Visit Lapland
Welcome to the land of enchantment, Lapland (the northern-most region of Finland) where the northern lights dance across the sky and the midnight sun casts its golden glow over vast Arctic landscapes. Join me on an unforgettable journey to Lapland, a region brimming with natural wonders, cultural treasures, and exhilarating adventures. From the magical town of Rovaniemi, home to Santa Claus himself, to the snow-covered wilderness of Levi and the breathtaking beauty of Inari, Lapland offers something truly special for every traveler. Let’s explore the wonders of this Arctic wonderland together and discover why Lapland is a destination like no other.
Virtual Lapland is your gateway to an Arctic experience unlike any other.
Why should you visit Lapland?
- Midnight Sun
- Northern Lights
- Sami Culture
- Reindeer
- World’s Cleanest Air
- Home of Santa Clause
- Chance to hop aboard on an ice-breaker cruise ship.
- Husky Ride
- Snowmobile driving
Places to visit there
Rovaniemi – Rovaniemi promises genuine experiences and the enchantment of Santa Claus. During summer, from late May to early August, the nights are illuminated, offering an extraordinary atmosphere. September marks the onset of the brief yet delightful autumn foliage period and heralds the beginning of the spectacular Northern Lights season.
Ice Hotel – The original ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, the world’s first ice hotel, is renowned for its extraordinary concept, captivating ice sculptures, and enchanting ambiance. Situated in the quaint arctic village of Jukkasjärvi, this innovative structure stands as one of Sweden’s premier attractions, luring countless tourists to the Lapland region annually.
Arctic SnowHotel – Situated approximately 26 km from Rovaniemi, the Arctic SnowHotel stands as one of the largest ice and snow hotels in the area. Its interior boasts stunning ice art and colored lighting, with temperatures maintained between 0°C and -5°C. Guests rest on frozen beds adorned with reindeer skins, snugly nestled inside sleeping bags designed for extreme Arctic conditions. Additionally, the Arctic SnowHotel offers heated glass igloos, providing overnight guests with expansive, uninterrupted views of the sky.
Levi – Levi, with its 45 days of continuous sunlight, offers an ideal destination for a summer getaway, allowing you to bask in the enchantment of the midnight sun. The most convenient route to reach Levi is by flying from Helsinki to Kittilä and then taking a shuttle bus to the Levi vacation center, a mere 15-minute journey. Whether you seek a bustling summer adventure or the serene beauty of the Arctic wilderness, Levi has something for everyone. Levi offers exhilarating biking at Levi Bike Park and mountain trails, round-the-clock golfing at Finland’s northernmost course, and unforgettable experiences like horseback riding and husky kennel visits. Keep an eye out for reindeer during summer hikes!
SAMPO ICEBREAKER – Sampo, based in Kemi, a northern town on the Arctic Gulf of Bothnia, serves as a gateway to Finnish Lapland. For three decades, this vessel braved the icy waters, clearing paths until its retirement. Now, it offers an intriguing opportunity for travelers to explore the frozen seas from a unique perspective.
Ivalo- This is a small village with an airport is located 300 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. A must-try activity in this region is a snowmobile safari! Finnish Lapland’s lakes freeze over from mid-October to mid-April, providing the perfect terrain for snowmobile adventures. Experience the thrill of speeding across the frozen landscape on these powerful machines—it’s truly remarkable how fast they can go!
Inari – The least populated municipality of Finnish Lapland. Nestled by Lake Inari amidst Lapland’s stunning landscapes, the village of Nellim offers unparalleled beauty. Spend the night in an Aurora Bubble at the Wilderness Hotel Nellim for a truly unique experience. You will get traces of reindeer everywhere here. In Inari, don’t miss the chance to visit a husky farm and take an exhilarating husky sledge tour.
SnowCastle – SnowCastle holds the title of the world’s largest snow-and-ice hotel, spanning from 13,000 to 20,000 square meters. Reconstructed annually using ice blocks from the Gulf of Bothnia, it features intricately decorated snow rooms, an enchanting SnowChapel, and a spacious SnowRestaurant with ice furnishings. Additionally, visitors can explore an ice art exhibition within this expansive complex. The castle welcomes guests from the end of January to mid-April each year.
Utsjoki – The northernmost region of Lapland, is the best place to see the wistful waltz of the Northern Lights.
Urho Kekkonen National Park – Urho Kekkonen National Park is among Finland’s most popular outdoor destinations. Its remote Korvatunturi fell is perhaps most famously known to be the home of Santa Claus! The Urho Kekkonen National Park is easy to access from Saariselkä.
Salla – Despite its remote location, Salla National Park is readily accessible via public transportation. Simply catch a direct bus from Kuusamo Airport or Kemijärvi Train Station to the Sallatunturi Tourist Center, from where you can easily access hiking trails leading into the national park.
Best time and place to see Northern Lights in Lapland!
The Northern Lights are best observed from late August to April in northern Finland. These auroras, sparked by solar winds, can appear year-round, but the nights must be sufficiently dark for optimal viewing. Therefore, autumn, winter, and spring offer the prime conditions to witness this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Many people associate the Northern Lights with winter, but the most active seasons are actually autumn and spring. The best aurorae-watching season starts at the end of August, when the nights get darker, and ends at the start of April, when the nights start to get lighter.
Kemi, Rovaniemi, Muonio, Ivalo, Kakslauttanen, Levi and Saariselkä are among our favourite destinations for seeing the Northern Lights in Finland.
Magical Lapland in winter
- The Famous “Aurora” or “The Northern Lights” & Cross country skiing under northern lights
- Lapland’s ski season is long – it typically starts in November and lasts until late spring or early summer.
- Try a reindeer safari
- Santa Claus Village is one of Lapland’s best-known attractions
- Sleep, drink and dine in castles of snow and ice(the biggest in the world: the Kemi SnowCastle.)
- Husky safari through the snowy woods of Lapland
- Driving a snowmobile
What will you get there in summer?
- Lapland is home to Europe’s last wilderness.
- Country’s largest national parks
- Taking a deep breath in the cleanest air and drinking the purest water
- Traveling to Lapland in the summer can be one of the most sustainable trips you can take
- The Midnight Sun, a phenomena you can only experience near or above the Arctic Circle. From mid-May until mid-August, the skies of northern Scandinavia stay lit all night long.
- Christmas in July: (You can always visit the Mr. Claus and his jolly elves at Santa Claus Village.)
Instagrammable places in Lapland
- Riisitunturi, Posio
- Karigasniemi, Utsjoki
- Lake Kemijärvi
- Nuortti River Gorge, Savukoski
- Kuninkaanlaavu, Rovaniemi(Santa’s favorite spot)
- Otsamo, Inari
- Pyhä-Nattanen, Sompio
- Päähkänä, Ruka-Kuusamo(Most popular hiking route)
Where to stay in there?
Rovaniemi is renowned as the hometown of Santa Claus and serves as the capital of Lapland, boasting the famous Santa Claus Village.
Levi stands out as Finland’s most sought-after ski resort, featuring approximately 44 slopes for skiing enthusiasts.
Yllas holds the distinction of being Finland’s largest ski resort, comprising the authentic and traditional villages of Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo, conveniently accessible via the international airport in Kittilä, just an hour’s drive away.
Luosto offers a quaint and traditional retreat on the fringes of Pyhä-Luosto National Park, situated approximately 90 minutes north of Rovaniemi airport.
Saariselka claims the title of the northernmost ski resort in Finland, presenting an exceptional destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
As our journey through Lapland comes to a close, may the memories of its pristine wilderness, captivating auroras, and warm hospitality linger in your heart. Whether you’ve traversed the snow-covered landscapes or basked in the endless daylight of summer, Lapland’s magic is sure to leave an indelible mark. Until we meet again under the Northern Lights, may your adventures be filled with wonder and joy. Thank you for joining me on this unforgettable exploration of Lapland’s beauty and charm. Safe travels and warm wishes until next time!
