Lapland is one of those places that feels like it has been pulled straight from a storybook. It is a winter wonderland full of snow, reindeer and possibly even Santa Claus himself. If you have been dreaming of visiting this snowy paradise, you are in for a real treat. However, planning a trip to the Arctic Circle can feel a bit overwhelming if you have never been before. It is cold, it is dark and there is so much to do.
Do not worry though. We have put together this guide to help you plan the perfect trip. We will cover everything from what to pack to the best time to visit. By the end of this post, you will be ready to book your tickets and start counting down the days. Whether you are going for the northern lights or just to play in the snow, Lapland is an adventure you will never forget. Let us get started on how to make your trip as magical as possible.
Choosing the Right Time to Visit
Deciding when to go is the first big step. Lapland changes a lot throughout the winter season. Each month offers something a little different.
December: The Festive Peak
December is the most popular time to visit. This is when the Christmas magic is in full swing. If you have children or just love the festive season, this is the time for you. You can meet Santa, bake gingerbread cookies and enjoy the holiday decorations. Just be aware that it is also the busiest and most expensive time. You will need to book everything well in advance.
January and February: Deep Winter
If you want real winter, come in January or February. The snow is deep and the temperatures are very low. It is often the coldest time of the year. This makes it perfect for snow sports like skiing or snowshoeing. The days are starting to get a little longer too, which gives you more light for activities. It is usually quieter than December, so you might find better deals on accommodation.
March: The Sunny Side of Winter
March is a fantastic time if you want snow but with more daylight and slightly warmer temperatures. The sun is stronger and the days are longer. It is great for being outside for long periods without freezing quite as quickly. You still get all the winter activities, but with a bit more comfort.
What to Wear to Stay Warm
This is probably the most important part of your trip. It gets very cold in Lapland. Temperatures can drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius or even lower. Dressing correctly is the key to enjoying your time there. If you are cold, you will be miserable. If you are warm, you will have the best time ever.
The Layering System
The trick is wearing layers. You trap warm air between your clothes which keeps you cosy.
Base Layer: Start with thermal underwear. Merino wool is the best choice. It keeps you warm even if you sweat a little and it does not smell. Avoid cotton next to your skin because if it gets wet, it stays cold.
Middle Layer: This is your insulation layer. A fleece jumper or a wool sweater works well here. You want something that holds heat but is not too bulky. You can even wear two middle layers if it is really cold.
Outer Layer: You need a good quality winter coat and salopettes (ski trousers). These should be windproof and waterproof. Many tour operators will lend you thermal overalls. These are brilliant and you should definitely use them. They are designed for the Arctic climate.
Don’t Forget Your Extremities
Your hands, feet and head get cold the quickest. You need to protect them well.
Hands: Mittens are warmer than gloves because your fingers share heat. Wear a thin pair of gloves underneath your mittens for extra warmth. This is handy if you need to take your mittens off to take a photo.
Feet: Good boots are essential. They need to be insulated and waterproof. Wear wool socks. It is better to wear one good pair of thick wool socks than two pairs of cotton ones. Make sure your boots have room for your toes to wiggle. If your boots are too tight, your feet will get cold.
Head: You lose a lot of heat through your head. A warm hat that covers your ears is a must. A scarf or a neck warmer (a buff) is also important to protect your face from the icy wind.
Chasing the Northern Lights
Seeing the Aurora Borealis is on almost everyone’s bucket list. Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see them. However, they are a natural phenomenon so there is no guarantee.
You Need Darkness and Clear Skies
The lights are always there, but you can only see them when it is dark and the sky is clear of clouds. Light pollution from towns makes them harder to see. Your best bet is to get away from streetlights. Many hotels offer “Aurora alerts” which wake you up if the lights appear.
Be Patient
Sometimes you have to wait for hours in the cold. Dress warmly and bring a hot drink. It helps to download an Aurora forecast app on your phone. These apps tell you how likely it is to see the lights based on solar activity and cloud cover.
Join a Tour
Booking a guided tour can increase your chances. The guides know the local area and the best spots to go. They drive you to places where the sky is clear. Some tours even provide thermal suits and photography tips.
Activities You Cannot Miss
There is so much more to Lapland than just snow. The activities are unique and exciting.
Husky Sledding
This is often the highlight of the trip for many people. You get to drive your own team of dogs or sit in the sled while a guide drives. The dogs love running and are very noisy before they start. Once they are running, they go silent and all you hear is the sled on the snow. It is thrilling and beautiful.
Reindeer Sleigh Rides
For a more relaxed experience, try a reindeer sleigh ride. It is slower and quieter than the huskies. You sit under warm blankets and glide through the forest. It feels very traditional and peaceful. Afterward, you usually get to feed the reindeer some lichen, which is their favourite treat.
Snowmobiling
If you like speed, a snowmobile safari is great fun. You can cover a lot of ground and see amazing landscapes. You need a driving licence to drive one, but children can usually go in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. It is an adrenaline rush and a great way to explore the wilderness.
Food and Drink in Lapland
Exploring the cold makes you hungry. Luckily, the food in Lapland is hearty and warming.
Try the Local Delicacies
Reindeer meat is very common on menus. It is lean and tasty, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. This dish is called “poronkäristys”. If you like fish, try the salmon or arctic char. It is incredibly fresh.
Warm Up with Berry Juice
You will see hot berry juice everywhere. It is usually made from lingonberries or cranberries. It is sweet, warm and full of vitamins. It is the perfect drink after a few hours in the snow.
Coffee Culture
The Finns drink more coffee than almost anyone else in the world. You will always be offered a cup of coffee. It is often served with a sweet bun called “pulla”. Sitting by a fire with a coffee and a bun is a lovely way to relax.
Accommodation Options
Where you stay adds to the magic. There are standard hotels, but there are also some unique options.
Glass Igloos
Sleeping under the stars in a warm glass igloo is a dream. You lie in bed and look up at the sky. If you are lucky, you might see the northern lights from your bed. These are popular and can be expensive, but they are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Log Cabins
A traditional log cabin is very cosy. Many come with their own private sauna. In Finland, taking a sauna is a daily ritual. It warms you up right to your bones. Jumping in the snow after a sauna is a brave tradition you might want to try (or maybe not).
Ice Hotels
For the very adventurous, you can stay in a hotel made entirely of snow and ice. The temperature inside is around minus 5 degrees. You sleep in a thermal sleeping bag on top of reindeer skins. It is surprisingly comfortable, but one night is usually enough for most people.
Managing the Daylight
One thing that surprises visitors is the light. In winter, the sun does not rise very high.
Polar Night
In December and January, there are very few hours of daylight. In the far north, the sun might not rise at all for a few weeks. This is called “Kaamos”. It is not pitch black all the time though. For several hours, there is a beautiful blue twilight. The snow reflects the light, so you can still see. It creates a very mystical atmosphere.
Plan Around the Light
Make sure you do your outdoor sightseeing during the light hours. Save indoor activities like museums or swimming pools for the dark afternoons. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it is part of the Arctic charm.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Here are a few extra things that will help your trip run smoothly.
Battery Life
Cold weather drains batteries very fast. Your phone or camera might die much quicker than usual. Keep your phone in an inside pocket close to your body heat. Bring a portable power bank and keep that warm too.
Skin Care
The air is very dry and cold. Your skin can get dry and chapped. Bring a good moisturiser and lip balm. Avoid water-based moisturisers right before going outside as they can freeze on your skin. Use an oil-based cream instead.
Money
Finland uses the Euro. Most places accept cards, even for small amounts. You do not need to carry a lot of cash, but a few coins for tips or small purchases are useful. If you visit the Swedish or Norwegian sides of Lapland, they have their own currencies (Krona).
Booking Ahead
We mentioned this before, but it is worth repeating. Popular restaurants and activities get fully booked in peak season. Plan your itinerary and book your must-do activities before you arrive. This avoids disappointment when you get there.
Is Lapland Suitable for Young Children?
Many people want to take their kids to see Santa. Lapland is very family-friendly, but the cold can be tough for little ones.
Dealing with the Cold
Small children get cold faster than adults and they might not tell you. You need to check on them often. Make sure they are wrapped up well. Short activities are better than long ones. A two-hour husky ride might be too cold for a toddler.
Prams and Buggies
Pushing a pram through deep snow is hard work. A sledge is much easier. You can often rent sledges or hotels might lend them to you. Kids love being pulled around on a sledge.
Santa Visits
There are many different Santa experiences. Some are big theme parks and others are private cabin visits. The private ones feel more personal and magical. Do some research to find the one that suits your family best.
Respecting the Local Culture
The Sami are the indigenous people of Lapland. They have a rich culture and history.
Learn About Sami Culture
You can visit Sami museums or cultural centres to learn about their way of life. It is very interesting to learn how they have survived in such a harsh climate for centuries. Their traditional dress is colourful and beautiful.
Reindeer Herding
Reindeer herding is still a big part of Sami life. When you go on a reindeer ride, you are supporting this traditional livelihood. Be respectful and ask permission before taking photos of people in traditional dress.
Getting Around
Public transport is limited in the wilderness.
Transfers
Most package holidays include transfers from the airport to your hotel. This is the easiest option. The roads are snowy and icy, so let the local drivers handle it.
Renting a Car
You can rent a car if you want more freedom. The cars have winter tyres with studs, so they grip the ice well. However, driving in dark, snowy conditions can be tiring if you are not used to it. Watch out for reindeer on the road. They roam freely and often stand in the middle of the road.
Health and Safety
Lapland is a very safe place to visit. Crime is low and the people are helpful.
Slip and Trips
The ground is slippery. Walking on ice takes practice. Walk like a penguin. Keep your weight over your front leg and take small steps. You can buy grips that attach to your shoes (crampons) which stop you from slipping.
Stay Hydrated
Even though it is cold, you still need to drink water. The dry air dehydrates you. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Bringing Memories Home
You will want to bring something back to remember your trip.
Souvenirs
Popular souvenirs include Finnish design items like Marimekko fabrics or Iittala glass. Traditional Sami handicrafts made from wood, bone and leather are special. You can also buy berry jams, sweets and knitted woollen socks.
Photos
Take lots of photos, but remember to put the camera down sometimes too. The cold can make your fingers numb, so take a quick snap and then put your gloves back on. Sometimes the best memories are the ones you just look at with your own eyes.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Lapland is an adventure like no other. It is a place where nature rules and the scenery is breathtaking. It might be cold, but the warmth of the people, the log fires and the hot berry juice make it feel cosy.
Seeing the joy on a child’s face when they see an elf, or feeling the rush of a husky sled, makes all the planning worth it. Just remember to pack good thermal clothes, bring plenty of spare batteries and keep an eye on the sky for those magical green lights.
Take it slow and enjoy the silence of the snowy forests. Whether you are 5 or 85, there is something in Lapland that will make you smile. It truly is a winter wonderland waiting for you to explore. So wrap up warm and get ready for the coolest holiday of your life.