A trip to Lapland promises unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes. This guide helps organize such a stay by providing all the necessary information. Choosing the right season is essential: winter for northern lights and activities like snowmobiling, or summer for hiking in nature. Lapland, with its cold climate and vast expanses, requires good clothing preparation to face the cold.

Accommodations offer unique options: ice hotels, igloos, or traditional cabins with sauna. Special offers for Christmas and New Year allow for a magical time in a fairy-tale setting.

Among the highlight activities, visiting the Santa Claus Village, dog sledding excursions, and observing the northern lights are inevitable. In summer, hiking and exploring the Taiga add another dimension to this remarkable destination.

For a successful stay, knowing a few basics of the local language and ensuring good connectivity are important points. Bringing back authentic souvenirs allows you to extend the magic of this trip. Signing up for our newsletter allows you to receive exclusive offers and properly prepare your adventure in Lapland.

Organizing a trip to Lapland

Choosing the ideal season

Lapland offers different landscapes and experiences depending on the seasons. Winter, from November to March, is perfect for snow lovers and winter activities. The northern lights illuminate the sky, creating magical moments. In summer, from June to August, the days are long thanks to the midnight sun, ideal for exploring the wilderness and hiking. Each season has its charm, allowing you to choose according to your desires and preferences.

Climate and geography of Lapland

Lapland extends over several countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway, and part of Russia. The climate is subarctic, with long, cold winters, and short but pleasant summers. Temperatures can drop below -30°C in winter, while in summer they range between 10°C and 20°C. The region is characterized by vast forests, frozen lakes in winter, and majestic mountains. These natural elements create an environment conducive to adventure and contemplation.

Preparing for the cold: how to dress?

To fully enjoy your trip to Lapland, it is essential to prepare well for the cold. Here is a list of essential items:

• Thermal clothing: underwear, socks, and gloves.
• Intermediate layers: wool or fleece sweaters.
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants.
• Warm hat and scarf.
• Boots suitable for walking in the snow.

It is advisable to layer to better manage temperature variations. This equipment will allow you to stay comfortable throughout your stay.

Planning transportation and transfers

Transportation in Lapland can be done in various ways. To reach this remote area, flying remains the quickest option with regular flights to main airports like Rovaniemi in Finland or Kiruna in Sweden. Once there, renting a car is a good option for more freedom. Local buses and trains are also available to explore the surrounding villages. Don’t forget that some accommodations offer transfer services from the airport, which can simplify the organization of your stay.

Our customizable travel ideas

To make your trip to Lapland even more special, here are some customizable ideas:

• Winter adventure: Combine snowmobiling, dog sledding, and an overnight stay in an igloo.
• Wellness stay: Choose a cabin with a private sauna and spa sessions.
• Summer expedition: Explore the Taiga on foot or by bike with a local guide.
• Cultural immersion: Participate in Sami traditions and discover their way of life.

These suggestions can be adapted to your specific desires to create an unforgettable custom trip.

Accommodations in Lapland

Ice hotels and igloos

Ice hotels and igloos offer a unique and memorable experience in Lapland. Completely constructed from snow and ice, these ephemeral structures are recreated each year. The rooms, though cold, are carefully arranged to provide comfort and warmth through thermal sleeping bags. Some hotels even offer glass igloos, allowing you to admire the northern lights from your bed. Here are some renowned establishments:

• Kemi Ice Hotel, Finland
• Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
• Arctic SnowHotel in Rovaniemi, Finland

These accommodations allow for a true polar adventure while staying warm.

Traditional cabins and saunas

Traditional cabins are a popular lodging option in Lapland. Built from wood, these cabins offer a warm and authentic atmosphere. Equipped with fireplaces and large bay windows, they allow you to enjoy the snowy landscape fully. Most cabins include a private sauna, an essential element of Nordic culture. The sauna is not only a place to relax but also an effective means to warm up after a day spent outdoors.

These lodgings combine modern comfort and local traditions for a pleasant stay.

Unusual and original accommodations

For those seeking something unusual, Lapland offers several atypical accommodations. For example, tree cabins provide stunning views of the snowy forests. Transparent bubbles allow you to sleep under the stars while being protected from the cold. Sami tents, inspired by the traditional dwellings of indigenous peoples, offer a unique cultural immersion.

These original accommodations allow for different and enriching experiences 🌌.

The best offers for Christmas and New Year

The holiday season is particularly magical in Lapland. Many accommodations offer special deals for Christmas and New Year. These offers often include festive activities like visiting Santa Claus Village, traditional dinners, and fireworks to celebrate the New Year.

To fully enjoy these moments:

1. Book early: Availability goes fast during this period.
2. Opt for an all-inclusive package: Accommodation, meals, and activities.
3. Check online reviews: To ensure the quality of the service offered.

Spending Christmas or New Year in Lapland is an extraordinary experience that will leave lasting memories for both young and old.

Videos

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Activities and attractions

Discovering Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village, located in Rovaniemi, Finland, is a must-visit destination for families and Christmas magic enthusiasts. This enchanting village allows you to meet Santa Claus himself, explore his workshops, and discover the festive atmosphere that prevails year-round. Among the activities offered:

• Visit Santa Claus’s house
• Meet the elves
• Send postcards from Santa Claus’s official post office
• Ride on a sled pulled by reindeer

This attraction allows you to dive into a fairy-tale universe and experience unforgettable moments.

Polar adventure: snowmobiling and dog sledding

For adventure enthusiasts, snowmobiling and dog sledding are highlight activities in Lapland. Snowmobiling allows you to explore vast snowy expanses at high speed, offering thrills and breathtaking panoramas. Sled rides, on the other hand, offer a more familiar experience close to nature.

Snowmobiling

• Thrills
• Quick exploration of landscapes
• Guided excursions available

Dog sledding

• Authentic experience
• Contact with animals
• Immersion in nature

These activities allow you to discover Lapland from a different angle and appreciate its wild beauty.

Observing the northern lights

The northern lights are a spectacular natural phenomenon observable in Lapland during the winter months. These dancing lights in the night sky are caused by the interaction of solar particles with the Earth’s atmosphere. To maximize your chances of observation:

1. Choose a clear, dark night.
2. Move away from light pollution sources.
3. Use an app or website to track aurora forecasts.

Observing this phenomenon is an unforgettable experience that delights both young and old.

Summer activities: hiking and exploring the Taiga

Summer in Lapland also offers a multitude of activities. Hiking allows you to explore boreal forests, mountains, and sparkling lakes. The Taiga, this vast subarctic forest, is rich in wildlife and flora, providing an ideal setting for nature lovers.

Hiking

• Marked trails for all levels
• Local guides available for organized excursions

Exploring the Taiga

• Wildlife observation (reindeer, moose, birds)
• Discovering unique flora

These summer activities allow you to discover another facet of Lapland, far from the winter snows.

Nordic well-being: saunas and spas

Wellness is at the heart of Nordic culture, and nothing symbolizes this better than the sauna. Traditionally used for relaxation and body cleansing, sauna sessions are often followed by a dip in an icy lake or a cold shower to rejuvenate the body. In Lapland, several establishments also offer spas with various treatments:

• Massages with local essential oils
• Outdoor hot baths with views of snow
• Facials using natural products

These practices allow not only to warm up but also to relax after a day of outdoor activities.

Practical tips for a successful stay

Language and communication in Lapland

In Lapland, the main language varies depending on the country visited. In Finland, it’s Finnish, in Sweden and Norway, it’s Swedish and Norwegian respectively. However, English is widely understood and spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic words in the local language can enrich your experience and create warmer exchanges with locals.

Feel free to use translation apps to facilitate communication. Locals are generally welcoming and appreciate attempts to speak their language.

Dialing codes and connectivity

Staying connected in Lapland is important to share your adventures and stay in touch with loved ones. Here are the main dialing codes:

• Finland: +358
• Sweden: +46
• Norway: +47

Connectivity is good in urban and tourist areas, with easy access to Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and cafés. For more remote areas, it may be useful to have a local SIM card or an international plan to avoid high roaming fees.

Authentic souvenirs to bring back from Lapland

Bringing back authentic souvenirs from your trip to Lapland allows you to extend the magic of your stay. Here are some suggestions:

• Sami artisan products: jewelry, traditional clothing, wooden items.
• Local food products: Arctic berry jams, smoked fish.
• Wool items: socks, hand-knit hats.

These souvenirs are not only unique but also support the local economy and artisans in the region.

Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive offers

To fully enjoy your trip to Lapland and not miss any special offers, sign up for our newsletter. You will receive regular information on:

• Exclusive promotions on accommodations and activities.
• Practical tips to optimize your stay.
• Inspiring stories from other travelers who have explored Lapland.

Joining our community will allow you to prepare your trip with peace of mind and benefit from the best available offers. Sign up today to start planning your Nordic adventure!

A memorable trip to Lapland awaits you

A trip to Lapland offers a multitude of unique and enriching experiences. Whether it’s the magic of Santa Claus Village, the thrills of snowmobiling and dog sledding, or the excitement of seeing the northern lights, every moment spent in this remarkable region is an adventure in itself. The varied accommodations, ranging from ice hotels to traditional cabins, add an extra dimension to this stay, making it even more special.

In summer, hiking and exploring the Taiga allow you to discover a wild and preserved nature, while Nordic saunas and spas offer relaxation and well-being. Practical tips, such as knowing a few local language basics and staying connected, help make your stay hassle-free.

Lapland is a destination that promises unforgettable memories, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural discoveries. Sign up for our newsletter to not miss any exclusive offers and start planning your next getaway to the Great North now.

Frequently asked questions