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Lapland holidays: Reindeer, Northern Lights and Santa Claus
Spanning four countries, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia, Lapland feels like a truly magical place. There are free-roaming reindeer, village resorts dedicated to Santa Claus and some of the most beautiful landscapes you can see anywhere in Europe.
And, thanks to the fact that some of Lapland falls within the Arctic Circle, you can experience some bucket-list natural phenomena, like polar night, the Northern Lights and midnight sun. Not only that, but Lapland is considered to be the home of Santa Claus, so it's an incredibly popular holiday destination come Christmastime. Perfect for family holidays or just about any type of trip, you can find all the best Lapland holiday deals right here.
Lapland holiday tips
At first glance, a holiday to Lapland may appear to be an expensive and complicated endeavour, but we're here to help with that. From the best time to visit this region to the easiest way to get there, we've rounded up our top Lapland holiday tips below.
When is the best time to visit Lapland?
Whenever most of us think of Lapland, we picture a whole lot of snow, reindeer and, of course, the Northern Lights. And don't get us wrong; Lapland is definitely a top winter holiday destination. Just remember to pack the right gear and all sorts of exciting winter activities await, like dog sledding, meeting reindeer and snowmobiling, plus a frosty and enchanted Christmas.
But, contrary to what you might think, Lapland is not just a winter holiday destination. While you won't have the chance to see the Northern Lights in summer, you will get to experience the midnight sun. This is a time when the sun really doesn't set, allowing you to enjoy super-long summer evenings. Why not rent a cabin, and alternate between sauna visits and swimming in one of the many surrounding lakes? For those who love wild camping, this is allowed and it's perfect for summer, thanks to mild temperatures. Summer is also the ideal time to explore the national parks; go hiking or cycling, pausing to pick wild blueberries and admire the free-roaming reindeer.
How to get to Lapland from the UK
The quickest and easiest way to get to Lapland from the UK is by plane. The main airports serving the Lapland region are Tromsø, Kittilä, Kemi and Rovaniemi.
In winter, you'll find more direct connections to Rovaniemi from the UK; otherwise, you may have to first fly to Helsinki and then transfer to a domestic flight from there. Another increasingly popular option is to fly to Helsinki and then take an overnight train to Rovaniemi. These train journeys can be very affordable if you book in advance. This also gives you the chance to spend a few days in the south of the country before making the journey up to more snowy landscapes! Finnish trains are comfortable, punctual and reliable.
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The best things to do in Lapland
If you're not sure what to do in Lapland once you get there - apart from meeting Santa or spotting reindeer, of course - rest assured that there is so much to do in this region. We highlight some of the main Lapland activities below but, like with any holiday, the more time you spend in Lapland, the more you discover you can do, like ice fishing or floating in icy water.
1. The Northern Lights
You'll have the best chance to see the Northern Lights if you visit Lapland between October and March. While seeing the lights is never a guaranteed thing, you can increase your chances at certain latitudes, like in Kilpisjärvi. To further increase your chances, we recommend moving away from the light pollution of big cities, choosing a clear night without clouds and downloading an app that predicts their activity.
2. Dog sledding
Dog sledding is one of the most popular winter activities in Lapland. During the experience, you'll slide between the snow-covered trees, play with the huskies and enjoy the speed! Time will be included before or after to find out more about the role of the traditional musher, when you'll also have extra time to get up close and personal with the dogs. Dog sledding excursions can cost anything between €100 and €150 (or more).
3. Santa Claus Village
Did you know that Santa Claus lives in Lapland? If you'd like to get specific, he lives in Rovaniemi at the Santa Claus Village! If you're visiting Lapland with children during winter, this is the number-one place you'll want to take them. While at Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa Claus, drop off your gift list at the post office, visit Mrs Claus' cottage, taste local specialties and say hello to Santa's reindeer. If you want to extend your visit, you can even stay here - for a very reasonable price for Lapland!
4. Hop on a snowmobile
Going on a snowmobile ride is a magical experience that will allow you to discover the less explored corners of Lapland's natural scenery. With speeds ranging from 12 to 40 miles per hour, a snowmobile will allow you explore the surrounding panoramas with speed and ease. It's quite common to see excursions that combine snowmobile rides and ice fishing. If you'd like to drive a snowmobile, you'll need an A or B license and be over 15 or 18 years old depending on the tour operator.
5. Snow sports
Lapland is the perfect place to enjoy snow sports. Cross-country skiing is a must; this sport is perfect for discovering new landscapes. You can do cross-country skiing during a simple afternoon outing, or make the most of it with a trip of several days including overnight stays in cosy cottages. If you prefer downhill skiing, this can be done in Ounasvaara, near Rovaniemi, or in Norway. If you want to access really remote trails, try snowshoeing.
Finally, to recover from your pursuits, treat yourself to a sauna session. Whether you choose a traditional smoke sauna or a modern sauna, this is the best way to warm up and regain your strength after a long day outdoors. And, for the more adventurous, you can even try a snow bath or dive into cold water after a sauna visit!
6. Meet reindeer
When you think about sledding, it's Lapland's husky rides that usually come to mind. But you can actually take a reindeer sleigh ride while in Lapland. If you like the idea of combining activities, consider a nighttime reindeer ride where you seek out the elusive Northern Lights. Taking in the snowy scenery while wrapped up in blankets in the sleigh is an unforgettable experience in Lapland.
Note that only the Sami people are allowed to raise reindeer, in accordance with ancestral tradition. This is why reindeer experiences offer an opportunity to discover more about Sami culture and other local traditions.
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Where to stay in Lapland
If you're going on holiday with your kids, Rovaniemi is your most likely choice, as this is where you'll find Santa Claus Village, as well as Ranua Zoo, which houses Arctic animals. If the adults want some alone time, there are all sorts of activities on offer in Rovaniemi, like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and many others. Out of all the destinations in Lapland, Rovaniemi is considered to be the most accessible and often the most affordable. As mentioned before, you can even catch direct flights here from the UK.
If you're interested in seeing fjords or going downhill skiing, then it is probably best to head to northern Norway, such as Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands. To get to these destinations, you'll want to connect in Oslo, before flying out to Tromsø. In Alta, you can observe whales and taste culinary specialties from wild and regional products.
If you've ever heard of the ice hotel, you'll find this over in Swedish Lapland. The Icehotel is carved from blocks of ice from the Torne River. The Luleå archipelago is also worth a visit, especially in summer, for kayaking trips, wild camping or fishing under the midnight sun.
Once you know your base, know that Lapland is renowned for its unique and high-quality accommodation options. From igloos and treehouses to ice palaces, you will have to splash out if you want one of these sought-after stays but there are some occasional deals for these too. For most of your holiday, we'd recommend staying in a cottage or a cabin within a resort or privately. Firstly, this will be cheaper and more authentic to the region, but there may be other facilities, like the ability to cook on site or spend time in your own sauna and pool.
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