Lapland, the land of snow-covered forests, shimmering skies, and rich Sámi culture, is a dream destination for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. Located in the northernmost region of Europe, spanning Finland, Sweden, Norway, and part of Russia, Lapland offers year-round enchantment for nature enthusiasts, families, and thrill-seekers. Whether it’s experiencing the breathtaking Northern Lights or meeting Santa Claus, there’s something magical for everyone.
Star Vacations is here to help you create the perfect itinerary if you’re planning a trip to this Arctic wonderland! Call us at +91 95822 54235 to book your dream Lapland adventure.
1. Chase the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a mesmerizing natural light display caused by particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere. This interaction creates brilliant, colorful waves of light that shimmer across the night sky in shades of green, pink, and violet.
Why Lapland?
Lapland, being located within the Arctic Circle, is one of the best places in the world to witness this phenomenon. The region’s long, dark winters, combined with its relatively clear skies, make it ideal for spotting the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi in Finland, Abisko in Sweden, and Tromsø in Norway are among the top spots for aurora watching. The best time to see the Northern Lights is from late August to early April, with peak viewing times between 10 PM and 2 AM.
How to Experience It?
- You can join Northern Lights safaris, which take you deep into the wilderness away from city lights, enhancing your chances of seeing the aurora.
- For a unique experience, try a Northern Lights chase by snowmobile, reindeer sleigh, or even a husky-pulled sled.
- Some hotels even offer aurora alarms, so you won’t miss out if the lights appear while you sleep!
Star Vacations Tip: We recommend booking a guided Northern Lights tour, as local experts know the best spots and conditions for viewing.
2. Meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is officially recognized as the home of Santa Claus, making it a must-visit for families and Christmas enthusiasts. This enchanting destination is where the magic of the holiday season comes to life year-round.
What to Expect?
In Santa Claus Village, you can meet the jolly man himself, send postcards from the official Santa Post Office (which come with a special Arctic Circle postmark), and even cross the Arctic Circle, marked by a line running through the village. Kids can share their wish lists, and adults can relive their childhood dreams of meeting Santa. The village is full of holiday cheer, with Christmas-themed shops, restaurants, and workshops for creating festive crafts.
Other Activities
- Take part in reindeer rides or husky safaris, which are popular activities near Santa’s Village.
- Don’t miss out on the SantaPark, an underground amusement park that features elf shows, ice sculptures, and cookie-making workshops with Mrs. Claus.
Star Vacations Tip: Make sure to visit during December for an extra-special Christmas atmosphere, but the village is open year-round for those wanting a taste of Christmas in any season!
Also Read: EXPLORE OUR STELLAR TOUR TO LAPLAND
3. Husky and Reindeer Safaris
A key part of Lapland’s culture is its strong connection to nature and wildlife, and nothing embodies this more than the traditional husky and reindeer safaris. These excursions offer an authentic and thrilling way to experience Lapland’s wilderness.
Husky Safaris
Husky sledding is a thrilling adventure that lets you harness the power and energy of a team of well-trained huskies as you glide through Lapland’s snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. You can even learn how to “mush” (drive) the sled yourself. The huskies are friendly and incredibly energetic, and you’ll have a chance to meet and interact with them before and after the ride. This is an exhilarating way to explore the Arctic wilderness and is perfect for adventure seekers.
Reindeer Safaris
For a more relaxed and peaceful experience, a reindeer safari offers a slower, quieter ride through the serene Lappish landscapes. Led by Sámi guides, you’ll learn about the importance of reindeer in Sámi culture and the traditional ways of reindeer herding. This is an immersive cultural experience where you’ll gain insight into the way of life in Lapland.
Star Vacations Tip: If you’re traveling with children or seeking a more laid-back experience, a reindeer safari is ideal. For those looking for excitement and speed, husky sledding will be a better fit!
4. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
If you’re an active traveler who loves exploring nature, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are perfect ways to immerse yourself in Lapland’s snowy wilderness. Both activities are accessible to beginners but also provide a rewarding challenge for experienced adventurers.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore deep, powdery snow that would otherwise be difficult to navigate. With snowshoes strapped to your boots, you can trek across vast snowfields, through dense forests, and up hills to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Arctic landscape. Snowshoeing is a peaceful, low-impact activity that lets you enjoy the tranquility of nature while getting up close to the local flora and fauna. You can spot Arctic wildlife like reindeer, Arctic foxes, and even the occasional owl.
Cross-Country Skiing
Lapland offers an extensive network of well-maintained cross-country skiing trails that wind through scenic landscapes. This traditional winter sport is a fantastic workout and allows you to cover long distances while soaking in the beauty of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. Cross-country skiing is deeply embedded in Finnish culture, and it’s common to see locals enjoying the sport during the long winter months.
Star Vacations Tip: We can arrange guided snowshoeing or skiing tours, where an expert guide will show you the best trails and teach you about the local wildlife. It’s a wonderful way to experience Lapland’s natural beauty at your own pace.
Also Read: Santa Park, Lapland
5. Experience the Midnight Sun
While Lapland is known for its long, dark winters, the summer months bring the opposite: the Midnight Sun. From late May to mid-July, the sun remains visible for 24 hours a day in the northernmost regions of Lapland, creating an eerie yet beautiful golden glow that lasts all night. This phenomenon is caused by Lapland’s location above the Arctic Circle, where the tilt of the Earth keeps the sun above the horizon even at midnight.
What to Do Under the Midnight Sun?
The Midnight Sun offers a unique opportunity for outdoor activities that stretch late into the night:
- Hiking: Lapland’s national parks, like Abisko in Sweden and Urho Kekkonen in Finland, provide excellent hiking trails. Imagine hiking through scenic mountains, valleys, and lakes, all while bathed in the warm, golden light of the Midnight Sun.
- Fishing: The rivers and lakes of Lapland teem with fish like trout and Arctic char. The continuous daylight means you can cast a line any time of day or night.
- Canoeing and Kayaking: Paddling through Lapland’s serene waterways under the Midnight Sun is a tranquil experience like no other. It’s a great way to take in the landscape from a different perspective.
Star Vacations Tip: We recommend visiting Lapland during the summer if you enjoy outdoor activities. The Midnight Sun adds a magical twist to everything you do, giving you endless daylight to explore.
6. Stay in an Ice Hotel
A visit to Lapland wouldn’t be complete without spending a night in one of the region’s famous ice hotels. These extraordinary hotels are entirely built from ice and snow each winter, offering guests a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
What’s It Like to Stay in an Ice Hotel?
The Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, and the SnowHotel in Kemi, Finland, are two of the most famous ice hotels in Lapland. These hotels are rebuilt every year with blocks of ice taken from nearby rivers. Each room is a work of art, with intricately carved ice sculptures, ice furniture, and stunning ice designs that create an otherworldly atmosphere. The rooms are kept at a consistent temperature of -5°C to -8°C (23°F to 17°F), but don’t worry—you’ll be provided with special thermal sleeping bags and blankets to keep warm during your stay.
Activities at Ice Hotels
Even if you don’t stay overnight, ice hotels offer day tours where you can explore the beautifully sculpted interiors, enjoy a drink in the ice bar, or even have a meal served on ice plates in the ice restaurant. Some ice hotels also offer fun winter activities like snowmobiling, ice sculpting workshops, and Northern Lights tours.
Star Vacations Tip: Staying in an ice hotel is a must-do for travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’d prefer to stay warm, many ice hotels also have cozy, heated cabins nearby for those who want to admire the ice architecture without spending the night in subzero temperatures!
Also Read: Reindeer Farm & Safari, Lapland
7. Explore Sámi Culture
The Sámi people are the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland, and their unique culture has been shaped by the Arctic environment for thousands of years. Experiencing Sámi culture is a highlight of any trip to Lapland, offering a chance to learn about a rich and ancient way of life that is deeply connected to nature and reindeer herding.
Who Are the Sámi?
The Sámi live across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia, with a population of around 100,000. Reindeer herding has been a central part of their livelihood for centuries, and they have a distinctive language, clothing (called gákti), and spiritual traditions. Visiting a Sámi village gives you a firsthand glimpse into their lifestyle, which blends old traditions with modern living.
What to Do?
- Visit a Sámi Reindeer Farm: Many Sámi communities offer visitors the chance to visit reindeer farms, where you can learn about the importance of reindeer in Sámi culture, feed the animals, and even take part in a reindeer sleigh ride. You’ll also hear stories from Sámi herders about their traditions and daily life.
- Experience Joik Singing: Joik is a form of traditional Sámi music, often performed to honor people, animals, or places. It’s a haunting and beautiful style of singing that reflects the deep connection the Sámi have with nature.
- Sámi Handicrafts (Duodji): You’ll have the opportunity to see and purchase handmade Sámi crafts such as carved reindeer antler knives, woven textiles, and jewelry. Some villages even offer workshops where you can learn how to create your own Sámi-style crafts.
- Sámi Museums and Cultural Centers: There are several museums dedicated to Sámi history and culture, such as the Sámi Museum Siida in Finland. These museums provide a deeper understanding of the Sámi way of life, their relationship with the land, and their struggles to preserve their culture.
Star Vacations Tip: For an authentic cultural experience, we recommend visiting a Sámi village during special events like the Sámi National Day (February 6th) or a traditional reindeer race, which are great opportunities to see the culture come alive.
8. Visit the Arctic Wildlife Park
For nature and wildlife lovers, Lapland is home to a variety of unique Arctic animals, and the Ranua Wildlife Park in Finland is the perfect place to encounter them. This wildlife park is located about an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi and is home to over 50 species of Arctic and northern animals in natural enclosures that mimic their native habitats.
What to See?
- Polar Bears: One of the park’s star attractions, Ranua is the northernmost wildlife park in the world with polar bears. You’ll be able to observe these magnificent animals in a naturalistic setting.
- Other Arctic Wildlife: In addition to polar bears, the park is home to Arctic foxes, lynxes, brown bears, wolves, and wolverines. There are also native birds like snowy owls and eagles.
- Reindeer and Moose: No trip to Lapland would be complete without seeing reindeer and moose, two iconic animals of the region. The park allows you to get up close to these gentle creatures and learn about their importance to the local ecosystem and Sámi culture.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Ranua Wildlife Park is designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. It features child-friendly exhibits, an adventure park with zip lines and playgrounds, and guided tours that provide fun facts about the animals. In winter, you can combine your visit with other activities like snowmobiling or Northern Lights hunting.
Star Vacations Tip: If you’re visiting in winter, plan a day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park after a night of Northern Lights chasing. You’ll get the best of both wildlife and Arctic adventure! The park is open year-round, and in the warmer months, you can also enjoy berry-picking or canoeing nearby.
Also Read: Family Holidays in Finland
Lapland offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty that can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you’re drawn to the magical Northern Lights, thrilling winter sports, or the tranquil midnight sun, Star Vacations is here to ensure you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
To start planning your Lapland adventure, contact Star Vacations today at +91 95822 54235 and let us create the perfect itinerary for you!
