Why is Lapland so famous?
Think pastel coloured sunsets, pine trees covered with snowy frosting and the aurora lighting up the sky. Due to its location above the Arctic Circle, Lapland is truly a winter wonderland where you can experience calmness, peace, and natural beauty like nowhere else.
After hopping around Europe on city breaks, I wanted to experience a different kind of vacation. Lapland was the perfect zen getaway. You don't go there for the shopping, city buzz, or museum queues. You go for the silence, the snow-covered landscapes, and the kind of stillness that resets your soul. So if you're after nightlife, you'll have to settle for the kind that dances across the Arctic sky — and honestly, it's a lot more magical.
Whether you're flying or taking a train, staying at remote cabins or the ice hotel, there are a lot of things to consider when planning your trip.
The first thing I'd recommend to consider is timing. During the darkest winter months the sun doesn't rise at all or barely, creating beautiful - but short sunrises and sunsets. During midsummer it's the opposite - the sun won't go down and you can experience the nightless night!
In this post I'll be sharing my personal experiences, tips, and practical information so you can plan the perfect Lapland vacation based on your interests - and budget.
✈️ Is Lapland only in Finland?
Lapland is not an independent country, but rather a region. This dream destination covers the northern parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. However, as a tourist the Finnish Lapland is the most popular to visit, most developed and most marketed for tourism.
But where exactly should you go? And how to get there?
The 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) with a layover in 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 between 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.
Option 1. Fly to Rovaniemi
The biggest and closest airport to most attractions is in Rovaniemi, the only city in Lapland. And when I say city - I mean on a Finnish scale. Even Rovaniemi is relatively small and all other towns in Lapland are very small, remote locations where you come to experience nature and culture. From Rovaniemi you can book different tours, which will include transportation and take you to hikes, hunt for the aurora borealis or skiing.
Option 2. Take the night train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi
If you don't want to have a layover and can't find direct options, you can also hop on a night train from Helsinki (or Turku or Tampere). Just hop on the Santa Claus Express and you'll wake up in the winter wonderland! Just be sure to book your tickets in advance from VR, the official train company. You can read more about their night train connections here:
https://www.vr.fi/en/night-trains. However, in my experience the prices can get even higher than the connecting flight.
Option 3. Fly to Oulu, Rovaniemi, Kittilä or Ivalo and rent a car
Since Lapland has many attractions scattered around, renting a car can turn out to be the most affordable option. Tours, transportation and centrally located accommodations add up quickly. With your own car, you can go to less touristic spots, find cheaper remote cabins and get to different attractions yourself.
Or do as I did and combine even visiting northern
Norway and Tromso to your Lapland roadtrip!
Lapland is full of wilderness, and you'll be amazed just staring at the snowy woods as you drive by. You can also find remote rental cabins for much cheaper than staying around the most touristic areas. This way I was able to include hikes without having to book tours and stay in different remote locations throughout the trip. In my experience, this allowed for a more authentic, calm and rich experience. Just make sure you're comfortable driving in winter conditions!
❄️ 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 to celebrate the longest day of the year.
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.
I've visited Lapland in every season, and I have to say - the winter magic there is one of a kind. If I had only one chance to visit Lapland, I'd choose the snowy season. Just make sure to plan carefully, and you'll be able to optimize your budget, increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights (highest chances are in September-October or in March) and avoid the worst crowds.
🏂 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
3. See the northern lights 🎆
5. Choose from endless activities
