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How to Travel Cheaply to Lapland

How to Travel Cheaply to Lapland

DigitalrezaidActivities, TRAVEL TIPS, DESTINATIONS, COUNTRY GUIDES, PlanningYesterday3.4K Views

One of the most dreamlike winter destinations in Europe, Lapland boasts magical snow-laden forests, northern lights, and Santa Claus villages. But let’s get honest here—Lapland is not exactly cheap. From stylish cabins to reindeer safaris, you can run through your savings as quickly as you can pronounce “aurora borealis.”

But here’s the good news: You don’t need a luxury budget to experience the magic of Lapland. With some savvy planning and the right attitude, you can experience this Arctic playground without freezing your bank account. Here’s the ultimate guide to traveling cheaply to Lapland.

Where Is Lapland?

Lapland is not a city but an expansive region stretching across northern Finland, Sweden, Norway, and parts of Russia. However, when people refer to where Lapland is, they often mean Finnish Lapland, with popular towns like Rovaniemi, Levi, Ivalo, and Saariselkä.

Rovaniemi, known as the “official hometown of Santa Claus,” is the most accessible and budget-friendly destination in the region. It serves as a central hub for tourists exploring the magic of the Arctic.

Budget Travel to Lapland

Fly Smart

If you’re looking to book flights to Lapland, make sure you do so well in advance as they can be pricey, especially throughout December and the peak winter holidays. But there are ways to save:

Fly into Helsinki first: It’s generally less expensive to fly into Helsinki than directly into Lapland.
Then, fly domestically from Helsinki to Rovaniemi or Kittilä at a low cost with Norwegian Air and Finnair (look out for sales!).
Or save money as well as a night’s lodging: travel overnight by train or bus from Helsinki.

Pro Tip: Track prices on Skyscanner or Google Flights, and look for cheaper fares mid-week.

Accommodation in Lapland: Travel Cheaply

A glass igloo is a famous sight in Lapland, as are luxury cabins, but those typically cost hundreds of dollars a night. If you’re looking to travel cheaply to Lapland, don’t fall for the Instagram fantasy and instead research budget-friendly accommodations.

Hostels and guesthouses in towns like Rovaniemi and Levi offer a variety of clean, cozy places. Airbnb and cabin rentals are great options—book early and travel with friends to split the cost.

Camping cabins or holiday parks are also good choices if you’re visiting in the summer or want basic amenities. For the daring and social traveler, CouchSurfing can provide very real local experiences along with free accommodation.

Pro Tip: If possible, find a place where you can have your own kitchen so you can avoid eating out at restaurants and save even more while you travel cheaply to Lapland.

Eating Cheap in Lapland

Dining out in Lapland is expensive—£15 to £30 for the average restaurant meal—but you can eat well without breaking the bank. If you’re planning to see the Northern Lights, it’s smart to budget your meals, as excursions can already stretch your wallet. To travel cheaply to Lapland, buy groceries from supermarket chains like K-Market, Lidl, or Prisma, and cook in if your lodging has a kitchen. Eat lunch specials—many local restaurants offer set menus at lower prices during weekdays. You can also enjoy Finnish staples like salmon soup and rye bread from local bakeries (get the rye bread; it’s cheap and filling).

Pro Tip: If you’re heading out on long excursions, pack snacks or instant noodles—food at tourist spots adds up quickly. This way, you can travel cheaply to Lapland without compromising on your experience.

Traveling Around Without Prohibitive Costs

Lapland has reliable public transport, although those traveling in the more rural areas may have limited options. Here’s how to navigate without overspending:

Regional travel: Take the bus. Matkahuolto and OnniBus offer cheap routes.
Share a rental car: It is cheaper to share a rental car, and it gives you more freedom.
Walking or biking in smaller towns: Many points of interest are nearby, and paths are well-kept.
Don’t take taxis — they are pricey and should be avoided unless there is an emergency or there are no other options.

Pro Tip: Inquire whether your hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to popular attractions such as Santa Claus Village or viewing areas for the Northern Lights.

Free or Low-Cost Activities in Lapland

Believe it or not, many of the best things to do in Lapland are totally free or low-cost:

Hunt the Northern Lights

You don’t need a tour to see the auroras—just go out beyond the city lights on a clear night and look skyward. To monitor activity, use apps such as Aurora Alert or My Aurora Forecast.

Santa Claus Village (Free Entry)

This magical spot in the garden of Santa Claus Rovaniemi costs nothing and is open year-round. You can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and mail a postcard home from the Santa Claus Post Office.

Go Hiking or Snowshoeing

Lapland has beautiful natural trails you can enjoy for free. In summer, hike trails in Pyhä-Luosto or Urho Kekkonen National Park. In winter, you can rent snowshoes for a nominal fee and forge your own path.

Enjoy a DIY Sledding Day

Borrow or rent a sled (this is often free from hostels and guesthouses) and find a hill nearby. It’s hours of fun at zero cost.

Go to Museums with Student or Youth Discounts

Visit Arktikum Museum in Rovaniemi or Siida Museum in Inari. It’s cheap and good enough for a culture fix.

Avoid the Pricey Tours (or DIY it)

Although husky safaris, snowmobile rides, and reindeer farms are postcard beauties, they’re not cheap—sometimes upwards of £100 each for just one or two hours.

If you’re on a budget:

Book group tours, not private ones — they’re cheaper.
Opt for short taster experiences instead of full days.
Do it yourself when you can — try cross-country skiing, rent snowshoes, or take public transportation to scenic spots.

Pro Tip: Many rental shops, particularly in ski towns, allow you to rent skis, snowshoes, or fat bikes for a few euros an hour.

Travel in the Off-Season

The peak tourist season in Lapland is between December and February, meaning prices are sky-high. If you’re flexible, consider skipping the crowds. Traveling in December can be magical, but it’s often expensive in popular destinations worldwide—Lapland included. Planning around the peak can help you save and still enjoy the magic.

Go in March or April—still snowy, but less crowded and cheaper. Try autumn (September)—the Northern Lights start reappearing, and the forests glow with fall colors. Summer months are perfect for hiking, canoeing, and experiencing the midnight sun—and you’ll save a lot.

Traveling during the off-season saves money and offers a quieter, more personal experience.

Final Thoughts

Lapland is a luxury destination for many, but that doesn’t mean it’s beyond the reach of frugal travelers. With a little pre-planning, flexibility, and an adventurous spirit, you can see it without any tension.

Opt for local experiences, shop wisely, travel slowly, and get out into the wild — and you’ll come away with priceless memories for pennies. Whether you want to chase the northern lights, meet Santa, or stroll through a snowy forest beneath the stars, Lapland is calling — and it doesn’t have to break the bank.

FAQs

When is the cheapest time to go to Lapland?

The end of March and April and the beginning of Autumn (September) are generally the most cost-effective times to visit, with lower prices and fewer crowds.