Winter Trip to Lapland with Children by Train
Winter in Finland can be a magical time, even more so if you have the chance to visit the far north of the country to explore the wonders of Finnish Lapland at this time of the year. If you are traveling with kids, there are some specific considerations you should make when planning your trip to Lapland.
Where to travel in Lapland?
If it’s your first time visiting Lapland, you probably want to include a visit to Santa Claus Village as part of your trip. That means at least stopping by Rovaniemi. For those looking to enjoy skiing and other winter sports, Levi is a popular destination with proper infrastructure for families. Other well-liked destinations in Lapland include Inari-Saariselkä, known for its idyllic views, and Kemi, where you can find the famous ice castle during the colder months.
How to get there?
From the capital region, there are three main ways to reach Lapland, each with its pros and cons:
- By plane: Flying is the fastest and most convenient option. However, it can be pricey, especially during peak seasons. If convenience matters most, book your flight to Rovaniemi, Kittilä, or another suitable location based on your travel plans.
- By car: A road trip with your kids can be unforgettable, for better or worse. Driving from the south to the north of Finland takes around 10 hours (e.g., from Helsinki to Rovaniemi). If you’re up for it, plan some stopovers to explore other beautiful areas of Finland.
- By train: Train travel is convenient but time-consuming. Unlike a car trip, you can book a cabin for your family, providing private sleeping space. Enjoy the freedom to walk around the train, take in beautiful scenery, and have a meal or two in the restaurant car. In this article, we’ll focus on this option for traveling to Lapland.
Night train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi with kids
Booking a train ticket from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is very easy through the VR website or app. Various options are available, with shorter routes taking less than 8 hours. However, if you opt for a sleeping cabin, the journey extends to around 12 hours. Departing from Helsinki Central Railway Station, the train makes several stops before reaching Rovaniemi in the morning. You can pre-order breakfast to be served in your cabin. The cabins feature bunk beds, with some having private toilets and others using shared bathrooms.
Visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
A must for children of all ages and adults alike, visiting Santa Claus Village can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s particularly magical during the winter months when the snowy scenery creates a whimsical atmosphere. There’s plenty to do in the village, so allocate enough time for your visit. Meeting Santa Claus is a must, and it’s free. However, keep in mind that you’re not allowed to take your own pictures. If you decide to queue to see Santa, be prepared to pay for your pictures.
A winter weekend in Levi
Getting from Rovaniemi to Levi can be easily done by bus or car. If renting a car, the trip takes around 2 hours. Levi is home to the largest ski resort in Finland. That’s why it is a popular destination in wintertime for both foreign and domestic tourists. The small town has a vibrant city center in Sirkka with shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars.
If the weather is too cold for staying outdoor long, there is a spa with different swimming pools that children can enjoy. In the ski center, there are slopes suitable for beginners and small children and parents can even use a private daycare if needed.
Levi’s winter wonder doesn’t stop there; families can bond over ice fishing, building snowmen, searching for the Northern Lights, going on husky safaris, renting snowmobiles, or feeding reindeer. For an authentic dining experience, restaurant Saamen Kammi is a great option.
Where to stay in Levi
There is a hotel in the ski center and the downtown of Sirkka also has different hotel options with varying price ranges, but if you prefer to rent a mökki (cottage) you can find many options in the surrounding areas and it is even possible to take the Ski Bus to transfer to the ski center when needed. Besides Airbnb, there are some local websites where you can find options for rent, such as Nettimökki, Lomarengas or Emökki.
Levi is a great place for winter sports enthusiasts but can also be an excellent destination for families with children. Explore this part of Finnish Lapland and enjoy the best that Finland has to offer in winter.
