Where to spend your Christmas holidays? Get ready for a magical December and head to Santa Claus' country - Lapland. Who has ever dreamed of meeting Santa Claus? Lapland, in the far north, is a timeless destination that offers unforgettable landscapes that take your breath away all year round!
Start your journey in Estonia - visit the AHHAA Science Centre in Tartu. Then take the ferry to Helsinki, and visit the Museum of the Bells and other sites on the way to see Santa Claus.
Believe me, this trip will be memorable not only for the children but also for the parents!
1 Estonia - the start of your journey
Recommended number of days: 1
After starting our journey in Lithuania, we head to Estonia. Here we start our first adventures at the AHHAA Science Centre in Tartu. This is one of the most modern museums in the world. Just walking into these rooms takes your breath away and makes you think of films about the future. There are no tickets in the museum, they are simply not needed. You pay at the box office and an employee scans your fingerprints. You walk up to the entrance gate and scan your finger on a special machine - the door is open. Welcome to the World of Science! Here you can try out the mirror maze, the Munchausen Tower, descend into the depths of the earth in an adventure lift, and ride a bicycle on a rope suspended a few metres up. It's completely safe and gives you an idea of what circus acrobats feel.
We also recommend walking around Tartu's Old Town and Town Hall Square. If you have more time to spare, we recommend a visit to the Lennusadam Maritime Museum, which is located just outside Tallinn city centre.
This Tallinn museum is unique, unlike any other in the world. People from all corners of the world rush to visit it. It differs from the Lithuanian Maritime Museum in that the Estonians are not focused on flora and fauna, but want to introduce and interest people in the past of shipping, and to amaze people who have nothing to do with maritime technology. Lithuanians often refer to this maritime museum by other names, such as the Seaplane Harbour Museum or the Tallinn Ship Museum, so don't get confused when travelling. Anyone visiting this museum will have the opportunity to see as many as 200 interesting exhibits that will amaze even adults who have seen a lot, and even children will enjoy. There are ships and war artillery on display. The museum is unique in its interactivity: you can enter a submarine, board a Suur Toll ship, feel like you are at sea, and shoot guns at the targets on the screen.
Visit
AHHAA Science Centre
the most modern museum in the world
Old Town of Tartu
Streets of spectacular beauty
Maritime Museum
modern and innovative ship display
Accommodation
You can sleep anywhere - campers are allowed to stay in any place that complies with road traffic rules.
2 Ferry trip to Helsinki to Rovaniemi
Recommended number of days: 1-2
After visiting Estonia and a good night's sleep, we continue our journey by taking a ferry to Helsinki. In Helsinki, you can visit the Heureca Science Museum, the central part of the city, if possible.
Just outside the Finnish capital Helsinki, in the suburban Vantaa district of Tikkurila, one of the world's most exciting science museums has been around for 20 years, and is a must-see when you're visiting Finland with your little ones. Upon entering the Heureca building, one is struck by the modern, neat and comfortable interior. There is also a shop selling all kinds of science souvenirs and a café for the whole family. Unlike our museums, even on the hottest day you can warm up here, as everything is heated. There's also a planetarium under the same roof and a special effects cinema. But the main part of the exhibition is the various exhibits for experiments that you can simply try out for yourself. For example, try walking barefoot across a metal rope. Measure your body next to Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting. See how a thermal imager works. Play a match against friends in one of the many games on offer, or just play with the computer.
3 Santa Claus
Recommended number of days: 1-2
After visiting the Museum of Bells and other sights, we continue to Rovaniemi to see Santa Claus! Just outside Rovaniemi is one of the largest zoos where animals are kept in captivity. If you have the time, we definitely recommend a visit, you won't be disappointed.
When you arrive in Rovaniemi, take a look around the town and, of course, make plans to meet Santa Claus! Please note that there are two Santa Clauses in Lapland - one underground in the tunnel town and one 'on the ground'. In return for financial support, Santa also provides gifts 🙂 Make sure you spend at least half or even a full day on these visits.
The fun doesn't stop with meeting Santa. For Finnish children's winter fun, there's the Ice Castle, ice slides and ice tunnels. We also recommend you try the reindeer-drawn sleigh: as the reindeer slowly roll down the snow-covered paths, you can enjoy a Sami feast and listen to the Sami's cheerful stories about reindeer.
Visit
Santa Claus
the most welcome guest of your trip
City of Rovaniemi
Santa's Town
Accommodation and parking
Accommodation and parking are easy to find right in Santa's yard! We recommend staying at the Shell petrol station (where you'll see more than one campervan right away). The petrol station has free hot water.
Tips for travelling
We recommend that you refill your water at a Shell station throughout your journey, as there is always heated water available.
Make sure you take chains and extra gas canisters with you when you travel. At -25 degrees, one cylinder lasts about 2 nights. So take gas canisters according to the number of nights you plan to spend.
The roads are cleared and clean, so feel free to visit Santa Claus in your campervan!
