Travel to Lapland by Train – The Santa Claus Express
Take your chance and WIN a magical summer or autumn journey to Rovaniemi, Lapland sustainably aboard The Santa Claus Express by VR!
Santa Claus Express – Iconic Train Connection from Helsinki and Turku to Rovaniemi
Travel to Lapland by Train is a memorable experience by itself. This year-round VR train takes you sustainably to Rovaniemi – The Official Hometown of Santa Claus®. Travel in comfort aboard the double-decker night train, affectionately known as Santa Claus Express. Multiple daily departures allow you to choose the best time for your trip. Whether you prefer a cozy sleeper cabin or a seat with a view, the train accommodates your needs.
Win a Santa Claus Express Holiday 2025!
4 Prize Packages – Two Nights, Two Happy People on each 😊
Get ready to experience the Best of Rovaniemi Lapland in Summer or Autumn. You get to choose the season and the options you like the most, according the prize categories awarded to you. All Prize Packages include train tickets, accommodation, activities, sights and attractions, restaurant experiences and car rental. Please, fill out the contest form and start dreaming of your summer in Rovaniemi. Santa Claus and Santa Claus Express are waiting for you.
Check out almost the endless prize options from below!
Accommodation Options – You Choose One!
Santa Claus Express Holiday 2025 – Contest Prizes
Santa Claus Holiday Village
From a classic rooms to families suites build in Lapish cottage style for sure you can find room which will suites your needs.
Glass Resort
Luxury accommodation in Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Glass Resort offers a glass igloo type accommodation with more space and luxury feel with private outdoor Hot Spa and Sauna.
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Rovaniemi
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, located in the center of Rovaniemi, Lapland, is a high-class, international hotel featuring Lappish hospitality.
Ranua Resort – Holiday Villas
Make the most of the Wildlife Park and the services of Ranua and book your accommodation at the Holiday Village. Well equipped villas are located in the immediate vicinity of the Wildlife Park and its services.
Arctic Light Hotel
The Arctic Light Hotel is a multi-award winning, family-owned boutique hotel situated in the heart of Lapland-Rovaniemi.
Postmaster Hotel
With 49 thoughtfully designed rooms, each exuding comfort and warmth, our hotel offers a cozy retreat in the heart of Lapland.
Ruka Safaris
From the smallest traditional barn accommodation for two to a log cabin for up to 34 people.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
The Arctic TreeHouse hotel provides a unique blend of luxury comfort in the heart of Arctic nature, local Lappish traditions and modern Scandinavian design.
Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara
On top of the hill Ounasvaara, Rovaniemi, in the middle of Lappish nature you’ll find Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara, an ideal hotel for a leisure or business traveler.
Ranua Resort – Arctic Igloos
Arctic Igloos are located on the peaceful shores of the lake Ranuanjärvi, far from city light pollution.
Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus
Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus is a high-quality hotel and it’s located in the center of Rovaniemi at the Lordi’s Square and along the promenade.
Arctic City Hotel
Arctic City Hotel is a modern, family-owned hotel set in the very centre of the town of Rovaniemi. The warm and personal service as well as delicious cuisine create a cozy base for business and pleasure.
Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets
In Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets, quality accommodation and the traditional Lappish menus of restaurant Thulia will guarantee you an enjoyable stay only 3 km from the center of Rovaniemi.
Apukka Resort Rovaniemi – Glass Igloo Hotel
Apukka Resort is a wilderness holiday village in the embrace of two lakes, only a 10-minute drive from Santa Claus Village and Rovaniemi International Airport, yet the middle of unspoiled nature.
Hostel Café Koti
Hostel Café Koti is located in the heart of Rovaniemi. The building was originally a bank and the old feeling is kept in renovation but spiced it up with modern and cosy touch.
Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle
Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, 71 luxurious, spacious glass igloos, reception and Restaurant Arctic Eye are located at the Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi.
Silver Birch Resort
Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of nature, our exclusive, lake-view cabins offer the perfect sanctuary for a 3- or 4-night Arctic retreat within 5 hectares of pristine wilderness.
Restaurant Options – You Choose Two!
Santa Claus Express Holiday 2025 – Contest Prizes
Apukka Resort: Restaurant Aitta in Rovaniemi Lapland
Restaurant Aitta serves Nordic cuisine with modern twist and uses locally produced ingredients.
Arctic Restaurant
Arctic Restaurant’s menu serves tastes from northern forests and fells as well as fish and seafood from lakes of Lapland and from Arctic Ocean.
Café Koti
Café Koti is the coziest cafe in Rovaniemi. The modern café is full of light and warmth, even during the darkest months of the year. Find out more here!
Christmas House Restaurant and Coffee Bar
Christmas House Restaurant & Coffee Bar is a popular luncheon restaurant and a pleasant cafeteria and evening venue for the whole family.
Korundi Kitchen & Café
Korundi Kitchen & Café is a fresh lunch restaurant, an atmospheric art café and an enchanting meeting spot in a refurbished historical post bus depot in central Rovaniemi.
KesäRafla Summer Restaurant & Sauna
Restaurant Kesärafla Sauna is The Summer Restaurant in Rovaniemi. In addition to tasty foods from charcoal grill and refreshing drinks, you can bathe in the traditional Finnish sauna and take a dip in the river to cool off.
Amarillo Rovaniemi
Eating together and a good atmosphere are close to Amarillo’s heart, as many of the dishes on the menu are meant for sharing.
Arktikum Café
Taste and feel the north in Arktikum Café. You’ll get to savour the colourful northern harvest in our lunch buffet and soak in arctic design on your coffee break.
Rosso Rovaniemi
Rosso is a well-known Italian classic, which has offered relaxing moments to Finns for five decades.
Frans&Chérie Rovaniemi
This happy French bistro welcomes you to the pulsating heart of Rovaniemi, the restaurant at the base of Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi.
Three Elves Restaurant
Three Elves Restaurant offers Lappish cuisine every day of the year. It is situated right at the Arctic Circle, in Santa Claus Village.
Restaurant Monte Rosa
Come and try out the fine local flavors spiced up with an international touch in Monte Rosa restaurant in Rovaniemi, Lapland.
Bull Bar & Grill
Bull Bar & Grill is an American style restaurant in the building of Arctic City Hotel and it offers amazing food in a great atmosphere.
Restaurant Valdemari
The local Restaurant Valdemari in Rovaniemi, Lapland is home to an easy going mood all year around.
Carbon Neutral Car During Your Stay 💚
Santa Claus Express Holiday 2025 – Contest Prizes
24Rent – 24/7 Car Rental
24Rent is Finland’s leading car-sharing service, revolutionizing car rental by offering an easy, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to traditional car ownership.
Sights & Attractions
Winner gets all these!
Santa Claus Express Holiday 2025 – Contest Prizes
Santa’s Pets Visit
Meet domestic animals next to the Santa Claus Office. Tickets are valid all day!
Santa Claus’ Main Post Office
Santa Claus’ Main Post Office is the only official post office of Santa Claus. Here you can feel the Christmas spirit every day of the year and be served by the merry post office elves in several languages!
Arktikum Science Centre and Museum
Arktikum entrance ticket gives an access to Arktikum museum and science centre during opening hours.
Santa Claus Office
Santa Claus Office is the official place to meet Santa in Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle.
Korundi House of Culture in Rovaniemi
Korundi entrance ticket gives an access to the art exhibitions during opening hours.
Science Centre Pilke
Science Centre Pilke tells stories about the northern forests and the many connections we have with them.
In Rovaniemi, summer invites families to paddle on shimmering rivers, hike sunlit trails, and meet reindeer under the Midnight Sun. As autumn arrives, nature turns golden, perfect for berry picking, cozy campfires, and watching the northern lights dance across the evening sky—every season an adventure to share together.”
Activity Options – You Choose Two!
Santa Claus Express Holiday 2025 – Contest Prizes
Live the Life of a Reindeer Herder – Half-Day in the Arctic
Reindeer herder’s life awaits – Step away from your daily routine and experience the raw, authentic world of Arctic reindeer herding in Lapland, Finland.
VÄKI – Forgotten and Mystical Power of the Nature
Welcome to this inclusive, private and guided experience. With our local guide you will feel and sense the power of the nature – Väki.
Guided tour in Arctic Circle Trekking area
Discover the beauty of the Arctic wilderness on a peaceful, family-friendly guided walk. This 2–3 km journey follows the scenic Könkäsaari Nature Trail in Vaattunki.
Riding Tour with Finnhorses at Santa Claus Village
Fun with Finnhorses
Riverboat Cruise to a Reindeer Farm and the Local Heritage Museum, Rovaniemi
A joyful day including a riverboat cruise to a local reindeer farm and a visit to the local heritage museum
Midnight sun riding to the hill 2h
Experience an unforgettable adventure in the endless night of Lapland in Rovaniemi! The midnight sun horseback riding excursion offers stunning moments on horseback when the sun doesn’t dip below the horizon.
Asking for Ahti’s Summer Treats
A unique fishing experience in Lapland’s beautiful river scenery in Rovaniemi.
Lakeside Sauna & Arctic Bath
Bask in the soothing warmth of our Lakeside Sauna and enjoy authentic Finnish relaxation. No matter the season, a refreshing plunge into Lake Olkka always offers an invigorating thrill!
VÄKI – Nature Yoga & Mindfulness
Welcome to this inclusive, private and guided experience. With our local guide you will feel and sense the power of the nature – Väki.
Visiting package and a thrilling ride (1 km)
Come and see the life in Husky Park! Meet the huskies and enjoy a ride.
Ruka Safaris
We offer activities all year round, from snowmobiling to sauna yoga. We also organise private activities, which we adapt to the groups’ wishes.
Horse ride to the hill
Explore Lapland’s Beauty. Prepare, ride, and feel. Also for beginners.
Thrilling Quad Bike Adventure (Small-Group)
A unique and intimate small group quad bike adventure in Lapland’s beautiful forest scenery in Rovaniemi.
Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience
Relax in our private, wood-heated lakeside sauna in Kuoksa Wilderness Park. Enjoy Finnish sauna traditions with birch whisks, refreshing lake dips, and water activities.
Wilderness Survival Tour – Summer & Autumn
Experience the wild Taiga forest and what the Lapland wilderness has the best to offer. On this tour, you will feel the peace of Arctic nature, hike through the forests, and learn about your surroundings and some basic survival skills.
Midnight Sun Delight
Come and experience the delightful beauty of the Midnight Sun in a relaxing evening tour! Your guide will drive you to the best spots to enjoy this natural occurrence!
Hiking with Huskies
Let’s go on adventure with Huskies!
Wild Berry Hunt
Step into our private forests and experience the peaceful beauty of nature while foraging for seasonal berries like blueberries, lingonberries, or cloudberries.
Lapland Fishing Day Experience (Rovaniemi, Finland)
Lapland Fishing Day Experience (Rovaniemi, Finland)
E-Fatbike Tour from Rovaniemi
Enjoy a biking tour from Rovaniemi into the wild arctic forests! With your fatbike, you can ride without limits : the fat tires allow you to go on city roads, rocky terrains, sand and even snow! We offer different options for the guided tour and rental.
Santa Claus Summer Magic in Rovaniemi – a Fun and Unforgettable Encounter with Reindeer in Summer and Autumn
Santa Claus Summer Magic in Rovaniemi awaits — Meet arctic reindeer up close and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Lapland, no booking needed!
Ounasvaara summer sled track
Ounasvaara Summer Sled Track is an exciting way to descend the huge hill landscape. The scenery lift also takes you down, if you just want to enjoy the fantastic views.
Ranua Resort – Wildlife Park
Ranua Wildlife Park offers tourists and nearby inhabitants the opportunity to observe arctic animals throughout the year, in an as authentic environment for the animals as possible.
Hiking Trip to Korouoma Canyon and Auttiköngäs Waterfalls
Explore the Arctic wilderness! Your guide will lead you on a hike to Korouoma Canyon and Auttiköngäs Waterfalls. Snack & fire included.
Your Northern Adventure Starts Already on Board!
Modern Comforts Aboard
Aboard VR, enjoy delicious meals from the restaurant car menu, relax by your cabin window watching the summery scenery pass, and wake up refreshed in the morning with breakfast served right to your cabin. The Santa Claus Express is equipped with all the amenities to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Stay connected with Wi-Fi, charge your devices with cabin power sockets, and if you like, select a private cabin with your own shower and toilet.
Here’s How to Win your Dream Holiday in Rovaniemi
Sign up for our newsletter and get the chance to win an unforgettable summer or autumn holiday in Rovaniemi. And the best part? You get to choose your favorites from this page! 2 nights of adventure, including train tickets in Finland, accommodation, activities, and food experiences for 2 persons. The winners will be drawn on June 30th and July 30th, 2025. Don’t miss out—subscribe today! Check out Prize Draw Terms and Conditions.
Win a Santa Claus Express Holiday 2025!
Travel to Lapland by Train – Journey Through Finland
Step aboard the Santa Claus Express and let your northern holiday begin the moment the train departs. As the train glides from the lively cities of southern Finland toward the peaceful wilderness of Lapland, you’ll witness a breathtaking cross-section of the country—from summer’s deep green forests and shimmering lakes to the warm golden tones of early autumn.
Towards The Midnight Sun
In summer, the sun barely sets—the magical Midnight Sun bathes the landscape in a soft, glowing light even through the night, turning your journey into a dreamlike experience. This is more than just travel—it’s an unforgettable part of your Arctic adventure. Settle into your cozy cabin, enjoy locally inspired dishes in the dining car, and watch Finland’s endless nature unfold outside your window. The Santa Claus Express is not just a way to reach Lapland—it’s where the adventure truly begins.