Towards the end of the year, more and more people visit Lapland to experience the Finnish joys of Christmas and perhaps even to try and get a sneak-peak of Santa Claus in his grotto! Although Lapland is famed for its connections to Santa, there are many other sites and attractions to visit on your Lapland adventure before you head home. So, continue reading to discover 15 of the best Lapland locations and experiences you can enjoy when you travel to Lapland.
Lapland is a region that covers one third of Finland’s total area, as well as parts of northern Sweden, Norway and some of Russia’s Kola Peninsula.
1. The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
Northern Lights in Lapland. Image by Janina Bienkowski from Pixabay
Iceland is often thought of as the best place to witness the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights. However, Lapland is actually a much better place to see the Northern Lights because Finland generally has much clearer skies, so clouds won’t usually stop you from witnessing the aurora.
2. Ice hotels
ROVANIEMI, FINLAND – Suite at Arctic Snow Hotel in Finnish Lapland. Arctic SnowHotel is located on the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland. — Photo by zhukovsky
If you have ever seen the James Bond film Die Another Day, you may have been left wondering if there really is such a thing as a hotel made out of ice. Well, in Lapland there are at least two such hotels made entirely out of ice! The first is Snowman World in Rovaniemi, and the second is The Snow Village in Kittilä. The unique thing about the Snow Village is that it’s not only a hotel but (like the name would suggest) an entire village! There is even a church made out of ice where you can get married if you should be so inclined.
3. The Elves Hideaway
Father Christmas wouldn’t get very far without his team of cheerful elves helping him to make gifts for the world’s children! So, visit Santa’s elves and see where they live and go to school. You can even take an elfish lesson at a tiny school desk and learn how to make gingerbread in the kitchen.
4. Skiing
In between making gingerbread and sipping on mulled wine, more adventurous travellers might want to take part in some Finnish skiing. Ylläs Ski Resort is one of the most popular places to do this, and once you have finished on the slopes, you can hit one of the numerous bars or restaurants to warm up.
5. Ice igloos
Aurora borealis. Northern lights in winter mountains in Lapland. Wintry scene with glowing polar lights and snowy igloo — Photo by Ivankmit
If modern ice hotels don’t strike your fancy and you are looking for something a little more authentic to the region, why not try staying in a traditional Sámi ice igloo? This is definitely one of the most unique things to do while you are in Finland, but be warned that temperatures in the igloo hover at around 0°C – but you will be supplied with sleeping bags and blankets.
6. Meet the animals
Levin Lapinkyla is a traditional Finnish farm where you will get to meet and interact with reindeers, alpacas, sheep, goats, gerbils, bunnies and cute birds. Once you have had your fill of seeing the lovely animals, you can indulge in some Finnish delicacies in the on-site restaurant or take a reindeer ride.
7. Sauna Gondolas
If you love a good sauna session (who doesn’t?), then Lapland is the place to be. Finland officially has more saunas than personal vehicles, so you will never be stuck without a good place to relax in the sauna. For those who don’t mind heights, Lapland is also home to the world’s only sauna gondola. Head to the Ylläs Resort to indulge in a relaxing pampering session while you take in the sights from a cable car gondola!
8. Ounaskievari Reindeer Farm
Reindeer safari in a winter forest in Finnish Lapland — Photo by shalamov
Lapland has many farms, but the Ounaskievari Reindeer Farm is one you shouldn’t miss out on if you love reindeers and want to learn how to ride a sleigh! Learning how to navigate a sleigh attached to two reindeer is a fun experience, but it does take some getting used to!
9. Ice Music Festival
If you are heading to Lapland between December and April, don’t miss out on the Ice Music Festival. Professional orchestras play classical music in an igloo concert hall on instruments carved out of ice! Guitars, pianos and violins all made out of ice, create new and exciting sounds for visitors to enjoy throughout the cold Lapland winter.
10. Hire a snowmobile
Lapland is a haven for anyone who enjoys engaging in extreme sports on their winter holidays, and snowmobiling is no exception! You can hire a snowmobile and go exploring on your own or go on a group snowmobile safari adventure with local experts.
11. Visit Santa Claus
Santa Claus Village. Rovaniemi, Finland, Arctic Circle — Photo by misima
You can’t travel to Lapland without visiting Santa! So, head on down to Santa Claus Village and experience the joys of Christmas town. You can visit the Santa Claus post office and send postcards or letters to people around the world which will be officially postmarked from Santa!
12. River Ounasjoki, Arktikum
If you would like to learn more about Finland and the traditions of the Sami people, then be sure to put the Arktikum on your to-do list. Featuring a museum packed full of information about local history and folklore from prehistoric time up until the modern-day.
13. Arktikum Science Museum
While you are in the area, you might want to stop by at the Arktikum Science Museum where you can get up close and personal with polar bears and all manner of other Arctic animals.
14. Dog-sledding
If a reindeer sleigh ride sounds too mundane for you, why not go dog-sledding instead? Although dog-sledding is a tradition which comes from North America, Lapland also offers this unusual and exciting experience. Huskies love to run, and you might be surprised by the speeds you can get up to!
15. Santa Park
Only a stone’s throw away from Santa’s grotto, the underground Santa Amusement Park has plenty to offer children and adults alike. Featuring carousels, ice galleries, workshops, elf shows, gingerbread decorating and a good old-fashioned Finnish bar – there will be something for the whole family to enjoy.
