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Finnish Lapland, the northernmost region above the Arctic Circle, attracts travellers with its mystique. Although it is part of a vast Arctic expanse covering four countries, Finnish Lapland steals the limelight among tourists.
Embarking on a journey to Lapland North in Finland? Explore Everything about travel in Lapland itinerary, from destination highlights to the best times to visit and preparing for extreme weather conditions.
A Quick Overview: What do I need to know before going to Lapland?
- Lapland, like other polar wonders, has a mysterious allure. It presents a great challenge to intrepid explorers.
- Before setting foot in Lapland, the abstract and elusive nature of the destination adds a layer of complexity to the planning process.
- Known as the home of Santa Claus, Lapland revolves around Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. This place proudly holds the title of Santa's official hometown.
- Far from being an independent nation, Lapland stretches across the Arctic expanse. It blends seamlessly into Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia's Kola Peninsula.
Getting to the Heart of Finnish Lapland
Start your Lapland adventure in Helsinki. Choose a regional flight to Kemi or Rovaniemi with connections on Finnair or Norwegian Air for a quick 90-minute non-stop journey to Rovaniemi. Alternatively, choose Finnair's one-stop route to Kemi via Kokkola-Jakobstad.
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Must-Visit Destinations in Finnish Lapland
Exploring Finnish Lapland can be an exciting yet challenging task due to its vastness. To help you navigate this winter landscape, here's a list of recommended destinations, each offering a unique experience to make your trip to Lapland truly memorable.
Rovaniemi: Santa's Capital
Rovaniemi, Santa's official home in Finnish Lapland, is a family-friendly haven with a wide range of tourist services and winter activities. But beware - it is one of the busiest destinations in Finnish Lapland.
→ Nearest airport: Rovaniemi Airport - 7 km
Levi: Festive Ski Haven
As a top ski resort, Levi exudes a lively and modern atmosphere. Although it is slightly different from the authentic Sami culture, Levi is an excellent choice for a varied winter adventure.
→ Nearest airport: Kittilä Airport – 19 km
Ylläs: Scenic Ski Retreat
The compact ski resort of Ylläs is located between Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi. It offers cross-country skiing and wide-open spaces. The stories of the Ylläs region will give you a deeper insight into this fascinating destination.
→ Nearest Airport: Kittilä Airport – 45 km
Muonio: Gateway to Unspoiled Nature
North of Ylläs, Muonio is an ideal starting point for exploring the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. This destination offers unspoilt nature and is a cross-country skiing paradise with an extensive network of over 500 km of trails.
→ Nearest Airport: Kittilä Airport – 77 km
Ivalo and Inari: Cultural Odyssey
Ivalo and Inari are famous for their untamed scenery and the opportunity to explore Sami culture. Inari, one of Finland's largest municipalities, has the country's third-largest lake and a charming ski resort, making it an ideal haven for nature and culture lovers.
→ Nearest airport: Ivalo Airport – 10 km from the village of Ivalo and 48km from Inari.
Ruka, Kuusamo, and Posio: Nature's Paradise
Ruka, Kuusamo and Posio are perfect resorts set amidst nature parks and numerous lakes. Transformed into summer paradises for hikers and winter havens for cross-country skiers, these destinations showcase the quintessential Lapland winter activities.
→ Nearest airport: Kuusamo Airport – 30 km and or Rovaniemi Airport – 200 km
Suomu: Skiing Amidst Wilderness
Suomu, a charming ski resort, lies on the shores of Lake Kemijärvi. It is situated between Rovaniemi and Ruka. Surrounded by vast forests, it's a haven for avid skiers and nature lovers. Suomu also has a traditional reputation as the preferred reindeer grazing area in Finnish Lapland.
→ Nearest airport: Rovaniemi Airport – 130 km
Pro Tip: No matter where you go in Finnish Lapland, nature is always within reach. Within minutes you can find yourself alone amid natural beauty, even in bustling places like Rovaniemi. For a seamless experience, pre-book a private transfer with an English-speaking driver for a seamless journey and avoid unexpected challenges.
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Best Time to Visit Lapland
In Finland, choose summer for outdoor activities such as hiking and bear watching under the midnight sun. Winter (December to March) in Lapland brings snow-covered landscapes, northern lights and activities such as dog sledging.
Yet, planning is key:
- Navigating the Polar Night: November is the start of Lapland's two-month polar night. This is when the region plunges into long periods of darkness. It is a unique experience, but careful consideration is needed before planning your visit.
- December Festivities: December is a time of festivity in some parts of Lapland. Families come together for Christmas in Santa's Land. For a more peaceful getaway, choose different dates or less crowded destinations.
- Spring's Awakening: In March, spring arrives, melting winter's grip to reveal lush green forests. If you want to see snow-covered landscapes, plan your visit earlier in the season.
Where and When to See the Northern Lights
If you venture into Finnish Lapland, you will find that it is one of the top locations for the enchanting Northern Lights, joining the ranks of Greenland, Alaska, Antarctica, Iceland and northern Canada.
The Ylläs region in particular stands out, with a nightly display from mid-September to the end of March. However, seeing the Northern Lights is no sure thing and requires the perfect combination of clear skies, minimal light pollution and a bit of luck.
Pro Tip: To improve your chances, we recommend the My Aurora Forecast mobile app, a handy tool that tracks the Northern Lights in real-time based on your location.
Image by Lucas Marcomini via Unsplash
How to Get to Finnish Lapland in Winter
Planning your winter getaway to Finnish Lapland? To kick-start your adventure, you should book ski bus transfers on arrival. Whether you're planning your transfer logistics, chasing the elusive Northern Lights, reaching activity bases or exploring multiple destinations, a private vehicle is likely to be your key to seamless travel throughout your stay.
In the magical winter landscapes of Lapland, where every corner holds a discovery, the flexibility of a private vehicle ensures you can traverse the snowy terrain at your own pace. So, get ready to explore the winter wonderland as you navigate the snowy roads and discover the magic that Finnish Lapland has to offer.
Budgeting Tips for a Memorable Lapland Trip
Going on a trip to Finnish Lapland? Let's break down the budget essentials to help you plan your week in this enchanting destination. Please note that these are average estimates and actual prices may vary depending on factors such as travel dates, destinations, choice of accommodation and activities chosen.
Private Transfers: For convenient transfers, we recommend visiting AirportTransfer.com to book your vehicle in advance. Enjoy affordable fixed rates, a reliable alternative to traditional taxis.
Accommodation: Lapland's accommodation costs are relatively high, ranging from €80 to €200 per night on average. Your choice of lodging, whether cosy cabins or luxurious resorts, will influence the budget.
Meals: Anticipate spending between €30 and €40 for a meal for two. Dining options vary, from local delicacies to international cuisine, offering a range of choices to suit different budgets.
Activities: Winter activities in Lapland offer a thrilling experience but often come with a higher price tag. Plan to budget between €100 and €150 per person for each activity. Whether it's a snowmobile excursion, dog-sled ride, Northern Lights hunt, or a visit to a reindeer farm, there's something for everyone, though it comes at a cost.
Image by Ugur Arpaci via Unsplash
Essential Clothing Tips for Lapland Explorations
If you're packing for a trip to Lapland, especially in the winter, it's important to be prepared for the cold and snowy conditions. Here's a suggested list of clothing:
- Thermal base layers for extra warmth.
- Waterproof and windproof outer layers to protect against snow and cold wind.
- Insulated gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm.
- A thermal hat that covers your ears to keep out the cold.
- A neck gaiter or scarf to protect your neck and face.
- Waterproof and insulated winter boots to keep your feet warm and dry.
- Wool or thermal socks for extra insulation.
- Goggles to protect your eyes from snow and wind, especially if you plan to do winter activities.
- A small backpack to carry essentials such as water, snacks and extra layers.
Travel Essentials Checklist for Finnish Lapland
- Bring a reliable portable battery to beat the cold and keep your devices charged.
- Download the My Aurora Forecast mobile app to track the Northern Lights in real-time based on your location.
- Learn how to photograph the Northern Lights before you travel.
- Set your camera settings and bring a headlamp and tripod to get the best shots.
- Pack your bathing suit to enjoy the traditional Finnish sauna experience.
Keep this Lapland travel guide in mind as you plan your Lapland holidays, and remember that the magic of this winter wonderland is well worth investing in. So, set your budget, pack your sense of adventure and get ready to create lasting memories in the snowy landscapes of Finnish Lapland!