DIY Lapland Itinerary with Kids: 7 Magical Days on a Budget
The magical experience of Lapland is a bucket-list holiday that so many families dream of. Calling it ‘Narnia’ isn’t an exaggeration – the snow-covered forests, exhilarating husky rides, meeting Santa, and seeing the Northern Lights are pure magic.
But the cost of a Lapland package holiday can be extremely expensive, making that dream feel out of reach. Tight schedules, short stays, and sky-high prices often mean families spend thousands for just a few rushed days.
As a family who loves planning our own adventures, we were determined to have the freedom to explore at our own pace, experience the real Finnish Lapland, and do it without breaking the bank.
Our DIY Lapland itinerary for a family of five cost less than £4000. That covered all costs for seven magical days exploring Finnish Lapland, splitting our time between Rovaniemi and Levi, plus a couple of days in Helsinki beforehand. It was one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken, and we’re already planning our next visit!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how we did it: our full 7-day itinerary, where we stayed, how we got around (including the overnight Santa Express train!), and the best family activities – many of them completely free. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to plan your own magical Lapland itinerary on a budget.
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A glance at our DIY Lapland Itinerary…
Our DIY Finnish Lapland adventure starts in Finland’s capital, Helsinki, where the famous overnight Santa Express train departs for Rovaniemi (the official gateway to Lapland). We spent an additional two nights in Helsinki at the Marski by Scandic, which was a lovely start to our Arctic adventure.
After a cosy night aboard the Santa Express train, you wake up to a true winter wonderland as you arrive in Rovaniemi. Here, we visited Santa at Santa Claus Village, officially crossed the Arctic Circle line, and spent a fun-filled snowy day at Kotatieva Winter Leisure Park.
Next, we picked up a hire car, giving us the freedom to drive three hours north to Levi, stopping along the way for an incredible husky ride experience.
Levi is a picture-perfect resort surrounded by pristine snow-covered forests. Whilst in Levi, we went skiing and watched the enchanting Northern Lights dance… a lot! We also spent plenty of time enjoying free activities like sledging, reindeer spotting, snowy walks, toasting marshmallows by the fire pits, and even trying out our own sauna-to-snow experience – so much fun but brrrrr!
Finally, we returned to Rovaniemi for the overnight train back to Helsinki, completing a magical journey full of snow, adventure, and unforgettable family memories.
Help bring this itinerary to life by watching our DIY Lapland Itinerary on Instagram stories – part 1 and part 2.
- Day 1: Helsinki
- Accommodation – Santa Express Overnight Train (1 night)
- Highlights – Sleeping on the overnight train and waking up in ‘Narnia’.
- Days 2-3: Rovaniemi
- Accommodation – Northern Lights Stay Apartment (2 nights)
- Highlights – Santa Claus Village, Kotatieva Winter Park, Arctic Circle Line.
- Days 4-6: Levi
- Accomodation – Päärakka B Siivous (3 nights)
- Highlights – Husky ride, sledging at Zero Point, Northern Light hunting, skiing, reindeer farms, snowy walks and fun in the snow.
- Days 7: Return to Rovaniemi
- Accommodation – Santa Express Overnight Train (1 night)
- Highlights – Stopping off at reindeer farms.
DIY Lapland Itinerary Map
Before You Go: Planning Your DIY Lapland Trip
There’s a lot to think about in the early planning stages of your Lapland adventure.
Our full guide 👉 Lapland on a Budget with Kids covers everything you need to know – from the cost of package versus DIY trips, to how long to spend in Lapland, how to get there and where to stay, plus tips on the best time to visit and how to travel around once you’re there.
Day 1: Helsinki (Santa Express Overnight Train)
How to get to Helsinki
Our DIY Lapland itinerary begins in Helsinki, Finland’s vibrant capital. We flew from the UK and spent two nights here before taking the Santa Express sleeper train north to Rovaniemi.
Most major UK airports have direct flights to Helsinki, and as always, we booked ours through Skyscanner using our tried-and-tested hacks to get the best prices.
Taking the train from Helsinki airport to the city centre
Once we landed at Helsinki Airport, getting the train into the city centre was quick, easy, and affordable. From the baggage reclaim area, simply follow the signs for “Railway Station”. It’s located just downstairs from the arrivals hall.
Tickets can be purchased from the machines on the platform (select English for ease). Prices are around €4.40 for adults and €2.20 for children aged 7-17, while kids under 7 travel free. The staff are very friendly if you need to ask for help.
When we arrived at Helsinki Central Station, we used Google Maps to walk to our hotel (Marski by Scandic), just 500m (around 10 minutes) away.
What to do in Helsinki with kids
- 🏛️ Helsinki Cathedral – The city’s most iconic landmark, perched above Senate Square and beautiful both inside and out. Free.
- 🍲 Old Market Hall – A must-visit for foodies! This 19th-century indoor market by the harbour is full of local treats, perfect for warming up with soup, pastries, or a plate of fresh salmon. Free to enter.
- 🌊 Waterfront Walk – Stroll along the harbour for gorgeous views of the frozen Baltic Sea in winter. Free.
- ☕ Café Regatta – An absolute must! This tiny red wooden café by the water is famous for its hot chocolate, traditional glögi (Finnish mulled wine), and the best cinnamon buns in the city. There’s even an outdoor fire where you can roast sausages or marshmallows!
- 🚶♀️ DIY Walking Tour of the City – Helsinki is small enough to explore on foot, ticking off the main sights (Senate Square, Esplanadi Park, Uspenski Cathedral, and the harbourfront). Free.
- 📚 Oodi Central Library – This modern, light-filled library is a great choice for families, complete with play areas and kids books. Free to enter.
- ⛪ Temppeliaukio “Rock” Church – A unique church carved directly into solid rock. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance – €8 per adult, children free.
Taking the Santa Express Overnight Train
One of the most magical parts of our DIY Lapland itinerary was taking the Santa Express overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. We chose this option for two main reasons:
- It was cheaper to fly into Helsinki than directly to Lapland, and it meant we could enjoy two days exploring Finland’s capital before heading north.
- We love sleeper trains – there’s something so cosy and adventurous about travelling while you sleep.
We booked our tickets online through the VR website (Finland’s national railway) and then downloaded the VR app, which made it easy to access our tickets, find our carriage, and check our cabin number.
Once on board, we excitedly settled into our cabin, got ready for bed, and snuggled down as the train gently rocked us to sleep — all while dreaming about waking up in the magical winter wonderland of Lapland.
Top tip: Book early for the best cabin selection — family cabins sell out quickly during peak months (November to January).
Days 2-3: Rovaniemi
Arriving in Rovaniemi
I have to be honest and let you know that while it’s famously known as the Santa Express overnight train, there’s actually no hint of Santa, the North Pole, or anything particularly festive about it. Don’t let that put you off though – the experience is still fantastic and can save you a lot of money compared to flying directly to Lapland.
Having said that, you really can’t beat the magic of waking up all cosy in your cabin bed and peering out the window to see a real-life Christmas card scene – snow-dusted trees, and that soft pink morning light. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s breathtakingly beautiful and even a little emotional.
Hopefully, you’ll have had a good night’s sleep and be ready to start your Lapland adventure! We saved money by staying a couple of kilometres outside Rovaniemi centre at Northern Lights Stay Apartment. Although we had a hire car for the second part of our trip to Levi, we didn’t feel we needed one in Rovaniemi, so we simply took a taxi from the train station to our accommodation, which cost around €26.
Taxis in Finland can be pricey, so we’d recommend downloading the Taksi or Meneva app to compare fares and book the best deal. Both apps are really easy to use, and you can track your taxi in real time.
Where to stay in Rovaniemi with kids
Rovaniemi has a great mix of accommodation options for families, ranging from cosy log cabins and family-run guesthouses to modern hotels right in the city centre.
Staying in the centre means you’ll be close to restaurants, shops, and attractions like the Arktikum Museum and Pilke Science Centre. That said, in our experience, the centre itself doesn’t have a huge amount to offer families beyond convenience, and we found it better value by staying just outside town.
We stayed a couple of kilometres outside the centre at Northern Lights Stay Apartment, which offered great value for money and had everything we needed for a comfortable family stay. Wherever you choose, book early as accommodation in Rovaniemi fills up quickly, particularly during the Christmas season!
What to do in Rovaniemi with kids
- 🎅 Santa Claus Village – The main reason most families visit Rovaniemi! You can meet Santa in his official office, send postcards from the Arctic Circle Post Office, and cross the Arctic Circle line. Free to enter. Some experiences cost extra.
- ❄️ Kotatievä Winter Park – A beautiful winter wonderland filled with snow slides, tubing hills, and ice skating. Purchase tickets online here.
- 🦌 Reindeer Farm Visit – Visit a local reindeer farm to meet these gentle Arctic animals up close, feed them, and even enjoy a short sleigh ride through the snowy forest. Prices vary by provider and experience.
- 🐕 Husky Sledding – For something more thrilling, take a husky safari through the snowy wilderness. Most tours include meeting the dogs, learning how they’re trained, and a short or long sled ride, depending on the kids’ ages. Prices vary by provider and experience.
- 🐻 Ranua Zoo – About an hour south of Rovaniemi, Ranua Wildlife Park is home to Arctic animals like polar bears, lynxes, wolves, and moose. It’s a fantastic day trip for families and easy to reach by car or on a guided tour. Purchase tickets online here.
- 🏛️ Arktikum Museum – A great indoor option for colder days. This fascinating museum brings Arctic history, wildlife, and culture to life through interactive exhibits. Purchase tickets online here.
- 🔥 Marshmallows & Hot Chocolate at a Kota – A “kota” is a traditional Finnish wooden hut with a fire inside. Rovaniemi and many attractions have these for free use by anyone, so bring some marshmallows and enjoy a cosy break together. Free.
- 🚜 Snowmobiling – Many companies offer family-friendly snowmobile safaris, with mini snowmobiles for kids or sleighs pulled behind adult drivers. It’s a fun way to explore and see parts of Lapland you couldn’t reach otherwise. Prices vary by provider and experience.
- 🌌 Northern Lights Hunting – You can book a paid guided tour, or DIY it by heading out of town on a clear night. We did DIY – the experience is unforgettable if you’re lucky enough to catch them! Free for DIY, or prices vary by provider and experience.
- 🦜 Angry Birds Playground – Free outdoor playground in the city centre with climbing frames, slides, and zip lines themed around the famous Finnish game. Free.
- 🛷 Snow Play & Sledging – Honestly, some of our favourite moments were the simplest ones. Playing in the snow, building snowmen, and sledging down little hills near our accommodation. Sledges are easy to find or often provided at hotels and cabins. Free.
- ⛰️ Ounasvaara Hill Walk – If you fancy a bit of adventure, take a walk or short hike up Ounasvaara Hill. The views over Rovaniemi are beautiful, especially at sunset, and it’s an easy trail to do as a family if conditions allow.
Days 4-6: Levi
Arriving in Levi
We decided to hire a car to get from Rovaniemi to Levi, which is definitely something we’d recommend. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and stop wherever you want. It also helped us save money with accommodation as we were able to stay just outside Levi rather than in the main resort area.
We booked through Discover Cars and picked up our car directly from Rovaniemi train station, which was really straightforward. We also arranged excess cover in advance, which is something I’d definitely recommend. It’s much cheaper than taking it out through the car hire company on arrival.
I’ll admit, we were a bit apprehensive about driving in such snowy conditions, but honestly, it was so much easier than expected. All rental cars in Finland come fitted with winter tyres and small metal spikes, which make driving on ice and snow surprisingly effortless. The roads are also incredibly well-maintained.
The drive from Rovaniemi to Levi takes around 2.5 hours, but having our own car meant we could take our time and stop whenever the kids needed a break. We decided to make a small detour along the way and visit Soulmate Huskies, a family-run husky farm, for a sledding experience. It was such a highlight – far less commercial than the big companies in Levi and much better value for money.
If you’d prefer not to drive, direct buses run regularly between Rovaniemi and Levi, including connections from the airport and train station. The journey takes around 2 hours and 20-30 minutes and offers lovely views along the way. You can check timetables and book tickets through Matkahuolto or OnniBus.
Where to stay in Levi with kids
Levi has a fantastic range of family-friendly accommodation, from cosy log cabins in the forest to stylish hotels and apartments closer to the ski slopes. It’s a compact resort, so wherever you stay, you’re never too far from everything, but the prices and surroundings change a lot depending on your location.
If you stay in the centre, you’ll be close to the ski lifts, restaurants, and shops, which is great for convenience, especially if you don’t have a car. However, we found the outskirts of Levi offered much better value, along with the kind of peaceful, snowy setting you picture when you think of Lapland.
We stayed at Päärakka B Siivous, which was cheaper for us and perfectly located on the edge of the centre. We’d highly recommend staying in the Isorakka area, which is full of traditional Finnish log cabins surrounded by beautiful, quiet forest. It feels wonderfully secluded yet still only a short drive from Levi’s main attractions. Many cabins come with private saunas, outdoor fire pits, or even kota huts, perfect for warming up with a hot chocolate under the stars.
Wherever you choose to stay, booking early as Levi is incredibly popular in December and February, and the best family cabins often sell out months in advance.
What to do in Levi with kids
- 🐕 Husky Rides – Feel the thrill of gliding through snowy forests on a husky sled! Levi has several husky farms offering short family rides or longer safaris. Prices vary by provider and experience.
- 🦌 Reindeer Experiences – Visit a local reindeer farm for a gentle sleigh ride or to learn more about these incredible Arctic animals. The Hotel K5 Levi even has its own reindeer paddock where you can feed them right outside the hotel. Prices vary by provider and experience, or feed the reindeer for a small fee.
- 🚜 Snowmobiling – Older kids will love this adventure! Family-friendly safaris are available, and younger children can ride safely in a sleigh pulled behind an adult snowmobile. Prices vary by provider and experience.
- 🛷 Sledging at Zero Point – Once the ski slopes have closed, take advantage of the slopes with fun free sledging. The further up you go, the more pace you pick up, meaning it’s an exhilirating experience for both kids and adults. Free.
- 🌌 Northern Lights Hunting – Head out to one of the frozen lakes for a DIY Northern Lights hunt, or join a guided tour. Levi’s remote location makes it one of the best places in Finland to spot the Aurora Borealis. Free for DIY, or prices vary by provider and experience.
- 🎿 Skiing & Snowboarding – Levi is Finland’s biggest ski resort with gentle slopes and excellent ski schools for beginners. We hired ski rental from Elan Ski Shop & Rental and ski passes can be bought from either Zero Point or South Point, or online.
- 🔥 Marshmallows & Kotas – Many cabins and activity parks have kotas – traditional Finnish huts with a fire inside. Bring marshmallows or sausages to grill while you warm up. Free.
- 🏎️ Ice Karting Levi – A brilliant activity for older kids and adults! Race around an ice track in specially designed go-karts. Book tickets online here.
- 🐴 Lapin Saagan Issikat – A lovely small horse farm offering family-friendly pony or Icelandic horse rides through the snow. Book tickets online here.
- ☕ Secret Café Walk – Take a snowy forest walk to the cosy Secret Café, tucked away in the woods. The hot chocolate and incredible views are well worth the trek!
- ⛄ Kids’ Land Snow Play Area – A free and fun space near the slopes where little ones can sledge, build snowmen, and burn off energy. Free.
Day 7: Return to Rovaniemi
Our final day was spent leisurely making our way back to Rovaniemi to catch the overnight sleeper train to Helsinki. We had a relaxing morning before setting off, enjoying one last look at Levi’s snowy forests.
On the drive back, we stopped off at a small reindeer farm where we were lucky enough to see the reindeer up close and completely free!
We’d also planned to visit Kahvila Lohihovi Oy, a highly recommended roadside café known for its delicious munkki (Finnish donuts) and homemade food. Sadly, it was closed when we passed (they’re closed on Tuesdays), but it’s definitely one to add to your list if you’re driving that route.
Final thoughts on our DIY Lapland Itinerary with Kids…
So many families feel that planning a DIY Lapland trip is overwhelming and don’t know where to start. But honestly, organising your own adventure rather than booking a package holiday can save you a huge amount of money. Plus it gives you so much more freedom.
While organised tours and big-name companies tend to focus on the more commercial (and expensive) experiences, there are countless free and low-cost activities that are just as magical and memorable.
With a bit of planning, you can build a Lapland trip that perfectly suits your family, your budget, and your pace. Along with our Guide to Lapland on a Budget with Kids, we hope this itinerary has given you the inspiration and practical tips you need to start planning your own unforgettable DIY Lapland adventure.
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