17 Best Things to Do in Lapland, Finland

Lapland is hands down the most magical winter destination we’ve ever been to. Located in the northernmost region of Finland, Lapland is known for its stunning natural scenery, epic winter activities, and of course, the chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

We’ve spent almost two weeks in Lapland and loved it so much that we are already planning our second trip! If you’re also considering visiting the home of Santa Claus, here are some of the best things to do in Lapland that you shouldn’t miss.

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Lapland Travel Guide – Quick Tips

If you’re planning to rent a car for your Lapland trip, Discover Cars usually have the best deals! A little tip: renting a car from Oulu is a lot cheaper (sometimes half the price) compared to Rovaniemi or Levi.

Best Things to Do in Lapland

1. Visit Santa Claus Village

When planning a trip to Lapland, visiting the famous Santa Claus Village should be at the top of your Lapland bucket list!

Located just outside of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village is a magical place where you can meet Santa himself, cross the Arctic Circle, and send postcards from the official Santa’s Post Office.

I honestly thought that Santa Claus Village would be a bit cheesy and I expected an underwhelming experience, but I was pleasantly surprised! The whole village is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights and decorations, and it truly feels like you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland.

Meeting Santa was also super fun – actually, we accidentally found out that there are two Santas in Santa Claus Village, not just one!

You can find one at Santa Claus Office and also another one at Christmas House. We were told that both are the real Santa, so it’s up to you which one you want to meet.

We ended up meeting both so it was double the fun for us! It’s free to meet Santa, however you should expect to stay in line for a while during peak season. Also, you can’t take your own photos or videos with Santa, but you can buy the photos taken by the staff afterward.

There are also loads of other activities you can do at Santa Claus Village, such as snowmobiling, reindeer sleigh rides, and husky safaris. It’s truly a must-visit place when in Lapland!

2. Experience a husky safari

One of the most popular activities in Lapland is a husky safari, and for good reason! It’s an unforgettable experience to ride on a sled pulled by a team of energetic and friendly huskies.

We opted for the Apukka Husky Adventure and it was one of the highlights of our trip! We got to meet and play with the huskies before our safari, and then we went on a 10 km ride through the magical winter landscape.

The best thing is that you are also the driver of your own sled, so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. Of course, there is a professional guide that will teach you how to handle the sled, but it’s still an incredible feeling to be in control of your own dog team!

You also have the chance to switch drivers halfway through the safari so both of you can experience driving. Our guide was super friendly and she also took some amazing pictures of us.

This experience is great if you are staying around Rovaniemi as it also includes a hotel pick-up and drop-off. If you’re based in Levi, make sure to check out this experience instead.

3. Hunt for the Northern Lights

Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the magical Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. The key to seeing them is a combination of luck, timing, and clear skies.

Unfortunately, traveling to Lapland doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get to see the Northern Lights, as they are a natural phenomenon and can’t be controlled.

We stayed in Lapland for almost two weeks and saw them twice, but it was quite weak both times (it was barely visible to the naked eye but the camera still picked up the colors nicely). It’s just another reason why I can’t wait to go back!

If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the lights from your accommodation, but for a higher chance of seeing them, we recommend booking a Northern Lights tour.

There are different types of tours available such as snowmobile or reindeer sleigh rides combined with Northern Lights hunting.

If you can, I recommend booking a tour that offers a guarantee – it doesn’t mean that it’s 100% that you’ll see the lights, but it means that if you don’t, you can get a refund or cancel your tour in case the weather is bad. These tours are usually a bit more expensive but I think it’s worth it for the peace of mind.

4. Go on a reindeer sleigh ride

Another one of the absolute best things to do in Lapland is to go on a reindeer sleigh ride. Not only is it a traditional and authentic way of traveling in Lapland, but it’s also a peaceful and scenic experience.

We went on a 1-hour reindeer safari with Apukka Resort and it was really lovely. It’s a lot slower-paced compared to a husky safari, but it’s also very relaxing and perfect for couples or families with small kids.

In the middle of our safari, we stopped at a cozy traditional Kota hut and had some hot drinks and cookies while learning about the Sami culture from our guide.

We learned so many interesting facts about reindeer! For example, did you know that there are no wild reindeer in Lapland? They are all owned by the Sami people and they can recognize their own reindeer by the shape of their ears.

It was definitely a unique experience and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Lapland!

5. Stay in a glass igloo

Lapland is really famous for its stunning glass igloo hotels, and you can find them in many different locations across the region.

I highly recommend booking a glass igloo stay as part of your Lapland trip, even if it’s just for one night. It’s not the cheapest experience for sure, but it’s once in a lifetime and totally worth it!

There is just something magical about sleeping under the stars and hopefully catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your own bed. Plus, in the morning, you can wake up to a beautiful winter landscape right outside your window.

There are also different types of glass igloos available, from basic ones with just a bed and bathroom to more luxurious ones with private saunas and outdoor hot tubs.

We were lucky to stay at a few different glass igloos during our trip, and each one had its own unique charm. Here are some of our top picks:

• Levin Iglut
• Apukka Resort
• Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle
• Aurora Queen Resort
• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
• Syöte Igloos

6. Go on a snowmobile adventure

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then going on a snowmobile adventure in Lapland is a must! It’s the perfect way to explore the stunning winter landscapes and feel the rush of driving through snowy forests. Plus, you’ll get to ride on frozen lakes and rivers – how cool is that?

You can find lots of different snowmobile tours available, even with combinations of other activities like reindeer or husky safaris.

We went on a 2-hour snowmobile tour at Apukka Resort – yes, they offer everything! As we were staying there, it was very convenient for us, but you can also book this experience if you’re staying in or around Rovaniemi.

We had a quick lesson from our guide on how to operate the snowmobiles safely, and then we were off! Each snowmobile can fit 2 people, so we could take turns driving and riding. They even offer night tours, which I’m sure would be an unforgettable experience!

7. Sleep in an ice hotel

Did you know that you can also experience sleeping in an ice hotel in Lapland? It’s hands down one of the most unique things to do in Lapland and definitely worth adding to your itinerary!

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos is located about 30 minutes from Rovaniemi and it’s a magical place to visit. The ice hotel is open from mid-December to the end of March, and everything here is made of ice – the walls, beds, chairs, and even the glasses at their Ice Bar!

They have around 20 rooms and each one has its own unique ice sculptures and engravings. The temperature is always between 0 and -5 degrees Celsius, even when it’s a lot colder outside. But don’t worry, they provide warm sleeping bags and you will get instructions on how to dress appropriately for the night.

There is also a warm area with bunk beds in case you get too cold during the night and want to switch. And in the morning, you’ll be greeted with a cup of hot berry juice to warm you up!

If sleeping in an ice hotel is not your thing, you can also just visit during the day and take a guided tour. Even as a guest, you can take a look in every room and see the intricate ice sculptures up close.

The hotel also has glass igloos so if you want to combine the two experiences, you can book a stay there as well. We did one night at the ice hotel and one night in a glass igloo, and it was the perfect combination!

8. Have dinner in an ice restaurant

Instead of going to a regular restaurant, why not try having dinner in an ice restaurant during your trip to Lapland? It’s another unique and unforgettable experience that you can only have in a few places around the world.

At Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, you can combine your tour with a 3-course dinner in their ice restaurant. The tables and chairs are all made of ice, but don’t worry, they provide warm fur blankets to keep you cozy.

The menu consists of traditional Lappish dishes and usually you can choose from 3-4 different main courses. The dessert is definitely a highlight, as it’s served on a plate made of ice!

If you’re looking for a super unique experience, make sure to add this one to your Lapland bucket list.

9. Head out on an icebreaker cruise

The list of unique things to do in Lapland just keeps getting longer! Did you know that you can also go on an icebreaker cruise in the frozen waters of the Bothnian Sea?

After picking you up from your hotel in Rovaniemi, you’ll be taken on a scenic drive to Axelsvik, Sweden where the icebreaker ship is located.

The tour takes around 5-6 hours (plus transfer time) and includes lunch, a guided tour of the ship, and even a chance to take a dip in the icy waters while wearing a survival suit. Talk about a once in a lifetime experience!

This is definitely not something you can do every day, so if you have the opportunity to go on an icebreaker cruise during your time in Lapland, don’t miss out. It’s not a cheap activity though, so make sure to budget for it if you’re interested.

10. Relax in a traditional Finnish sauna

No trip to Lapland is complete without trying out a traditional Finnish sauna. Saunas are an important part of Finnish culture, and there are over 3 million saunas in Finland. That’s almost one per person!

So if you want to experience the ultimate relaxation, you’ll have a lot of options to choose from.

One of my favorite memories from our Lapland trip is the Arctic Spa experience at Levi Foxfires. They are a mini boutique hotel with only three rooms but they have the most magical spa that can be booked for private use even if you are not a hotel guest.

The Arctic Spa includes a wood-fired heated sauna and outdoor hot tub. As it’s a private experience, you’ll have the entire place to yourself! The whole area is decorated with candles and fairy lights, and you’ll feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.

If you’re looking for something closer to Rovaniemi, my second recommendation is the snow sauna at the Arctic SnowHotel. It’s located right next to the ice hotel and what makes it really unique is that it’s made entirely out of snow! After the snow sauna, you can relax in the outdoor jacuzzi or try the traditional Finnish sauna.

Lastly, if you want to experience a Finnish sauna in the middle of nature, check out this Traditional Sauna and Ice Swimming Experience. The sauna is located by the Kemijoki River in Rovaniemi so you can even take a dip in the icy water if you’re feeling brave enough!

11. Go skiing or snowboarding

For those who are looking for some more adrenaline-fueled activities, skiing or snowboarding in Lapland is a must-try. There are several ski resorts in Lapland that offer both downhill and cross-country skiing options.

Levi Ski Resort is one of the most popular ones, with over 40 slopes and 27 lifts. Another great option is Ruka Ski Resort, which is located close to the Russian border and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, most resorts offer lessons and equipment rental so you can give it a try during your trip. And even if you’re not into these activities, the ski resorts are still worth visiting for the beautiful views and cozy atmosphere.

12. Try traditional Lappish cuisine

Trying local food is always a must when traveling, and Lapland has some unique dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. Some traditional Lappish foods include reindeer meat, smoked fish, cloudberries, and lingonberries.

You typically find these dishes in every restaurant or cafe in Lapland, so you won’t be short of options.

One restaurant that we highly recommend is NiliPoro Restaurant in Levi. The owner of the restaurant is a local reindeer herder and all the meat served in the restaurant comes from his own reindeer farm.

The menu is full of traditional Lappish dishes and we literally had the best meal on our Lapland trip here! We tried the traditional sauteed reindeer and the reindeer meatballs – the latter being one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.

So if you’re planning to visit Levi, make sure to stop by this restaurant!

13. Visit the Ranua Wildlife Park

Located about an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi, the Ranua Wildlife Park is the northernmost zoo in the world. Here, you can see over 50 different species of arctic animals, including polar bears, wolves, lynx, moose, and more.

The animals live in spacious enclosures that resemble their natural habitats, so you can see them up close without disturbing or harming them. The park also has a café and restaurant where you can warm up with some hot cocoa or enjoy a meal.

If you’re visiting Lapland with kids, I’m sure they will love seeing the animals and learning about their lives in the Arctic environment. I also really enjoyed it as an adult, and I highly recommend adding it to your Lapland bucket list.

If you don’t have your own car, you can also book a day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park from Rovaniemi that includes transportation and the entrance fee.

14. Have fun at Snowman World

Snowman World is a must-visit attraction if you’re looking for some fun while traveling to Lapland. Located in Santa Claus Village, it’s an indoor-outdoor amusement park that offers activities such as ice skating and snow tubing, and they even have a snow labyrinth and an ice disco!

After you buy your entrance ticket, it’s valid for the whole day (meaning you can come and go as you please), and all the activities are included, even ice skate rentals.

One of the highlights of Snowman World is definitely the Ice Restaurant and Bar where everything from the furniture to the glasses are made of ice.

You can also opt to have lunch or dinner here which is a great alternative to the Arctic SnowHotel. Actually, both places are owned by the same company so you will see a lot of similarities in the ice sculptures and decorations.

15. Visit the frozen waterfalls at Korouoma Canyon

If you’re up for a little hike, visiting the frozen waterfalls at Korouoma Canyon is one of the best outdoorsy things to do in Lapland.

The canyon is located about a 1.5-hour drive from Rovaniemi, and it’s a popular spot for ice climbing in the winter. However, you don’t have to be an experienced ice climber to enjoy the beauty of this place as you can just complete the 5 km scenic hike on the marked paths.

The views of the frozen waterfalls surrounded by snow-covered trees are truly breathtaking, and it’s a great opportunity to get some amazing photos. Just make sure to dress warmly as it can get quite cold in the canyon!

Also, the trail itself is not that hard but there are multiple ups and downs on icy pathways so make sure to wear proper hiking shoes. You can also rent crampons from the small cafe at the beginning of the trail which I 100% recommend doing!

First, we started the trail without crampons but we turned back after a few slips and ended up renting them. It made our hike so much easier and safer! You don’t necessarily need a tour guide but we did see a few accidents on the trail so be careful!

For peace of mind, you can also book a guided hike to Korouoma Canyon from Rovaniemi, which includes transportation and equipment rental. It’s the best way to experience the canyon if you’re not comfortable hiking on your own and/or you don’t have a rental car.

16. Explore Oulanka National Park

For even more outdoor adventures, head to Oulanka National Park which is about a 3-hour drive from Rovaniemi. This park is known for its rugged landscape with deep gorges, waterfalls, and rapids, as well as the amazing hiking trails that run through it.

The shortest trail is called Kiutaköngäs Trail and it’s only 1 km each way. The trail runs along the riverbank with a beautiful view of the rapids. You can also opt for a slightly longer 5 km circular trail (Hiiden hurmos Trail) which is also perfect for snowshoeing.

Another popular trail is the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail, which is 12 km long and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. This trail features breathtaking views in the southern part of the national park, including hanging bridges and waterfalls.

17. Try ice fishing on a frozen lake

Ice fishing is one of the most popular things to do in Lapland during the winter months so if you love fishing, you need to add it to your Lapland bucket list!

The frozen lakes in Lapland are home to an abundance of fish such as trout, arctic char, and pike. You can join a guided ice fishing tour where you will learn all about the techniques and equipment needed for successful ice fishing.

And don’t worry if you’re not experienced in fishing – the guides will help you every step of the way and provide all the necessary gear.

To be completely honest I found ice fishing to be a bit boring (I’m not the most patient person haha) but it was still a unique experience. For some more fun, you can also book a snowmobile and ice fishing tour combo which includes a thrilling snowmobile ride to the frozen lake.

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