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Holidays in Lapland

Home to Santa Claus, the northern lights and the midnight sun, a Lapland holiday provides some of life’s most extraordinary experiences. Spread across the Arctic regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway, Lapland’s raw wilderness is perfect for outdoor adventures.

As the snowiest place in Europe, Lapland is big on downhill and cross-country skiing, sledging and snowshoeing. It’s also your chance to try dog sledding – imagine mushing blue-eyed huskies through snow-dusted pine forests – or snowmobiling across the Arctic hinterland.

Most flights to Lapland fly into Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and the gateway to the Arctic Circle. Every December, families flock to Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village for a magical meet-and-greet with the big man himself.

For an equally authentic Lapland experience, learn about the indigenous Sámi culture and the Lappish way of life in the Arktikum Museum, which has a spectacular glass tunnel to view the northern lights. Alternatively, visit Saariselkä, 250km (155 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, and Urho Kekkonen National Park, where you can go trekking by the midnight sun in summer or spot the ethereal aurora borealis during winter.

Lapland has some unique places to stay, from lakeside log cabins to glass igloos where you can fall asleep under the stars. In Swedish Lapland, some 200km (125 miles) north of the Arctic Circle, you can spend a night or two in the iconic Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, which is rebuilt every winter.

Whether you’ve got Santa in your sights or snow-filled adventures on your mind, holidays to Lapland are simply magical.

You can’t beat a holiday in Lapland for a bucket list trip. Meet Father Christmas in Santa Claus Village, go snowmobiling or cross-country skiing through snow-covered pine forests or learn about the Sámi tradition of reindeer herding. After dark, look up to catch a rare glimpse of the northern lights.

Christmas adventures

Lapland is a magical destination at any time of the year, but when its dusky lights and snowy landscapes evoke the very essence of Christmas, it’s particularly special. Famous as the home of Father Christmas, Santa Claus Village is open year round, but it shifts up a gear as winter arrives.

Wander twinkling candle-lit paths, cosy up in log cabins or traditional lávvu (the Sámi teepee-style tents) and meet the big man himself in Santa’s Office. This once-in-a-lifetime experience can be pricey, but Lapland package holidays to Rovaniemi always include a trip to the village.

Winter sports

Snow-draped fells, pristine slopes and guaranteed Arctic conditions, a Lapland package holiday is a win-win for a winter sports getaway. Levi, Ylläs and Saariselkä are three of Lapland’s most popular ski resorts.

As well as downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and sledding, a Lapland holiday is also a great chance to try out Arctic sports like husky sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

Northern lights

As Mother Nature’s most mesmerising display, the Northern Lights are on many a bucket list. A Lapland package holiday is one of the easiest ways to see this celestial light show where dancing beams of green, pink and purple paint the clear Arctic sky.

When the conditions are right, the aurora borealis reaches across much of northern Lapland, covering Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle, Levi ski resort and the Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland.

Sámi culture

Lapland package holidays are much more than just Santa, skiing and the northern lights. You can learn all about Lapland’s indigenous Sámi people and their way of life at the Ájtte Sámi Museum in Jokkmokk.

It’s a rich tapestry of reindeer herding, joiking (folk music) and Arctic crafts. It’s also a great moment to hop in a traditional Lapland smoke sauna (savusauna). Heaven.

Midnight sun

The midnight sun is a surreal natural phenomenon that occurs above the Arctic Circle during summer. Because of Lapland’s northerly location there’s up to four months a year when the sun doesn’t quite set, instead casting an ethereal glow for 24 hours a day.

Visit in summer and you can go midnight trekking through national parks, explore the remote hinterland on a wildlife safari and learn about Sámi life – all under the midnight sun.

The obvious time for a Lapland holiday is December, when Santa and the snow are the biggest draw. However, this enigmatic Arctic region has plenty of appeal all year round.

When to go for the best weather in Lapland?

For guaranteed snow, late November until April is the best time to visit Lapland. Do keep in mind that temperatures regularly get as low as -15C.

The busiest time is December, when families flock to meet Santa. For warmer temperatures and to catch the midnight sun, go between May and August for an almost-balmy 15C.

When to visit for the best of both worlds?

The best time to see the northern lights in Lapland is between September and March. To combine snow-packed activities with the famous light show, December until March is a good time to see the best of Lapland.

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FAQs

Do I need a visa to go to Lapland?

No, travellers with a full British passport do not need a visa.

Is Lapland safe to visit?

Lapland is a very safe region to visit. Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian Lapland all have a very low rate of crime and violent crime is very rare.

Are there any local customs I need to be aware of?

The Sámi people are very welcoming, but it’s important to be polite and respectful of their culture and heritage.

What travel adapter do I need to take?

Lapland uses type F and type C plugs. A standard European travel adapter will usually suffice.

What’s the best way to travel around Lapland?

Rovaniemi, Ivalo and Kittilä are Lapland’s three main international airports. As there are very few train services north of Rovaniemi, hiring a car or taking the public bus are alternatives to a local tour.