Few places in Europe offer a world as different as Finnish Lapland. Beyond the Arctic Circle, the landscape transforms into an endless white wilderness, where frozen lakes alternate with snow-covered forests and the bustle of cities gives way to almost complete silence. During the winter months, you can watch the Northern Lights, venture into the wilderness with a dog sled team, or spend the night in a glass igloo beneath a star-filled sky.
Lapland is about much more than its winter scenery. Above all, it is about nature, traditions, and the rhythm of life in the north, which is distinctly different from the rest of Europe. If you are considering a winter trip, now is the ideal time to start planning. We have selected the experiences that, in our view, best capture the essence of a journey beyond the Arctic Circle.
Arctic trekking and snowshoeing
For lovers of winter hiking, Lapland is an ideal place to discover the Arctic wilderness. The snow-covered landscape, filled with pine forests and frozen lakes, offers perfect conditions for snowshoeing adventures. You can experience the silence of the north first-hand, walk across frozen expanses, and reach places that would otherwise be difficult to access without specialist equipment. Whether you choose a shorter hike or a multi-day expedition, you can look forward to a unique connection with the landscape beyond the Arctic Circle.
Snowmobiling
If you are looking for a more dynamic way to explore the local landscape, set off on a snowmobile. The routes take you deep into the snow-covered wilderness, across frozen lakes and open plains that are otherwise difficult to reach. Along the way, you can stop at scenic viewpoints and experience the vastness of the Lapland wilderness from an entirely different perspective.
Visiting a reindeer farm
Reindeer are an inseparable part of life beyond the Arctic Circle. A visit to a traditional reindeer farm gives you the opportunity to see these animals up close and learn more about their importance to local culture and everyday life. The experience often also includes a ride in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, one of the most traditional activities you can enjoy in Lapland.
Husky sledding
A ride through the snow on a husky-drawn sled is one of the most sought-after experiences in Lapland. On many routes, you can even try driving your own sled team and follow experienced guides through the snow-covered landscape. The combination of speed, silence, and the energy of the dogs creates an experience you will not easily forget.
Chasing the Northern Lights
The period from September to March offers ideal conditions for witnessing one of the world's most beautiful natural phenomena. Once darkness falls and the sky is clear, shades of green, pink, and purple may appear above you as the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Combined with the snow-covered landscape, they create an atmosphere that is almost impossible to describe in words.
Visiting Santa Claus Village
In Rovaniemi, directly on the Arctic Circle, you will find the official home of Santa Claus, attracting visitors from all over the world every year. Santa Claus Village offers the opportunity to meet Santa himself, visit his workshop and post office, and send a postcard bearing a special Arctic Circle postmark.
You can also enjoy reindeer sleigh rides, Christmas workshops, or tastings of traditional Nordic specialities. Santa Claus Village brings the magic of Christmas to life all year round and is a place that both children and adults can enjoy.
Finnish saunas
After a day spent in the freezing outdoors, there is nothing quite like a traditional Finnish sauna. Sauna culture is an integral part of local life and, for many Finns, an everyday ritual. After warming up, you can cool down in an icy lake or in the snow and experience a tradition that has been passed down here for generations.
Where to stay? Glass igloos with views of the Northern Lights
If you want to experience Lapland to the fullest, staying in a glass igloo or a stylish glass cabin is certainly worth considering. One of our favourite resorts is Apukka Resort near Rovaniemi, which offers accommodation with panoramic windows looking directly out onto the Arctic landscape. With a little luck, you can even watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed.
In addition to its unique accommodation, the resort offers a wide range of winter activities, including Northern Lights excursions, husky sledding, visits to reindeer farms, and snowmobile safaris. The resort is located just a few minutes from Rovaniemi, yet enjoys a peaceful setting surrounded by Arctic nature.
For clients seeking even greater privacy and a more personalised level of service, we also often recommend Octola lodge. This exclusive private retreat combines exceptional facilities, highly personalised service, and tailor-made experiences. It is an ideal choice for travellers who want to discover Lapland in complete comfort, far from the busier tourist areas.
Lapland offers a unique combination of nature, traditions, and experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else in Europe. From husky sledding and watching the Northern Lights to relaxing in a Finnish sauna, every day brings new discoveries and unforgettable moments.
If Lapland is calling you, we will be happy to create a tailor-made journey based on your individual wishes. Whether you dream of seeing the Northern Lights, experiencing an adventure in the Arctic wilderness, or staying at one of the exceptional resorts beyond the Arctic Circle, we will take care of every detail of your journey.
Photo Credits: Apukka Resort, Santa Claus Village, Octola