From the snowy wilderness of Enontekiö in Finland to the Arctic shores of Grøtfjord in Norway, this 10-day adventure took us across more than 370 kilometers (230 miles) of frozen landscapes, endless forests, and spectacular Arctic scenery. Dog sledding through silent forests, racing across frozen lakes on a snowmobile, meeting reindeer and the Sámi people, trying our luck at ice fishing, and chasing the elusive Northern Lights… Lapland delivered exactly what we had hoped for, and a few surprises along the way. If you’re dreaming of a winter trip that combines outdoor adventures, breathtaking scenery, and just enough cold to make you question your life choices for a few minutes, this Finnish and Norwegian Lapland itinerary might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Day 1: Arrival at Kittilä Airport in Finnish Lapland
Your adventure begins at Kittilä Airport in Finnish Lapland, either via Helsinki or on a direct flight from Paris. From there, it’s time to head north to Enontekiö, a remote village of around 500 residents.
The two-hour drive feels like entering another world: endless snow-covered forests, the magic of the polar night, and, if luck is on your side, your very first glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.
Day 2: Exploring the village of Enontekiö and its surroundings
Spend the day discovering the area: the village of Enontekiö and its church, lake Ounasjärvi and of course the Enontekiö ice hotel. Enjoy the frosted landscapes and the silence on a snowshoe walk on the heights of the village, with a gourmet break in a “kota” set up in the middle of nature.
Day 3: Dog Sled Adventure
Experience the wild beauty of Lapland the traditional way: behind a team of enthusiastic huskies. After a short introduction and equipment briefing, you’ll take the reins of your own sled (two people per sled) and set off through forests and across frozen lakes. The scenery is unforgettable, but so is the realization that huskies have only two speeds: fast and faster. Back at camp, reward yourself with what might be Lapland’s greatest invention after dog sledding: a hot sauna.
Day 4: Due north to the small village of Kilpisjärvi
Take the road to a little end of the world (even further north) called Kilpisjärvi (Gilbbesjávri in the Sámi language). Kilpisjärvi is a charming village of fewer than 100 inhabitants, close to the border with Sweden and Norway and sheltered by the country’s mythical mountain, the Saana. Once there, do not hesitate to set off on a northern-lights hunt with a passionate local guide.
Day 5: Snowmobile Safari to Treriksröset
Today’s mission: visit three countries before lunch. Hop on a snowmobile and cross vast frozen lakes on your way to Treriksröset, the cairn marking the point where Finland, Sweden, and Norway meet. It’s probably the easiest way you’ll ever “tour Scandinavia” in a matter of seconds.
Day 6: Visiting a reindeer farm and meeting the Sámi
Visit a reindeer farm and discover Sámi culture: an immersion in Sámi land to meet the Sámi people and their reindeer, and to discover traditions that never leave anyone indifferent. A real moment of sharing not to be missed, in my opinion… but that is for you to decide.
Day 7: Trying ice fishing
What if today you tried ice fishing, another traditional Sámi activity? The activity lasts about 4 hours. The fishing cabins nearby are equipped with everything needed to light a fire, prepare hot drinks and taste the product of your fishing (or not).
Day 8: From Finnish Lapland to the Norwegian Great North: Tromsø!
Cross the Norwegian border, still heading north, to finally reach the charming city of Tromsø, built on an island between fjords and mountains. Enjoy a polar stroll through the city nicknamed the “Paris of the North”. Visit the Polaria museum, which transports you into the Arctic world, and the Arctic Cathedral, the city’s emblematic little jewel. And if you feel like it, go northern-lights hunting in the evening.
Day 9: Fjords, Arctic Views and One Last Aurora Hunt
Today is dedicated to exploring Norway’s spectacular fjords. Continue your adventure to Grøtfjord, where an ice-covered beach meets the vast Arctic Ocean in a truly unforgettable setting. Swimming is optional. Very optional. In the evening, keep your eyes on the sky and head out for one final Northern Lights hunt. If the Arctic gods are in a generous mood, you may be treated to a dazzling farewell performance
Day 10: Departure from Tromsø airport
Time for the return flight already! Fly back from Tromsø airport, with a short stopover in Oslo.
Discover our other itinerary ideas for Lapland
There is no shortage of travel itinerary ideas for a memorable stay in Lapland: see our 11-day Swedish Lapland itinerary.