Table of Contents
Introduction
Nestled in the far north of Finland, the Lapland region is a magical winter wonderland. Known for the Northern Lights, Santa Claus Village, and a host of arctic adventures, Lapland offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Its remote location above the Arctic Circle, complete with reindeer, huskies, and snow-capped fells, makes it seem like a real-life Narnia. If you’re looking to escape to a snowy fairy tale and embrace the spirit of the Arctic, then a trip to Finnish Lapland needs to be on your bucket list. This guide will highlight all the reasons you should visit and provide tips to help you plan the perfect winter getaway. So pack your warmest clothes and get ready to discover the magic!
Reasons to Visit Lapland
Experience the Magic of the Arctic Winter
From late November to early March, Lapland transforms into a snowy wonderland. The days are short and dark, but the landscapes glisten under blankets of sparkling white snow. The purity and stillness of the Arctic winter is magical to experience. You’ll find yourself in another world as you sledge through snowy forests, gaze at the dancing Northern Lights, and relax in the warmth of a cozy log cabin.
See the Dazzling Northern Lights
One of the biggest draws of Lapland in winter is the chance to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. These mesmerizing light displays in hues of green, pink, purple, and red dance across the night skies from September through March. Many travel to Lapland just to catch a glimpse of this celestial wonder. Bundle up, find a dark viewing spot, and keep your eyes peeled to the north. It’s a sight you’ll never forget!
Meet Santa Claus Himself
Lapland is home to the one and only Santa Claus Village located on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi. Here you can visit Santa all year round, take a reindeer or husky ride, and explore Santa’s post office. Meeting Santa in his official workshop in the snowy Finnish forest is a magical Christmas dream come true!
Dog Sledding and Arctic Thrills
From exhilarating dog sled rides to snowmobiling through the wilderness, Lapland offers myriad ways to enjoy winter activities. Whizzing through the snowy landscapes aboard a sled pulled by energetic huskies is an unforgettable experience. Or you can try reindeer sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and more. Adrenaline junkies can even try ice climbing or driving a snowmobile across an icy lake.
Unique Arctic Nature and Landscapes
Lapland’s remote northern location places it solidly within the Arctic ecosystem. You’ll find unique natural sights like the Sampo Icebreaker ship frozen in ice, the Ice Age-sculpted landscapes at Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, and the Ranua Wildlife Park where you can see arctic foxes, snowy owls, and other northern animals. The snowy wilds and frozen natural beauty make Lapland wonderfully scenic in winter.
Indigenous Sami Culture
The Sami are the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia. In Lapland, you can learn about their ancient reindeer herding culture and handicrafts like the iconic colourful mittens. Arrange a visit to a Sami reindeer farm or cultural centre to try lasso throwing, storytelling, and traditional cuisine. Absorbing some of the Sami way of life is a highlight.
Best Time to Visit Lapland
To fully experience the magic of winter, the best time to visit Lapland is between November and March. This is when daylight hours are very short, snow covers the ground, and the chance to see the Northern Lights is highest. November and March offer colder temperatures and more snow, while December through February are slightly milder. If you’d prefer to visit Lapland during the summer, the months of June and July offer near 24 hours of daylight under the phenomenon of the midnight sun. Hiking and other outdoor activities like mountain biking, fishing, and canoeing are popular during the summer. Just keep in mind there is no snow or Northern Lights viewing.
Top Destinations and Activities in Lapland
Lapland covers a vast area across northern Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia. Within Finnish Lapland, these are some of the best places to visit and top things to do:
Rovaniemi
The capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is most famous as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Here you’ll find the Santa Claus Village and post office right on the Arctic Circle. Activities include visiting Santa, reindeer and husky rides, and more. Be sure to get a copy of your Arctic Circle crossing certificate!
See the Northern Lights
Lapland offers many ideal locations to see the aurora borealis, including Luosto, Ylläs, and Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. Bundle up, find a spot with dark skies away from light pollution, and wait for the magical lights to start dancing across the sky. Get tips from locals on the best viewing spots and times.
Ski the Fells at Levi, Ylläs and More
Lapland has several excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding resorts. Levi is the largest and most famous, while Ylläs is great for family skiing. Saariselkä and Ruka are also popular. Cross-country ski trail networks also abound for Nordic ski touring in the peaceful wilderness.
Snowmobile Safaris
Zipping through snowy forests and over frozen lakes aboard a powerful snowmobile is thrilling. Many tour operators offer snowmobile safaris ranging from a couple hours to full days with stops for lunch around a campfire. You’ll get to navigate through beautiful snowy landscapes you’d never reach by car.
Husky Dog Sledding
Snuggling under a blanket aboard a sled pulled by energetic husky dogs is an unforgettable winter experience. Short rides give you a taste, while overnight or multi-day tours take you deep into the wilderness under the Northern Lights. Bonding with the friendly dogs is a treat.
Reindeer Experiences
You can’t visit Lapland without some quality time with Rudolph’s kin. Reindeer rides, petting, feeding experiences, and farms let you learn about and interact with these signature Arctic animals. Sami herders will teach you about reindeer husbandry and their importance to Sami culture.
Learn about the Sami
To delve into the ancient culture of northern Scandinavia’s indigenous Sami people, visit Siida in Inari. Try lasso throwing, listen to joik singing, watch handicraft demonstrations, and sample cuisine like smoked reindeer meat. You’ll gain insight into the reindeer-herding Sami way of life.
Where to Stay in Lapland
With unique arctic accommodations, Lapland offers some one-of-a-kind places to rest your head.
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Glass igloos – Spend the night under the Northern Lights in a transparent glass igloo.
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Ice hotels – Bundled in a thermal sleeping bag, you can sleep in a room made entirely of ice and snow!
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Log cabins – Cozy forest cabins with fireplaces and saunas evoke the traditional Lapland lifestyle.
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Wilderness hides – For a remote getaway, stay in a rustic but comfy wilderness cabin hidden away in the woods.
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Santa’s hotel – In Rovaniemi, you can sleep steps away from Santa himself at Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus or the Santa Claus Holiday Village.
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Resorts – Levi, Ylläs, and other ski areas offer spacious lodges with all amenities.
Travel Tips for Visiting Lapland
To make the most of your magical trip to the Finnish arctic, keep these tips in mind:
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Visit during winter between November and March to experience the Arctic atmosphere, snow sports, and Northern Lights viewing.
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Pack very warm, windproof clothing and gear like thermal underwear, insulated boots, thick socks, hats, gloves, and snowsuits. The weather is bitterly cold.
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Rent a car or book tours and transfers through tour companies to get around easier. Public transport is limited.
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See the Northern Lights by finding dark viewing points away from light pollution and checking aurora forecasts.
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Take the Arctic Circle crossing certificate when you pass into the Arctic region.
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Sample local foods like reindeer meat, smoked fish, cloudberry jam, and rye bread.
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Respect Sami culture by asking permission before taking photos.
Conclusion
A trip to the Lapland region of Finland is sure to be a magical winter escape. Experiencing the true Arctic wilderness, complete with the Northern Lights, reindeer, huskies, and of course Santa Claus himself, is an opportunity like no other. Snow adventures abound, from dog sledding to snowmobiling across frozen lakes. And you’ll come away with memories and stories that will last a lifetime. Start planning your dream getaway today, and discover for yourself just how special and wonderful Lapland is!
Here are 5 frequently asked questions about visiting Lapland:
Q: When is the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Lapland?
A: The best time is between September and March when skies are darkest. November through February generally have peak Northern Lights activity.
Q: How cold does it get in the Finnish Lapland winter?
A: Average temperatures range from -4°F to +14°F (-20°C to -10°C) in November-March. With wind chill, it feels even colder so bundle up in layers!
Q: Can I visit Santa Claus Village in the summer?
A: Yes! Santa is there year round, but you won’t see reindeer or huskies in summer as it’s too warm. The Christmas spirit remains strong though!
Q: What is the best way to get around Lapland?
A: Having a rental car makes exploring easier, but you can also book tours and transfers. Flights connect major towns. Buses and trains are limited in winter.
Q: What type of clothes should I pack?
A: Dress in wool and synthetic thermal layers, thick waterproof snowsuits and pants, insulated winter boots, thick socks, gloves, hats, and scarves to stay warm and dry.