9-Day Northern Lights Backpacking Trip: Stockholm to Lapland

Have your breakfast at the hostel and get ready to explore the beautiful city of Stockholm.

Begin the day with a city tour that takes you past some of the major landmarks of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, known for its beautiful waterfront views, historic buildings, and charming streets.

Get a chance to see famous attractions such as Stockholm City Hall, the Royal Palace area, scenic viewpoints, and several important streets and squares across the city.

Next, visit the Nordic Museum where you can learn about Nordic history, culture, and traditions through interesting exhibits and displays.

Later, head to Gamla Stan, the historic Old Town of Stockholm, known for its colourful buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and lively squares.

Walk through beautiful streets and discover famous spots such as Stortorget Square, the Royal Palace area, and historic alleys filled with local boutiques and restaurants.

After completing the sightseeing, return to the hostel and relax.

Overnight stay in Stockholm.

Have your breakfast at the hostel and get ready for the next part of your journey.

You can spend some free time exploring Stockholm on your own, visiting nearby cafés, or taking a short walk around the city before departure.

Later, head to the cruise terminal to board your overnight cruise to Helsinki, the capital of Finland. This scenic journey across the Baltic Sea is one of the highlights of the trip.

After boarding the cruise, check in to your cabin and take some time to explore the ship.

The cruise offers restaurants, cafés, viewing decks, and entertainment areas where you can relax and enjoy the sea views.

You can also step out on the deck to watch the beautiful sunset over the Baltic Sea and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere during the journey.

Spend the evening relaxing on board as the cruise sails overnight towards Finland.

Overnight stay on the cruise

Wake up on the cruise and enjoy breakfast on board as the ship arrives in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland.

After disembarking at the port, begin your guided city tour to explore the highlights of Helsinki. The city is known for its seaside location, beautiful architecture, and relaxed Nordic atmosphere.

During the tour, visit the famous Senate Square, one of the most important landmarks in Helsinki, surrounded by historic buildings including the Government Palace and the impressive Helsinki Cathedral.

Continue to Market Square near the harbour, a lively area where local vendors sell Finnish food, handicrafts, and souvenirs while offering beautiful views of the waterfront.

You will also visit the unique Rock Church (Temppeliaukio Church), a remarkable church carved directly into solid rock and covered with a glass dome that fills the space with natural light.

Later, pass through Esplanadi Park, a popular green space in the city centre known for its cafés, boutiques, and relaxed atmosphere.

You can also explore nearby streets or enjoy the calm waterfront areas of Helsinki in the evening.

After completing the sightseeing, check into your hostel and relax.

Overnight stay in Helsinki.

Have your breakfast and get ready for an exciting journey to the Arctic region of Finland.

In the morning, head to Helsinki Central Station to board your train to Rovaniemi, which usually departs around 8:30 AM.

Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey as the train travels through Finland’s forests, lakes, and peaceful countryside.

Along the way, the train passes through several small towns and beautiful landscapes, giving you a glimpse of Finland’s natural beauty.

After arriving in Rovaniemi, head to your accommodation and complete the check-in formalities. Rovaniemi is located near the Arctic Circle and is known as Santa Claus's official hometown.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the town at your own pace.

You can walk around the town centre, visit local cafés, or simply enjoy the peaceful Arctic surroundings.

Overnight stay in Rovaniemi.

Have your breakfast at the hostel and get ready for an exciting day in the Arctic region of Finnish Lapland.

Begin the day with a visit to the famous Santa Claus Village, located near the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus and one of the most popular attractions in Lapland.

Here you can meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle line, explore the festive village, and visit small shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Later, enjoy a thrilling husky sledge ride through the snowy landscapes of Lapland. Experience the excitement as a team of energetic huskies pulls the sledge across beautiful Arctic trails surrounded by forests and winter scenery.

In the evening, get ready for one of the most magical experiences of the trip - the Northern Lights hunting tour. Travel outside the city with experienced guides to locations with minimal light pollution for the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis.

If the weather conditions are clear, you may witness the stunning green lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

After the tour, return to the hostel and relax.

Overnight stay in Rovaniemi.

Today is kept flexible so you can enjoy Lapland at your own pace.

Have your breakfast at the hostel and enjoy a relaxed morning in the beautiful Arctic region of Lapland.

You may choose exciting experiences such as a snowmobile safari through snowy forests, a traditional reindeer sleigh ride, or snowshoeing across the Arctic landscapes.

You can also visit the Arktikum Science Museum, which showcases Arctic nature, culture, and the history of life in the northern regions.

Another interesting option is a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park, located about an hour from Rovaniemi, where you can see Arctic animals such as polar bears, lynx, wolves, and reindeer.

If you prefer a slower day, you can walk around the town centre, explore local souvenir shops, or relax at a cosy café while enjoying the peaceful winter atmosphere of Lapland.

After a relaxing day, return to the hostel and unwind.

Overnight stay in Rovaniemi.

Have your breakfast at the hostel and get ready to travel back to Helsinki.

Head to the railway station and board your train from Rovaniemi to Helsinki.

Sit back and relax as the train travels through Finland’s peaceful countryside filled with forests, lakes, and small towns.

After arriving in Helsinki, make your way to the hostel and complete the check-in formalities. Take some time to rest after the long journey.

In the evening, you can take a walk around the lively Market Square near the harbour, where you can enjoy views of the Baltic Sea and see local stalls selling Finnish snacks and souvenirs.

After enjoying the evening in the city, return to the hostel and relax.

Overnight stay in Helsinki.

Wake up in the morning and have your breakfast at the hostel.

Get ready and check out of the hostel as you prepare for your journey back home.

Make your way to Helsinki Airport to board your flight home to India.

Your unforgettable Northern Lights trip concludes as you depart with amazing memories from the Arctic region of Finland.

Head back home with a camera full of photos of snowy landscapes, magical Aurora Borealis, husky rides, and the charming Santa Claus Village in Lapland.