Finnish Lapland: A Magical Escape to the Arctic North
Suppose you’re picturing an authentic winter wonderland. In that case, chances are it resembles Finnish Lapland — snow-covered woods, the Northern Lights flickering above, cozy log cabins, and a silence only snow can create.
This part of Lapland, above the Arctic Circle, is not merely a destination; it is an adventure, a romantic dreamscape for those of us who long for an escape from the everyday mundane. Lapland is one of the most southerly extreme places on Earth, whether you visit in winter for a snow-blanketed fairytale or in summer to experience the Midnight Sun.
Why Visit Finnish Lapland?
There are few places on Earth that have natural beauty and peace, like the Lapland. It’s a best-of-both-worlds escape if you’re looking to unplug, get yeep in nature, and experience sights you won’t find anywhere else, like the Aurora Borealis, reindeer walking the city halls, or the warm golden light of never-ending summer nights.
A visit to Lapland promises magical experiences like dog sledding and glass igloo stays under the Northern Lights. It’s a land where nature feels untouched, and every season brings its own charm.
Apart from the sights, it’s the serenity that lingers. Lapland is where you breathe differently, sleep deeper, and view the world through a slower lens.
Lapland: The Arctic Seasons of Winter and Summer
Winter (November to April)
Most visitors come for the Lapland’s winter. It’s long, cold, and so, so beautiful. From November to April, the land is covered with snow, and the sun hardly rises above the horizon. This is peak time for:
- Northern Lights observation (best from December to March)
- Dotted air trips and canine sledding
- Ski and snowboard at resorts like Levi and Ylläs
- Snowy forest reindeer rides
- Sleeping in glass igloos or ice hotels
Where is Lapland? It stretches across northern parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and even Russia’s Kola Peninsula. Despite covering four countries, it feels like one magical, cohesive wonderland.
Fans of Christmas will be happy to discover that Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is home to Santa Claus Village. It’s open year-round but is particularly magical in the winter.
Summer (May to August)
Lapland in the summer is a hidden gem. Temperatures soar, snow melts, and the whole land becomes green forests and lakes — and light — pointlessly, monotonously light. That means the Midnight Sun: the sun does not set for weeks at a time, mainly in June and July.
Summer in Lapland offers:
- Walking and biking in the fells
- Swimming and canoeing
- Fishing and berry picking
- Cabin stays in nature that are peaceful
Though not as well known as winter, summer is a special type of magical, soul-clearing season—ideal for solitude seekers and photographers in pursuit of golden hour light around the clock.
Lapland in summer offers a surreal experience with its endless daylight, serene nature, and unforgettable silence. Days stretch endlessly, and the calmness of the environment creates a deep connection with nature.
Best Things to See and Do in Finnish Lapland
Rovaniemi
Most travelers embark on their journey to Lapland via Rovaniemi, which is often described as the gateway to the region. It’s the home of Santa Claus Village and the Arktikum Museum and provides easy access to the surrounding nature.
Levi
Levi is among Finland’s best-known ski resorts and offers year-round activities. In winter, it is a center for skiing, snowboarding, and nightlife. In summer, it is a popular destination for hiking and wellness retreats.
Saariselkä and Inari
These more outlying places provide a quieter and deeper experience of the Lapland’s wilderness. Inari is also the center of Sámi culture, the Indigenous people of this land.
The seasonal rolling falls of Saariselkä and its quiet trails make it perfect for seeing the Northern Lights and hiking.
Ylläs
Another lovely area, Ylläs, is excellent for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and summer hiking. This part has some of the most beautiful wilderness in Lapland but has fewer crowds.
How to Get There and Around
Reaching Lapland is easier than you think. Most visitors fly first to Helsinki, then catch a domestic flight to Rovaniemi, Kittilä, or Ivalo. Overnight trains from Helsinki to Lapland are also a picturesque and restful way to get there.
Public transport in Lapland exists, but it is somewhat limited. If you want more freedom, it’s best to rent a car, particularly if you’ll be spending time in rural areas or hunting the Northern Lights.
Where to Stay in Lapland
Accommodation is available, sitting at any point, from toilet tent rentals to luxury hotels.
- Stargazing and Northern Lights watching glass igloos
- Cabins in the wilderness (great for digital detox and immersing in nature)
- Hotels at ski resorts (with saunas, spas, and access to ski trails)
- Eco-lodges and Arctic domes (if you’re of the luxury sustainable variety).
And—yes, the dip part after is real (and refreshing!). Many stays come with traditional Finnish saunas, too.
Local Food You Must Try
Lapland’s cuisine is rooted in the land and the seasons. You’ll discover dishes that are uncomplicated, filling, and fresh. Must-try foods include:
- Reindeer meat (typically accompanied by lingonberry sauce).
- Smoked salmon or Arctic char.
- Leipäjuusto (squeaky cheese, served with cloudberry jam).
- Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pies), mushrooms, and berry desserts.
There’s also a focus on locally foraged ingredients such as herbs, mushrooms, and berries — particularly during summer.
Unique Experiences in Finnish Lapland
If you want to experience something over the top, Lapland delivers. Here are some once-in-a-lifetime activities:
- Sleeping in a snow hotel
- Northern Lights viewed from a hot tub
- Participating in a Sámi cultural experience
- Snowshoeing under the stars
- Seeing the Polar Night or Midnight Sun
Lapland invites you to slow down, take a deep breath, and make contact — with the land, the people, and yourself.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re traveling on your own, want a romantic getaway, or are looking for family fun, Finnish Lapland is pure magic. It is one of those uncommonly magical places where the real is more like fantasy. From the whimsical Northern Lights glimmering in winter to the enchantment of endless daylight in summer, Lapland surrounds you with awe, peace, and nature as stunning as it gets. It can be a bit harder to get to and, indeed, not the cheapest destination, but once you’re there, you know it’s worth the trouble.
FAQs
When should you go to Lapland?
If you want snow and the Northern Lights, December to March is best. June to August is ideal for hiking, light, and solitude.
Is Lapland expensive?
It can be, but there are budget options with cabins, hostels, and self-catering. Winter activities and your unique accommodations can add up, which is why preparation goes a long way.
Should you only visit Lapland in winter?
Not at all! Those who visit Lapland during the summer will experience a peaceful Green Lapland with an abundance of experiences such as the Midnight Sun, hiking, and berry picking!
Is English spoken in Lapland?
Yes — the vast majority of locals speak excellent English, especially in tourist areas. Finnish and Sámi are the primary languages spoken, but you shouldn’t have any trouble communicating.
