Lapland
Northern Lights, Santa Claus Village, Husky Safaris, Reindeer, Glass Igloos, Midnight Sun, Sámi Culture, Skiing
Lapland is Finland's northernmost region, lying largely above the Arctic Circle. It is a land of snowy forests, fells, frozen lakes and wide open skies, where the northern lights dance on dark winter nights and the sun barely sets in midsummer.
Rovaniemi, the regional capital, sits on the Arctic Circle and is home to Santa Claus Village, while the Arktikum science centre explains life in the far north. Beyond the city, resorts such as Levi, Ylläs and Saariselkä offer skiing, snowshoeing and husky and reindeer safaris, and many stays come with glass-roofed igloos or treehouse rooms for watching the aurora from bed.
Lapland is also the home of the Sámi, the Indigenous people of northern Europe, whose culture and reindeer herding traditions can be explored at the Siida museum in Inari. In summer, the region's national parks offer hiking, canoeing and berry picking under the midnight sun.
Top Reasons to Visit Lapland
1. The Northern Lights
From late August to April, Lapland's dark skies give some of the world's best chances to see the aurora borealis.
2. Santa Claus Village
Cross the Arctic Circle line in Rovaniemi and meet Santa Claus, a magical experience for families all year round.
3. Husky and Reindeer Safaris
Glide through snowy forests on a husky sled or reindeer sleigh, often with a fire and hot drink in a traditional hut.
4. Arctic Stays
Sleep in a glass igloo, an ice hotel room or a treehouse cabin designed for watching the sky.
5. Sámi Culture
Learn about Sámi life, language and reindeer herding at Siida in Inari and in local communities.
6. Midnight Sun and National Parks
In summer, hike the fells of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and paddle lakes and rivers in round-the-clock daylight.
