Lapland Travel Guide
If you don’t believe in fairytales, Lapland’s the place that might just change your mind. And, surprisingly, it has nothing to do with Father Christmas. Though seeing a sea of tiny faces light up with joy every time ‘he ho, ho, ho’s’ his way into a log cabin can’t fail to bring a rosy glow to the coldest of hearts. No, we’re skipping over the elves, gifts, baubles and sleighs we all know Lapland for, to spill the beans on the Lapland everyone needs to know about. First up, it won’t surprise anyone to know that a region that’s blessed with 200 days of snow a year is a skier’s paradise. Not just for proficient carvers of powder either. You’re looking at ski schools for all ages, excellent facilities for young skiers and more cross country runs than you could ever hope to ski.
Away from the almost ridiculously long menu of winter sports, there’s the chance to get to know the Sami. And we really should have at least a chat with Europe’s last indigenous people. Then there’s Lapland in summer. A riot of national parks, lakes and forests that are awash with wildlife we’ve all travelled further to see. Bears, wolves and Lynx are certainly worth a night or two in a log cabin to see. Just don’t be surprised if it’s covered in Christmas decorations… in June.
Lapland Travel Guide
If you don’t believe in fairytales, Lapland’s the place that might just change your mind. And, surprisingly, it has nothing to do with Father Christmas. Though seeing a sea of tiny faces light up with joy every time ‘he ho, ho, ho’s’ his way into a log cabin can’t fail to bring a rosy glow to the coldest of hearts. No, we’re skipping over the elves, gifts, baubles and sleighs we all know Lapland for, to spill the beans on the Lapland everyone needs to know about. First up, it won’t surprise anyone to know that a region that’s blessed with 200 days of snow a year is a skier’s paradise. Not just for proficient carvers of powder either. You’re looking at ski schools for all ages, excellent facilities for young skiers and more cross country runs than you could ever hope to ski.
Away from the almost ridiculously long menu of winter sports, there’s the chance to get to know the Sami. And we really should have at least a chat with Europe’s last indigenous people. Then there’s Lapland in summer. A riot of national parks, lakes and forests that are awash with wildlife we’ve all travelled further to see. Bears, wolves and Lynx are certainly worth a night or two in a log cabin to see. Just don’t be surprised if it’s covered in Christmas decorations… in June.
Soundtrack of the country
A rove around Rovaniemi
3 course meal for 2: £68.24
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A regular cappuccino: £3.35
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A medium beer: £5.12
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One-way (Local Transport): £2.39
A rove around Rovaniemi
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3 course meal for 2: £68.24
-
A regular cappuccino: £3.35
-
A medium beer: £5.12
-
One-way (Local Transport):£2.39
Soundtrack of the city
Weather in Lapland
Northern Lights or round the clock daylight? Cloudberries or gingerbread biscuits? The best time to visit Lapland depends on what you’re looking to find. With 8 seasons – yes 8! And 200 days of snow, you could have a dilemma on your hands. One thing is certain, March is best for the Northern Lights.
Discover the real Lapland
As soon as you step away from the Christmas-themed villages, the real Lapland is uncovered. Europe’s last wilderness is as untouched as it sounds. Though, who’s to say what’s more real, the snow-covered fells of winter or the brief thaw that uncovers Lapland’s flora?
Much is made of Christmas in Lapland. So much so that it’s a year-round event. Do indulge your inner child just a smidge. But don’t miss out on the Lapland few see through the fairy-lit pine needles. The wilderness is yours to hike, bike and explore.
You’ll need to get used to seeing reindeer on the menu, fast. A common choice for everything from sandwiches to fine dining, it’s a slight mood killer for any Lapland family Christmas holiday. That aside, always go for the foods that are hard to find elsewhere. We’d recommend the cloudberries – and never turn down a hot berry drink served in a traditional kuksa.
It’s easy to imagine Lapland is a twee, but frosty, village. In reality, it’s a vast and sprawling wilderness peppered with towns and village to rummage through. You’ll be in the market for some tips and intel. Leaf through our guides – but do plan in a road trip too. For those spontaneous stops trips are made for.
- See & do
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Much is made of Christmas in Lapland. So much so that it’s a year-round event. Do indulge your inner child just a smidge. But don’t miss out on the Lapland few see through the fairy-lit pine needles. The wilderness is yours to hike, bike and explore.
- Food & Drink
-
You’ll need to get used to seeing reindeer on the menu, fast. A common choice for everything from sandwiches to fine dining, it’s a slight mood killer for any Lapland family Christmas holiday. That aside, always go for the foods that are hard to find elsewhere. We’d recommend the cloudberries – and never turn down a hot berry drink served in a traditional kuksa.
- Guides & tips
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It’s easy to imagine Lapland is a twee, but frosty, village. In reality, it’s a vast and sprawling wilderness peppered with towns and village to rummage through. You’ll be in the market for some tips and intel. Leaf through our guides – but do plan in a road trip too. For those spontaneous stops trips are made for.
- Map View
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More of Finland
With a third of the country taken up by Lapland, Finland shares much of its best bits. Pure air, great skiing and a summer that’s celebrated by everything from the light-starved trees to the people craving a day at the beach. The capital, Helsinki grabs the headlines – as you’d expect. But venture away from the city lights and you’ll find Finland was made for escapism. Take a digital cleanse by a lake here in any season. You’ll feel all the better for it.
