Not your typical Lapland itinerary

A business trip through Finnish Lapland: What travellers can learn from visiting multiple regions

Travelling through Finnish Lapland looks very different depending on where you go, how long you stay, and who you travel with. This recent trip through Lapland was not a typical holiday itinerary – it was a business-focused journey combined with hosting a group tour, designed to explore multiple regions, experience different styles of accommodation and work directly with local Lapland businesses.

While most travellers wouldn’t move around this much on a single trip, the value of travelling this way is huge. It allows for a deeper understanding of which Lapland destinations suit which travellers, how distances and logistics really work in winter and what kind of experience you’ll get beyond the highlight reels.

If you’re planning a trip to Lapland from Australia, this behind-the-scenes itinerary offers insight into how varied Lapland truly is – and why choosing the right region matters just as much as choosing the right activities.

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Why this wasn’t a typical Lapland itinerary

This trip was designed to:

• Explore multiple Lapland regions, not just one base
• Experience both popular and off-the-beaten-track destinations
• Stay in a range of accommodation styles
• Work directly with activity providers and local businesses
• Host a guided group trip while continuing research travel

For travellers, the takeaway isn’t to copy this itinerary – it’s to understand what’s possible, what’s different between regions and how to plan a Lapland trip that actually suits your travel style.

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Lapland from Australia

Travel from Australia to Lapland

Getting there: Melbourne to Finland

I departed Melbourne on 31 December and arrived in Finland on 1 January, continuing north via the overnight train from Helsinki to Lapland – a popular, efficient option for travellers heading north.

This route is ideal for Australians wanting to:

• Avoid internal flights
• Experience Finland’s long-distance rail network
• Wake up already in Lapland
• Experience the iconic Santa Claus Express!
• Kill two-birds-with-one-stone and cover transport and accommodation for a night in one!

How to get to Lapland from Australia

Upon arrival in Rovaniemi, I collected the rental car from the train station (I booked through Car Rental Net as I found it to be significantly cheaper). Note, I paid for roadside assistance which I would highly recommend. I then stopped in at Lumia Wear to try on and pick up my rental clothes and snow boots before starting the journey to Saariselkä.

Saariselkä & Inari: A well-rounded Lapland base

2-8 January 2026 – Holiday Club Saariselkä

Saariselkä is one of Lapland’s most popular winter destinations, offering excellent infrastructure, a wide range of activities, and easy access to Inari – the cultural heart of Sámi Finland.

Note: I stayed at Holiday Club Saariselkä as time-share, however, you can also book via Booking.com and other booking sites. I stayed in a one bedroom cottage that had a queen bed and a mezzanine level with two single beds. I loved it and it was a fantastic location. They offer a range of room types and have a number of facilities within the Club.

Activities & Experiences

• Reindeer safari with Lapponia Tours
• Snowshoeing experience with Lapponia Tours
• Sauna World with Kuukkeli
• Visit to the Siida Museum in Inari
• Time spent meeting local businesses and observing peak-season operations

Why Saariselkä works for travellers

• Compact and easy to navigate
• Strong activity providers
• Great base for first-time Lapland visitors – everything is easily accessible within town centre and surrounded by wilderness
• Proximity to Siida Museum for cultural experience

Posio: Quiet, remote and nature-focused Lapland

9-11 January 2026 – Livo Arctic

From Saariselkä, I travelled south to Posio – a very different style of Lapland destination. This region is quieter, less commercialised and ideal for travellers seeking stillness, nature and space.

Why Posio appeals to certain travellers

• No crowds
• Immersive forest and lake landscapes
• Slower pace of travel
• Strong Northern Lights potential
• Peace and quiet
• Creative hub with Pentik and local museum

This contrast highlights why Lapland isn’t one-size-fits-all – and why choosing the right region is key.

Livo Arctic accommodation (discount within) and Posio

Rovaniemi: Lapland’s gateway city

11-13 January 2026 – Hotel Aakenus

I travelled to Rovaniemi stopping in at a riverside picnic spot for a lunch break.

Experiences Included

• Northern Lights tour with Rather Chilly
• Dinner at the Arctic SnowHotel
• Observing Rovaniemi during peak winter season

Rovaniemi is often the first place travellers consider when planning a Lapland trip – but it’s also the busiest. Seeing it alongside quieter regions provides valuable perspective. I also think it adds to a trip to Lapland! My recommendation is to experience Rovaniemi and another place in Lapland.

Kemijärvi: Small-town Lapland and group travel

13-19 January 2026 – Jauri Resort

This part of the trip focused on hosting a group tour in Kemijärvi – a lesser-known but incredibly rewarding region of Lapland. Read review here.

Activities Included

• Husky safari
• Northern night sky experience
• Reindeer safari
• Ice swimming
• Snowmobiling
• Day trip to Ranua Zoo and Santa Claus Village

Kemijärvi showcases what many travellers are looking for without realising it: fewer crowds, genuine connections and a more relaxed pace. It is also on the Santa Claus Express train line.

Small-Town Lapland: Why Kemijärvi Is a Hidden Gem

Kotatieva Resort: One-stop winter experiences

19-20 January 2026 – Kotatieva Resort

A final overnight stay at Kotatieva Resort allowed for independent assessment outside a group setting.

Why resorts like Kotatieva appeal to travellers

• Multiple winter activities in one location
• Elevated position for Northern Lights viewing
• Ideal for shorter stays or families
• Surrounded by Lappish wilderness
• Close proximity to Rovaniemi (good for travellers with limited time)

What travellers can learn from this trip

Travelling through multiple regions reinforced one key truth: The best Lapland trip is the one that matches your travel style.

Whether you’re:

• Travelling as a family
• Visiting for Northern Lights
• Looking for quiet, authentic experiences
• Or considering a guided group trip

…the region you choose matters just as much as the activities you book.

This type of research-driven travel ensures that every recommendation, itinerary and group tour I create is based on real experience – not assumptions.

If you need assistance or support in any way, learn more about how I can help you during a Lapland Travel Consultations.

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