Lapland

Planning Your Lapland Adventure

Country and Region:

Finland, Lapland

Timezone:

GMT +2 (GMT +3 during summer)

Languages Spoken:

Finnish, Sami languages, Swedish, English

Currency:

Euro (€)

Weather & Climate in Lapland: A Month-by-Month Snapshot

• December-February: Expect freezing temperatures, generally from -15°C to -30°C. You’ll find heavy snowfall, short daylight hours, and prime conditions for witnessing the breathtaking Northern Lights.
• March-April: Still cold, but daylight increases significantly. The snow is usually still plentiful, making it a great time for winter activities with slightly milder conditions.
• May-June: The spring thaw begins! Temperatures rise (5°C to 15°C), the midnight sun period starts, and nature bursts back to life.
• July-August: These are the warmest months, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Enjoy long daylight hours, perfect for hiking and exploring the outdoors.
• September-October: Autumn arrives, painting the landscape in stunning colors (Ruska). Temperatures cool down (5°C to 10°C), and the Northern Lights may begin to appear.
• November: A transition month as winter approaches. Expect the first snowfall and decreasing daylight hours.

Lapland City Overview: More Than Just a City

Lapland isn’t a single city, it’s a vast and magical region encompassing the northern parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia. In Finnish Lapland, you’ll discover a unique mix of Arctic wilderness and rich Sami culture. Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is famous as the official hometown of Santa Claus and acts as a popular gateway to exploring the region. Imagine snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and rolling hills – that’s the landscape. You can find remote wilderness areas inhabited only by reindeer herders. The population is sparse, with many communities depending on reindeer herding, forestry, and tourism. The magic of Lapland lies in its untouched nature and the chance to see the amazing Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights.

Best Time to Visit Lapland: Choosing Your Season

• Winter (December-February): The Northern Lights Season
  • Pros: The absolute best chance to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), participate in exciting winter activities like snowmobiling, skiing, and dog sledding, and experience a real winter wonderland.
  • Cons: Extremely cold temperatures, short daylight hours, and possible travel delays due to snow.
• Shoulder Season (March-April, September-October): For Milder Temperatures and Fewer Crowds
  • Pros: Fewer tourists, milder temperatures, good opportunity to witness the Northern Lights (particularly in autumn), snow for winter activities (March-April).
  • Cons: Some activities might have limited availability, unpredictable weather patterns.
• Summer (June-August): The Midnight Sun Season
  • Pros: Long daylight hours (Midnight Sun), ideal for hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities, and warmer temperatures.
  • Cons: No Northern Lights sightings, mosquitoes can be quite prevalent.

How to Get to Lapland & Visa Requirements

• Flights: Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is the main airport in Finnish Lapland, offering connections to Helsinki and other European cities. Other options are Kittilä Airport (KTT) and Ivalo Airport (IVL).
• Trains: Overnight trains operate from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. A comfortable and scenic way to travel.
• Visa Requirements: Finland is part of the Schengen Area. Be sure to check visa requirements based on your specific nationality before traveling.
• Airport Transfers: Airport buses and taxis provide transfers to Rovaniemi city center and other destinations in Lapland.

Lapland Culture and History

Fun/Historical Fact:

Lapland is the ancestral home of the Sami people, the only recognized indigenous people of Europe. They’ve lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years, relying on reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting. Their unique culture and traditions are essential to Lapland’s identity.

Famous Personalities:

Lordi – a Finnish hard rock/heavy metal band, famous for winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 and their monster costumes.

Top Lapland Attractions & Activities

Top 10 Attractions in Lapland:

• Santa Claus Village: Meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, and send holiday greetings from the Santa Claus Post Office.
  • Address: Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
• Arktikum Museum: Discover the history, culture, and environment of the Arctic region.
  • Address: Pohjoisranta 4, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
• Northern Lights Hunting Tours: Join a guided tour to seek out the magical Aurora Borealis.
  • Address: Varies depending on the tour operator. Tours usually depart from Rovaniemi or other Lapland towns.
• Snowmobile Safari Adventures: Experience the thrill of riding a snowmobile through Lapland’s stunning snowy landscapes.
  • Address: Varies depending on the tour operator. Tours generally depart from Rovaniemi or other Lapland towns.
• Reindeer Sleigh Rides: Enjoy a peaceful and traditional ride through the forest pulled by friendly reindeer.
  • Address: Varies depending on the reindeer farm, many are located near Rovaniemi.
• Husky Sledding Experiences: Mush your own team of huskies through a breathtaking winter wonderland.
  • Address: Varies depending on the husky farm, most are located near Rovaniemi.
• Ranua Wildlife Park: Observe Arctic animals in environments similar to their natural habitat.
  • Address: Rovaniementie 29, 97700 Ranua, Finland
• Levi Ski Resort: Ski, snowboard, and enjoy other winter sports at one of Finland’s largest ski resorts.
  • Address: Hissitie 8, 99130 Kittilä, Finland
• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: Spend a night in a glass igloo and potentially watch the Northern Lights dance above you.
  • Address: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
• Pyhä-Luosto National Park: Hike through ancient forests and beautiful fells in this pristine national park.
  • Address: Luontotie 1, 98530 Pyhätunturi, Finland

Hidden Gems in Lapland: Discover the Unique

• Lampivaara Amethyst Mine: Dig for your own amethyst gemstone, a unique and memorable activity.
  • Address: Ukkoluostontie 1, 99555 Luosto, Finland
• Tankavaara Gold Village: Relive the gold rush era and try your luck at panning for gold.
  • Address: Tankavaarantie, 99695 Tankavaara, Finland
• Siida Museum: Immerse yourself in Sami culture and history.
  • Address: Inarintie 46, 99870 Inari, Finland

Lapland Festivals & Events

Local Festivals & Events:

• Rovaniemi Arctic Spirit: An international folk dance and music festival in Rovaniemi (November).
• Snow Village Lainio: A spectacular snow and ice hotel and village rebuilt every year.
• Kaamosjazz: A jazz festival held in Tankavaara during the dark winter months (November).

Lapland Day Trips & Nearby Attractions

Day Trips & Nearby Attractions:

• Kemi SnowCastle (1.5 hours from Rovaniemi): Explore a breathtaking castle constructed entirely of snow and ice.
• Arctic Icebreaker Sampo (1.5 hours from Rovaniemi): Take a cruise on an icebreaker ship and even take a swim in the frozen sea (with appropriate gear, of course!).
• Saariselkä (3 hours from Rovaniemi): A popular resort town offering skiing, hiking, and excellent Northern Lights viewing opportunities.
• Inari (4 hours from Rovaniemi): Visit the Sami cultural center and explore the vast and beautiful Lake Inari.

Lapland Photography & Instagram Spots

Photography Spots & Insta-Worthy Places:

• Santa Claus Village: The Arctic Circle marker is an iconic photo opportunity.
• Arktikum Museum: The glass tunnel provides a unique and photogenic perspective.
• Any frozen lake or snow-covered forest: Capture the serene beauty of the untouched Lapland landscape.
• Northern Lights Display: If you’re fortunate enough to witness them, capturing the Aurora Borealis is a must.
• Glass Igloos: Resorts like Kakslauttanen offer unforgettable photo opportunities within their stunning glass igloos.

Lapland Accommodation & Transportation

Recommended Length of Stay in Lapland:

4-7 days

Top Places to Stay in Lapland:

Budget-Friendly Options:

• Rovaniemi City Hotel: Koskikatu 11, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
• Hostel Cafe Koti: Valtakatu 21, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
• Forenom Hostel Rovaniemi: Ruokasenkatu 4, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Arctic City Hotel: Valtakatu 18, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
• Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus: Korkalonkatu 29, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
• Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi: Koskikatu 4, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland

Luxury Resorts & Hotels:

• Arctic TreeHouse Hotel: Tarvantie 3, 96900 Rovaniemi, Finland
• Apukka Resort: Apukantie 69, 97910 Rovaniemi, Finland
• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland

Getting Around Lapland: Transportation Options

• Public Transport: Buses are available within Rovaniemi and other towns. Check timetables in advance.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available, especially in Rovaniemi.
• Car Rental: Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the wider Lapland region at your own pace.
• Walking: Rovaniemi city center is easily walkable and enjoyable to explore on foot.

Preparing for Your Lapland Trip

What to Pack for Lapland:

• Winter Clothing Essentials: Thermal underwear, fleece layers, waterproof and windproof outer layers, a warm hat, gloves, a scarf, and insulated boots.
• Comfortable Shoes: For walking and hiking (consider waterproof options).
• Swimsuit: For enjoying saunas and hot tubs.
• Camera: To capture the stunning scenery and memories.
• Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from the sun’s reflection off the snow.
• Sunscreen: Even in winter, the sun can be surprisingly strong.

Useful Apps for Your Lapland Trip:

• Moovit: For public transportation navigation and timetables.
• Northern Lights Forecast Apps: My Aurora Forecast, Aurora Forecast to help predict the Aurora.
• Google Translate: For assisting with communication, if needed.

Lapland Safety & Cultural Etiquette Tips:

• Do: Dress warmly in layers, respect Sami culture and traditions, be prepared for extreme weather conditions, and book popular activities in advance.
• Don’t: Litter in the pristine environment, disturb wildlife, underestimate the cold, or be disrespectful of local customs.
• Safety Tips: Be aware of ice conditions on frozen lakes and rivers, always inform someone of your hiking plans, and carry a map and compass when venturing into the wilderness.

Lapland Food, Fun & Finds

Top Restaurants in Lapland:

• Restaurant Nili (Traditional Finnish Cuisine): Valtakatu 20, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland (Upscale). Warm atmosphere with traditional Lapland dishes using local ingredients.
• Ravintola Roka Street Bistro (Casual Dining): Valtakatu 22, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland (Mid-range). Street food style with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Santa’s Salmon Place (Seafood): Joulumaantie, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland (Mid-range). Cozy hut where salmon is cooked over an open fire – a truly unique experience.

Must-Try Lapland Dishes:

• Reindeer Stew (Poronkäristys): A traditional Sami dish made with sautéed reindeer meat, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries.
• Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto): A creamy and flavorful soup featuring salmon, potatoes, and various vegetables.
• Cloudberry Jam: A sweet and tangy jam made from cloudberries, a rare Arctic berry delicacy.
• Leipäjuusto (Squeaky Cheese): A fresh cheese that’s baked or fried and often served with cloudberry jam.

Lapland Nightlife & Entertainment:

• Doris Nightclub (Club): Koskikatu 9, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland. A popular nightclub known for its lively atmosphere and music.
• Bull Bar & Bistro (Bar): Rovakatu 26, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland. Relaxed bar offering a good selection of drinks and a casual atmosphere.

What to Buy in Lapland: Souvenirs & Gifts

• Reindeer Products: Reindeer leather gloves, hats, and other warm accessories.
• Sami Handicrafts: Beautiful wooden carvings, intricate jewelry, and traditional textiles.
• Cloudberry Jam: A taste of Lapland to take home.
• Lapland Knives (Puukko): Traditional Finnish knives, often beautifully crafted.