Oulu to Rovaniemi – 6 days Arctic Adventure

Image: Visit Oulu

Beginning in Oulu, European Capital of Culture 2026, this journey brings together some of the finest winter experiences Northern Finland and Lapland have to offer. Highlights include an Aurora wilderness camp on the frozen sea ice, breaking through frozen waters aboard the Sampo Icebreaker in Kemi, encounters with Arctic wildlife at Ranua Wildlife Park, and a night in a glass igloo at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Along the way, the itinerary offers opportunities to experience the Northern Lights and insight into life in the Arctic.

Day 1 – Arrival in Oulu

Arrive at Oulu Airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival, optional activities can be arranged, such as reindeer farm visits or snow shoeing.

Overnight in Oulu.

Day 2 – Exploring Oulu & Northern Lights Camp on Arctic Sea Ice

After breakfast, explore Oulu, European Capital of Culture 2026, a city known for its dynamic arts scene, design, music, and strong connection to nature and technology. Cultural venues, exhibitions, and events throughout the city reflect the spirit of the North and celebrate Arctic creativity.

You may choose to visit the Aurora Revelare exhibition, a new cultural highlight for 2026, offering insight into the science, myths, and beauty of the Northern Lights.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel before heading out for your first Northern Lights experience. Travel to a wilderness camp located on the frozen sea ice, where you’ll be dressed in thermal clothing and gather around a fire with hot drinks and snacks while listening to stories of the Arctic. With luck, the Northern Lights will illuminate the night sky.

Overnight in Oulu.

Day 3 – Oulu to Kemi & Icebreaker Cruise

After breakfast, continue your journey north to Kemi. Upon arrival, check in for your cruise at the impressive Kemi SnowCastle and explore its snow and ice structures.

Transfer to the harbour to board the legendary Sampo Icebreaker. During the cruise through the frozen Bothnian Bay, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the icebreaker’s unique floating experience, where the ship is intentionally frozen into the ice, giving you a sense of the Arctic’s icy power. Lunch is included on board as you navigate the frozen sea.

Sampo Ice Breaker cruise Image: Kemin Matkailu

Return to Kemi and check in to your hotel. Dinner is included.

Overnight in Kemi.

Day 4 – Arctic Wildlife & Journey to Rovaniemi

After breakfast, travel to Ranua Wildlife Park, home to Arctic animals such as polar bears, wolves, lynxes, moose, and Arctic foxes. A guided tour offers fascinating insight into the animals’ lives and includes feeding sessions for closer observation.

Polar bear Venus in Ranua Wildlife Park
Polar bear Venus in Ranua Wildlife Park. Image: Ranua Resort

Enjoy lunch at the zoo before visiting the Fazer factory shop for Finnish sweets and souvenirs.

Continue on to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, and check in to your accommodation. Rovaniemi is a great base for Arctic activities such as husky sledding, snowmobiling and of course chasing the Northern Lights.

Overnight in Rovaniemi city.

Day 5 – Arctic Culture & Santa Claus Village

After breakfast and checkout, visit the Arktikum Museum and Science Centre for a guided tour exploring Arctic history, culture, and life in the North. Lunch is enjoyed at Arktikum.

Later, transfer to Santa Claus Village, where you’ll check in for your final night in a magical Glass Igloo. Spend time exploring the village, crossing the Arctic Circle, and meeting Santa Claus himself.

After dinner you’ll spend a night in a glass igloo.

Northern Lights above glass igloos

Day 6 – Departure

After breakfast, transfer from Santa Claus Village to the airport for your onward journey home.

Priced from 1895€ per person (based on 2 people sharing a twin/double room) including:

  • Transfers throughout the itinerary as described
  • 2 night’s accommodation in Oulu with breakfast and dinner
  • Evening Northern Lights Camp Experience in Oulu (2 hours)
  • Ice Breaker experience in Kemi including lunch, diploma, hot welcome drinks and ice floating experience
  • 1 night’s accommodation in Kemi with breakfast and dinner
  • Guided visit to Ranua Wildlife Park with lunch
  • 1 night’s accommodation in Rovaniemi city with breakfast and dinner
  • Guided visit to Arktikum Museum and Science Centre with lunch
  • 1 night’s accommodation in a glass igloo in Santa’s Village with breakfast and dinner

Price excludes:

  • Flights to/from Finland
    Alcoholic beverages with meals
    Any incidental spend such as souvenirs

Please note prices are subject to availability and the size of the group.

Contact information for DMC/incoming services

tel. +358 201 303 357
email: incoming@pohjolanmatka.fi
You can also request an offer by using this form