How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Finnish Lapland — Northern Lights and Midnight Sun Included

Lapland in Finland offers everything, from the northern lights to midnight sun.

Lapland is Finland’s northernmost region. It is the best place to visit if you want to do more than just a few. once-in-a-lifetime experiences You should add it to your travel bucket list. It’s a destination known for its stunning nighttime sky views, wide-open landscapes, and air so fresh it’s been shown to increase happiness. Here’s how to plan a trip to Lapland you’ll never forget.

Finnish Lapland: When should you go?

Here’s the good news about Lapland: It’s always beautiful out, depending on how you define “beautiful.” According to Nordic Visitor, the peak travel season falls between December and February thanks to a natural phenomenon we’ll get to in a moment. During this time, the region’s average temperature ranges between -16°C (3°F) to 3°C (37°F), though it can get down to as low as -30°C (-22°F) with added wind chill. 

In contrast, the site noted that temperatures in the summer can be much milder, usually ranging between 10 to 15°C (50 to 60°F), making it a prime place to visit for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures.

How to See Lapland’s Northern Lights

We mentioned that there are some stunning natural occurrences in the area that attract tourists. northern lights. As Visit Finland explainsThe best time to view the lights is between August and April. If you are looking for the natural phenomenon, make sure to visit the area during the northern lights season. For a more personalized auroral experience, inquire at your hotel about tours or book a tour such as this three-hour aurora borealis picnic Rovaniemi offers a short hike to a post with warm drinks, food, and food. There’s also a snowmobile tour or the most adventurous of all, an aurora ice floating experience in Rovaniemi. This floating tour sounds just like it is: guests dress up in dry suits before setting out on a frozen lake for a blissful view of the night sky.

How to See the Midnight Sun In Lapland

If you’re not much of a night owl, that’s ok, because Lapland offers another spectacular show: the midnight sun. The region is home to the midnight sun from mid-May until mid-August. never-ending daylight Where the sun never sets. Visit Finland Visitors are encouraged to make the most out of the night sun’s almost constant daylight by taking a hike or fishing trip, and even playing a round on the golf course in the very early morning hours. 

Finnish Lapland: What To Do

Go on a hike.

There are many things to do in the region. stellar hiking trails All levels are welcome, with maintained areas such as the Arctic Circle Hiking Area or the Inari Hiking Area. These areas provide everything you need, from short hikes to long-distance adventures to full-day adventures. 

Get in the sauna.

Finland has a rich past. saunas (it’s even on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage), and there’s no better spot to try one out than in TampereIt is the capital of saunas in the world. You can visit the city’s public saunas but you should also stay to experience the arts, culture, attractions, and the Tampere Market Hall. This is the largest Nordic country market hall. 

You can paddle through the water.

Take to the riverways to see the area from a new angle. You can slowly meander through the calm waters and take in the beautiful views while you drink. This is what you should do three-hour trip On the River Ounasjoki. There is even time for those who are brave enough to jump into the frigid waters. 

Santa.

Fun fact: Santa Claus is alive in Finland. You can also visit Santa at any time during the year. Santa Claus Village. As the village’s website reads, you can visit Santa and his elves all 365 days of the year as they work toward his mission to” enhance the well-being of children and the kindness of grown-ups, as well as spread the message of love and goodwill and the Christmas Spirit across the globe.”

Lapland Hotels

Arctic TreeHouse hotel

Rovaniemi’s Arctic TreeHouse Hotel allows guests to connect with nature. Each room features floor-to ceiling windows and fur throws. Some rooms even have soaking tubs and personal fireplaces. Look for the Arctic GlassHouse To get all the bells & whistles 

Kemi Seaside Glass Villas

Want a better view? You can book a few more days with Kemi Seaside Glass Villas. Each villa comes completely enclosed in glass — including the roof — so you can enjoy the northern lights while lying in bed.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village

You probably recognize this as the Insta-famous resort. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East VillageThe stunning glass domes. You can see it online, but it doesn’t make it less special when you actually visit it. You can book the glass Igloo to see the northern lights in the best possible way, or you can stay in a log chalet if you prefer privacy.

Octola

Look no further if you’re looking for the ultimate luxury. OctolaThe exclusive five-star resort of, with only 12 rooms and 2 chalets. You can book one room or the whole space and invite your family and friends.

What to Pack

Lapland’s summer months are easy to prepare for. Just bring along what you normally would for a summer getaway — shorts, t-shirts, a bathing suit, pants, and a light jacket for the cooler nights.

However, if you’re planning to visit in winter, it’s time to bust out the big checked bag. Nordic Visitor Consider bringing long, cozy underwear. insulated boots Also, consider an insulated jacket. waterproof and snowproof pantsA few wool sweaters, warm gloves and scarf, as well as instant heat packs to put in your boots and gloves. Of course, don’t forget your camera, but do make sure to pack extra batteries as they will drain quickly in the cold weather.

How to Get There

Despite being in the extreme far north, getting to Finnish Lapland isn’t as difficult as you may think. Fly into Helsinki and then, depending on where you are going, continue to Rovaniemi (or Kemi) You can also fly between Rovaniemi or Kemi. train Enjoy an inter-Lapland adventure with ease 

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