Pastel colored sunrises, pine trees covered in snowy frosting, the aurora lighting up the night sky. Lapland is truly a winter wonderland, where you can experience calmness, peace and natural beauty like nowhere else.
Lapland is a region that covers the northern parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia. However, the best region to visit for tourists is the Finnish Lapland. So travel above the arctic circle, where the sun doesn’t come up during winter – and it doesn’t go down during the summer.
❄️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. During the fall, the arctic nature wears fall colors that will impress all nature lovers.
However, the winter season from November to March is by far the most popular time to visit. And for a reason! The breathtaking natural beauty and the authentic winter experiences should be on your bucket list.
✈️ How to get to Lapland?
Most popular airport to fly to is Rovaniemi. Through Finland’s capital Helsinki you can also connect to the smaller airports of Ivalo or Kittilä. The train also runs from Helsinki to Rovaniemi!
Lapland is full of wilderness, so be sure to check the map and look into the destinations or activities you want to do. Consider renting a car to get to remote cabins or glass igloos and traveling between activities. Alternatively focus on guided tours that include transport. Distances can be big!
🏂 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 travelers. When is the best chance to see the northern lights?
Your best chances to see northern lights are during the equinox, either in September-October or in March. Out of these two, you will still have snow in March! 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 Claus isn’t real? You can meet him in Rovaniemi!
Head to his village just out of town, where you can find a bunch of themed activities. Visit the reindeer farm, hop on a husky safari and meet the man himself!
While other activities are relatively easy to do, take into account the queue to see 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 build 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?
Lapland boasts a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. 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 in the magical allure of the Arctic Circle ✨
xx, Irene