Commonly thought of as being a place where kids and grown-ups alike can go and visit Father Christmas in the magical wintery months, there are also plenty of things to do in Lapland all throughout the year. It offers a thrilling and mesmerizing trip at any time of the year, with gorgeous wild landscapes and heaps of things to do in the great outdoors. Lapland is a wonderful place for families, groups of friends, couples, or solo adventurers; it is a beautiful place, and one that is unlikely to be like anywhere else you have ever visited.
Lapland covers the areas of northern Finland and northern Sweden, crossing over the Arctic Circle – make sure you pack lots of warm clothes!
Things to do in Lapland: Winter!
Visit Father Christmas
No mention of Lapland would be complete without Father Christmas! There are several places in the area where youngsters can meet Father Christmas with wide eyes and awe, receiving a small gift to treasure. The Santa Claus Village in Finland’s Rovaniemi is a particular favourite.
Enjoy Winter Sports
An abundance of winter sports are available in Lapland, including skiing, snowboarding, and walking with snow shoes. Ice karting offers lots of fun and you can explore the exciting snow covered landscapes in a snowmobile or by horseback. If you are feeling really brave, take a tip in an ice hole!
Meet Some Huskies!
See how the native population traditionally relied on faithful huskies as part of their transportation needs. You can whoosh through the countryside on a sledge pulled by a pack of these magnificent dogs and led by an experienced handler. Perhaps you can enjoy a unique husky safari for a remarkable and memorable holiday!
Meet Some Reindeer!
Long associated with Lapland, visit a traditional Sami reindeer farm to get up close and personal with these gentle creatures, and maybe glide across the snow with a magical sleigh ride. You can choose either a short taster ride, or head off for the whole day, covering many kilometres.
Stay in an Igloo
What could be more novel than staying in an igloo, completely surrounded by snow? Creative, yet cosy, it offers an experience you will never forget!
See the Northern Lights!
The dazzling Aurora Borealis is often said to be the greatest light show on earth. Colours dance across the sky, captivating and enchanting all who see them. The best times to see the famous Northern Lights in Lapland are usually between January and April, although sightings can never be guaranteed.
Things to do in Lapland in all Seasons:
Enjoy a Sauna
Heat up and build up a sweat before cooling right off in an icy shower or plunge pool. And then repeat! The Finnish sauna is a deep-rooted part of local customs and traditions.
Visit Arkticum
A popular museum, at Arkticum you can learn more about the Finnish culture and the unforgiving Arctic region. Take a journey through time and discover elements from the past right through to the present day, and see a large number of displays and exhibitions.
Pay a Trip to SIIDA
This great museum allows you to learn more about the Sami people, their beliefs, culture, and way of life. Sitting alongside a beautiful lake, Lake Inari, it is the perfect place for fun and information.
Things to do in Lapland: Summer
Experience the Midnight Sun
Did you know that it never gets dark in Lapland in the middle of the summer? The sun shines around the clock, making for an unusual and exciting time. Other parts of the summer enjoy long hours of daylight, perfect for those who want to make the most of their time in this enchanting part of the world.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The summers are surprisingly warm and sunny, and there is a plethora of active leisure pursuits to suit all tastes. Whether you fancy hiking, biking, or horse riding in spectacular scenery, fishing in babbling streams and lush lakes, feeling the rush as you ride the raging river rapids, or a spot of gentler canoeing or kayaking, you will be really spoiled for choice in Lapland. Golf enthusiasts will also be pleased!
Relax on the Beaches
Yes, Lapland has beaches! There are great facilities for visitors on the sandy shores, and you could also take a swim in a lovely and warm lake.
With so many things to do in Lapland all throughout the year, it really is an excellent option when planning your next holiday. 🙂
We will be going to Sweden and Norway in March and are hoping to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights! We’ll have to look into some more of these options as well. You probably won’t find us at the beach though :-p
Dan @ A Cruising Couple recently posted…14 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Around the World
Wow, this is like for all-year activities.. pretty nice post! 🙂
I really wanna see the northern lights, hope I can still see them in April! fingers crossed. Thanks for posting! 🙂
In spite that Finland is so close to Estonia, where I’m from, I have missed so many nice places in there. Shame on me. 🙂
Kadri recently posted…Thai People – They Like to Do Everything for You
Such great recommendations! Sounds like Lapland would warrant months there, not just a short visit.
Silvia recently posted…Relaxing Riverside, Laos Style
Considering how far north Lapland sits, it´s quite tempting to think of its as being perpetually cold and wintery..but, yeah, apparently at the height of summer, temperatures can be like anywhere else. Seems like it´s the whole package! Not to mention it must be among the most untouched wildernesses of Europe..that´s the most appealing feature, I think.
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