Why Visit Lapland? Your Guide to an Amazing Arctic Escape
26-01-26
When you think of Lapland, the first thing that probably comes to mind is Santa Claus, closely followed by meeting reindeers and enjoying fun-packed adventures in the snow! But this amazing country offers you so much more besides and our Destination Guide aims to highlight our top five reasons to put Lapland at the top of your holiday list and our top three destinations.
Top Five Reasons to put Lapland at the Top of your Holiday List in 2026
1. The Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights features on many a Bucket List and Lapland is a prime spot to enjoy this natural phenomenon in all its glory. The aurora season starts in the autumn and continues well into the spring; giving you lots of opportunities to enjoy the spectacle up-close – from Rovaniemi on the Article Circle to Levi and Saariselkä. Whether you seek out the Northern Lights on a husky or reindeer safari or a thrilling snowmobile adventure; we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. If this sounds too much like hard work – how about capturing the aurora borealis illuminating the skies above as you relax in an outdoor hot tub or before falling asleep in your very own glass-roofed cabin or igloo; specially built for private stargazing.
2. Midnight Sun
Another WOW moment and natural phenomenon that we can’t miss off our list is the Midnight Sun. Think what it will be like to experience the unique wonder of ‘night less’ nights with a full 24 hours of daylight – so the light of the day doesn’t make way for darkness and lasts around the clock in Lapland - from a few weeks to a couple months in the year. You can enjoy this unique delight in the summer months in Lapland – from late May to late July in the far north of Finnish Lapland to a shorter period from early June to early July in Rovaniemi.
3. Santa Claus Village
Relish the magic of Christmas every day of the year at the unique Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Not only can you meet Santa Claus – but his gift sack is always filled with good cheer, and he has plenty of fairy tales and stories to tell. And not forgetting the chance to meet Mrs Santa Claus and the jolly elves too! Along with husky and sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and ice slides; you’ll also have the unique opportunity to send postcards with an official Arctic Circle postmark at Santa’s Official Post Office and also hop, skip, jump, or cartwheel across the actual Arctic Circle as it runs straight through Santa Claus Village’s central square!
4. The Great Outdoors
Lapland lets you experience the wonders of the great outdoors year-round. Early spring is the perfect time for cross-country skiing before the snow melts and nature wakes up with colourful flora and fauna. Summer’s warmer days lead to canoeing, kayaking, biking, and whitewater rafting and summer festivals like the Solstice. Autumn is not only the start the Northern Lights season; but it’s also the perfect time to witness the beautiful autumnal colours and wildlife on a hike through national parks and take a guided tour to forage for wild berries and mushrooms in the forests. And winter is all about dog sledding safaris, ice fishing, or even hitting the pause button in a traditional Finnish sauna.
5. Food and Drink
If there’s one thing you can look forward to during a Lapland holiday, it’s the delicious food and drink. The Lapland diet is based around locally sourced produce like fish, reindeer, and wild berries. Reindeer is the main ingredient in the Poronkaristys sauteed dish, taste the creamy and hearty salmon soup Lohikeitto, and followed by Mustikkapiirakka blueberry pie for dessert. Other must-try dishes include Leipäjuusto (bread cheese) and Karjalanpiirakka pastries (traditionally filled with creamy, salted rice porridge). Of course, you really must toast the day with a tot of Lakkalikööri cloudberry liqueur or a glass of Lapin Kulta lager.
Top Three Destinations in Lapland
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is not only Lapland’s capital but it’s also Santa Claus’ official home – who you can meet year-round at the Santa Claus Village. Discover Arktikum Science Centre|Museum’s local nature, culture, and history, Pilke Science Centre’s interactive forest exhibits, and Korundi House of Culture’s art exhibitions and concerts. Get up close to Rauna Zoo’s polar bears and Finnish brown bears and indulge in retail therapy at the lively city centre’s specialised shops and boutiques in the three main shopping centres. Not forgetting sampling traditional Lappish food in city’s restaurants or out in the wilderness by a campfire.
Levi
If you’re an avid winter sports fan; then Levi is the perfect place to head. This lively resort town mixes snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and husky rides by day with a vibrant nightlife and apres-ski scene in its pubs and bars after dark. Summer lets you experience zipline thrills and games of padel and miniature golf at Adventure Park and downhill mountain bike trails at Levi Bike Park. Or why not go on an organised excursion to witness the magical Aurora Borealis, delve into the culture of the Indigenous Sami people at Samiland Exhibition, and visit the world of snow and ice at nearby Lapland Hotels SnowVillage?
Saariselka
Saariselkä has around 200 days of snow each year so is a haven for downhill and cross-country skiing enthusiasts; especially at Saariselkä Ski and Sports Resort (which is also home to Lapland’s longest toboggan run). This compact town is an excellent place to witness the Northern Lights, and its beautiful backdrop of Urho Kekkonen National Park is a favourite with hikers, skiers, and snowshoers. Explore the region’s plant and animal life at Destination Northernmost Europe exhibition or experience the authentic life and rich culture of the Sami people at Sami Cultural Center Sajos and Siida Museum.