The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Lapland
Pastel coloured sunsets, pine trees covered with snowy frosting and the aurora lighting up the sky.
Lapland is truly a winter wonderland where you can experience calmness, peace and natural beauty like nowhere else.
This dream destination covers the northern parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. However, as a tourist the Finnish Lapland might be the easiest to get to.
Ready to travel above the arctic circle where the sun doesn't come up during the darkest winter months - or go down during midsummer?
❄️ When to visit Lapland?
While Lapland is most known for its winter allure, the region offers unique experiences during all seasons.
In the summer you can experience the nightless night, when the sun doesn't set at all. Midsummer is a yearly holiday on which locals head out to their lake houses and set bonfires.
During the fall arctic nature wears fall colors that will impress all nature lovers. It's a great time for hiking once the worst mosquito season has passed - and you already have a chance to see the aurora borealis!
However, the winter season from late November to early March is by far the most popular time to visit. And for a reason! The breathtaking natural beauty and authentic winter experiences should be on your bucket list.
✈️ How to get to Lapland?
Most popular airport to fly to is Rovaniemi, the largest (only) city in Finnish Lapland. You can also reach the smaller airports of Ivalo or Kittilä (closest to Levi Ski Resort) through Finland's capital, Helsinki. If you prefer the rails, the overnight train will also take you from Helsinki to Rovaniemi!
Lapland is full of wilderness so be sure to check the map and distances to and from your accommodation, any particular towns or resorts and activities you plan on doing. Consider renting a car if you want to split your time between different locations or spend your nights at remote igloos or huts. Alternatively you can focus on package deals or guided tours that include transportation.
🏂 What to do in Lapland? My Top 5 Bucket List Lapland Experiences!
1. Experience the nature ✨
Whether this means staying at a remote cabin or doing a winter hike with a guided tour, don't miss out on the peaceful atmosphere the snowy landscape offers. Experience what quiet means in nature! Feel the frosty air and warm up by the fire.
2. Go to the Sauna (and ice swimming!)🔥🧊
The Finns love their saunas. In fact, having your own sauna isn't uncommon even in apartments. Don't miss it! And for the most daring, dip into the ice cold water at the nearest ice swimming spot!
3. See the northern lights 🎆
Seeing the aurora borealis lighting up the sky is the highlight for many Lapland travellers. When is the best time to see the northern lights? Your best chances to see northern lights are during the equinox, either in September-October or in March. However, the aurora can occur throughout the winter season. If you hope to catch the snowy landscapes and maximise your chances to see the northern lights, March is the optimal time to visit. Make sure you get out of the city and away from any light pollution, download an Aurora forecast app and go hunting!
4. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
What do you mean Santa isn't real? You can meet him in Rovaniemi! Head to his village, the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi and consider booking a meeting with him in advance. After meeting Santa, you can visit the reindeer farm, hop on a husky safari or have lunch at one of the huts or restaurants.
While other Christmas themed activities are relatively easy to do, take into account that the queue to meet Santa can be hours.
5. Choose from endless activities
No visit to Lapland would be complete without experiencing some of its signature activities.
Join a Husky Safari through snow-covered forests, take a reindeer sleigh ride under the Northern Lights, or visit the Snow Village including a hotel, restaurant and a bar built entirely out of ice!
For the adventurous, snowmobiling across vast expanses of Arctic wilderness or racing at Ice Karting are guaranteed ways to get the adrenaline pumping.
🛌 Where to stay in Lapland?
While Lapland boasts a diverse range of accomodation options, prices in the Nordics are high compared to other European destinations. However, from cozy cabins and traditional log houses to luxury igloos and ice hotels, there's something for everyone. Consider staying in a wilderness lodge for an authentic Arctic experience or opt for a centrally located hotel for convenience.
Visiting Lapland is a journey into a winter wonderland unlike any other. So bundle up, embrace the Arctic chill and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime ✨
xx, Irene
