There aren’t many hidden gems left in Europe, but the stunning Nordic reaches of Finland and the Baltic gem of Tallinn are still often left off people’s bucket lists. After spending a wonderful week enjoying the festive winter atmosphere, we hope you won’t make the mistake of missing these destinations.

Here’s how we planned our 7-day trip through Finland and Tallinn, Estonia with some insights into how much everything cost.

Day 1 - Touchdown in Finland

Our first day was all traveling and left us exhausted! We started our trip by first flying into Helsinki (HEL) and then headed up to the furthest northern part of Finland, called Lapland.

We landed at Airport Ivalo (IVL) before grabbing a quick bite and a much-needed night of sleep.

Days 2-4 - Marvel at the Northern Lights in Lapland

The mystical Northern Lights are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that rewards those who travel to the cold, dark northern regions of the world during winter. Lapland is the best area in Finland to see the northern lights.

The easiest way to reach this remote area is with a private transfer from Ivalo to Nellim. This cost 110euros/ each way.

We stayed three magical nights at the stunning Wilderness Hotel Nellim, in an Aurora Bubble ($375/night).

Exciting Winter Activities in Lapland

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for options in Lapland. Here are some of the activities we recommend, along with their prices.

Husky Safari - 190€ /person - Travel with the cutest companions, these snow-loving Huskies who can’t wait to explore the outdoors with you.

Reindeer Day 210€ /person - Don’t miss this action-packed opportunity to visit a reindeer farm and stop by the tranquil Lake Inari where you can see the Russian border. Enjoy lunch by the warm river-side campfire before jetting off on an exhilarating snowmobile excursion.
Aurora Camp 120 €/person - Put on something warm and escape the lights of the city on a night-time snowmobile ride to chase the best views of the Aurora Borealis. Cuddle up by the crackling campfire to end your night.

Day 4- Head back to Helsinki

We went back to spend one night in the capital city of Helsinki. One cozy night at the boutique U14 hotel was $200 and came with access to their relaxing sauna.

Helsinki has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in Europe. However, it is a wonderfully friendly city with a lot to offer. Plan your budget carefully and you will be glad you made the trip.

The city really lights up for Christmas, and we walked through the festive outdoor markets. Grabbing a hot drink while pursuing the handmade crafts and artisan sweets really puts you in that special holiday feeling.

Food is always a huge part of traveling for us, so we decided to do it right by joining an informative culinary historical tour with @helsinki_tours at 60€ a person.

We winded the night down with an outstanding Chef’s menu at Shelter, where modern Finnish food is served with care (4 courses 65€ a person).

Day 5 - Take the ferry from West Harbor Terminal to Tallinn, Estonia

The next step in our trip was arriving in the vibrant city of Tallinn! It’s a busy port city so it’s easy to travel there via ferry from Helsinki. Three ferry companies operate this route and the 2.15-hour trip typically costs about 21-30€ one way. You can book ferries here.

The ferry itself is comfortable and decked out with plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

Days 6 -7 Explore the city of TalliNn

We stayed two nights at a lovely Airbnb in Tallinn and loved every second of it. We always knew we had to make our way in December since the Tallinn Christmas market is frequently voted one of the very best in all of Europe!

The colorful buildings of Tallinn’s UNESCO-protected old city are lit up with fairy lights and an enormous Fir tree is the Christmas showstopper. Walk down the cobblestone streets while you nibble on gingerbread cookies and some steaming hot sauerkraut and sausages.

Tallinn is a world-renowned gastronomic destination, brimming with amazing restaurants and places to sip on a hand-crafted cocktail.

Our Favorite Restaurants in Tallinn

RADO - Michelin rated modern European restaurant with a daily-changing menu
Restaurant F-Hoone - don’t forget to book a reservation, you’ll need one!
Restaurant Rataskaevu 16 - really cozy place that serves local cuisine
Restaurant Moon - Traditional Slavic food served in a chic and friendly place

Be sure to make reservations ahead of time, most places were booked out for the day.

TallinN’s Eccentric Bar Scene

The people of Tallinn love going out and they know good beer. If you want to stay out and have some fun, don’t skip the nightlife!

Pohjala Brewery and Taproom
Sessel Speakeasy
Whisper Sister
Sigmund Freud Bar

Tallinn’s Must-Visit Sites

Balti Jaama Turg Market - This renovated 3-story market houses hundreds of stands selling anything you can imagine, from fresh produce, food, meat, home goods, shoes, toys, and more.
IgluPark Sauna (starts from 75€ per hour) - We decided to treat ourselves this winter by visiting these igloo-shaped wooden saunas. Sweat out some of your holiday excess while enjoying sea views and peace and quiet. Campfires and refreshments are available, making it great to experience with friends and partners.

Seven Winter Days Spent Well

We are so happy we decided to embrace the cold in two places where they have a lot of experience keeping warm. There’s nothing like the cozy Nordic and Baltic areas of Europe during the holiday season.

Happy holidays and stay warm!

Winter Wonderland - Enjoying 7 days in Finland and Tallinn, Estonia