Best Things to Do in Lapland – What to See, Do and Eat

Located in the northernmost region of Finland, Lapland is famous the world over for being Father Christmas’ homeland. However, beyond the secrets of Santa’s grotto is an interesting and intriguing part of Finland that welcomes travellers throughout the year.

Besides its famed Christmas connection, Finnish Lapland is a fabulous destination beyond the festive season thanks to its breathtaking arctic beauty, extraordinary natural wonders, and rich heritage. Lapland offers much more than its festive charm for anyone planning a trip to one or all three of its most popular regions, Levi, Rovaniemi, and Ruka. The wider region captivates visitors with its unique experiences, cosy chalets, and activities ranging from reindeer spotting to sleigh rides and ice-fishing.

This article explores the background of Lapland’s unique Christmas ties and the other reasons it has become well-known the world over for being the ultimate luxury destination.

Lapland’s Famous Festivities

Lapland’s fame as Santa Claus’ mythical home dates back to the 20th century. According to legend, Santa chose the secluded, snowy setting of Korvatunturi to establish his toy factory and village. Under the Korvatunturi Mountain in Savukoski, Santa and his elves work tirelessly all year to prepare gifts for children worldwide.

Each year, Lapland welcomes record numbers of visitors to its winter wonderland. The Santa Claus Village, an amusement park bringing the legend to life, is a must-visit attraction. Here, you can meet Santa in person, send letters from his official post office, and enjoy reindeer sleigh rides. The village epitomises the quintessential festive experience, perfect for families, couples, and friends alike. Charming Christmas markets in towns like Rovaniemi offer another dose of holiday magic.

Chasing the Northern Lights

Whenever you visit Lapland, there are festivals, reindeer to spot, local cuisine to try, and amazing attractions and sights to enjoy. However, one of Lapland’s most sought-after experiences is witnessing the mesmerising Aurora Borealis – or Northern Lights. The best viewing months are from September to March, with locations like Rovaniemi and Inari offering prime spots.

This natural phenomenon paints the night sky with dancing colours, typically visible on clear nights so pack a camera in the right travel case for when the opportunity arises for you to capture this unforgettable illumination. While sightings are never guaranteed, Lapland’s location in the Aurora Zone makes it one of the best places in the world to catch this spectacular light show.

Tour operators in Lapland offer Northern Lights excursions, taking you away from light pollution to maximise your chances of seeing the aurora. Whether you choose to chase the lights by snowmobile, reindeer sleigh, or on foot, the experience of watching the sky come alive with colour is spellbinding.

Unique Stays and Experiences

Lapland offers an array of extraordinary accommodation options that enhance the magic of your Arctic adventure. For a traditional and unbeatable stay, opt for a private log cabin with a sauna or warming fireplace. These cosy retreats offer the perfect place to unwind after a day of Arctic adventures. Meanwhile, glass Igloos are an extraordinary idea if you want to sleep under the stars (and potentially the Northern Lights) in a heated glass igloo. These architectural marvels provide panoramic views of the night sky from the comfort of your bed.

Incredible aurora cabins combine the best of both worlds with luxurious facilities, chic furnishings and large windows that invite you to stargaze or watch the Northern Lights without leaving your room. Likewise, the Aurora Hideaway is a stylish place to stay with a magical blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern comforts.

Our favourite Lapland chalets:

Sámi Culture and Local Cuisine

While it shares borders with Sweden, Norway and Russia, this remote area is known for its rugged, snowy wilderness, national parks and Indigenous Sami culture. Meanwhile, reindeer and the Sámi have an enduring connection dating back thousands of years, from hunting and domestication through to its herding traditions and reindeer husbandry. In parts of Northern Lapland, the latter is still a major source of income for many.

Its Arctic landscape alone is striking and features sprawling pine forests, undulating hills and native tundra. Temperatures can plummet well below freezing in the winter, with some areas experiencing two months of kaamos, otherwise known as a Polar Night – or partial winter darkness. Lapland’s cuisine reflects its diverse natural environment with a few must-try traditional dishes, such as Poronkäristys or traditional reindeer stew with potatoes and lingonberries, Lohikeitto; Creamy salmon soup, and the local sweet dark rye and malt bread.

All-Year Nature Activities

With Lapland being almost 500 km long from the north to the south, its weather and temperatures can vary wildly depending on where you are. Despite its arctic association, the weather can be milder than you may think due to warmer air flows coming in from the Atlantic and the Gulf Stream.

During the spring or summer, the longer lighter days and beguiling nature offer a wealth of activities to either embrace Lapland’s summer or the winter action of a snow-capped wonderland. In summer, the Midnight Sun phenomenon brings 24 hours of daylight, perfect for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Therefore, if you love outdoor swimming, its tranquil lakes are stunning.

Lapland is also home to many National Parks, sprawling pine forests, and rolling fells for visitors who enjoy hiking, biking, and canoeing. Nature lovers will also enjoy spotting the country’s diverse wildlife, including moose, brown bears, and a variety of Arctic birds. However, with a 90% chance of snow during the winter, the region’s snow-covered landscape is perfect for thrilling snow-based activities, such as:

Dog Sledding: Experience the exhilaration of mushing through snow-covered forests behind a team of eager huskies. This traditional mode of Arctic transport offers a unique way to explore Lapland’s wilderness while bonding with these friendly, hard-working dogs.
Reindeer Sledding: For a more serene experience, try a reindeer-pulled sleigh ride. Glide smoothly across the snow, tucked under warm blankets, as you take in the pristine winter scenery. Many tours include the opportunity to feed and pet the reindeer afterwards.
Snowmobiling: Adventure seekers can explore Lapland’s backcountry on guided snowmobile tours. Navigate through snowy forests and across frozen lakes, either during the day or under starlit skies for a truly magical experience.
Ice Fishing: Try your hand at this traditional Arctic pastime. Drill a hole through the thick ice of a frozen lake and attempt to catch your dinner. Many tours include cosy heated tents and the chance to cook your catch over an open fire.

From chasing the ethereal Northern Lights to thrilling outdoor adventures, this arctic paradise promises unforgettable memories for travellers. A trip to Lapland, be it during the festive season or at any time of year, is an adventure that captures the imagination like no other place.

So, when you arrive in the frozen north, which of these things to do in Lapland will you do first? Check out our magical chalets in Lapland that are perfect for those wishing to chase the Nothern Lights and warm their bones in a sauna. Check out the full portfolio of homes on Oliver’s Travels, or if there are any activities, trips or services you wish to add to your Arctic adventure, our concierge team is on hand to make your stay extra special.