Lapland, Finland is the winter wonderland of dreams! This winter destination has all the winter activities that you can dream of from reindeer sleigh rides, husky dog sledding, snowmobiling, northern lights, snowshoeing, igloo hotels, saunas, and so much more. This is my first time visiting Lapland and I fell in love with the dreamy scenery and fun activities.

I visited Saariselka and Rovaniemi for one week with my friend @jerometraveller who helped take all of my photos! Here’s a complete travel guide on everything you need to know when planning a trip to Lapland, Finland. This includes how to pack, which areas to visit, recommended places to stay, and the best winter activities.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP

• Best time to visit Lapland, Finland: November through March. The peak snow season in Lapland occurs usually in late January
• Best time to visit to see the Northern Lights: Mid August to early April. The best chances to see them are the beginning and end of the season. I visited the last week of February
• Finland is one of the safest countries in the world
• Language: Everyone speaks English so you don’t need to worry too much about the language barrier
• Rent a car: I highly recommend renting a car with AWD to drive in snow

HOW TO PACK

I have a full packing list on how to pack for a winter destination here. Below are a few essentials you must consider:

• Portable power bank because the cold weather can drain your battery if you plan to stay out long
• Hand and feet warmers are an absolute MUST
• Layering clothing: thermals, cashmere sweaters, fleece leggings, sweaters, ski pants, winter down jacket
• Winter hat/beanies, gloves, wool socks, snow boots
• DSLR Camera and a tripod is a must to capture the Northern Lights

HOW TO GET THERE

I flew from London to Ivalo Airport and drove 20-30 minutes to our first properties in Saariselka and worked our way South. There are multiple flights from Helsinki to Ivalo as well. We flew with Norwegian Air and Finnair to Helsinki from Rovaniemi Airport. There is a Santa Claus Express train from Rovaniemi to Helsinki which takes 8 hours if you prefer the train.

SAARISELKA (3 NIGHTS)

LAPLAND FINLAND HOTELS

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is located in Saariselka and famously known for its beautiful glass igloos. 250km north of the arctic circle, this property is just a 30-minute drive from Ivalo airport. The resort is quite large with 9 different accommodation types. We stayed in the Kelo Glass Igloo which has a bathroom with a sauna. Our cabin has a partial glass igloo to watch the northern lights and a fireplace. Guests can also stay in the glass igloo rooms, the smaller igloos but they do not have a shower inside the igloo. Guests will need to use a shared shower. There are larger glass igloos that do have showers.

We were lucky enough to have a clear sky for our first night in Lapland and was able to view the Aurora Borealis from our bed! The rooms have an Aurora alarm so you won’t miss it!

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The resort is one of the largest resorts in Lapland which I think is great for families that plan to stay on the resort only. The property offers many activities on property and is currently building a planetarium with a bar with 360-degree views! It’s scheduled to open Spring 2021. Kakslauttanen includes breakfast & dinner with each reservation.

Northern Lights Village is a 15-minute drive from Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort. This property also has the glass roof feature that allows you to view the northern lights from your bed. We stayed here for two nights but unfortunately unable to witness the aurora due to the cloudy weather.

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This property provided us with an aurora alarm we carried around with us on property. Breakfast and dinner were also included with our reservation.

OTHER HOTELS: Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos, Star Arctic Hotel

WHAT TO DO

During the winter there are plenty of winter activities to do! Each property will have a list of activities and suggestions on which tour companies to use. Here’s a list of all the winter activities you can do in Lapland!

Husky Safari – My favorite activity was going on a husky safari during our stay at Kakslauttanen! The Huskies have an inherent run for running and you get to enjoy the beautiful snowy scenery while sledding through the wilderness. At the end of the safari, you may get lucky to see some puppies!

Reindeer Sleigh Ride – A visit to Lapland isn’t complete until you get a sleigh ride from a reindeer! We booked a morning sleigh ride through Northern Lights Village hotel. It was a beautiful 30 min sleigh ride. I wished we visited a reindeer farm, so if you have time I suggest doing this!

Snowmobile Safari – I’ve heard this activity is super fun! I did not get a chance to experience it but if you do, you will drive through Lapland with stunning views.

Aurora Hunting – To get the best aurora I suggest booking a tour with a guide to help you find the best aurora’s and help you photograph the aurora if you’re not an expert.

Ice Fishing Safari – If you like fishing this is for you!

Skiing/Snowboarding – Lapland has some of the most stunning views for skiing and snowboarding. I wish I had time to do this, but if you do I highly suggest you do it! There’s no other place like it!

Icebreaker Sampo – I really wanted to visit the icebreaker cruise as I’ve seen so many photos on this activity. This is a full day activity to go out to sea and take a dip in the icy bay!

Sauna & Ice Swimming – A must experience in Lapland! Unfortunately, I was unable to experience this but this is a great way to relax and enjoy a Finnish Sauna. Kakslattanen has one of the largest smoke saunas in the world!

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ROVANIEMI (3 NIGHTS)

WHERE TO STAY

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – Located right next to Santa’s Village, access to the village and activities makes this property a very convenient location. This hotel offers 3 igloo style rooms, you can choose to experience the premium igloo, premium igloo with sauna, or premium igloo with alcove. If the sky is clear during your stay, you can also view the aurora from the comfort of your room. This was one of my favorite igloos I stayed in! It was super cute, cozy and they provided complimentary wine. Only breakfast is included with a reservation. The property has an iPad that is used as an alarm if the Aurora Borealis is active.

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Arctic Treehouse Hotel – Located about 10 minutes away from Santa’s Village, this property is absolutely stunning! It’s one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Lapland and I knew I had to stay here. The hotel rooms are beautifully designed with a blend of modern luxury comfort and Scandinavian designs. The floor the ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of the scenery and snowy trees. There’s also an area on the property where you can go snow tubing! Only breakfast is included with reservation and the property will alert guests if the northern lights are active by phone or by using an app.

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Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – I did not stay here and this property is actually 40 minutes from Rovaniemi. I booked a tour from our hotel from Rovaniemi to Arctic SnowHootel & Glass Igloos to tour the property and have dinner. If you’re spontaneous I recommend spending a night in the snow hotel. The hotel sleeps up to 70 guests, and the walls and furniture are beautifully carved with unique designs. If the snow hotel is not of interest, they offer glass igloos too!

The property has an ice bar, an ice restaurant, and a chapel for weddings. This is the best hotel to enjoy a Finnish sauna experience.

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OTHER HOTELS: Glass Resort, Apukka Resort, Arctic Wilderness Lodge

If you have more time to explore Lapland I recommend visiting Levi! Levi has some of the best hotels in Lapland and I was a bit sad I did not get to explore this area. The closest airport in Levi is Kittila Airport. If you’re deciding between one area in Northern Lapland, I would highly consider Levi as it’s one known for spotting the best northern lights!

HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS: Golden Crown Levin Iglut, Northern Lights Ranch, Northern Lights Village Levi

WHAT TO DO

Similar to previous activities listed. All hotels in Rovaniemi are able to provide guests recommendations on tour companies for each winter activity. Below are a few additional things you can do in Rovaniemi.

Santa Claus Holiday Village – This area has everything from husky rides, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, rentals for winter activities, and even visiting Santa Claus! There are multiple restaurants and many Christmas stores.

Santa’s Salmon Place – Do not leave Rovaniemi without trying this restaurant. It’s known for their Salmon which is cooked fresh in front of you on a fireplace.

Arctic Circle Hiking Area – This is located by the Arctic Wilderness Lodge. With plenty of hiking trails, lake, bridge, and a public fireplace to keep warm or toast marshmallows.

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I created a few videos for our trip and love them! Watch them here:

• IGTV – Saaraselka
• IGTV – Rovaniemi

I hope this post has helped you plan for your next winter destination. You will absolutely fall in love with Lapland, Finland. I already want to go back to explore Levi!

OTHER WINTER DESTINATIONS:

6 Day Northern Norway Itinerary: Lofoten & Vesteralen

9 Day Alberta Itinerary

Alaska Travel Guide

Iceland in 4 Days

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