Lapland · 27 Places · Best February–March
Lapland is Finland's vast, mystical northern wilderness, stretching above the Arctic Circle and home to the Northern Lights, endless fells, pristine national parks, and the legendary Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. This subarctic region offers extraordinary experiences year-round, from dogsled adventures and snowmobile safaris in winter to midnight sun hiking and wild berry picking in summer. Lapland is also the ancestral homeland of the indigenous Sámi people, whose rich culture and reindeer-herding traditions add a unique dimension to any visit.
Lapland, Finland's northernmost region, is an Arctic wonderland covering nearly a third of Finland's total land area. The region is defined by its dramatic seasonal contrasts: polar nights in winter when the Northern Lights dance across the sky, and the Midnight Sun in summer when daylight lasts 24 hours. Key destinations include Rovaniemi, the regional capital and official hometown of Santa Claus; the ski resorts of Levi, Ylläs, and Ruka; the wilderness of Urho Kekkonen National Park near Saariselkä; and the culturally rich Sámi town of Inari.
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The 27 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
The official hometown of Santa Claus sits right on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, offering year-round meetings with Santa himself, reindeer sleigh rides, elf training, and magical Christmas experiences. The village spans a forest setting on the banks of the Kemijoki River and is especially enchanting in winter when draped in snow.
Arktikum is Rovaniemi's landmark cultural institution, housed in a striking glass tunnel that extends toward the Ounasjoki River. The museum features two permanent exhibitions covering the history and culture of Lapland and the science of the Arctic regions, including fascinating displays on the Aurora Borealis and indigenous Sámi culture.
Finland's only polar bear park is home to over 50 Arctic and subarctic animal species, including polar bears, wolves, wolverines, lynx, Arctic foxes, and brown bears. The park's natural enclosures sprawl through a pristine boreal forest, offering close-up encounters with animals that are rarely seen in the wild.
Finland's second-largest national park covers 2,550 km² of untouched Arctic wilderness near Saariselkä, featuring vast fell plateaus, ancient pine forests, glittering wilderness lakes, and rich wildlife including wolverines and golden eagles. The park is a premier destination for multi-day trekking, skiing, and Aurora hunting.
The world-famous glass igloos of Kakslauttanen offer the ultimate Northern Lights viewing experience from the warmth of your own bed. Located in Saariselkä's pristine wilderness, the resort features both glass igloos and traditional log cabins, plus a giant igloo restaurant and world-class reindeer and husky safaris.
Levi is Finland's most popular ski resort, featuring 43 slopes, 26 ski lifts, and a vibrant après-ski culture spread across a stunning fell. Beyond winter skiing and snowboarding, Levi offers summer hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor concerts, making it a year-round destination.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The world-famous glass igloo resort in Saariselkä wilderness offers the ultimate Northern Lights viewing experience from the warmth of your private igloo. The resort also features traditional log cabins, a giant snow igloo restaurant, and world-class husky and reindeer safaris.
Check rates on Booking.comPerched on a forested hillside on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, this iconic hotel offers treehouse-style suites with floor-to-ceiling windows for Northern Lights viewing. The hotel's Rakas restaurant serves stunning Nordic cuisine using local Arctic ingredients.
Check rates on Booking.comLapland's largest spa hotel sits at the base of Levi fell, offering direct access to ski slopes with a full-service wellness spa, multiple pools, and elegant rooms. The hotel's restaurants serve local Lappish cuisine and international dishes in cozy, Nordic-designed settings.
Check rates on Booking.comApukka is an award-winning glass igloo and cabin resort on the banks of the Kemijoki River, just 20 minutes from Rovaniemi city centre. Guests can watch Northern Lights from their beds in private glass igloos and enjoy world-class dog sled tours from the resort.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
The most beloved Lappish restaurant in Rovaniemi, Nili is housed in a traditional log building with reindeer skins, birch wood, and an open fireplace creating an authentic Arctic ambiance. The menu celebrates Lappish ingredients including reindeer, Arctic char, lingonberries, and cloudberries.
The restaurant of the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel serves dishes inspired by the northern Finnish landscape, using foraged ingredients, local game, and Arctic fish in elegant but unfussy Nordic preparations. The panoramic forest views and warm interior make every meal feel special.
Santa's Hotel Santa Claus's flagship restaurant holds a prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs recognition for exceptional food quality. Chef-driven menus feature the finest Lappish ingredients with polished service in an elegant setting in Rovaniemi city centre.
A popular all-day bistro in central Rovaniemi offering Finnish comfort food alongside international dishes, with a sunny terrace in summer and a cozy interior in winter. Excellent lunch buffets provide great value for Lapland prices.
A warm and welcoming traditional Finnish restaurant in Rovaniemi serving hearty local dishes in a casual setting. Beloved by locals for consistent quality and fair prices, Three Lanterns is a reliable choice for authentic Lappish flavors.
Rovaniemi's most popular Italian restaurant offers wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, and an extensive wine list in a stylish setting. A welcome change from reindeer for those craving international cuisine during a longer Lapland stay.
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Lapland's vast distances require careful transport planning. Car rental is by far the most practical way to explore the region, as public transport connections between smaller destinations are limited. Rovaniemi is the main transport hub with an international airport and train connection to Helsinki. Driving in winter requires winter tires (mandatory by Finnish law Nov–Mar) and experience navigating icy roads.
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €30 | €90 | €300 |
| Food (per day) | €20 | €45 | €100 |
| Transportation | €10 | €20 | €50 |
| Activities | €10 | €20 | €50 |
| Daily total | €70 | €175 | €500 |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Lapland.
February–March (winter) and June–August (summer)
Always dress in proper layered Arctic clothing when outdoors in winter—hypothermia can occur quickly at -20°C or below
Carry emergency supplies in your car in winter: thermal blanket, hand warmers, high-visibility vest, tow rope, and a charged phone
Inform someone of your route and expected return time before any solo wilderness hiking or skiing trip
Watch for reindeer on roads at all hours, especially at dawn and dusk—they can appear suddenly and cause serious accidents
Never drive on frozen lake ice without first checking load capacity with local authorities or established marked routes
Download offline maps before venturing into remote Lapland; mobile coverage is very poor in wilderness areas
Be aware of frostbite risk on extremities (fingers, toes, nose, ears) in temperatures below -15°C; cover all exposed skin
Beware of whiteout conditions in snowstorms—visibility can drop to zero; pull over and wait if driving
In summer, use strong insect repellent (DEET-based); mosquitoes and black flies are extremely numerous in June–July
Respect the Northern Lights forecast apps and check weather before going on wilderness Aurora hunts at night
Never approach or feed wild reindeer, elk (moose), or other wildlife, even if they seem tame
Check national park and hiking conditions at the Metsähallitus website (luontoon.fi) before multi-day treks
Carry a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger on remote multi-day hikes
Ice swimming after sauna is a Finnish tradition but take it gradually if new—never swim alone in frozen lakes
Flash floods can occur on fell rivers during spring snowmelt (April–May); avoid camping in narrow valleys
Lapland is an extremely safe destination with very low levels of crime. The primary safety concerns are environmental: extreme cold in winter, wilderness navigation challenges, frozen lake safety, and high-speed driving hazards from reindeer and icy roads. Emergency services: police at 112 (emergency) / 0295 419 800 (non-emergency national), medical at 112 (emergency ambulance) / 116 117 (non-emergency medical advice in Finnish).
The best time to visit Lapland is February–March (winter) and June–August (summer). Lapland has a subarctic climate with very cold winters and mild summers. Rovaniemi, the regional capital, sits on the Arctic Circle. Temperatures range from -30°C in midwinter to +28°C on summer days,
Entry requirements follow Finland rules. EU/EEA citizens enter freely; most nationalities require a Schengen visa. Finland is part of the Schengen Area. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Lapland is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Lapland: Finnish, Northern Sámi, Swedish. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Lapland include Santa Claus Village, Arktikum Science Centre & Museum, Ranua Wildlife Park, Urho Kekkonen National Park, and Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Glass Igloos. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
