SCANDINAVIA

Finland, Sweden, Norway

Winter in Finland and Sweden and summer in Norway. These are our experiences in Scandinavia.

Dreaming of a perfect winter getaway? Finland is easier to get to than you might imagine; Helsinki is a well-connected gateway with daily flights from major cities across Europe.

In 2024 we took our 5-year-old to Finland and spent Christmas in Rovaniemi (Santa’s hometown). This is one bucket list trip that we recommend for any snow-loving family.

In 2026, we returned to Scandinavia for a road trip around Norway’s fjords.

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1 Week in Finland: Winter Itinerary
Finland, Europe, Winter Travel, Scandinavia
1 Week in Finland: Winter Itinerary
Finland, Europe, Winter Travel, Scandinavia

A 1-week itinerary for exploring Finland at Christmas.

Start at the Christmas Markets in Helsinki and then end with reindeer, snowmobiling, and ice-floating in Lapland.

Finland, Europe, Winter Travel, Scandinavia
The 5 best family activities in Stockholm
Europe, Sweden, Winter Travel, Scandinavia
The 5 best family activities in Stockholm
Europe, Sweden, Winter Travel, Scandinavia

Stockholm is an incredibly family-friendly city with lots of engaging and fun museums for young children.

Learn about our stay in Stockholm and our 5-year-old’s favorite activities.

Europe, Sweden, Winter Travel, Scandinavia
How to travel to Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and Stockholm on points & miles
miles and points, Finland, Scandinavia
How to travel to Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and Stockholm on points & miles
miles and points, Finland, Scandinavia

Scandinavia is EXPENSIVE. Here’s how we were able to afford our Christmas holiday in Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and Stockholm.

miles and points, Finland, Scandinavia
Lapland Bucket List: 4 days in Rovaniemi
Finland, Europe, Winter Travel, Scandinavia
Lapland Bucket List: 4 days in Rovaniemi
Finland, Europe, Winter Travel, Scandinavia

How much does it really cost to visit Santa Claus Village? How does one visit Lapland on a budget? To be honest, I do not know! We attempted to visit Lapland on a budget, but it was challenging to complete our bucket list AND keep things affordable. Snowmobiling across a frozen lake, and being pulled around in a sled by reindeer is not cheap. We spent 4 days and nights in Rovaniemi, Finland in December of 2024. We stayed over Christmas, so that definitely increased our costs.

Finland, Europe, Winter Travel, Scandinavia
Helsinki at Christmas: Family-friendly activities
Europe, Finland, Winter Travel, Scandinavia
Helsinki at Christmas: Family-friendly activities
Europe, Finland, Winter Travel, Scandinavia

If you are looking for a beautiful winter getaway AND you want to visit a European Christmas market without the crowds, then look no further than Helsinki. We loved our two days and night in this capital city. Read on about about family friendly trip.

Europe, Finland, Winter Travel, Scandinavia