Tailor Made Rail
Stockholm, Helsinki & the Northern Lights by Rail
12 daysfrom $3,204
Tailor Made Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
Finnish Explorer
Combine the welcoming southern cities of Helsinki and Turku with the wilderness in the capital of Finnish Lapland and home of Santa, Rovaniemi.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Osnabrück (Best Western Hotel Hohenzollern or similar)
London to Osnabrück
Leave London today aboard a Eurostar service bound for Paris. On arrival in the French capital, it's an easy walk or metro journey to the Gare de l'Est for your onward journey by high-speed train to Cologne. From here, take a German service to Osnabrück for your overnight stop. Osnabrück has a significant place in German history as it was where the 1648 Peace of Westphalia was negotiated, bringing the 30 Years' War to an end. The town hall where the agreement was signed sits on the pretty market square at the centre of the Old Town.
- Day 2overnight: Copenhagen (Hotel Absalon or similar)
Osnabrück to Copenhagen
Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and return to the station for your onward journey north to Hamburg and then on to Copenhagen. You'll arrive in the early evening. Take the opportunity for an evening meal in one of Europe's gastronomic capitals, from hot dog stands to a choice of 15 restaurants with Michelin stars.
- Day 3overnight: Stockholm (Nordic Light Hotel or similar)
Copenhagen to Stockholm
After a leisurely start today, it's time to return to the station and catch another high-speed service across the Oresund Bridge and into Sweden. Your destination today is Stockholm, the regal capital of Sweden which sits on an archipelago of 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea.
- Day 4overnight: Turku (Scandic Julia or similar)
Stockholm to Turku
It's time to see more of that lovely archipelago this morning as you catch an early morning ferry from Stockholm's port bound for Finland. Enjoy lovely vistas as you sail past the Alund Islands and into Turku's own archipelago of over 20,000 islands. Arrive mid-evening into Turku for a 2-night stay.
- Day 5overnight: Turku (Scandic Julia or similar)
Turku
Turku is Finland's oldest city and former capital, located on the southwest coast of the country, at the mouth of the Aura River. The River Aura is the heart of Turku, with the medieval cobblestone streets of the centre branching off its banks. There are old sailing ships moored here, and you can take cruises out into the archipelago or to nearby Naantali.
- Day 6railovernight: Overnight sleeper train to Rovaniemi
Turku and night train to Rovaniemi
Spend another day in Turku. Attractions include Turku Castle, the Forum Marinum maritime centre and its museum ship fleet, as well as the Pharmacy Museum and Qwensel House. After dinner in the evening, it's time to make your way back to the station for an overnight sleeper service bound for Finnish Lapland.
- Day 7overnight: Rovaniemi (Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or similar)
Lapland
Arrive in Rovaniemi for a 3-night stay. Rovaniemi is capital of Lapland and the gateway to explore this stunning sub-Arctic region. It's also believed to be the home of Father Christmas, who you can meet in the Santa Village. Optional add-ons include a reindeer farm visit or a Lapland safari by snowmobile or husky.
- Day 8overnight: Rovaniemi (Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or similar)
Lapland
Arrive in Rovaniemi for a 3-night stay. Rovaniemi is capital of Lapland and the gateway to explore this stunning sub-Arctic region. It's also believed to be the home of Father Christmas, who you can meet in the Santa Village. Optional add-ons include a reindeer farm visit or a Lapland safari by snowmobile or husky.
- Day 9overnight: Rovaniemi (Santa's Hotel Santa Claus or similar)
Lapland
Arrive in Rovaniemi for a 3-night stay. Rovaniemi is capital of Lapland and the gateway to explore this stunning sub-Arctic region. It's also believed to be the home of Father Christmas, who you can meet in the Santa Village. Optional add-ons include a reindeer farm visit or a Lapland safari by snowmobile or husky.
- Day 10overnight: Oulu (Radisson Blu Oulu or similar)
Rovaniemi to Oulu
Spend another morning exploring Rovaniemi. The famous midnight sun is seen between early June and early July when the sun doesn't set at all; until mid-August the night sky remains luminous. In the afternoon, leave Rovaniemi for the journey back down to Helsinki, stopping off for the night in Oulu, one of the largest and most important cities in Northern Finland.
- Day 11railovernight: Helsinki (Solo Sokos Torni Hotel or similar)
Oulu to Helsinki
Leave Oulu and take the train for a 6 hour journey to Helsinki for a 3-night stay. With a history dating back to the mid-16th century, Helsinki has a stunning setting on the Gulf of Finland and has regularly been voted one of the world's most liveable cities.
- Day 12overnight: Helsinki (Solo Sokos Torni Hotel or similar)
Helsinki
Enjoy a full day to explore Helsinki. Recommended attractions include the 19th century landmark cathedral, Market Square with its colourful stalls, the National Museum of Finland, and the imposing Suomenlinna Sea Fortress out in Helsinki's archipelago. If you grow weary of sightseeing, head for the leafy Esplanade Park or the distinctive Chapel of Silence.
- Day 13overnight: Helsinki (Solo Sokos Torni Hotel or similar)
Helsinki
Enjoy a full day to explore Helsinki. Recommended attractions include the 19th century landmark cathedral, Market Square with its colourful stalls, the National Museum of Finland, and the imposing Suomenlinna Sea Fortress out in Helsinki's archipelago. If you grow weary of sightseeing, head for the leafy Esplanade Park or the distinctive Chapel of Silence.
- Day 14rail
Depart Helsinki
This morning, it's time to check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your return flight to the UK (not included). Alternatively, return travel by rail and ferry can be arranged.
Included
- Standard class rail travel including seat reservations
- 12 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Private compartment on the sleeper Turku to Rovaniemi
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
Not included
- Return flight to the UK
