The northern lights, sauna culture, and endless forests. Europe's last true wilderness.
Main Attractions
Gallery
Weather
- Summer: 15-25°C, midnight sun
- Winter: -20 to -5°C, polar night
- Best time: December - March or June - August
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Prague/Pilsen → Berlin
Start of the trip through Germany
Day 2
Berlin → Rostock → ferry
Ferry to Sweden (6h overnight crossing)
Day 3
Trelleborg → Stockholm
Sweden's capital
Day 4
Stockholm → ferry → Turku
Overnight ferry to Finland
Day 5
Turku → Helsinki
The design capital, Suomenlinna
Day 6
Helsinki → Tampere → Oulu
Lakes and forests, heading north
Day 7
Oulu → Rovaniemi
The Arctic Circle, Santa Claus Village
Day 8
Rovaniemi → Levi
A ski resort in the wilderness
Day 9
Levi → Inari
Sámi culture, Lake Inari
Day 10
Inari → Saariselkä
Urho Kekkonen National Park
Day 11
Saariselkä - the northern lights
Night viewing, a husky safari
Day 12
Saariselkä → Oulu
The drive back south
Day 13
Oulu → ferry to Stockholm
Via Turku to the overnight ferry
Day 14
Stockholm → Prague/Pilsen
Home via Denmark and Germany (can be split over 2 days)
Recommended Vehicles
Ready to hit the road?
Book your vehicle and set off on this unforgettable journey.
Book a vehicle for this tripTrip Tips
- You'll need special gear in winter
- Try an authentic Finnish sauna
- The northern lights are best seen September-March
- The lakes are clean - you can drink straight from them
Events & Festivals
Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit (December)
More information
Midnight Sun Film Festival (June)
More information
Flow Festival Helsinki (August)
More information* Images from official websites
TOP: The Northern Lights
The aurora borealis over frozen lakes - one of the world's most astonishing natural phenomena