Reasons to Explore Finnish Lapland
In the far north of Finland lies Lapland, a region that promises a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences. As Stacey Leasca noted in Travel + Leisure, from witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights to indulging in the region’s celebrated sauna culture, Finnish Lapland truly has something for everyone.
Indeed, as Lonely Planet put it, Lapland possesses a unique quality, one that “casts a powerful spell.” It’s a land imbued with “Arctic magic,” where you might encounter the Midnight Sun, connect with the Sámi peoples, or spot reindeer roaming freely. Santa Claus himself, after all, has made his official residence here. Kerry Walker from The Times remarked that the allure of Lapland “inhabits the imagination” long before visitors ever arrive, whether they’re navigating the wild terrain on a snowmobile or gliding across the snow in a dog sled.
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
(Image credit: Aleksei Verhovski/Shutterstock)
Visiting Santa Claus
Nestled within the Arctic Circle, the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi operates year-round and has earned its title as “Santa’s official North Pole residence,” according to Nordic Visitor. Each winter, families flock to this enchanting locale, eager to meet the “Man in Red.” This tradition began in 1927, when a radio host proclaimed he had discovered Santa Claus’s hometown, forever marking Lapland as the realm of gift-giving magic. For those wishing to meet Santa, various package holidays, including delightful excursions with Santa Claus Trips and short breaks like “Santa’s Aurora” with Lapland Experiences, are available.
Snowmobile tour on the frozen lake of Inari
(Image credit: Daniele Aloisi/Shutterstock)
Must-See Attractions and Activities
Beyond the bustling holiday season, Finnish Lapland offers breathtaking wilderness in its more remote regions. Kerry Walker from The Times highlights the beauty of Lake Inari, elegantly draped in winter’s snowy embrace, where snowmobile safaris excel in revealing the landscape’s splendor. A hidden gem is Urho Kekkonen National Park, where the Finnish reverence for quietude and untouched nature is palpable along the Russian border.
As noted by Hand Luggage Only, Lapland is a “gorgeous part of the world.” While the Northern Lights present a captivating spectacle, the region offers an abundance of activities. Top spots include the Amethyst Mine in Lampivaara, the Arktikum Science Center in Rovaniemi, Pyhä-Luosto National Park, the Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort, and the enchanting Snow Village in Kittilä.
A suite at the Arctic SnowHotel
(Image credit: Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock)
Recommended Hotels and Lodging Options
For a truly unique experience, consider spending the night in an ice room at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, as highlighted by Nordic Visitor. Located about 26 kilometers from Rovaniemi, this venue is one of the largest ice hotels in the region. Each winter, it reopens with intricately designed rooms and corridors adorned with ice art and vibrant lighting, maintaining a chilly atmosphere between 0°C and -5°C. The glass igloos are available throughout the winter season, allowing guests to marvel at the wondrous night sky.
Along the shores of the breathtaking Lake Inari, the boutique Wilderness Hotel Nangu offers log cabins equipped with private saunas and hot tubs, all boasting panoramic lake views. For a special treat, the hotel’s five Lake Inari Aurora huts come with glass roofs that allow for stargazing directly from your bed.
The Star Arctic Hotel caters to adventurers of all kinds. Nestled atop the region’s highest mountain near the charming town of Saariselkä, this resort provides a myriad of exhilarating activities, including husky, reindeer, and snowmobile experiences. It even features its own Wilderness Center just a short drive away.
For a more intimate setting, consider calling the family-run Aurora Village in Ivalo home. Its glass-roofed cottages surround a reindeer enclosure, accompanied by two restaurants and a panoramic sauna and Jacuzzi. This cozy spot is perfect for ice fishing enthusiasts and provides an unforgettable ice-water plunge for newcomers.
Wilderness Hotel Nangu features log cabins with private saunas and hot tubs.
(Image credit: Wilderness Hotel Nangu)
Culinary Delights in Lapland
In the mid-range restaurants across Lapland, you’ll find an assortment of local specialties, especially reindeer. While those unfamiliar with Scandinavian cuisine might hesitate to try it, this dish is a staple among the locals and delivers a flavor profile reminiscent of beef, albeit with a gamey twist. When you choose to order reindeer, you’re not just satisfying your palate; you’re also supporting an essential part of the local economy.
In addition to reindeer, the region offers a bounty of other culinary experiences. The salmon here is nothing short of exceptional and can be found at various price points, making it accessible for all. For local beverages, seek out sea-buckthorn tea or the aromatic dry pine needle tea—both are said to invigorate the senses.
Getting to Finnish Lapland
Reaching Finnish Lapland is both simple and quick, thanks to six regional airports: Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Kuusamo, Kemi-Tornio, Kittilä, and Enontekiö. Daily flights from Helsinki take approximately one to one-and-a-half hours. During the winter season, numerous direct flights connect Lapland to major cities around the globe, including London, Manchester, Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, and Zurich.
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