Chase the Northern Lights
Catching the northern lights is one of those bucket-list moments, and Lapland’s the spot for it. Picture the sky lighting up with green, pink, and violet ribbons—honestly, it’s wild. The best time? Go between September and April, and hope for a clear, dark night. Get away from city lights if you want a real show. Places like Abisko National Park in Sweden or Finland’s Rovaniemi have a solid reputation for aurora sightings. If you want something extra special, splurge on a glass igloo or an aurora cabin. Imagine watching the lights flicker above you while you’re warm in bed—pretty unforgettable.
Experience a Husky Safari
If you want to feel the Arctic for real, try a husky safari. There’s nothing quite like gliding through fresh snow behind a pack of eager huskies, with the only sounds being the runners on the snow and the dogs panting. Usually, you get to help harness the dogs and even try steering the sled, which makes the whole thing feel like an adventure, not just a ride. Some tours are quick loops, while others last for days and include cozy cabins and hearty meals along the way.
Visit Santa Claus Village
You can’t skip Santa Claus Village if you’re in Lapland. It’s in Rovaniemi, Finland, and claims to be the official home of Santa. The place is open all year, so you can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and send a postcard from his post office. Everything is covered in twinkling lights and snow—pretty much holiday magic, especially for families or anyone who loves Christmas.
Go Snowmobiling Across Arctic Landscapes
Feel like speeding things up? Go snowmobiling across Lapland’s endless snowy spaces. It’s a rush—and you cover a lot of ground fast. Guided tours take you over frozen lakes, into thick forests, and sometimes up to spots with amazing views. Nighttime rides are a thing, too. Imagine flying across the snow under the northern lights. Hard to beat that.
Stay in an Ice Hotel
Lapland takes “cool place to stay” to a whole new level. Ice hotels pop up every winter, built from scratch out of snow and ice. The rooms are full of incredible ice carvings, and there’s usually an ice bar where you can sip drinks from ice glasses. Sweden’s ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi and Finland’s SnowCastle of Kemi are the standouts. Sure, it’s cold inside—just below freezing—but thick sleeping bags and reindeer hides keep you surprisingly warm. It’s a night you won’t forget.
Learn About Sami Culture
The Sami people have called Lapland home for centuries, and their culture is woven into the region. If you want to dive in, join a Sami-led tour. You might hear traditional singing called joik, try some reindeer stew, or learn about how they herd reindeer. Tromsø in Norway and Inari in Finland both have museums and cultural centers that give you a deeper look at Sami history and art.
Reindeer Sleigh Rides
Reindeer are part of Lapland’s soul. Take a reindeer sleigh ride, and you’ll drift quietly through snowy forests, wrapped in warm blankets. Many of these rides are run by Sami families who share stories and traditions along the way. Sleigh rides vary from short, gentle loops to longer trips, and there’s usually hot drinks and snacks by a fire at the end.
Try Ice Fishing
If you like the idea of slowing down, try ice fishing. Drill a hole in a frozen lake, drop a line, and wait—Arctic char or trout are the usual catch. Most tours provide heated tents or cabins, plus tips for beginners. It’s peaceful, and a great way to just soak in the silence of Lapland.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Lapland has fantastic skiing and snowboarding. Resorts like Levi in Finland and Riksgränsen in Sweden have runs for every skill level. The best part? The slopes aren’t crowded, so you can actually enjoy the peace and space. Cross-country skiing is big here too, with trails winding deep into the wilderness.
Explore the Arctic Wildlife
Lapland’s wild spaces mean there’s no shortage of unique animals. Join a safari to look for Arctic foxes, moose, or ptarmigans. If you find yourself along Norway’s coast, sign up for a whale-watching tour—seeing orcas and humpbacks in the wild is something else. Or drop by a wildlife center, like Ranua Wildlife Park, to get up close with the region’s creatures.
