Travel Guide of Lapland in Finland by Influencers and Travelers

Lapland is the largest and northernmost region of Finland. The municipalities in the region cooperate in a Regional Council. Lapland borders the region of North Ostrobothnia in the south.

Pictures and Stories of Lapland from Influencers

14 pictures of Lapland from Vincent Guth, Christos Christou, Saad Chaudhry and other travelers

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How to visit Lapland ?

Getting to Lapland is relatively easy, with several airports in the region including Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo. International flights usually connect through Helsinki, Finland's capital. Alternatively, you can take a train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi or travel by car, which offers the flexibility to explore the area at your leisure.

To make the most of your Lapland experience, it is essential to book some activities in advance. Popular options include husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, and snowmobile tours. Additionally, reserving a guided tour to hunt for the Northern Lights is highly recommended, as the guides know the best spots and times to witness this natural phenomenon.

The costs of visiting Lapland can vary depending on the time of year, accommodation preferences, and activities. Expect to pay around €100-200 per night for mid-range hotels and €300+ for luxury options. Activities such as snowmobile tours and husky safaris can cost between €100-200 per person, while a guided Northern Lights tour may range from €50-100.

Some of the best things to do in Lapland include visiting Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa and his reindeer, crossing the Arctic Circle, and exploring the region's national parks, such as Urho Kekkonen and Pallas-Yllästunturi. Don't miss the chance to try some winter sports like skiing or snowboarding at one of the many ski resorts.

For a memorable dining experience, visit Nili Restaurant in Rovaniemi, which offers traditional Lappish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Another great option is Aurora Sky Station in Abisko, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the stunning Northern Lights. For something more casual, try Rakas Restaurant & Wine Bar, where you can taste local delicacies and fine wines.

When it comes to accommodation, Arctic Light Hotel in Rovaniemi is a stylish option with excellent amenities, while the Glass Resort offers luxurious glass-roofed apartments, perfect for Northern Lights viewing from the comfort of your bed. For a unique experience, consider staying at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, where you can sleep in a glass igloo or a traditional log cabin.

Off the beaten path:

For a truly unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, embark on an ice-fishing adventure on one of Lapland's many frozen lakes. Guided tours are available, teaching you how to drill a hole in the ice and catch fish using traditional methods. This activity allows you to connect with nature and learn about the indigenous Sámi culture, while enjoying the tranquility of the Arctic wilderness.

   Book Tours and Activities in Lapland

Learn More about Lapland

Discover the Northern Lights in the heart of authentic Lapland

The northern lights, the most incredible natural phenomenon, are a sight to behold from September to April.

In the Inari-Saariselkä region, you can experience them in many different ways, from northern huts and igloo hotels, or on a reindeer- or husky-drawn sleigh through the wilderness. Plan your trip to the winter wonderland of pristine nature and enjoy the wide-open spaces where you can roam free!

Create your dream vacation in Finnish Lapland

Choose the winter activities that will make you enjoy the snowy wonders and the winter nature. We are sure to have the right activities for you, from downhill or cross-country skiing to comfortable husky or reindeer sleigh rides under blankets. Fatbiking and forest walking on snowy trails are great ways to explore nature amidst the thick layers of snow.

Lapland, the northernmost province of Finland, is an Arctic land of contrasts where a form of magic is omnipresent. The contrasts are part of the charm of this vast region where the sun shines 24 hours a day in summer, a profusion of light followed by winter days where the darkness, almost permanent, is illuminated only by the effect of the northern lights. 

In Finnish Lapland, each season is unique and differs radically from the previous season as well as the next. The locals say that Lapland has eight seasons, not four as elsewhere. In winter, Lapland is like a dreamlike kingdom and an enchanted winter paradise. Spring brings a welcome brightness after the long episode of "Kaamos" (the Finnish term for a polar night) when the snow-covered hills and mountains offer exciting experiences for all winter sports enthusiasts, whether skiers or snowshoes trekkers.
Summer in Lapland is a season like no other: this time of year is characterized by endless "white" nights and a peaceful Arctic nature that stretches as far as the eye can see. The summer light is followed by beautiful autumn when Lapland takes on its truly emblematic colors during the "Ruska", the name given to the Indian summer in our country.

This is the best time to go hiking in one of the many national parks in Lapland or to practice mindfulness meditation in the wilderness amidst some of the most extraordinary and incredible landscapes in the world. Not to mention the quality of the air and water in Lapland, reputed to be the purest on the planet.
Once you've had your fill of Mother Nature, you're sure to find many other interesting places to visit in the region. For example, you could visit Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, try one (or even two) of the best restaurants in Lapland, visit a reindeer farm or a husky kennel, experience an original festival, or even try your hand at gold panning!

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Lapland

What activities to do in Lapland?

Here is one of our best activities to do in Lapland :

• Snowmobiling:
• Snowshoeing
• Meeting with the reindeer
• Dog sledding
• Northern Lights Hunting

Where to go in Finnish Lapland?

• Levi 

This mountain is located in the municipality of Kittilä. It is in fact the biggest ski resort in the country. It is the favorite destination of tourists, but also of Finns, who like to go there for the weekend. If you want to discover Finnish Lapland while staying close to activities and many bars and restaurants, Levi will be the perfect place for you.
Access to Levi is quick, as there are direct flights between Paris and Kittilä every week. In the resort, you can easily enjoy a wide range of activities, including skiing, snowmobiling, visiting reindeer farms, relaxing in a spa, or experiencing a dog sledding trip. Even if there are many tourists, as everywhere in Finnish Lapland, you will only have to go a few kilometers away to fully enjoy nature and have the impression of being alone in the world.

• Rovaniemi 

This is the other most touristy destination in Finnish Lapland, especially during the holiday season. For good reason, the Santa Claus village is located near here. Like Levi, Rovaniemi is a great destination if you want to have quick access to everything you might need during your stay in Finnish Lapland.

• Inari

This town, located in the north of Finnish Lapland, is one of the best places to go hunting for the Northern Lights. If you want to discover the Sami culture, this is the place to go. Inari is in fact one of the largest municipalities in Europe. You can find one of the largest lakes in Lapland, a ski resort, and the Siida museum, which presents the history, culture, and traditions of the inhabitants of the region.

• Luosto 

This village of 200 inhabitants is located in the heart of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park. In this small village made up of wooden chalets, you can discover all the natural wonders of Lapland, go to the ski resort and visit the amethyst mines. Luosto is a perfect destination if you want to enjoy peace and quiet while staying close to more touristy places like Rovaniemi and Sodankylä.

When to go to Finnish Lapland?

You can visit Finnish Lapland at any time of the year, but your experience will be quite different depending on the season.

• Winter is by far the longest season, as the snow is present from the end of October or the beginning of November, and only starts to melt in May.

If you want to go to Lapland in winter, the period between December and March is the most suitable. Before December, not all winter activities may be offered. The polar night period takes place in December and January. This does not mean that there is no daylight, but the days are very short, which may not be suitable for all travelers. However, it is during this period that you will have the most opportunities to see the Northern Lights. February, March, and April are the months to focus on if you want to make the most of outdoor activities during the winter.

• The rest of the year is the off-season. Spring and autumn last only one month and are very suitable periods for you if you want to discover Lapland in a different way and enjoy the forests, lakes, and wilderness while the region is not covered by snow and ice.

• In summer in Lapland, the temperature rises and the vegetation becomes lush. This season is much less touristy than winter and yet, even during this period, Lapland will be an ideal vacation spot for all nature lovers who want to recharge their batteries and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

   Where to Stay near Lapland

   More Travel spots to explore around Lapland

Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions

Discover more travel spots to explore around Lapland

  🌲 Forest spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     ⛰️ Mountain spots     🌲 Spruce-fir forest spots     ❄️ Tundra spots     ❄️ Ski resort spots     🌲 Plain spots     Driving spots  

  Travel map of Lapland

   Book Flights to Lapland, Finland

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