normal daytime look! - Is it guaranteed to see the Aurora?
In northernmost Lapland, the Northern Lights can be seen almost every night, as long as it's dark and the sky is clear. In the Saariselkä region, the Northern Lights can be witnessed frequently, although clouds may reduce visibility, as they do on summer nights. On average, the Northern Lights can be seen up to 200 nights a year in northernmost Lapland. Therefore, during a week-long trip to the Arctic Circle, the chance of encountering the aurora is quite high!
Cancellation terms
- 31 days before the trip (31 days inclusive), a penalty of 10% of the total travel cost will be charged.
- 15-30 days before the trip (30 days inclusive), a penalty of 25% of the total travel cost will be charged.
- 8-14 days before the trip (14 days inclusive), a penalty of 60% of the total travel cost will be charged.
- Within 13 days before the trip, 100% of the total travel cost will be charged as penalty.
