10 Best Things to Do in Lapland
What is Lapland Most Famous For?
The Northern Finland region has a fairytale-like quality that is easy to fall in love with and offers an incredible array of things to do in Lapland. From reindeer sleigh rides through the snow to hotels made of ice and cosy lakeside sauna experiences, there aren’t many places in the world like Lapland.
Probably the biggest draw to Lapland is the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. This is due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts right through the region. There is no guarantee you’ll see the dazzling light display, but there are times it will be more likely. Keep reading to find out more.
What are the best things to do in Lapland?
1. Seeing the northern lights
One of the best places in the world to spot the aurora borealis
Ideal para: Foto, Vida noturna
Viewing the northern lights is, perhaps, the biggest draw to Lapland. It’s common to see them nearly anywhere in the region because of its location above the Arctic Circle. We recommend heading to the northernmost point of Utsjoki for open, uninterrupted views. The best time to see the lights is in March or September.
Going to hunt for the northern lights? You’ll want to be out when its darkest, which also means you’ll be out when it’s coldest. Dress in layers and prepare to wait for those unbelievable photo-worthy lights to come into view.
Seeing the northern lights
2. Reindeer or husky sledding
Arctic Circle sights from the back of a sleigh
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Aventura
In Lapland, you can be whisked around the frozen forests on sledges pulled by reindeer or huskies. It’s like something out of a Disney movie. While you’ll likely see reindeer roaming about on your visit to Lapland, this is one opportunity to see the sacred animals up close.
To go on a sledging adventure, there are numerous companies you can contact. Each offers different packages, but you’ll want to dress for the snow no matter which one you choose. Husky sledding in particular can go at high speeds, and you may want to wear ski goggles to protect your eyes from the whooshing snow. Reindeer sledding tends to be more relaxed and cosier.
Reindeer or husky sledding
3. Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
The official hometown of Santa Claus himself
Ideal para: Famílias, Viagens alternativas
In Rovaniemi, every day is Christmas and at Santa Claus village you’ll find, of course, Santa Claus. But there’s so much more to discover including luxury lodging, souvenir shops and gorgeous forests and scenery. Kids will especially love to see the big guy and even learn how to become elves themselves.
While Santa Claus Village is open every day of the year, there are certain attractions that only come around seasonally. SnowGlow, for example, is a winter-only attraction featuring circus performers, illuminated ice sculptures and more. Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus village is also a prime location to see the northern lights when the phenomenon hits.
Localização: 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
4. Sauna, with or without ice swimming
A warm contrast to the Arctic cold
Ideal para: Luxo, Aventura
In Lapland you can book a totally unique sauna experience, making it a top attraction. The Ranua Resort Arctic Igloos, for example, has a sauna attached to the bedroom, where the glass ceilings give you a panoramic view of the night sky while you soak. Another sauna you won’t find elsewhere floats on a raft, sailing you down the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers.
Which brings us to another part of the sauna tradition you can take or leave: swimming. Saunas near lakes or rivers are primed for the cold-hot contrast that comes taking a chilly plunge alongside sweating it out. To get the full Finnish experience, fit in a sauna session every day.
Sauna, with or without ice swimming
5. Lapland Hotels Snow Village
Made from an unfathomable amount of snow and ice
Ideal para: Vida noturna, Viagens alternativas, Foto
Staying at Lapland Hotels SnowVillage is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From the moment you arrive, whether that’s by taxi, snowmobile or skiing in, you’ll be enchanted by the giant ice complex. Each winter the SnowVillage is rebuilt from scratch with unbelievable ice sculptures, ice suites where you can stay, and features a completely new theme.
Don’t miss the SnowVillage ice bar where hot and ice-cold cocktails are served. Or sit down for a meal at one of several restaurants. The Glass restaurant is a favourite for its warm atmosphere and buffet of local Lappi cuisine.
Localização: Lainiotie 566, 99120 Kittila. Finland
Telefone: +358 (0)16 323 60 50
Lapland Hotels Snow Village
6. Siida - Sámi Museum and Nature Center, Inari
The heritage of Finland’s Sámi culture
Ideal para: Famílias, História
The Siida - Sámi Museum and Nature Centre in Inari is one of the best cultural things to do in Lapland. The open-air museum in particular is a big draw, depicting a recreated Sámi settlement. The indigenous Sámi people originally inhabited the Sápmi region which included what is now known as northern Finland, Norway and Sweden.
The award-winning museum also includes the Siida Nature Centre. It depicts Lapland’s marvellous nature, encouraging visitors to get out and explore. You can even speak with the Nature Centre customer service team for tailored advice on where to hike in Lapland.
Localização: Inarintie 46, 99870 Inari, Finland
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)
Telefone: +358 (0)40 089 82 12
Siida - Sámi Museum and Nature Center, Inari
7. Snowmobile tour
An exciting way to tour a place that gets 200 days of snow per year
Ideal para: Famílias, Casais, Aventura
For an exhilarating adventure, take a snowmobile tour while visiting Lapland. Each tour will be different depending on the tour company you book with and the area you are touring. Salla is one of the best places to snowmobile, known for its wide-open spaces and deep snow. Or if you’re in Rovaniemi visiting its many popular attractions, you’d be wise to tack on an eco-friendly electric snowmobile safari.
Snowmobile tours in Lapland span the gamut of beginner-friendly rides through the forest, longer rides through the wide open landscapes and thrilling jaunts along frozen rivers. Make sure you stay within authorised snowmobile areas or routes designated by your guide group. Venturing onto private land or nature reserves can incur a fine.
Snowmobile tour
8. Arktikum Science Centre and Museum, Rovaniemi
A museum dedicated to Arctic research
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Casais
You don’t have to be a scientist to enjoy Arktikum Science Centre and Museum in Rovaniemi. When visiting a unique environment like Lapland, it can be highly rewarding to learn about the wonders around you. One thing to take in is the surprising diversity of life on the surrounding land, water and ice.
In the immersive year-round exhibit titled Arctic Opposites, you’ll learn about the mechanisms behind and consequences of the midnight sun and polar night. The Arktikum Science Centre also has a library that is open for tourists to peruse, which can be found on the University of Lapland campus.
Localização: Pohjoisranta 4, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
Abre: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Telefone: +358 (0)16 322 32 60
Arktikum Science Centre and Museum, Rovaniemi
9. Visiting a Sami reindeer farm
A chance to see more reindeer than people in Lapland
Ideal para: História, Foto, Famílias
Visiting a Sami reindeer farm is one of the most gratifying experiences you can have in Lapland. The Sami people of Finland embody one of Europe’s oldest cultures. Herding reindeer is one of their traditional customs, and the reindeer are both sacred and essential to them.
There are numerous farms where you can go to see these magnificent reindeer herds up close and even feed them. Each farm offers different experiences. Some include meals, folk storytelling and singing, inviting you to engage with authentic Sami culture. Make sure to check if transport is included or if you have to make your own way from your accommodation.
Visiting a Sami reindeer farm
10. Crossing the Arctic Circle
A Lapland bucket list staple
Ideal para: Foto, Viagens alternativas
Crossing the Arctic Circle is a bucket list item for most Lapland visitors. The northernmost circle of latitude is generally around 66 degrees above the equator and encompasses the area that receives no sunlight at all on the winter solstice. Nothing really changes when you cross over this invisible line. Rather, it’s something to say that you’ve done.
In Lapland, there are several places you can cross the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi, for example, is considered the Arctic Capital. One of the most interesting is underground in SantaPark, an attraction that is only around in the winter. And at Santa Claus Village, a year-round holiday market, the line is marked for the perfect photo op.
Localização: Joulumaantie 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
Crossing the Arctic Circle
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