Finland Northern Lights Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
Finland Northern Lights Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
2025: Aug-Oct
Brilliant Fall Colors & Landscapes beyond the Arctic Circle
Venture to the aurora zone and beyond the Arctic Circle, trekking through the vibrant and mystifying landscapes of Finnish Lapland. It's an otherworldly dreamland with reindeer, mountain gorges and pristine boreal forest. The northern lights are pure magic, but so is the sauna culture and the region’s fascinating mythology.
Highlights
- Breathe some of the freshest air in the world as you hike through mountains, gorges and forests colored by rich autumn hues
- Behold the northern lights in one of the world's best places for spotting this mesmerizing natural phenomenon (if luck is on our side!)
- Discover insights into Sámi and Finnish culture—meet reindeer and sled dogs, trek through the home of gnomes or relax in a sauna
- Stay in secluded hotels with regional charm and expansive glass walls, perfect for taking in the arctic skies at any time
Start/End Helsinki
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Embark on a beautiful forest walk, passing atmospheric usnea (hanging moss) • Breathe in the crisp arctic air and immerse yourself in the serenity of a Finnish forest • Pause at our first summit and take in views of the River Ounasjoki and the charming villages of Ylikylä and Nivankylä • Witness an amazing display of autumn colors—the Arctic bearberry, bog bilberry and blueberry plants turn to lovely shades of red • Hear the beautiful notes of a traditional Sámi singer before sitting down to a Nordic-style dinner • Walk from the shimmering shore of Vuontisjärvi Lake through the twisted trunks of an alpine birch forest • Climb to the historic Montell’s Hut, built in the early 1900s by a local and passionate botanist • Walk a section of the Hetta-Pallas, Finland’s oldest hiking trail • End your day with a traditional Finnish sauna or a hot tub and an invigorating cold plunge.
Nights 1-2
This fantastically immersive retreat features cozy cabins with glass roofs and windows letting in exquisite vistas of your pristine surroundings.
Day 3
Journey through Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, known to have the most beautiful hills and mountains in Finland, taking in sweeping views of lush fall valleys • Joined by an expert local guide, hike through boreal forest and behold the colorful slopes of Ylläs fells.
Night 3
Whether or not the northern lights come out to play, Levin Iglut's private glass domes are the perfect place to witness uninterrupted views anytime of day or night.
Days 4-6
Visit Levi, home to Finland's largest ski resort • Climb gently through brilliant coniferous forest and birch groves to Kätkä peak or rest your legs and learn more about the indigenous people of Samiland • Admire the sparkling waters of Immel Lake • Visit Rovaniemi, the "official" home of Santa Claus and the capital of Lapland • Stay in a tree house suite with the chance to see the northern lights through a panoramic glass wall • Explore the wetlands, rivers and forests near Vikaköngäs, experiencing even more of the Arctic Circle's unique terrain • Follow the rapids of the River Vaattunki to crystal-clear Olkkajärvi Lake and take in a kaleidoscope of autumn colors from Vaattunki Hill • Climb an observation tower used by bird-watchers for spectacular views of the aurora borealis (if luck is on our side!) • Luxuriate in a wood-fire sauna experience • Get a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of huskies and their mushers at a kennel.
Nights 4-5
Experience the warmth and atmosphere of an unforgettable glass tree house suite, with panoramic views of magnificent forest and the vast arctic skies.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
This trip includes travel on a commercial flight so that we can explore the best of your destination. Please note that flight schedules can change with little advance warning, which may require us to adjust our activities on a travel day. Your Trip Leaders will provide more details on any changes should this occur.
Our journey through Nordic Lapland is a magical adventure full of the planet's most remarkable natural treasures. Northern lights are an incredible natural phenomenon and as such, are unpredictable. The probability of sightings are affected by weather, the phase of the moon and many other factors, so sightings are not guaranteed (our experience has been 50/50).
Luxury Lapland-style means modern, simple and uniquely appointed rooms. Due to the remoteness of our properties, breakfasts tend to be a local buffet-style affair, and dinners are pre-ordered with limited-choice menus, which is simply a part of the cultural experience.
To access the best routes and most unique hotels in this expansive region, we've incorporated multiple shuttles into your itinerary.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
This fantastically immersive retreat features cozy cabins with glass roofs and windows letting in exquisite vistas of your pristine surroundings.
Night 3
Premiere Hotel
Whether or not the northern lights come out to play, Levin Iglut's private glass domes are the perfect place to witness uninterrupted views anytime of day or night.
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
Experience the warmth and atmosphere of an unforgettable glass tree house suite, with panoramic views of magnificent forest and the vast arctic skies.
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.