A weekend in Finnish Lapland: travel guide and things to do
Everything you need to know for a winter break in Finland's northernmost region
![Enjoy a traditional reindeer sleigh ride with the Sámi peoples in Finnish Lapland](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PkCj9aNAU2LX3XSpjskrFN-415-80.jpg)
Why you should visit Finnish Lapland
Finland's northernmost region is "the place to go" to check "more than a few once-in-a-lifetime experiences off your list", said Stacey Leasca in Travel + Leisure. From the Northern Lights to the "legendary" sauna culture, this Arctic destination "has it all".
Lapland really "casts a powerful spell", said Lonely Planet, there's something "lonely and intangible here" that "fills it with Arctic magic". The midnight sun, the Sámi peoples and roaming reindeer are "all components of this", as is Santa Claus himself, who "officially resides here". When "bumping across the wilds" on a snowmobile or dog sled, said Kerry Walker in The Times, Lapland "inhabits the imagination" long before you ever set foot there.
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
How to see Santa Claus
Located in the Arctic Circle and open year-round, the Santa Claus Village theme park in Rovaniemi is known as "Santa's official North Pole residence", said Nordic Visitor, and it is one of the "most popular travel destinations in Finland". This winter, families from across the world will head north on a quest to find the "Man in Red". Ever since 1927, when a radio host proclaimed to have discovered Father Christmas's hometown in the Finnish mountains, Lapland has been the de facto home of the world's most elusive gift-giver. Package holidays to Lapland offer guests the opportunity to see Santa. Options include a "magical interlude" with Santa Claus Trips and a "Santa's Aurora" short break with Lapland Experiences.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-1920-80.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-1600-80.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-1280-80.jpg 1280w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-768-80.jpg 768w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-415-80.jpg 415w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-360-80.jpg 360w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg 320w)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Take a snowmobile tour on the frozen lake of Inari
Top attractions and things to do
Far from the "Santa madness", Finnish Lapland takes a "sharp swerve into proper wilderness in its remotest northern reaches", said Kerry Walker in The Times. Lake Inari is "ravishing" when "wrapped in its winter blanket of snow" and its frozen lake and surrounding fells and forests are "best explored on a snowmobile safari". Another "off the beaten track" experience can be found in Urho Kekkonen National Park. The "at-one-with-nature flavour" of this park on the Russian border "chimes perfectly with the Finnish love of silence, solitude and untouched wilderness".
Finnish Lapland is a "gorgeous part of the world", said Hand Luggage Only. Seeing the Northern Lights are a "sight to behold", but you'll be "spoilt for choice" when looking for things to do. Top attractions include the Amethyst Mine in Lampivaara, Arktikum Science Centre in Rovaniemi, Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort, and the Snow Village in Kittilä.
A suite at the Arctic SnowHotel
Best hotels and places to stay
Spend the night in "a room made of snow" at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, said Nordic Visitor. Located about 26km from Rovaniemi, it is one of the "largest ice and snow hotels in the region". Inside, the rooms and corridors are "decorated with ice art and coloured lighting" and the temperature is kept between 0°C and -5°C. The Arctic SnowHotel is "rebuilt each year" and opens to guests in late December, while the glass igloos are "open for the entire winter season".
Situated on the shores of the stunning Lake Inari with its more than 3,000 islands, the boutique Wilderness Hotel Nangu boasts a series of log cabins that have private saunas and hot tubs with panoramic views of the lake. For something truly special, the hotel's five Lake Inari Aurora glass-roofed huts sit directly on the ice (or float on the water depending on the time of year).
The Star Artic Hotel is tailor-made for thrill seekers of all ages. Situated on the region's highest mountain overlooking the magical town of Saariselkä, the resort boasts a range of activities, including husky, reindeer and snowmobile experiences, and even has its own Wilderness Center just a short drive away.
Family-run Aurora Village in Ivalo has glass-roofed cottages located around a reindeer enclosure. The village also has two restaurants, a panorama sauna and Jacuzzi, and winter activities. Its personal feel and proximity to the Ivalo river makes this the ideal spot for ice fishing, while an ice-water plunge is a must-do for any first-time visitor.
Wilderness Hotel Nangu has log cabins that boast private saunas and hot tubs
Eating and drinking
Many mid-range restaurants in Lapland serve "local specialities", said Bradt Guides, and in particular reindeer. While non-Scandinavians are "sometimes wary about eating reindeer", it is "without doubt" the "dish of choice for most people of the far north". In taste it "resembles beef", though with a "more gamey flavour". Remember, by ordering reindeer from the menu "you're choosing to support a strategic part of the Lapland economy".
Reindeer is certainly an "essential part of Lappish cuisine", said Get Ready 4 Travel, but there are many other things you have to try. The taste of the salmon here is "amazing" and it is "not necessary to buy it from an expensive restaurant". For local drinks, try the sea-buckthorn tea and dry pine needles tea, which is "extremely aromatic" and has a "stimulant effect".
How to get to Finnish Lapland
Flying to Finnish Lapland is "simple" and "fast", said House of Lapland, thanks to the six regional airports: Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Kuusamo, Kemi-Tornio, Kittilä, and Enontekiö. Daily flights from Finland's capital Helsinki have flight times between one and one-and-a-half hours. There are also direct flights in winter season from various cities around the world, including London, Manchester, Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin and Zurich.
Sign up to The Week's Travel newsletter for destination guides and the latest trends
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/33xsreomaw1692698888.png)
Continue reading for free
We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.
Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.
Sign up to our 10 Things You Need to Know Today newsletter
A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
-
Today's political cartoons - December 2, 2023
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - governors go Gotham, A.I. goes to the office party, and more
By The Week US Published
-
10 things you need to know today: December 2, 2023
Daily Briefing Death toll climbs in Gaza as airstrikes intensify, George Santos expelled from the House of Representatives, and more
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
5 hilarious cartoons about the George Santos expulsion vote
Cartoons Artists take on Santa versus Santos, his X account, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Places that are already seeing a boost in tourism due to climate change
The Explainer Warmer temperatures are moving travelers north
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
6 snow-or-sun hotels to visit this winter
The Week Recommends Make your winter dreams a reality at these properties
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Christmas 2023: best stocking fillers and Secret Santa gifts
The Week Recommends The wish list includes boozy crackers, slippers, bath treats, socks and chocs
By The Week UK Published
-
Christmas 2023: best food and drink hampers
The Week Recommends Everything you need for a festive feast – from the turkey and trimmings to the dessert, cheese and wine
By The Week UK Published
-
Christmas 2023: best alcohol gift sets and festive drinks
The Week Recommends Boozy presents, seasonal bottles and unique items for your home bar
By The Week UK Published
-
Christmas 2023: best technology gifts, gadgets and home products
The Week Recommends Top tech presents, unique gizmos and funky things for the house
By The Week UK Published
-
Christmas 2023: best jewellery gifts for her and him
The Week Recommends Sparkling jewellery presents including gem-set flowers and candy-like cufflinks
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published
-
Christmas 2023: best beauty and fashion gifts for women
The Week Recommends Fun and foolproof present ideas from cute kitten bags to disco candles
By Alexandra Zagalsky Published