Lapland is a destination that has everything you need to have the ultimate winter break including heaps of snow, cold temperatures and all sorts of winter activities to keep you busy throughout your stay. The activities are widely varied and there is something for everyone depending on your age and interests.

Where to stay

Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and the city is very diverse in terms of having an old town like cosmopolitan vibe packed full of bars and restaurants to stark landscapes to undertake many winter activities. Inside the city centre shopping centres, museums and cafes have cropped up ad the city is busy compared to the more remote areas of Lapland. The city is also known as the official home of Santa Claus and guests can take trips to Santa Claus’s village including his workshop and post office. 

Levi

The most popular resort in Lapland is Levi due to is proximity to the Arctic Circle and very high chances of seeing the northern lights during the winter months. The town is small and its main attraction is the ski slopes that dominate the city. Seasoned skiers head out to Levi as well as those looking to take a chance at the smaller practice slopes popular with learners and children. Lessons can be organised easily here for those looking to learn a new skill. The rest of the town offers low key restaurants and small shops selling souvenirs and Christmas gifts. Tours to take part in winter activities such as husky dog rides and snowmobiling can also be booked to add to your ski trip.

Inari

Inari is the cultural capital of Lapland offering an insight into the Sami people. Learn about how they live and what they spend their days doing including hoarding reindeer’s and cooking traditional meals. Experiences can be booked for you to join in and learn about the way of life whilst dressing in traditional clothing and mucking in for the day. A museum is also on offer for you to learn about the history of the Sami people. The town itself is beautiful and the small town centre has a church which makes for great photography.

Autti

Autti is a town famous for it’s river and deep gorges. Activities can be planned around the river such as skating and safari’s in the winter to river waking safari’s in the summer.

Saariselka

A traditional town made famous by its large host of winter activities including skiing, winter sports and spa’s. Days can be spent exploring the forests on husky sleigh rides, snowmobiling and reindeer slay rides and then warming up in traditional Finnish sauna’s and hot tubs afterwards. The ski slopes are also a big draw to the town offering a huge ski lift to spend hours on the slopes. Facts about Lapland

Temperature

Winter temperatures in Lapland can be as low as -40 degrees making it the perfect temperature to head out to the snow covered lands to explore all of the winter temperatures on offer.

Northern Lights

Lapland is one of the main places in the world to see the Northern lights officially know as aurora borealis. It’s location on and surrounding the arctic circle is the main reason for this. Throughout the winter months from November to March is where they are largely seen. Lots of hotels and resorts offer aurora alarms which you can opt in to have them wake you up if the lights show.

Home of Santa Claus

Lapland is the official home of Santa Claus and you can visit his official village including a post office and his work shop in Rovaniemi. Lots of other towns also have a version of this set up too for younger visitors to visit around the Christmas period. 

Things to do in Lapland 

A night stay in a glass igloo

The glass igloo’s are glass topped rooms offering prime viewing of the northern lights. Wake up under the blue snowy skies for the ultimate experience and chance to see the Northern Lights. An alarm is available to wake you upon any sighting of the Northern Lights. 

Snowmobiling to the arctic circle

Explore these awesome winterised motor vehicles as you drive through the forest and head to the arctic circle. A snowmobile is officially a motorised sled that allows you to glide through the snow as high speeds. Safari’s can be arranged that venture through the forest into the Arctic circle. Once you arrive and have taken in the views from the drive you can take part in a magical traditional circle crossing ceremony.  Husky dog sleigh ride

Head to husky mans camp and view all of the amazing husky dogs raring to head out on a sleigh ride. Watch as the owners and carers go about their day caring and training the dogs to take part in safari’s through the snow. The dogs are loud and excited as they are hooked up to the ropes to get ready to pull your slay. As you board the sleigh they excitedly run through the forest at high speeds following a trail. When you return to husky camp head inside a traditional yurt for a warm drink to learn more about where the dogs have come from and ask any questions you may have.  Reindeer sleigh ride

Trace the footsteps of the Sami people and learn about the culture as you take part in a traditional reindeer sleigh ride. A special experience particularly at Christmas as Santa’s traditional animals pull sleigh’s independently. The reindeer’s are magnificent as they lead you through the snow leading with their antlers. 

A nights stay in a snow hotel

For those who can bare the cold, you can head for a night stay in the a snow hotel. Snow hotels, castles and igloos are all assembled for the winter period and made fresh with new plans each year. Construction starts as soon as the temperatures are cold enough and stays generally start in November. The complete complex is made entirely out of snow and ice and is rebuilt every winter. The entire room is made of ice and you can keep warm in the sleeping bags provided as you sleep on an ice bed.  Ice fishing

Head to the hole in the ice to spend some time ice fishing. Local fisherman will support as you and train you to fish and show you how they make their daily catch training you to use the equipment. The capital city Rovaniemi is a highlight for this due to it’s many frozen lakes and tour opportunities. 

Hot tubs  

Escape the cold temperatures and submerge into the warm bubbly water in a traditional Finnish hot tub. Generally located amongst the snow the hot tubs are the perfect place to warm up and take in the amazing views of the Lapish landscapes and forests. Take part in an evening dip for a chance to see the Northern lights. 

Experience a snow sauna

Step inside the traditional wooden sauna and relax under the warm temperatures before stepping outside and into the snow to treat your body to high and low temperatures. This experience is not for the faint hearted. 

Dine in a restaurant and bar made of ice

Dress warmly for dinner in the ice and enjoy a three course meal in the ice made restaurant and bar. Sit on ice made chair and dine from an ice made table as you sample traditional Finnish meals. Enjoy desert from a plate made of ice too as well as cups made from ice to keep your drinks nice and cold! 
Visit Santa Claus village 

Visit Santa at his original home and explore the beautiful village including Santa’s post office, workshop and the reindeer cafe. See elf wander around going about their daily business and enjoy the Christmassy feeling.