Whether you have news for the big man in red, are hoping to see the northern lights or just want to learn more about the only indigenous culture in Europe. You can do it all in Lapland.
Regardless of the time of year you choose to book, the Finnish region is constantly waiting to be explored.
On one hand, the winters remain in sub-zero and in darkness more often than not. The summers are the complete contraction, with midnight sun producing days that never end.
Meanwhile, autumn parades the peak beauty of the forests where tangerine, crimson and maroon merge with coniferous emerald hues.
Lapland is a wonder at any time of year and welcomes you with arms wide open to some of the most fascinating cultures on earth.
Northern Lights
For a performance like never before, Lapland is one of the best places to watch the northern lights. You’ll have more chance of seeing the spectacle here than anywhere else in Finland thanks to its northern position.
Watching the aurora’s natural swirls and patterns light up the night sky is one of the most special things to do in Lapland. Bring your tripod to capture these memories, though it will be too mystical an experience to forget.
Snowshoe up to the highest peaks (like Kilpisjärvi) for the clearest views. Most hotels rent out equipment. You could easily join a snowmobile tour or simply have your hotel wake you up when they begin.
If the stars are bright, especially between January and April, you may have a show in-store. Just be sure to have your cosies ready!
Santa Claus’ Village
Christmastime isn’t the only season for magic. You can visit Santa any day of the year in his hometown, Rovaniemi!
The Santa Claus Village is where you can post your letters at the Santa Claus Post Office, visit the Claus’ Christmas Cottage and even enter the Arctic Circle.
At Santa’s Cottage, you get the opportunity to ride his magic reindeer and create goodies with the elves in his workshop. If you already know what you want for Christmas, you can snap a selfie with Santa no matter what day and tell him all your wishes.
Polar explorers can collect their certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle which carves through the centre of Santa Claus’ Village. And there are plenty of places to stay with supreme views of the lights!
Reindeer Safari
Did you know you can borrow Santa’s reindeer for a sleigh ride?
There is no need for taxis in Lapland, with more reindeer than people. See the snow through their antlers as you they fly you over frozen lakes and dense woodland.
Many excursions include a stop for warm drinks and food, while there is always time for snuggles and photos with the elegant creatures.
Snowmobile Safari
Take Lapland by the handlebars during a snowmobile safari. Everywhere is off-road during winter, so make the most of the peaks and dips of the landscape.
Trips involve multiple stop-offs and can be organised at various times of the day. Whether you’re after a better view of the midnight sun, escaping light pollution to see the aurora or visiting the semi-domesticated deer, there is a tour for everyone.
A driving license is a must for riding snowmobiles, though blankets and towed sledges are provided for the little ones.
Santa Park
Not so far from Santa Claus Village is another Christmas spectacular. Santa Park is an underground amusement park overflowing with season’s greetings.
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas beneath the Arctic Circle! Watch performances from the elves, decorate cookies with a scoop of Christmas magic in Mrs Gingerbread’s Bakery and admire the Ice Princess’ sculptures.
Cosy up next to the fireplace with a hot cup of Glögi at award-winning Rakas or enjoy the show over a spread of Nordic fineries at the Kota Café.
The little ones can discover the importance of kindness at Elf Class and board the Magic Train for an exciting Lappish tour. There are plenty of opportunities to get stuck in and you can even make gifts with help from the elves!
Santa’s Secret Forest (Joulukka)
If you want to see how the Elves really live, you can spend a day hanging out with them in Santa’s Secret Forest and learn to do what they do!
Outings include ice fishing, harvesting Arctic raspberries and even taking care of the reindeer.
Join the elves at the toy factory and toast marshmallows under the shelter of the toasty wigwam.
Advanced booking is required; transport from your hotel is included.
Amethyst Mines (Luosto)
Discover more about Lapland’s culture at the Luosto amethyst mines. Have a go at mining for your own crystals and learn about the legacy of the stones.
The mines at Lampivaara go way back 2000 million years and are especially fascinating for those who already collect. For many, it is the most exhilarating attraction in the region as it provides a deeper look into the landscape and its expansive history.
You can either book online or purchase tickets upon arrival at the Lampivaara Café. During the winter, a snow train ride or snowshoe hike is necessary to reach the entrance.
Arktikum Science Museum
We bet you’re curious about what life is like in the north. At the Arktikum Museum, you can learn everything from how the Arctic is changing to the lifestyle and folklore of the indigenous Sámi people.
This cultural hotspot is not your average museum. Inside you can visit the Arctic Centre Library, taste traditional food at the café and purchase quality handmade Sámpi goods. Reindeer leather wallets make fantastic souvenirs!
There is a glass tunnel leading through the snow where you can observe unbelievable views of the northern lights as they swirl over the Ounasjoki River.
SnowVillage
One thing you will soon learn about Lapland is that the magic NEVER has to end.
Situated in Kittila (which in itself is a great spot to watch the lights) SnowVillage is a hotel made entirely from ice and snow! What makes it even more spectacular is that its ever-changing themes mean no two years are the same.
Last year they had a Game of Thrones theme that featured intricate carvings around the ice beds. At the ice bar, you can sip deliciously cool vodka out of handmade ice (glass?!) and dine from wonderfully decorated ice tables.
If you are lucky, you might even see a wedding taking place in the extraordinary ice chapel. If you are here to stay, every room comes with its own sauna. Though, entrance to the ice bar and restaurant is permitted with a booking alone.
Don’t miss the most impressive karaoke night you’ll ever get.
Sauna Gondola
Talking of saunas, this national recreation is more popular than you may realise and therefore is a must when in Lapland.
In Finland, there are more saunas than vehicles, which means there is almost enough for one per person! It won’t be hard to find a decent sauna; Sauna Gondola arguably steals the show.
The Ylläs spa offers a 2-hour experience where you can immerse yourself in the scenery whilst you relax. Enjoy the hot room with a view as the cable cart carries you over the Lappish countryside. Then finish it all off with a soak in the outdoor jacuzzi.
Inari
While in Lapland you can pay a visit to the northernmost part of Europe and see the only indigenous people on the continent.
The native Sámi people live in wooden huts in the Arctic outback. You can learn about their culture and way of life at the Siida museum.
Admire their wild village including reindeer farms and traditional dress.
Husky Sledging
Another part of Sámi culture, almost quintessential to their way of life, is husky sledging. This vital method of transport can be sampled in many different ways.
If you love dogs (who doesn’t?!) you will adore the joy of a husky sledge ride! The happy sledge dogs will gladly draw you through the snow and it is adorable to watch their gleeful trotting to the encouraging shout of “mush!”.
Some trips offer the chance to be the musher, so be prepared for a bit of running going up hills and hours of fun being pulled through the terrain.
Others supply the blankets and let you snuggle up and relax while you take in the picturesque location.
You can catch one of these traditional rides from almost anywhere, including most ski resorts.
Ice Fishing
To get the full Sámi picture you should also learn to eat as they do.
For this activity, you will need a little patience, but the payoff is immense!
Ice fishing teaches you the skill that the natives have, with the added benefit of the freshest fish you will ever eat and a remarkable amount of time to absorb the surroundings.
Remember to wrap up warm. For added adventure, you can light a fire and prepare your catch there and then!
Cross-country Skiing
Although Lapland isn’t exactly a ski jumper’s paradise, its steady slopes and thick snow coverage allow accessibility for even the newest of skiers.
Cross-country skiing is massively popular here since it is the most practical way to get from A to B. and if you want a go on the slopes, Jättipitkä is the longest ski slope in Finland. They also offer winter swimming in an ice hole for those who seek the added adventure!
Of course, to take advantage of the snow blanket you must be around during the long winter months – from October to April.
Ranua Zoo
Head to the most northern zoo in the world for your fill of polar bears, arctic foxes and everything else wonderful and weird.
Ranua Zoo, like most things in Lapland, is open every single day of the year. And the summer is hugely different to the winter, so it is worth a second visit! It is fascinating to see the penguins and snowy owls enjoying the summer sun.
Thrill-seekers will enjoy the wolves and tigers, while the midnight sun safaris during summer allow sights of animals that are resting during the day.
Levi Ice Gallery
Inside the Snow, Hotel is Levi Ice Gallery, an art exhibit made entirely from ice. Oh and a bonus – it is situated inside a giant igloo.
Illuminated with bright lights, this is probably the coolest art you’ll ever see. Like the hotel, Luvattumaa Ice Gallery is recreated every year with crystal clear ice.
It is no wonder the space hosts so many weddings.
Taste Local Food
While in Lapland, you must try the local staples.
As cute as the reindeer are, reindeer meat is something you cannot miss in every restaurant you go to. Poronkäristys is a type of sauteed reindeer cooked with beer. The strips are tender; moose is even more so and with a stronger flavour.
Meanwhile, Lohikeitto is a rewarding finish to an ice fishing trip. The creamy salmon soup with potatoes and leek will warm you up from the inside out!
During the summer festivals, you get the opportunity to try any local dish you please. We urge you to taste Suovaskebabs which is smoked reindeer meat in pita bread with garlic sauce.
Vegetarians will switch their halloumi for leipäjuusto (bread cheese) which is squeaky yet semi-soft and atrociously morish!
Just remember to wash everything down with a lip-smacking mug of hot lingonberry juice.
Sleep in a Glass Igloo
Since you’re so close to the arctic, it is almost imperative you spend a night in an igloo!
The Star Arctic Hotel offers an opportunity to enjoy the experience, but not have to worry about the cold.
All the while you can watch the northern lights without having to leave your bed! Admire the fantastic scenery on the edge of the Arctic Circle from the security of a pile of blankets.
This is the perfect way to enjoy the Arctic setting.
