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Travel/Study
The people of Lapland and a search for the northern lights

Finland

Discover an Arctic wonderland as you travel to the ideal vantage point to view the aurora borealis after spending two days exploring the charms of Helsinki.

Overview

Northern lights and winter splendors

Our nine-day journey begins with a visit to Finland’s stunning capital before we fly north, above the Arctic Circle. Meet native Sámi in Finnish Lapland and learn about how they have adapted to life at some of the northernmost points on earth since before the last ice age—herding reindeer, using sleds pulled by dogs, and handcrafting exquisite clothing and footwear. Our time in Lapland includes four nights in the capital, Rovaniemi, and two nights in Luosto, part of Pyhä-Luosto National Park.

And, of course, we’ll take advantage of multiple opportunities to witness one of nature’s most impressive displays: the aurora borealis, or northern lights, commonly seen after dark in the Arctic north.

Dates

March 22–30, 2025

Duration

9 days

Price

From $9,995

Trip size

32 participants

Minimum age

18 years
Reserve(opens new window)

Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Lynn Orr, '69

Energy Science and Engineering

Lynn has worked on energy research for his entire career in both academic and administrative positions, including a two-year assignment as Under Secretary for Science and Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Learn more about Lynn

“Lynn Orr is a superstar! His lectures were outstanding. His ability to speak to virtually any question was impressive. I had looked for a trip with Lynn as the faculty for some years, and he surpassed my expectations."

— Patricia Leicher, ‘70

Itinerary

The people of Lapland and a search for the northern lights

Begin in Finland's capital, Helsinki, before traveling north of the Arctic Circle to the remote yet vibrant city of Rovaniemi. Learn about the Sámi traditional ways and try activities such as a reindeer sledge ride and ice fishing. Travel to picturesque Luosto for two nights of prime viewing of the northern lights in this remote village.

  • Helsinki, Finland

    Arrive in Helsinki and enjoy an optional walking tour of the city or leisure time this afternoon.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Haven

  • Helsinki

    Gather with fellow travelers for a welcome orientation this morning. Depart for the a full day exploring the vast Finnish countryside, starting with a visit to Castle Malmgården. Enjoy a private estate tour led by the castle’s Earl followed by lunch and a beer tasting at the estate. After lunch head to the former home and studio of renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Haven

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Rovaniemi

    Board our flight this morning to Rovaniemi, a vibrant city above the Arctic Circle. Visit a farm where huskies are trained as Arctic sled dogs and learn to mush (drive) your own sled through the winter landscape. This afternoon check in to our accommodations at the Santa Claus Village, a prime location for viewing the aurora borealis. Enjoy dinner on site and keep an eye out for our first chance to see the Northern Lights.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Santa Claus

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

  • Rovaniemi

    This morning tour the Santa Claus Village then head to a reindeer farm where we meet local herders and learn about their traditional Sámi lifestyle. Dine at the farm for lunch then experience the traditional way of travel: a reindeer sledge ride through the beautiful Lappish nature. Try your luck ice fishing at a small wilderness lake and keep toasty warm with a campfire and hot beverages.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Santa Claus

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Rovaniemi

    After breakfast visit a local artisan couple’s home and workshop featuring pieces made from Lappish natural materials. Learn how the pair creates traditional crafts before heading to Arktikum, a museum and science center focused on Arctic culture, history, and modern life. Experience multimedia presentation about the northern lights then head to Korundi House of Culture for an art workshop. Enjoy a special dinner along the river featuring Lappish dishes before returning to our hotel.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Santa Claus

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Luosto

    This morning travel from Rovaniemi to Luosto, the picturesque village in the heart of Lapland and part of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Visit an amethyst mine deep in the mountains and hunt for gems millions of years old. Enjoy a guest lecture from an Aurora Borealis Institute researcher this afternoon followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

    Accommodations:

    Santa’s Hotel Aurora

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Luosto

    This morning head out on a snowmobile safari and take in the magnificent panoramas. Enjoy coffee and treats in a Kota, a traditional Sámi tent, by a campfire. This evening look for the northern lights with an expert guide.

    Accommodations:

    Santa’s Hotel Aurora

    Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

  • Rovaniemi

    Transfer back to Rovaniemi this morning. Try your hand (or feet!) snowshoeing and take in the vast landscape and natural beauty. Have a camp lunch surrounded by nature before returning back to our hotel. This evening head to a restaurant within the forest for our special farewell dinner, Lappish heritage feast.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Santa Claus

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Rovaniemi / Home

    Transfer to the airport for flights home.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

igloos aurora borealis

Activity level

The activity level of this program is moderately strenuous. The trip is busy with several activities that are physically demanding. Participants must be comfortable walking on snowy and possibly icy surfaces, and should be physically fit, active, and in good health. Distances covered on foot are all under one mile and will frequently be on snowy paths. Additionally, walking tours sometimes take place in older quarters and historic sites where the terrain is uneven. Some buildings do not have elevators and we occasionally encounter steps without handrails. This program has optional activities including dogsledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and riding in a reindeer sleigh.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours, and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Choose the room that’s right for you

For our two nights in Luosto, choose either the superior room or upgrade to the glass igloo. Please review the descriptions below to aid you in making your decision. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 650-725-1093.

Please note that Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers should add $450 per person to the prices below.

Superior room

Superior rooms feature a fireplace, large picture windows, and offer either two twin beds or one queen bed. Each room is approximately 270 sq. ft. 

  • Double: $9,995 per person

  • Single: $11,595 per person

Glass igloo

Glass igloos feature two twin beds and a glass-roof for ultimate northern lights viewing from the comfort of your room. Each room is approximately 250 sq. ft. Limited availability.

  • Double: $10,595 per person

  • Single: $12,695 per person

What’s included?

  • Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including an education resource list and travel information

  • Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

  • All meals, tours, and excursions as described in the itinerary

  • Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities

  • 8 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations

  • Internal flight: Helsinki to Rovaniemi

  • Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days

  • Minimal medical, accident, and evacuation coverage 

You are responsible for your personal travel expenses, including flights to and from the program.

Deposits, payments, and cancellations

A $2,500-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 150 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee, until 150 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and we resell your place(s), in which case a $2,500-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

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