WINTER TRAVEL | EUROPEAN DIARIES | NARVIK EXCURSIONS
Complete Lapland Adventure Guide
Where Winter Magic Comes Alive
After my long days in Norway, where we explored the beautiful Lofoten island last year, it was time for me to explore something equally exciting. This time, I chose Lapland, just after mid-December. I mean, what better time to visit Lapland than during the snow-filled Christmas season and experience the magical village of Santa Claus?
Geographically, Lapland lies right above the Arctic Circle, where the region experiences extreme cold temperatures. This makes it one of the best winter destinations to enjoy snow-covered landscapes, chilly winds, and magnificent mountains. This blog contains everything you need to know to plan your Lapland adventure—from the itinerary to the best places to visit and the activities that will make your trip an unforgettable experience. Enjoy!
Best Time To Visit Lapland
One of the best things about Lapland is that there will always be various activities to do and places to explore throughout the year. Here are some of the popular months and activities to do in Lapland, so when you plan your itinerary, you can make the most out of your Lapland adventure.
- Winter (November–March): Northern Lights, Husky rides, Snowmobile safari, Christmas and New Year vibes
- Summer (June–August): Midnight Sun, hiking, and berry picking
- Autumn (September–October): Fall colors and off-peak travel
But in my opinion, Lapland is best experienced during winter when the whole place is covered with snow and the vibes of Christmas and holidays are in the air.
How to Reach Lapland
The best way to reach Lapland from Germany is via air. But if you would like to explore different options, here are some of the alternate routes:
- Helsinki to Rovaniemi Train: If you fancy a train ride to Lapland, then you can try the Santa Claus Express, an overnight train that combines comfort with stunning views of the Finnish countryside. If you would like to travel by this overnight train, you have to plan ahead and book your tickets.
- Germany to Finland Ferry: The ferry journey from Germany to Helsinki offers breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea. From Helsinki, you can take a train or flight to Rovaniemi.
- Flights to Rovaniemi: Several airlines offer direct flights to Rovaniemi, making it the quickest option for travelers.
Best Things To Do In Lapland during Winter
From snow-covered landscapes to unique Arctic adventures, Lapland offers unforgettable experiences. Here are the top activities to enjoy in Lapland during the winter season.
Snowmobile Safari
The first thing I did when I reached Lapland was the snowmobile safari. At first, I was a bit reluctant, but after the experience, I am sure the snowmobile safari is one of the best ways to get a taste of a real Arctic experience. Before my trip, I had read about the harsh Arctic wilderness, but experiencing it firsthand was something entirely different.
As we started the snowmobile safari, the adrenaline I felt when I revved up the engine and glided through the snow was a unique experience. The freedom of riding through snow-covered forests and over frozen lakes was something every avid traveler should experience. The Arctic landscape offers many opportunities for nature lovers and photographers to capture the raw beauty of Lapland.
The snowmobile safari lasts about two hours and is ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics of riding a snowmobile while also enjoying the snow. The ride is also perfect for families, as the snowmobile safari is conducted by experienced guides, and the trip includes stops at traditional Lappish huts for breaks and refreshments. The trip is enjoyable and fun, and to me, this is one of the best activities one can do in Lapland during winter.
Husky Ride
I love dogs, especially Huskies. So one major activity I looked forward to on this trip was the husky ride. For me, it was the major attraction, more than the snowmobile safari. The Saariselkä husky tour is one of the best ways to enjoy the husky ride. Being with nature and the Huskies taking you to the snowy Arctic terrain is one of the most magical experiences Lapland has to offer. For husky sledding, Siberian and Alaskan huskies are used. These dogs are specifically bred for sledding, possessing traits like exceptional endurance, high speed, and agility. They are trained to pull the sled with great strength and agility, and the energy they possess is infectious.
Duing the husky ride, you might even get the opportunity to drive the sled under the guidance of experienced instructors. The ride takes you through beautiful Arctic landscapes, from snow-filled forests to frozen lakes. When you visit Lapland, the husky ride is an activity you must include in your bucket list. Trust me, you will love it.
Santa Claus Village
For me, winter is not just about warm clothes and hot soups but also the spirit of Christmas and the vibes of the holiday season. So it was natural for me to include the Santa Claus Village in my itinerary. If you love Christmas, then you would also love Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village, which is regarded as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Visiting this village is like stepping into a Christmas fairytale. The village offers a unique blend of Christmas spirit, Arctic culture, and fun winter activities for visitors of all ages.
But the main highlight of Santa Claus Village is meeting Santa Claus himself. Visitors can meet him year-round in his office, where he welcomes guests from around the world. The village has a Santa Claus Main Post Office, where all the letters addressed to Santa Claus are sent by children around the world. Visitors can see the thousands of letters arriving from children worldwide.
The Santa Claus Village is decked out in Christmas decorations, twinkling lights, and festive music no matter the season. However, it is the winter months, with snow-covered surroundings, that make the village even more magical. Another major attraction in Santa Claus Village is the Santa Claus Reindeer Resort, which offers reindeer rides, reindeer safaris, and Northern Lights safaris with reindeer in winter and reindeer visits in summer. In short, Santa Claus Village is a must-visit spot for any traveler to Lapland.
Husky Park
The Husky Park is heaven for husky lovers. You can see more than 100 genuine Siberian huskies in the park. The Artic Circle Husky Park is open year-round and is one of the main attractions in Lapland’s Santa Claus Village. The park offers husky safaris, husky hugging, husky hiking, and the most popular park visits.
Reindeer Night Safari Ride
The reindeer night safari ride was an enchanting experience for me. The ride through the snowy Arctic under the starry sky is a magical experience. If you visit Lapland, you must experience the reindeer night safari. The safari typically lasts 2 to 4 hours, depending on the package. The tour guide will provide you with a comfortable sleigh and warm blankets to keep you comfortable during the ride. Most reindeer safari ride providers also offer thermal suits, boots, gloves, and headgear to keep you warm, as Lapland at night experiences sub-zero temperatures.
One major attraction of a night ride is the possibility of spotting the Northern Lights. If you visit during winter, many safaris offer stops at aurora viewing spots. At the end of the safari, most tours conclude with refreshments, where they stop at a traditional Sami tent (lavvu) for hot drinks like berry juice and traditional Finnish pastries.
Northern Lights Hunt
During winter, the most popular activity to do in Lapland is to chase the Northern Lights. If you plan to hunt the Northern Lights, you can read my detailed guide, where you will get all the tips and tricks to catch them.
As a general rule, if you plan to catch the Northern Lights, try to visit during the peak months from September to March and stay away from city lights, as light pollution affects the viewing experience. When you catch the Northern Lights, they might begin to appear faint at first. But be patient, and in time they will manifest themselves with a spectacular mix of colorful displays. Waves of green, purple, pink, and more will treat you in the dark sky, and make sure you have your camera ready, as camera lenses capture more colors than the human eye.
Tip: When you book a Northern Lights tour, stay away from fake barbecue Northern Lights tours, as these are tours that take people to locations with no chance of spotting the lights. So, do some research and book legitimate Northern Lights hunting tours. Many reputable tours also include stops at traditional Sami tents (lavvu) for refreshments like hot drinks and Finnish pastries, making your Northern Lights hunt in the Arctic a satisfying experience for both your soul and your palate.
Unique Lapland Cusines
Lapland’s cuisine is a reflection of its culture and environment. During reindeer safari, your guide might take you to huts run by the Sami people. The Sami people are the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland. They have their own unique culture, language, traditional clothing, handicrafts, and cuisine. These huts, also known as kota or lavvu, serve as both cultural symbols and spaces for sharing Sámi cuisine. You can try dishes such as Poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer), Lohikeitto (salmon soup), Leipäjuusto (bread cheese), Kalix Löjrom (caviar), wild mushrooms and more, each offering a taste of unique Arctic tradition.
Laplandia Bilberry Vodka was another standout that I really liked. Its sweet, fruity flavor was the perfect way to unwind after a day in the snow. If you try this, you can pair it with local cheeses and smoked fish for a truly Arctic dining experience.
Essentials for a Lapland Adventure
Preparation is crucial for maximizing the experience of a Lapland adventure. Here’s my recommended itinerary for a Lapland trip during the winter:
- Clothing: Layers are essential as Lapland experiences sub-zero temperatures. Start with thermal base layers, add insulating mid-layers like wool sweaters or fleece jackets, and finish with a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget insulated gloves, a beanie, and snow boots. Also, bring a good pair of warm winter socks to stay comfortable and ready for adventure.
- Camera Gear: Bring extra batteries (the cold drains them quickly), a wide-angle lens for landscapes, and a tripod for stability. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare from the snow. Have a power bank and weatherproof pouch to keep your gear safe from the elements.
- Rentals: Many providers in Lapland offer rental gear, including snowmobiles, sledding equipment, and even thermal clothing. Make sure you connect with the rentals and inquire before you reach Lapland so you can avoid last-minute surprises.
- A Solid Itinerary: Yes, to explore Lapland, you need a good itinerary, as it will save you time and money and enable you to experience Lapland to the fullest. Count the days you plan to be in Lapland, the number of stayovers you need, a list of activities you would like to do, and the places you would like to visit. Also, prepare yourself for unexpected surprises and eventualities, as the weather in the Arctic is unpredictable. A planned itinerary will make your Lapland adventure one of the best experiences of your life.
How does it feel?
Well, for me, Lapland is more than just a place. As a photographer and traveler, its vast landscapes, wildlife, and culture provide me with a lot of inspiration. There is something about the frozen lakes, the black skies, and the snow-capped mountains that makes me yearn to return.
Some locations are like this! In my mind, this adventure was not just about experiencing the Arctic and capturing images but was also about connecting with nature, unwinding from the chaos of life, and embracing whatever comes my way. Lapland’s charm added a unique touch to the moment.
Would I come back for more? Without a doubt, yes!
Lapland is a place that leaves an impression on everyone who visits, igniting the spirit to travel and explore the unknown. I am sure that it has many more stories to tell, and I will surely return for more!
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