2025 Lapland Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Rovaniemi City Center has an official Santa Claus office🎅🏻 There are fewer tourists than Santa Claus Village, so Santa Claus and we talked for a while before taking pictures and introduced us to the paintings in his office😂 Santa Claus is fun Humor, wonderful questions and answers, and finally, of course, there is no shortage of photos 😆 Although there was burned at the end 💸, but the money is spent happily 😛 This office is also the only place in Lapland where you can get Santa's signature, if you are interested, you can come and see it 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Santa Claus also gave us a reminder, that is, tonight to the lake, there is a chance to see the Northern Lights 😍😍😍 Hope Christmas wishes will come true 🤞🏻 #2023TravelWish #OverseasTravel Hokkaido, Japan

Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region, a sparsely populated area bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia and the Baltic Sea. Indeed, Finland is a beautiful country. With epic mountains, scenic waterfalls, stunning fjords, and the chance to see the northern lights, Finland is an incredible destination for outdoorsy travelers and adventure lovers. Due to its out-of-the-way location and the fact that Finland is expensive, many travelers skip visiting. This is a mistake! Finland has a lot to offer and there are plenty of ways to save money here. I think it’s one of the most underrated destinations in Europe — especially if you love the outdoors! 🎒 #spooktaculartrip #tripblazers #fallingforfall #awesomepic #couplestrip #fypppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp #fyp #fypシ #summervacation

Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? 🌟 This has been a huge bucket list of mine since very ling time ago. It’s crazy to think that this is a natural phenomenon that only happens in specific regions of the world, at a specific tike of the year and under precise meteorological conditions. I had seen content creators go to Lapland in the beginning of this year and many of them were unlucky not to be able to see them. I was worried it would be the same case for us over our 6 days in Lapland, but we got extremely lucky on the first and last day of our trip. The excitement I got from being able to capture these were unprecedented and unparalleled. Anyone planning to go to the Arctic Circle, I absolutely highly recommend it, and I promise you you will not regret it 😻✨

The ceiling of summer vacation in the Arctic Circle 🎇 Finland is the hidden king in summer! Lapland, Finland 📅Itinerary Day 1️⃣-2️⃣: Rovaniemi | First experience of the Arctic Circle fairy tale Must-dos: Check in at Santa Claus Village (less crowded in summer!), see brown bears at the Arctic Zoo, and ride a bike under the midnight sun Accommodation: Glass House Hotel (Santa's Igloos is recommended, the price is halved in summer!). Day 3️⃣-4️⃣: Inari | Sami culture + lake secrets Must-do activities: canoeing into Lake Inari, doing handicrafts at the Sami Museum, and waiting for the “never-setting sun” by the lake at 2 a.m. Hidden gameplay: Learn to throw a lasso from the Sami people (Inari Reindeer Farm). Accommodation: Lakeside cabin (with sauna!) Day 5️⃣-6️⃣: Lemmen River National Park | Wilderness survival + gold panning Must-do activities: Hiking in the tundra forest (with a guide to find wild blueberries), gold panning experience (Tankavaara Gold Village). Thrill option: 3am canoeing to catch the sun Accommodation: Campsites in the national park (book in advance!) Day7️⃣: Saariselka | The last madness in the polar regions Must-do: Feed reindeer calves at the reindeer farm and watch the midnight sun (Kaunispää Fell) from the mountaintop cable car. Shopping: Sammy handmade antler jewelry (Husky & Co store) 📸Production Guide Props: Traditional Sami wool hat (rented by the museum) and gold panning basin for posing. Time: The light is softest after 10pm! Wonderful spots: Ukko Island Cliffs in Lake Inari, lonely cabin on the Lemmen River tundra ⚠️Lightning avoidance reminder There are so many mosquitoes! For mosquito repellent, buy the local brand "Off!" (available in supermarkets). Remember to wear an eye mask when sleeping regardless of day or night! The restaurant closes early on Sundays, so check the opening hours in advance.

For a long time I've been super keen to experience a Husky Ride and to see the Northern Lights. I knew the time had come up to travel North and tick off some items from my bucket list! Why you should visit Rovaniemi, Finland: ❄️ Wonderland Winters, Fresh Summers 🤫 Beautiful City Life, don't forget to visit - it's so peaceful! 🐺 The Huskies (of course) 🌌 Great chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Winter 💶 It can be done on a budget (if you're careful) What I wore (in January): 🧥 Thick insulated coat jacket (borrowed from a friend) 👕 Thermal sports t-shirt (from Lidl) plus woollen jumper 👖 Thermal sports trousers plus workmen's insulated trousers (from Lidl) 🥾 Ski boots (borrowed from a friend) 🧣🧤 Scarf and gloves 🎒 I was able to pack all of the above into the included basic hand luggage ‼️ Do Not wear cotton or cotton blends! They trap moisture and can leave you sweating ✈️ Arriving on the Sunday just after lunchtime on a flight that passed over wonderful forests of outback Finland (Picture 2), I headed straight over to the Santa Village (Picture 3) to wave to friends and family on the live webcam (a must!) and get a general vibe of the area. 🛌 After a couple of hours here I headed into the city to my apartment rental to get some rest as I knew I was to have a busy day the following day. On the way, I stopped at a supermarket to get supplies for a light evening meal. I'd recommend this as much as you can in Finland - restaurants can be a tad pricey. Day 2 🌨️ Onto Day 2 - my favourite day! The Husky ride. I booked a trip that included a free bus up to the Husky Park (which I missed as I didn't read the instructions properly 🤦♂️) so a £40 taxi later and I was at the park. Lesson learned! 🐺 After the safety briefing we were straight out onto the ride in convoy with the other guests. The ride took us through the Finnish forestry (Picture 1) and across frozen lakes (Picture 4) that gave views of crisp sky and green forests blushed with white snow that were simply unforgettable. We then finished with some time with the dogs (Picture 5) followed by hot juice and biscuits, before it was back to the city. Day 3 🚶♂️ I had a pretty chilled daytime today walking the city and passing buildings like Rovaniemi Church (Picture 6) on my way to look at the River Kemijoki which dissects Rovaniemi. 🌌 Now it was onto the Northern Lights! Starting 7:30pm, this was a 'Guaranteed Sighting' tour which meant that it had been cancelled the night before as there would have been no chance of spotting them. We were reliably informed there would be around a 30-40% chance of spotting them tonight, but this was my last chance, so off I went. No sighting = Refund or Rebooking. Our tour guide took us further north and after some advice from head office we stopped near Liakka on the Swedish border. 📷 And then, there came the Lights (Picture 7)! Absolutely breathtaking. We then headed back to the city and stopped a couple of times on the way as the Lights sprung up again. I reached the house at 2:00am. 🏔️ Day 4 and after some good sleep I climbed the hill on the outskirts of the city to Ounasvaara Observation Tower for excellent city views (Picture 8) before it was time to head back to the airport. I will be back soon - I had the BEST time ever. Perfect for solo travellers, couples or families 🤍 #europetravel

#lapland #christmas #winter #winterholiday #coupleholiday The first week in December 2024 me and my partner arrived in lapand, Finland, in my opinion the perfect time as not too overwhelmingly busy. As two adults this trip was an interesting and 100 worth while experience ❄️ being able to have fun in the snow, visit santas village and just ha e a jolly old time, I would recommend visiting lapland if the opportunity ever came (you won't be disappointed) ❄️☃️⛄️

#2024mapped

There are so many amazing things to do around the world! Here are some top-rated experiences that you might find interesting: Witness the Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland - A breathtaking natural phenomenon. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Cappadocia, Turkey - An unforgettable adventure. Explore the Temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia - A journey through history. Swim with Whale Sharks in the Philippines - An exhilarating marine experience. Go on a Safari in the Serengeti, Tanzania - Spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.

✈️🇫🇮Travel by plane to the capital city first and then take a connecting flight to Lapland, Santa Claus village.☃️❄️

#cherryblossom2024 🌸✨ A place of stories, a place full of magic

#Santa #reindeer Book a tour with article circle tour group and get to see these amazing creatures, and, Santa in one day. Amazing

My journey to Finnish Lapland, far above the Arctic Circle, was a foray into a magical winter wonderland where the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights illuminates the polar night. This pristine wilderness, with its snow-draped forests, frozen lakes, and traditional Sami culture, offered an immersive experience into the heart of the Arctic's untouched beauty. Arriving in Lapland, the sheer expanse of the landscape enveloped in snow was breathtaking. The tranquility of the environment, punctuated only by the crunch of snow underfoot and the soft whisper of the wind through the pines, provided a profound sense of peace and isolation from the wider world. One of the most unforgettable experiences was the chance to witness the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. On a clear night, away from the light pollution of towns, the sky came alive with swirling colors of green, purple, and pink. Watching this spectacular natural phenomenon was a reminder of the Earth's wonders and a highlight of my time in Lapland. Engaging with the local Sami culture added depth to my Arctic adventure. Visiting a Sami reindeer farm, I learned about the importance of reindeer herding to their traditional way of life, not only as a source of livelihood but as a cultural heritage that connects them to their ancestors and the land. The thrill of dog sledding through the Lappish wilderness was an exhilarating way to explore the landscape. Led by a team of eager huskies, we raced across frozen lakes and through snow-laden forests, experiencing the landscape's beauty in a uniquely intimate manner. Staying in a traditional Finnish log cabin, complete with a wood-fired sauna, offered a cozy retreat from the cold. The sauna culture, integral to Finnish life, provided not only warmth and relaxation but also a space for quiet reflection and connection with fellow travelers. A venture to a nearby ice hotel was a highlight, showcasing the creativity and resilience required to thrive in such a harsh climate. The intricate ice sculptures, themed rooms carved entirely from ice, and even an ice bar serving drinks in carved ice glasses were a testament to the artistic spirit that flourishes here. Lapland's pristine environment also offered opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, activities that allowed me to further immerse myself in the silent beauty of the Arctic wilderness. Each day brought new landscapes to explore, from dense forests to open tundras that stretched to the horizon. My journey to Lapland was more than a travel experience; it was a deep dive into a landscape that defies the imagination, where nature's most spectacular show unfolds in the night sky, and the traditions of the Sami people offer a window into a life in harmony with the environment. It was a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the natural world, offering moments of wonder and introspection in the serene Arctic wilderness. #mytravelhacks#localguides#familytrip

Venturing into Finnish Lapland was like entering a winter fairytale, a land of snow-draped forests, reindeer, and the mystical dance of the Northern Lights🌌. The silence of the snow-covered landscape, broken only by the crunch of snow underfoot or the distant jingle of a sleigh, created an atmosphere of serene beauty and magic🌨️. Witnessing the Northern Lights was a surreal experience. The night sky lit up with swirling greens and purples, a celestial ballet that left me awestruck. This natural phenomenon, best seen between September and March, was the highlight of my Lapland adventure🌠. For those embarking on this arctic journey, dressing in layers is essential. The temperatures can drop significantly, and staying warm is key to enjoying the outdoor experiences🧣. Embracing the local Sami culture adds depth to the Lapland experience. Visiting a reindeer farm or enjoying a traditional Sami meal gives a glimpse into the indigenous lifestyle and customs of the region🦌. Remember to respect the pristine nature of Lapland. The environment is fragile, and it's important to follow sustainable practices to preserve this winter wonderland for future generations🌲. Lastly, try some winter activities like husky sledding or snowshoeing. They're not only fun but also offer unique ways to explore the breathtaking Lapland landscape🐕🦺. #LaplandLights #ArcticAurora #FinnishFairytale #WinterWonderland #SamiStories ❄️🇫🇮✨🛷🌲 #falltrip#mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides

Lapland, Finland, should be on your travel wishlist if you dream of a snowy landscape. Although this northern Finnish region is charming in the warmer seasons, consider scheduling your trip from November to March. During this time, thick blankets of snow adorn the trees, enthusiastic Huskies are ready to pull you on a sled, and there's an increased likelihood of witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. If you love these photos, be sure to like and I’ll post more of Finland 2023! 🙏 #2024wish, I’m going to ICELAND! #freehotelstay #Finland #snow

#freehotelstay natural Lap land

When you come to Finnish Lapland, you must try snowmobiling! Although the price is not cheap, but life is short, you must try it😉😉😉 Visitors can join a local tour group and, under the guidance of a tour guide, ride a snowmobile to start an exciting forest adventure. If you are lucky, you may even meet the Aurora goddess. The daylight hours in the Arctic Circle are extremely short. It was already dark when we set out in the afternoon. The weather was extremely cold, more than 20 degrees below zero. Although we didn't have the chance to see the aurora, our tour guide took us to a campfire party in the snow. It was a very valuable experience to roast sausages while listening to stories about the aurora! 😊 #2024TravelWish Hokkaido

#freehotelstay Last year I have an opportunity to visit Finland.From young I was dreaming to visit Santa Clause in real.Finally that is not a dream anymore. Riding the reindeer sledge 🛷 and sent out Christmas cards to friends and family from Rovaniemi Christmas Village .Even though the distance from Helsinki is a little far,but finally i made it. Enjoyed all the moment in Finland.Everything is wonderful and I have a cruise experience from Helsinki to Estonia Tallinn as well. Hopefully I can come to Finland again.Public Transport is very convenient and SIM card for communication and navigating location is pretty cheap.We can get it from the local convenience store for just 5 euro.

#2024wish Last year I went to Finland for Christmas,I met the Santa Clause in real and able to stay in the Santa village in Rovaniemi area for 2 days. Snowy background was so enchanted.I think this was a truly wonderful and amazing time with family and friends. Taking public bus from Rovaniemi train station.It was really convenient and the cheapest way to reach this Santa Christmas Village.i have sent some postcards to friends and myself.Everyone received it with grateful heart.

#freehotelstay #Finland #Artic River Resort

Embark on a magical journey to Lapland, where mystical wonders await beneath the Northern Lights, and the pristine landscapes are adorned with enchanting tales of Sami culture. Aurora Symphony in Lapland: Witness the celestial dance of the Northern Lights, where the night sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. Lapland's remote and dark expanses provide an unparalleled stage for this cosmic spectacle. Reindeer Safaris Through Snow: Traverse the snowy landscapes of Lapland on a reindeer safari, an authentic experience guided by the gentle rhythm of reindeer hooves. Let the snowy silence envelop you as you explore the winter wonderland. Sami Traditions Unveiled: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Lapland's indigenous people, the Sami. Visit traditional Sami villages, where you can learn about their nomadic lifestyle, intricate handicrafts, and the art of joik—Sami traditional singing. Arctic Wildlife Encounters: Explore Lapland's untouched wilderness, home to diverse Arctic wildlife. Keep an eye out for elusive creatures like arctic foxes, snowy owls, and maybe even the magnificent elk. Lapland's natural beauty extends beyond its skies. Tips and Tricks: Winter Wonderland Visit: Lapland truly comes alive in winter, so plan your visit during the snowy season for the full magical experience. Sami Guided Tours: Opt for guided tours led by Sami locals for an authentic insight into their way of life. Aurora Photography: Capture the Northern Lights with a camera equipped for low-light conditions to immortalize this celestial dance. Traditional Sami Souvenirs: Bring home handmade Sami crafts, such as intricately crafted jewelry and traditional clothing. #LaplandEnchantment #NorthernLightsMagic #SamiCulturalJourney #ArcticWildernessTales #freehotelstay#localguides#familytrip

I found that I have a super strong affinity with snow 🥳 Every time it snows, something good happens, to the point where all my travels now revolve around snowscapes and skiing! Today, I'll take you to see the world's most beautiful snowscapes, starting with the places I've been to 👍🏻 Each place has its own wonderful stories, and let's also set sail for my skiing dreams 💨 🎈Finland Lapland Santa Claus's fairy tale world! The unique polar scenery and indigenous ethnic customs 🎊 really captured my heart. I even met a very interesting couple at the ski resort. 🎈Icelandic Glacier Lake Like a galaxy-like glacier lake, beautiful like a painting, it gives me a feeling of falling into a fairyland 💫. 🎈Hokkaido, Japan Come to the romantic snow country for a tempting journey, a silver-white world with flowing ice, snow-capped mountains, hot springs, and a grand snow festival. Search "Xiecheng" for a full snow experience, share your snow stories and win a limited edition "Seven Sweet" product!

Step 1: Choose where to go. Where you go should depend on your time and interests - but Iceland is a safe bet. Contrary to its name, the Northern Lights do not get brighter with every degree of latitude. Instead, they appear like donuts at the top of the Earth, known as the auroral oval. This is good news for travelers who don't want to trek all the way to the Arctic. From Bergen, Norway (the rainiest city in Europe) to Salla, Lapland (self-proclaimed coldest town in Finland). Nordic travel destinations (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland are the easiest places for most travelers to reach. Reykjavik, the northernmost capital, is a major hub for international flights and a great place to explore this phenomenon. It also has the added bonus of being popular for many outdoor adventures, such as hiking, so when you're not chasing the Northern Lights, you'll have plenty of time to kill. But there's no need to limit yourself - the farthest destination of the Arctic has continuous darkness and brief sunlight. At 5pm one afternoon in December last year, I saw the aurora in Tromsø, Norway. Sailing in the sound of Scoresby, Greenland, I saw them as early as the end of August a few years ago. Where you go may also depend on what you want to do on the journey, when you're not trying to chase the lights. Lapland is a popular destination for families during Christmas, where visiting Santa Claus is possible. Going to trendy Sweden means you can enjoy the city break in Stockholm before heading to similar places like Abisko National Park (a 17-hour train ride or faster flight). Even if the lights may be your top priority, planning some other incredible experiences is also a good idea - just in case you don't see the lights, you'll still have a memorable experience. Step 2: Determine the best departure time. The dark night is the path that must be passed to see the light. Aurora hunter - a professional title in the northern highlands - claims that the best time to see the bright northern lights is before and after the solar equinox, when the length of day and night are equal. From a statistical point of view, this statement has some truth - but this correlation is not enough to determine your travel plans. The darkness, no matter how long, is the foundation. The power to create spectacular color stripes is active all year round, but we cannot see them on bright summer nights. Although winter brings cold, it also increases your chances of seeing night lighting. The aurora borealis is caused by solar activity. Charged particles flowing from the sun, known as solar wind, violently collide with the Earth's magnetic field, causing atoms in the upper atmosphere to emit light. Auroras appear quite suddenly, and their intensity varies - but on any given day, scientists predict the strength of auroras based on the solar wind of the past three days. In the Nordic countries, the meteorological agencies of each country conduct a nine-level weather forecast every day. (The scale is not a normal curve: it usually hovers around level 3, and intensities exceeding level 5 are rare solar storms.) Once you have a destination in mind, find the necessary websites to track their aurora activity. For example, the Icelandic Meteorological Office has a daily forecast you can check. Step 3: Find a travel that suits you. You don't have to operate remotely, but you may need to trust professionals. Some tourists emphasize too much on escaping the city lights. Only leaving behind the light pollution in front of them, such as street lamps and houses, can they see the darkness clearly; adventuring 500 miles away from the power grid will not make any difference. This is not to say that it's not worth taking an adventure to a distant and dark valley. First, participate in other activities such as snowmobiling to make it easier to wait outside. Together with the travel agency, we provide a well-structured experience and have the opportunity to try new things such as dog sledding, boating, cruising in a super jeep or snowmobile. The guide will also have resources and experience to help track forecasts and find lights. They usually know the best places to watch the lights, and if the weather doesn't cooperate, there are backup locations. If you want to travel alone, you need to make extensive plans and take safety measures for cold weather - especially if you are not used to it at home. Another form of clever assistance is remote lodges, where specialized caretakers provide wake-up services by waiting for the appearance of light and reminding guests. This means you can choose to sleep instead of patiently waiting in the cold. Step 4: Figure out what equipment you need. Big surprise: You need to keep warm. Get ready, like you're going to the mountaintop, with no trees or buildings to shield you from the cold wind. Searching for the aurora is a waiting game - success can be attributed to an unnecessary extra layer you thought you didn't need. Invest in a thermal base layer to keep warm. If you're going on a trip, ask what items are suitable for the local climate. Many travel companies also offer heavy outer layers that you may not be lying around the house. Discovering the lights will definitely sustain you, but you may also want to capture this amazing sight for future generations. When it comes to capturing the Northern Lights, note that they are shot with shutter speeds of 5 to 20 seconds. A tripod is an absolute must for a strong image; even better, invest in a remote shutter release. The latest smartphones can still capture surprisingly good shots, but it's hard to have enough hope for your work to stand out in the competitive field of auroras. Step 5: Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Manage your expectations and check the cancellation policy. Managing expectations is part of any Northern Lights trip: you may have traveled a long way, only to have fair clouds open the curtains for a spectacular show. I think going with others can be helpful, sharing setbacks - and ultimately sharing excitement. When booking with a tour operator, please check their cancellation policy. Some day trip companies operate even in cloudy and gloomy weather conditions and do not offer refunds to fellow customers, but often allow people to reschedule their itinerary within a short period of time. Few people have confidence in the Norwegian cruise Hurtigruten, which promises to take passengers to see the Northern Lights; if the promise falls through, a full refund will be given. If I could do it again... Living in Iceland means the Northern Lights are right at my doorstep. Generally, they appear every other clear night from September to April. If you're like me, pointing at the pitch-black sky and shouting "ta-da" from the balcony of a three-story house, trying to leave a lasting impression on foreign friends, finding them still seems to take a lifetime.