When is the best time to visit Lapland? Lapland is beautiful all year round, but to experience its most picturesque time, boldly venture there in winter, right around New Year’s, to meet Santa himself, ride reindeer, and zoom through snow-covered forests on powerful snowmobiles. And after a day of adventure, in the evening, in a cozy little cabin, sitting by the fireplace and watching the snowflakes fall outside, sip on some Glögg. In your rented cabin, there will be a decorated Christmas tree with gifts underneath. And it’s here, on New Year’s Eve, that all your wishes will come true, because Santa Claus is nearby and he will surely hear them. I love this region so much that I really want to share recommendations with you on what to do in Lapland in winter. Here they are:
Lapland is a wild place where dense forests, crisp frosts, and eternal ice prevail. It’s a very unusual, almost magical land.
The fairytale land of Lapland is not officially marked on maps. However, its territory is divided among four countries – Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia (the Kola Peninsula). Here, many things are perceived differently than usual, even the seasons seem more numerous than ours.
Lapland is an unusual place even for Finland. It is located beyond the Arctic Circle. Due to the cold weather, there are few people there, and the nature is untouched. You can only marvel at such wild places as swamps, wastelands, and tundras. Lapland is worth coming to!
What to Do in Lapland in Winter:
Tug on Santa’s beard in the village of Joulupukki.
Lapland is known primarily as the home of Santa Claus. The village of Joulupukki is a global magnet for children of all ages and their parents. Not only the little ones, but even many adults want Santa to exist. But to find out if he really does, you can only come to northern Lapland, right to the Arctic Circle, where his home is!
Here you can not only tug on the beard of the kind old man but also stroll through the workshop where elves craft gifts for all the children of the world.
Meet Christmas elves at Santa Park.
Disney has Disneyland, and Santa has Santa Park. Funny elves, an ice Arctic bar with its hostess – the Snow Queen, and Santa’s post office, where you can stamp a postcard or get a stamp in your passport.
See Arctic animals at Ranua Zoo.
Want to see Arctic animals? There are very few such places on our planet, and one of them is located near the small town of Ranua in Lapland, just 80 kilometers from Rovaniemi. Ranua Arctic Zoo is surrounded by swamps, lakes, and forests. It is one of the northernmost zoos in the world. In addition to everything else, Ranua also serves as a hospital for animals. The territory of the Arctic park is not large, but more than 200 Arctic animals live and move freely on it. The entire park is located right in the coniferous forest, there are almost no cages, and all animals live a free life, while people move along high walkways and paths. You can walk through the zoo on a three-kilometer wooden bridge, where, walking along the walkways, you can see wolverines, lynxes, wolves, and reindeer. And this is the only place in Finland where you can see polar bears. Other things to do in Lapland in winter:
Immerse yourself in the northern atmosphere in the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi, or “Lappi” as the Finns call it, is the capital of Lapland and is located almost on the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is literally 8 kilometers away, almost on the border with the cold Arctic zone. In December, the city is bustling, attracting everyone who dreams of seeing the real Santa. Read more about this place here.
However, Lapland is not only Christmas, but it is also pristine northern nature that will both amaze and treat you to delicious Lapland cuisine.
Go snowshoeing in the forest.
Oulanka is the most beautiful national park in Lapland. Rent snowshoes and head out for stunning photos in hard-to-reach places. Here you can see rare nature and fauna.
Surround yourself with reindeer. What to do in Lapland in winter.
The most colorful and grandiose spectacle in Finland awaits you if you happen to attend the Winter Reindeer Gathering. Herds of animals gather in one place. Their total number exceeds several thousand heads. This is done for counting and vaccination. In addition, reindeer sled races and lasso agility competitions are held among the owners of these graceful animals. One such place is the reindeer park just ten kilometers from the town of Salla.
Learn about the culture of the Sami people in Inari.
In the north of Lapland, far beyond the Arctic Circle, lies the village of Inari. The village is located on the shore of Lake Inarijarvi, the third largest lake in Finland. In this place, the Juutuanjoki River flows into the lake, breaking into dozens of streams. The village of Inari is located in the heart of Europe’s largest untouched wilderness area, as well as being the administrative and cultural center of Finnish Sami people. Nearby are the Siida Exhibition Centre, the Sami Museum, and the Upper Lapland Nature Centre.
Take a walk on the trails near the Auttinkengas waterfall.
The beautiful 16-meter cascade waterfall has a pedestrian path for travelers. At the top of the hill, there is a breathtaking panorama of the river and the charming forest. Address: Along route 81, Rovaniemi, Finland.
Find your amethyst in Luosto. What to do in Lapland in winter.
Luosto is the curiosity of Lapland, the only operating amethyst mine in Europe, located 120 km from Rovaniemi. Lapland is famous for its deposits of precious stones. As tourist guides write – here you can find and take a stone the size of your palm.
Amethyst is called the “stone of happiness” here. You will be taken to the mine on special snowmobiles. Anyone can descend into the mine and feel like a real miner of precious stones in Luosto. And if you’re lucky, you can become the proud owner of an amethyst. You can descend yourself and find a precious violet crystal. Finns have many beliefs and legends associated with this violet stone. While tourists diligently sift through a pile of small stones in search of treasures, they are told dozens of stories about the miraculous properties of amethyst. Especially lucky ones don’t leave the mine empty-handed.
Address: Lampivaara, 99555 Luosto. By the way, some believe that this place is the real home of Santa Claus.
Try Lapland cuisine.
For me, Finnish cuisine is one of the favorites in the world. It includes many berries and vegetables, fish and meat, mushrooms. All products are healthy and natural. And God forbid they make something for you from canned goods. Only the freshest and most delicious.
The most important thing to eat while in Lapland is creamy salmon soup “lohikeitto” made from sea red fish and potatoes. It is prepared according to special recipes and turns out incredibly rich and aromatic. According to the most revered recipe, it includes salmon fillet, boiled potatoes, cream, leeks, and parsley. In the land of lakes, this dish is considered festive, but Finns often don’t need a reason to make it.
For the main course – bear meat! It is very tough meat with a quite specific taste, usually served with berries and mushrooms.
But reindeer meat (poronkäristys) is juicy and tender. It is served in bowls, garnished with cranberry jam and pieces of pickled cucumber. Sometimes it is served as “strömming”, where frozen meat is thinly sliced. When you eat it, you even feel a little embarrassed because these reindeer are so cute, but so tasty.
Other travelers will be looking for white grouse “riekko” and wonderful cloudberries “lakka” or “hilla” – the most expensive berry in the world. It grows in marshy places. Interestingly, the color of unripe cloudberries is red, and ripe ones are yellowish. What other dishes should you try?
Kaaliweli – cabbage stew with peas, barley, and milk.
Leipäjuusto – Lapland cheese or also called “cheese bread”, made from reindeer milk, it has a sweet taste.
Graavilohi – a dish made from fish fillet (often salmon, trout), sprinkled with salt, sugar, white pepper, and dill, then wrapped in foil and kept in a cool place for 3-4 days.
Finns really love ice cream, especially ice cream with various scents and flavors, for example, with the flavor of black bread.
For drinks, they prefer strong coffee and, of course, vodka. The most popular brands are “Finlandia” and “Koskenkorva Vodka”. From berry tinctures and liqueurs, they pay attention to “Lakkalikoori” and “Puolukkalikoori”. And during the holidays, they drink unusual champagne made from black currant and yellow currant. In general, Finns have a very peculiar taste. I only met a drink with the taste of bonfire and ice cream with the taste of bread here 🙂
Buy souvenirs from Lapland. What to do in Lapland in winter.
All the main stores where you can buy gifts for your loved ones are concentrated on the main street Koskikatu in Rovaniemi. One of the main gifts will be a knitted sweater with a reindeer, along with a hat with mittens and a scarf. A warm sweater with a “northern pattern” – a snowflake or a reindeer will be “long-playing” and “pleasantly memorable”. In addition to warm clothes, you can find ethnic souvenirs made of glass and wood. Reindeer skins and antlers are also popular.
But since we are in the homeland of Santa Claus – here you can find everything with Santa Claus and Christmas. Cups, bags, magnets, postcards, backpacks, Christmas tree decorations, socks, etc.
Shamanic drums – strange, expensive, and attractive. They sound magical… Boom… Boom (drumsticks attached). They will please aesthetes and esoterics.
Kuksa cups – these are wooden Sami cups that bring good luck, they are worn tied to a leather belt at the waist. They are made from cones that grow on birch trees – “kapa” (suvela). You can drink anything from it except alcoholic beverages, as they spoil the wood.
See the Polar night and Revontulet. What to do in Lapland in winter.
In the “realm of eternal winter” there is severe winter, mild spring, short summer, velvety autumn, and the mysterious season of evening twilight – Kaamos.
Do you know anything about “kaamos” or the Polar night? This is what they call in Lapland the time of year when the sun rises briefly above the horizon. During Christmas, you can admire the soft bluish twilight and the magical flickering of light. This time is ideal for celebrating the New Year.
Locals also call it Aurora and believe that the best place to observe it is the Kilpisjärvi area.
The best time is from August to October and from February to April. The Northern Lights occur in clear, frosty weather after 10 p.m. The skies of Lapland and the air allow you to see the aurora almost 200 days a year. It lasts for three to four consecutive nights.
Local tour agencies even offer safaris for observing the Northern Lights. And there is an app for iPhone called Aurora Forecast, where you can receive notifications about its occurrence. Do you want to see the Northern Lights and are looking for a place to do it? Then my post about the best hotels to watch the Northern Lights will help you.
Useful Tips Before Visiting Lapland in Winter.
Don’t forget that daylight hours in winter last from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so plan your activities accordingly to see all the attractions during the first half of the day.
If you’re traveling alone by car, remember that the area here is vast, and in case something unpleasant happens, help may not arrive immediately. Stock up on warm clothing and don’t forget to inform your hotel where you’re heading.
There’s another point worth remembering – hunting is popular in Lapland. To avoid becoming prey, wear a bright hat.
How to Get to Lapland.
By Air: The most convenient way to reach Lapland is by air. Several airports serve the region, including Rovaniemi Airport, Ivalo Airport, Kittilä Airport, and Enontekiö Airport. These airports offer both domestic and international flights. Rovaniemi Airport, located in the capital of Finnish Lapland, is the largest and busiest airport in the region, making it a popular entry point for travelers. Airlines such as Finnair, Norwegian, and SAS operate regular flights to Lapland from major European cities like Helsinki, Oslo, Stockholm, and London. Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Rovaniemi if you’re traveling from another country.
By Rail: For those seeking a scenic journey, traveling to Lapland by train is an option worth considering. The Finnish railway network connects major cities like Helsinki and Tampere to Rovaniemi, the gateway to Lapland. The journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes approximately 12-14 hours on an overnight sleeper train, offering travelers a comfortable and relaxing way to reach their destination. Additionally, there are options to travel by train from neighboring countries like Sweden and Norway, though these routes may require transfers.
By Road: If you prefer the flexibility of a road trip, driving to Lapland can be a rewarding adventure. Finland boasts well-maintained roadways, making it easy to navigate the vast landscapes. From Helsinki, the journey to Rovaniemi by car takes around 10-12 hours, depending on weather conditions and traffic. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the changing scenery, from bustling cities to tranquil forests. Just remember to plan your route carefully, especially during the winter months when snow and ice can make driving more challenging.
I highly recommend traveling by car as it’s the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
Be sure to inspect the car for scratches or damages noted in the contract before leaving the parking lot, and return to the office to inform the manager of any discrepancies you notice.
The Most Interesting Hotels in Lapland.
The Snow Hotel in Kemi is not just an ordinary hotel – it’s a whole ice igloo! Guests are offered to spend the night under reindeer hides at zero degrees Celsius in an unheated room. Could you do it? And if you happen to get cold, there are hot drinks in the ice bar.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Igloos and Chalets: This resort complex is located in the ski area of Saariselkä in Finnish Lapland. The igloos made of thermal glass feature a bedroom with a glass roof and luxurious beds for observing the northern lights. Just imagine lying in a cozy bed, sipping tea, and enjoying the breathtaking view of the snowy landscape, the starry sky enveloping the northern lights.
Santa Claus Holiday Village: The Santa Claus Village is a great place to spend time with family. The atmosphere there is always festive and very cozy. The hotel is located right in this village, so in the morning, you walk past Santa’s main building for breakfast, accompanied by pleasant music and in great spirits. It’s a wonderful opportunity to go reindeer sledding, see the northern lights, and cross the Arctic Circle. The cottages are equipped with everything you need, including a sauna and a kitchen!
Arctic Light Hotel: This boutique hotel is located 8 km from Rovaniemi Airport and Santa Claus Village. Guests are offered bright, ultra-modern rooms with individually themed decor. It is considered one of the best hotels in Rovaniemi.
Luvattumaa – Levi Ice Gallery: The ice hotel is located 7 km from the center of the Levi ski resort and a 30-minute drive from Kittilä Airport. The hotel features an ice chapel and a gallery of ice sculptures. Guests of Luvattumaa – Levi Ice Gallery are provided with sleeping bags and blankets. All rooms, made entirely of snow and ice, have shared bathrooms.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, Lapland offers something for everyone. So why wait? Start planning your trip today and prepare to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
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