Lapland is not just a destination; it’s an experience stitched together with snowflakes, northern lights, and cozy firesides. Nestled in the far north of Finland, this Arctic region enchants visitors with surreal landscapes, magical winter traditions, and some of the most unique adventures you’ll ever have. If you’re planning a visit and wondering about the best things to do in Lapland, you’re in the right place.
Let’s walk through Lapland’s top attractions — and while we’re at it, we’ll answer those curious questions you’ve probably typed into Google late at night.
9 Best Things to Do in Lapland
If you’re wondering, ‘Is Finland worth visiting in winter?’, just take a look at these magical Lapland activities—from reindeer safaris to glass igloo stays.
1. Witness the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland
Few travel experiences compare to standing beneath a sky alive with swirling shades of green, violet, and pink. In Finnish Lapland, the Northern Lights aren’t just a possibility — they’re a high-likelihood highlight of your Arctic escape.
Now, you might wonder, “Can I see the Northern Lights in late April in Swedish Lapland?” Technically, yes — but if you’re after that jaw-dropping, clear-sky display, your best window is from late September to early April. During these months, darkness dominates the Arctic skies, and the auroras become a regular nighttime show.
For the most reliable sightings, head north — think Saariselkä, Luosto, Kilpisjärvi, or even the remote stretches of Utsjoki. These locations are far from city lights, often offering 200+ aurora nights per year, and are easy to reach by flight or overnight train from Helsinki.
So, “What’s the best time of the year to visit Northern Finland?” If your goal is aurora chasing, mid-winter (December to February) is ideal. The nights are longest, the landscapes covered in thick snow, and the air crisp and still, creating the perfect backdrop for nature’s most dramatic light show.
Many accommodations here are designed with aurora viewing in mind — think glass igloos, wilderness cabins, or lodges with aurora alarms that alert you when the sky erupts in color. For an even richer experience, join a guided aurora tour where you’ll trek through frozen forests or ride snowmobiles to secluded vantage points, warm drink in hand, waiting for the sky to ignite.
It’s more than just sightseeing — it’s a memory that will leave you speechless.
2. Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
Yes — there’s a real place where it’s Christmas every day of the year, and it’s not just for children. Santa Claus Village, nestled in Rovaniemi right on the Arctic Circle, feels like it was plucked straight from a snow globe and brought to life.
Here, twinkling lights wrap around snow-covered cabins, elves hustle joyfully in wooden workshops, and Santa himself waits inside a log cabin, greeting visitors from every corner of the world. Whether you’re mailing a postcard stamped from Santa’s Official Post Office or crossing the Arctic Circle with one snowy step, this place wraps you in nostalgia, wonder, and pure holiday spirit.
And in case you’re curious, “Can you visit Santa in Swedish Lapland?” — yes, but Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus, recognized worldwide. The atmosphere here is unmatched, complete with reindeer sleigh rides, cozy cafés, snow sculptures, and even Santa’s underground cavern with twinkling lights and music that makes you feel like you’ve entered another world.
Whether you’re traveling with children or rekindling your inner child, this is one of the most enchanting experiences Lapland has to offer — equal parts festive and unforgettable.
3. Sleep Beneath the Stars in a Glass Igloo
Imagine lying in a warm, cozy bed, wrapped in blankets, as the Arctic night sky reveals a shimmering ballet of Northern Lights just above you. No need to step outside into the cold — the glass igloos of Lapland are designed to bring the sky to you.
These transparent-domed igloos, found in iconic spots like Kakslauttanen, Levin Iglut, and Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, are more than just accommodation — they’re part of the experience. Heated glass prevents frost from forming, and panoramic windows ensure you never miss a moment of the sky’s dance.
If you’re wondering, “Is December a good time to visit Finland?” — it’s arguably the best. The snow is deep, the nights are long, and the aurora activity is high. Staying in a glass igloo during this time feels like living inside a dream, one where the boundaries between nature, comfort, and fantasy completely dissolve.
Most igloo resorts also offer private saunas, gourmet Lappish dining, and add-on experiences like snowshoeing or guided aurora hunts. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat or a once-in-a-lifetime solo trip, a night in a glass igloo is the kind of travel moment you’ll be talking about for years.
4. Ride with Huskies and Reindeer Through Frozen Forests
Few moments capture the spirit of Lapland like gliding across frozen landscapes behind a team of excited huskies, their paws kicking up fresh powder as your sled cuts through snow-covered forests. This is not a theme park ride — it’s raw, exhilarating, and deeply connected to Arctic tradition.
When you join a husky safari, you’re not just a passenger. Often, you’ll learn to guide the sled yourself, feeling the rhythm between human and dog, silence broken only by crunching snow and the panting breath of the team. The dogs love what they do — and it shows.
Prefer something more peaceful? Opt for a reindeer sleigh ride, led by Sámi herders, the Indigenous people of Lapland. Wrapped in a fur-lined blanket, you’ll drift quietly through glistening birch forests while your guide shares stories of Sámi life and Arctic survival.
If you’ve been asking, “What are some great activities to do in Lapland in January?” — these are top-tier. January’s deep snow and subzero temperatures create the perfect conditions for sled travel. It’s authentic, unforgettable, and one of the few times you’ll truly feel part of the frozen wilderness.
And for those booking a winter escape and wondering, “What is the best winter vacation tour?” — look for packages that combine husky sledding, reindeer safaris, and Northern Lights excursions. It’s the Arctic trifecta, bundled in snow and starlight.
5. Sleep Inside a Work of Art: Lapland’s Ice Hotels and Snow Villages
Step into a realm where architecture meets ice. In Lapland, ice hotels and snow villages aren’t just places to sleep — they’re hand-carved masterpieces, rebuilt each winter using nothing but snow, ice blocks, and pure creativity.
Two of the most awe-inspiring options are the SnowCastle of Kemi, located along the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, and the magical Lainio SnowVillage, tucked in the forests near Ylläs. Each season brings a new design theme — from Norse mythology to ice-carved dragons or even scenes from Game of Thrones.
Inside, you’ll find ice bars, sculpted suites, glowing LED-lit corridors, and sometimes even ice chapels for weddings that redefine “cool.” And don’t worry — you’ll sleep on thermal mattresses inside expedition-grade sleeping bags, perfectly warm despite the icy setting.
If you’ve ever asked, “What are some must-see attractions in Finland?” — this is one. It’s not just about sleeping on ice; it’s about being surrounded by it, sipping hot cloudberry juice under crystal chandeliers, and waking up to silence so perfect it feels like the snow is holding its breath.
Even if you don’t spend the night, many snow hotels offer day visits with guided tours, ice carving workshops, and dinner in frozen dining halls. It’s a surreal experience that belongs on every Arctic traveler’s list.
6. Relax the Finnish Way with Saunas and Snow Plunges
In Lapland, sauna isn’t just a way to warm up — it’s a sacred ritual, a way of life, and the heartbeat of Finnish wellness. After a day in subzero temperatures, stepping into a wooden sauna as steam curls up from hot stones feels like being wrapped in a healing fog.
But here’s where it gets thrilling: many locals follow their sauna session with a snow plunge — yes, literally stepping out into the freezing night and rolling in powdery snow or dipping into an ice-cold lake. It may sound intense, but the rush of adrenaline followed by calm is addictive. You emerge refreshed, skin tingling, stress dissolved.
“What are essential tips for surviving your first Finnish winter?” you ask. Start with this: layer your clothes, moisturize your skin, but most importantly, never skip the sauna. It’s not just about heat; it’s about restoration. Many hotels, igloo resorts, and even rental cabins come with private saunas — some with panoramic windows overlooking snowy forests.
The combination of deep heat, cold air, and Arctic silence gives you a moment of stillness rarely found in modern travel. It’s not just about surviving the cold — it’s about learning how to love it.
7. Try Winter Sports: Snowmobiling, Ice Fishing, and Skiing
Lapland isn’t just about calm and quiet — it’s also a playground for thrill-seekers. Whether you’re racing across frozen lakes on a snowmobile, skiing through frost-draped forests, or quietly waiting for a bite while ice fishing, winter here invites you to move with the landscape.
Snowmobiling is one of the most exciting ways to explore Lapland’s vast, untouched wilderness. You’ll zoom past frozen rivers, through snow-covered valleys, and even stop for hot drinks in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by absolute white stillness.
If you’re into skiing, resorts like Levi, Ylläs, and Ruka offer excellent slopes for both beginners and pros. Cross-country skiing, a Finnish favorite, is another way to glide silently through pine forests and across frozen fells — all while soaking in the quiet beauty of the north.
Or try ice fishing, the most meditative of Arctic pastimes. Picture it: sitting on a frozen lake, bundled in thermal layers, staring down into a drilled hole, waiting in silence as snow falls gently around you. It’s simple, slow, and deeply satisfying.
“What are some budget-friendly winter getaways in Europe?” you wonder. Lapland can be surprisingly affordable if you plan smart. Opt for self-catering cabins, use public transport or shared tours, and explore outdoor activities that cost little but offer rich rewards — like snowshoeing, sledding hills, and self-guided hikes under the Arctic sky.
After a day of icy fun, warm up in a Finnish sauna — a national pastime here. But why stop there? Locals swear by the sauna-snow combo. You heat up, then jump into a pile of snow or an ice-cold lake, then head back into the sauna. Sounds extreme? Maybe. But it’s surprisingly invigorating.
You might be wondering, “What are essential tips for surviving your first Finnish winter?” Easy: dress in layers (wool is your best friend), stay hydrated, and never underestimate the power of a hot sauna session.
8. Discover Sámi Culture and Arctic Traditions
Beyond the snow and sky, Lapland holds something deeper — the living heritage of the Sámi people, Europe’s only Indigenous culture. Visiting Lapland isn’t just about landscapes; it’s about listening to the land, and no one knows that language better than the Sámi.
You’ll feel it in Inari, home to the Siida Museum, where ancient traditions meet contemporary resilience. You’ll hear it in the soft, melodic tones of joik — a form of Sámi singing that captures emotion and memory more than words ever could. And you’ll see it in the deep respect for reindeer, not just as animals, but as partners in a life shaped by the elements.
Some travelers wonder, “Do people in Finnish Lapland live off the grid?” In some areas, yes — especially those still engaged in semi-nomadic reindeer herding. But that doesn’t mean they’re disconnected. It means they’re deeply connected to nature, weather, migration, and sustainability in a way the rest of the world is just beginning to rediscover.
Spending time with Sámi guides — learning about traditional clothing, seasonal rhythms, and ancestral knowledge — transforms your Arctic trip into something more meaningful. It’s not about watching from a distance; it’s about understanding the soul of the North.
9. Unwind in Silence: The Magic of a Cozy Arctic Cabin
Nowhere is stillness like Lapland. After a day of husky rides, snowmobile safaris, or northern lights chasing, there’s nothing like retreating into your warm wooden cabin tucked deep in the Arctic wilderness.
Picture it: firewood crackling in a stone hearth, the scent of pine in the air, snow piled softly against the windows, and not a single sound except the occasional call of a distant owl or the hush of falling snow.
Staying in a log cabin — or mökki, as the Finns call it — isn’t just accommodation, it’s part of the experience. Some cabins come with private saunas, others with outdoor hot tubs under the stars. Many are completely secluded, giving you the rare gift of total silence — something we often don’t realize we’re missing until we find it.
Travelers often ask, “Why should someone visit Lapland?” This is the answer. It’s not just about what you do — it’s about how you feel. The calm. The clarity. The sense of being wrapped in nature’s quiet embrace, far from city lights, stress, and noise.
For some, it’s the first real breath they’ve taken in years.
Final Words
So, “Can you visit Finland in the winter?” Not only can you—you absolutely should. Lapland turns the coldest season into a celebration of nature, culture, and cozy adventure. Whether you’re watching the Northern Lights from a glass igloo, feeding reindeer, or sweating it out in a lakeside sauna, Lapland gives you stories that stick.
Once you’ve tasted this Arctic fairytale, even the harshest winter back home might start to feel a little more magical.
