Lapland is a destination that captures the imagination of many people, especially Finnish Lapland, due to its strong connection to the most beautiful time of the year – Christmas.

By now you’ve likely realized that Lapland is neither a country nor a city. Lapland is an extensive region that spans across four countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland, and even a part of Russia).

Therefore, the first thing you need to consider is which “Lapland” you want to visit.

If your goal is to also visit Santa Claus Village, then Finnish Lapland is where you should go.

Are you ready for the best tips on exploring Finnish Lapland?

Let’s dive in.

How to get to Rovaniemi, the Capital of Finnish Lapland?

So, to reach Rovaniemi, you have two options – Plane or Train.

Se optares pelo aviãoIf you choose the plane, you’ll most likely have a layover in Helsinki. If your budget allows, don’t hesitate to spend a night in the Finnish capital and experience a city unlike any other. Helsínquia. Assim, se o teu orçamento permitir, não hesites em ficar uma noite na capital finlandesa e conhecer uma capital diferente de tudo o que já viste até hoje.

If you choose the train, you can still enjoy a few hours in Helsinki, as this train departs in the evening.

In our opinion, taking the night train to Rovaniemi provides a fantastic beginning to the magic of this journey.

The train has sleeper cabins if you want extra comfort for this approximately 12-hour trip, and you can check the schedules online. here.

You’ll arrive in Rovaniemi around 11 AM, after a night like no other (and with a bit of luck, you might catch your first glimpse of the Northern Lights).

 

Santa Claus Village - Where the magic starts

The Santa Claus Village, is located arround 8 km from Rovaniemi and as the name itself suggests, it's a village completely dedicated to Christmas.

Here, you’ll find numerous activities, several accommodations, and many restaurants. Walking around Santa Claus Village is free, and here you can cross the Arctic Circle, clearly marked in the village center.

Santa Claus may appear at any time, even outside the Christmas season, so keep an eye out for the “jolly old man.” It’s a must-see when visiting Lapland.

The Santa Claus Village is connected to Rovaniemi with frequent buses tha cost arround 3,60 Euros per ride.

Another option is to take a taxi, which can be cost-effective for a family or group.

Accommodations in Rovaniemi are generally more affordable than in Santa Claus Village. However, if you’re traveling in November or December, prices are high everywhere, and Santa Claus Village usually sells out by January.

Still in Santa Claus Village you can find to theme parks (paid) that may make sence to visit, specially if you travel with kids. We speak about the Santa Park and Snowman’s World

However, don’t think that Lapland is only about Christmas.

 

 

The best experiences are found outside Santa Claus Village, and some say that the magic continues beyond the Christmas season, when the crowds fade away, and the tranquility of one of the least populated areas on the planet returns.

Next, we’ll introduce you to the best activities you can do in Rovaniemi for a truly unforgettable trip.

 

Must-Do Activities in Lapland

Some experiences are unique to certain places, and the region of Lapland is a beautiful example of this.

Therefore, we’ll share a list of activities you should definitely try in Lapland, as they’re exclusive to this region.

Note: many of these activities are available only from October to March. Outubro a Março.

Visit a Husky Farm and Go Sledding

The Sami people (also known as Lapps) are the original inhabitants of the entire Lapland region, with customs and traditions worth experiencing. Our first suggestion is to visit the loyal companions of the Sami – the huskies.

For this reason, our first suggestion is to visit the loyal companions of the Sami – the huskies.

In this activity, you’ll have the chance to visit a husky farm and listen to their handlers talk about the essential role these animals have played in Sami culture.

You’ll learn about the incredible endurance and intelligence of these animals, and you’ll get to experience travel as the Sami did before snowmobiles, with a fantastic 10km sled safari through the Lapland forests. Sami se deslocavam (e ainda deslocam) antes das snowmobile, num fantástico safari de 10km pelas florestas da Lapónia.

 

2 - Visit a Reindeer Farm and Go on a Reindeer-Drawn Sleigh Ride

Another iconic Arctic animal, known for helping Santa Claus deliver gifts worldwide on Christmas Eve.

Depending on the time you visit, you might even get to feed some reindeer and hear from their handlers about these magnificent creatures.

At the end, you can enjoy a short sleigh ride pulled by reindeer, giving you a taste of what it’s like to be Santa Claus.

But, don’t worry—these reindeer are for tourists, so they don’t fly!

3 – Ice Fishing

Surviving in the Arctic requires skills that may seem both unfamiliar and extraordinary to us.

So, another must-try activity is, of course, ice fishing.

This activity takes you to a frozen lake, where you’ll receive a brief tutorial on how to ice fish.

Afterward, you’ll use a manual drill to make a hole in the ice, drop in your line, and wait for a bite while enjoying snacks and hot drinks.

If you’re lucky enough to catch a fish, you can choose to release it or cook it over the fire.

4 – Snowshoeing

Walking through a forest is already enchanting; now, imagine one covered in snow where the trees look draped in marshmallows.

After some training on using snowshoes and poles for deep snow, set out to explore one of Lapland’s many idyllic forests.

Keep an eye out for tracks and wildlife like lynxes, wolves, moose, and other Arctic animals.

Midway, your guide will light a campfire so you can warm up while enjoying a hot tea and fire-cooked snacks.

This activity requires no experience and is tailored to each group.

5 – Ice Breaker Cruise

If floating in the Arctic Sea in a special suit or walking on frozen water is on your bucket list, then this activity is a must-do in Lapland.

This 3-hour cruise allows you to explore every part of an icebreaker, feeling its power as it cuts through the frozen sea.

6 - Visit National Parks

Visiting national parks may not seem unique to Lapland. Actually...it's not.

However, Lapland’s charm lies in the beauty of snow-covered trees, which create a marshmallow-like effect, and frozen waterfalls that, if you’re skilled enough, you might even climb.

So one of our recommendations is the breathtaking Riisitunturi National Park, where snow accumulation on the trees can reach up to 4 tons, creating stunning effects.

And also the Karouoma Canyon, where you can see one of the most beautiful icefalls in the region (with ice climbing available).

 

7 - Ranua Wildlife Park

If this is your only trip to the Arctic, don’t miss a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park to see some of the Arctic animals up close.

This park is not a zoo, so you’ll take a boardwalk to look out for animals.

If you are lucky enough you can see animals like polar bears, moose, arctic foxes, otters, reindeer, owls, and more.

8 - Visit an Ice Hotel

Ice bars are becoming more common around the world.

However, ice hotels remain exclusive to this region.And fortunately, you can visit them without needing to stay overnight.

Just a few kilometers from Rovaniemi, there’s an ice hotel you can visit, dine at, or simply enjoy a drink at the ice bar.

Other Activities You Can Try in Finnish Lapland

Nevertheless, there are other actvities, despite not being exclusive of Lapland, may be very worthwhile. Here are some of our sugestions.

1. Northern Lights Tours

The Northern Lights are one of the first things that come to mind when considering a winter trip to a Nordic country.

Therefore, Lapland is one of the best places to see them, as it lies above the Arctic Circle.

There are countless Northern Lights Tours, and if you’re in Lapland, combine two activities in one by joining a Northern Lights hunt by reindeer sleigh, husky sled, snowmobile, or even snowshoeing or skiing.

However, remember that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon dependent on many factors for visibility. So, if you want the chance to see them, you’ll need to visit between October and March.

 

2 – Snowmobile

For those seeking a bit more adrenaline, riding a snowmobile through a white winter wonderland is an exciting and fun activity. There are tours for all levels, from beginners to extended outings.

To drive a snowmobile, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and may need to leave a security deposit with the agency.

3 – Ski Safari

While skiing is a standard winter activity, it’s a different experience in Lapland.

Instead of traditional downhill skiing, you’ll go on a safari through the endless magical landscapes of Lapland.

If you’re a ski enthusiast, know that this option is also available in Lapland.

 

Know that you know most of the activities that exist in Lapland , you are ready to make your dream come true!

Do you need help? Then send us an email, with your ideas, plans and budget. We have an amazing partner in Rovaniemi waiting to make your dreams come true!

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