Full Day Lapland Tour, including Lunch and Dinner

Explore the Best of Lapland in One Day from Rovaniemi

This full-day Lapland tour from Rovaniemi offers an exciting mix of wildlife encounters, traditional Finnish wellness, and authentic Arctic cuisine. Priced at $687.78 per person, the tour spans approximately 8 to 9 hours, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to maximize their time in Northern Finland. With pickup included, small group sizes, and a highly positive rating of 5.0 out of 5, this tour stands out as a well-organized and immersive experience.

The itinerary combines visits to the Ranua Wildlife Park, a Finnish wood-burning sauna, and lakeside dining featuring smoked salmon. It also provides opportunities to stroll through the Lappish forest, shop for local souvenirs, and learn about the Finnish lifestyle from knowledgeable guides. This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy wildlife, cultural experiences, and cozy outdoor settings.

Key Points

• Visit the Northernmost zoo in the world, Ranua Wildlife Park, with included entrance tickets
• Enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna experience with lake swimming and cooling in icy waters
• Savor a buffet lunch and dinner over an open fire at a lakeside cottage
• Learn about Lapland and Finnish culture from expert guides
• Small group size (max 15 travelers) ensures a personal experience
• Pickup and return from centrally located hotels in Rovaniemi or Santa Claus Village

Ranua Wildlife Park: Arctic Animals in Their Natural Habitat

The tour begins with hotel pickup from Rovaniemi or Santa Claus Village, after which you head straight to Ranua Wildlife Park. Known as the Northernmost zoo in the world, this park houses around 50 northern animal species, including arctic foxes, minks, otters, geese, and polar bears — the only ones in Finland.

The entrance fee is included, so your focus is on enjoying the approximate one-hour visit. As you explore, you’ll walk about 3 km through the Lappish forest, observing animals in environments that mimic their natural surroundings. The guide shares insights about the animals and their habitat, making the visit both fun and educational.

Following the zoo tour, a delicious buffet lunch awaits at a cozy restaurant onsite. The timing allows you to relax and recharge before the next Arctic adventure. The zoo visit is not only about spotting animals but also about understanding their place in Lapland’s ecosystem.

Finnish Sauna and Arctic Lake Swimming Experience

After the zoo, the tour shifts gears to wellness and tradition with a Finnish wood-burning sauna. You’ll learn how to fire up the sauna and make the most of your time in this iconic Finnish ritual. The guides explain the health benefits, including improving blood circulation and detoxification.

Once the sauna reaches a comfortable temperature, you can cool off with a dip in the Arctic lake or an ice hole, an invigorating experience that many find both exhilarating and relaxing. Towels and slippers are provided, ensuring comfort during your time in the sauna. The entire process emphasizes health, safety, and moderation, following traditional practices.

This 2-hour sauna experience offers a genuine taste of Finnish culture, combining warmth and cold in a way that invigorates both body and mind. For those curious about local customs or seeking a moment of relaxation amid outdoor activities, this stop is a highlight.

Lakeside Dining Featuring Smoked Salmon

Part of the charm of this tour is the lakeside cottage, where you enjoy a dinner cooked over an open fire. The menu features smoked salmon, prepared by your hosts using traditional methods. The dinner offers a warm, hearty end to the day in a cozy outdoor setting, with stunning views of the surrounding nature.

Before dinner, you’ll have free time to shop for authentic Lapland gifts — a perfect chance to pick up handcrafted souvenirs or local products. The combination of outdoor dining and cultural shopping adds a personalized touch to the experience.

Guided Forest Walk and Wildlife Spotting

Between the zoo visit and sauna, the tour includes a stroll through the Lappish forest. This walk is about exploring the natural landscape, observing the flora and fauna, and gaining insight into Lapland’s wilderness. The guide shares stories and facts about the environment, enriching the outdoor experience.

The walk provides a chance to stretch your legs after the zoo visit and before the wellness activities, maintaining a good pace throughout the day. It also offers excellent opportunities for photography, with scenic views and the chance to see wildlife or sign of animals in the area.

Pickup, Drop-off, and Tour Logistics

The tour departs from Rovaniemi Tourist Information at Koskikatu 12 promptly at 9:00 am. The pickup service makes it convenient for guests staying in central locations or Santa Claus Village. The tour concludes back at the meeting point, allowing for easy onward travel or additional sightseeing.

The group size is limited to 15 travelers, which supports a more personal and engaging experience. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately for outdoor activities, including warm clothing, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes, is advised.

Value and Booking Considerations

Priced at $687.78 per person, this tour includes all major activities, entrance fees, meals, towels, slippers, and the sauna experience. The combination of wildlife, wellness, and cultural elements offers good value for travelers seeking a comprehensive Arctic day trip.

Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in case of weather changes or schedule adjustments. The small group size and highly rated service support a reliable and enjoyable experience.

The Sum Up: Authentic Arctic Adventure in a Single Day

This full-day Lapland tour from Rovaniemi presents a solid mix of wildlife, sauna tradition, and outdoor dining, all within a manageable schedule. The visit to Ranua Zoo showcases the incredible Arctic animals, while the Finnish sauna and lake swimming provide a authentic cultural touchstone. The lakeside dinner and forest walk round out a well-rounded Arctic outing.

Designed for active travelers who appreciate nature, animals, and cultural experiences, this tour offers a genuine taste of Lapland’s unique lifestyle. The highly positive reviews emphasize the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and smooth organization. While the price may be on the higher side, the inclusions and quality make it a worthwhile choice for those eager to explore Lapland comprehensively in just one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets to Ranua Wildlife Park, a buffet lunch, a 2-hour Finnish sauna experience with lake swimming, towels, slippers, and dinner featuring smoked salmon.

How long is the total tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point in Rovaniemi.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 10 years old are not accepted on this tour.

What should I wear?
It’s recommended to bring a bathing suit for lake swimming, and dress warmly for outdoor activities, including waterproof clothing and sturdy shoes.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, offering flexibility if plans change.

What makes this tour unique?
The combination of wildlife viewing, Finnish sauna, outdoor lakeside dining, and local cultural insights makes it a comprehensive Arctic experience in just one day.

Is the tour operated in all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing appropriately is important regardless of the forecast.

How many people typically participate?
The group is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a personal and attentive experience.

What are the main highlights?
The main highlights include seeing arctic animals at Ranua Zoo, experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna, enjoying lakeside smoked salmon dinner, and exploring Lapland’s wilderness on foot.

Is there free time for shopping?
Yes, there is designated free time to shop for authentic Lapland gifts after the zoo visit and before dinner.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour operates with a fixed itinerary, but the guided explanations and small group setting allow for a personalized experience within the program.