Vendor Spotlight: Backroads

Discovering with Backroads: An Active Travel Journey

When it comes to immersive, active travel experiences, Backroads stands out as a leader in the industry. Since 1979, Backroads has been crafting exceptional biking, hiking, and multi-adventure trips across the globe, offering travelers the opportunity to explore destinations at their own pace while staying active in the great outdoors. Their commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous trip design, elegant accommodations, world-class dining, and exceptional trip leaders.

Why Choose Backroads?

• Expertly Curated Itineraries: Backroads offers over 5,300 scheduled departures in 2025, including biking, hiking, and multi-adventure tours in more than 50 countries.

• Tailored Experiences: Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Backroads provides trips designed for various age groups and activity levels, ensuring a personalized adventure for everyone.

• Exceptional Trip Leaders: Backroads' Trip Leaders are consistently described by guests as the best guides they've ever had, thanks to their extensive training and dedication to creating unforgettable experiences.

• Seamless Travel: With Backroads, you can leave the logistics to the experts. From route planning to accommodations and dining, every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying your adventure.

Family Finland Adventure: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

Embarking on a journey through Finland with Backroads offers a unique blend of active exploration and cultural immersion. Here's a glimpse into this unforgettable trip:

Day 1: Arrival & Forest Hikes in Rovaniemi

Meet your Backroads leaders for the start of your adventure! Kick off the journey with a forest hike surrounded by moss, berries, and vibrant autumn foliage.

• Activities: Choose a Forest & Berry Hike (2 miles, 300’ elevation gain) or Kuninkaanlaavu Hike (3 miles, 400’ elevation gain).

• Cultural Experience: Enjoy a traditional Sámi musical performance.

• Accommodations: Northern Lights Ranch, with private cabins featuring large glass windows and a glass roof, perfect for viewing the surrounding forest and the night sky.

• Evening: Welcome reception followed by a dinner of Nordic-inspired dishes.

Day 2: Pallas Peaks & Fireside Feast

Head into Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, where hiking options range from moderate climbs to full-day treks. Along the way, explore alpine birch forests, mountain huts, and sweeping vistas of Finland’s oldest hiking trail.

• Hiking Options:

  • Montell’s Hut Hike: 5.5 miles, 800’ elevation

  • Nammalakuru Hut Hike: 7.5 miles, 1,200’ elevation

  • Vuontiskero Hike: 9 miles, 1,500’ elevation

• Experience: Trek along Vuontisjärvi Lake, through alpine birch forests, and historic huts. Enjoy the vibrant fall colors and remote beauty of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

• Evening: Return to Northern Lights Ranch for Finnish sauna or hot tub, followed by dinner at leisure.

Day 3: Pyhä Lake Pathways & Local Legends

Today’s hikes take you through boreal forests and across the colorful slopes of the Ylläs fells, breathing what the World Health Organization calls the cleanest air on Earth.

• Hiking Options:

  • Äkäskero Hike: 4.4 miles, 900’ elevation

  • Linkukero Hike: 8–9 miles, 1,400’ elevation

• Experience: Explore the taiga forests and colorful Ylläs fells, stopping at mountain huts for refreshments and lunch.

• Accommodations: Levin Iglut Glass Igloos—private igloos with glass ceilings, ideal for viewing northern lights or starry skies.

• Evening: Dinner at Utsu Restaurant featuring locally sourced Nordic cuisine.

Day 4: Fell Finds & Sámi Secrets

Climb the rolling fells near Immel Lake, with trails offering both short and longer summit hikes. Then travel to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus.

• Hiking Options:

  • Hillocks Hike: 2.5 miles, 300’ elevation

  • Kätkä Viewpoint Hike: 4 miles, 800’ elevation

  • Kätkä Peak Hike: 6 miles, 1,100’ elevation

• Experience: Hike alpine uplands with panoramic views of Immel Lake and colorful forests.

• Accommodations: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi, with suites featuring north-facing glass walls.

• Evening: Dinner on your own at local restaurants in Rovaniemi.

Day 5: Moody Mire, Berry Bliss & Sauna Serenity

Explore the wetlands and rivers of Vikaköngäs, hiking past rapids, lakes, and lookout towers before refueling with a trail lunch. End the day with a Finnish sauna ritual—complete with an optional plunge into icy waters.

• Hiking Options:

  • Vikaköngäs Viewpoint Hike: 2.5 miles, 300’ elevation

  • Vaattunki Hike: 6 miles, 400’ elevation

  • Könkäänvaara Hike: 7.3 miles, 600’ elevation

• Experience: Explore wetlands, rivers, and forests, enjoy pack lunch, climb observation towers for breathtaking views.

• Relaxation: Traditional Finnish sauna and optional cold-water plunge.

• Evening: Farewell dinner at the hotel’s Rakas Restaurant

Day 6: Arctic Husky Kennel & Departure

Spend the morning visiting a family-run husky kennel, where you can enjoy a forest walk with the dogs or experience a thrilling cart ride. For those craving Christmas spirit, Santa Claus Village is an alternative option. The trip wraps up with a flight back to Helsinki.

This journey through Finnish Lapland perfectly combines active exploration, immersive cultural experiences, and unique lodging. Backroads makes it effortless to explore some of the most remote and stunning areas of the Arctic Circle while keeping comfort and adventure at the forefront.

Beyond Your Backroads Adventure

While Backroads takes care of every detail during your active journey, we can also help you customize pre- and post-trip stays to make the most of your time in Europe. Whether it’s exploring Helsinki, extending your travels deeper into Scandinavia, or adding city stays in destinations like Stockholm or Copenhagen, we’ll design an extension tailored to your family’s interests.