- Rovaniemi is best for Santa and short trips, Levi and Ylläs for skiing, Saariselkä and Inari for wilderness and aurora
- The snow season runs roughly from December to April
- Expect temperatures of -10 to -25 °C, and colder, in midwinter
- Activities are pricey, so a package with flights and safaris included is often better value
- Airports
- Rovaniemi (RVN), Kittilä (KTT), Ivalo (IVL)
- Best time to go
- December-March for snow and northern lights; June-July for the midnight sun
- Type
- Region
Finnish Lapland covers the northern third of Finland, a land of pine forest, fells and frozen lakes that sits mostly above the Arctic Circle. In winter it is the kind of snowy wilderness most of us only see in films: reindeer by the roadside, husky sleds racing across lakes, and on clear nights the green ripple of the northern lights. In summer, the sun barely sets for weeks.
Most UK visitors come for a short winter break or a Christmas trip with children. For the rest of the country, see our Finland guide.
Where to stay
- Rovaniemi – Lapland's small capital, right on the Arctic Circle and home to Santa Claus Village, where you can visit Santa all year. It has the most flights, hotels and activities, making it the easiest option for a short trip or a family Christmas break, though it's busier and less wild than elsewhere.
- Levi – Finland's largest ski resort, around 15 minutes from Kittilä airport. Lively, with a compact village of hotels, restaurants and après-ski bars.
- Ylläs – two quieter villages either side of a fell, with long cross-country trails and good downhill skiing. Popular with families.
- Saariselkä – a small resort in the far north near Ivalo, close to Urho Kekkonen National Park and famous for glass-roofed igloos and aurora cabins.
- Inari – on the shores of Lake Inari and the heart of Sámi culture. Peaceful and remote.
Things to do
- Husky safaris – from a short taster ride to multi-day expeditions, driving your own team.
- Reindeer farms – meet the animals and take a sleigh ride with a local herding family.
- Northern lights hunts – by snowmobile, minibus, snowshoe or aurora sled, heading away from light pollution.
- Snowmobiling – a licence is needed to drive; a passenger can ride behind.
- Santa Claus Village – in Rovaniemi, with Santa's Office, the Arctic Circle line and the Santa Claus Post Office.
- Arktikum and Siida – Rovaniemi's Arctic science museum and Inari's Sámi museum and nature centre.
- Summer hiking – fell walks, canoeing and fishing under the midnight sun.
Getting there and around
Many UK tour operators run winter charter flights from regional airports direct to Rovaniemi, Kittilä or Ivalo, usually taking around 3h30-4h. Scheduled seasonal flights also run from London some winters, or you can connect in Helsinki for a flight of about 1h20. The overnight Santa Claus Express sleeper train runs from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and on to Kolari for the western resorts.
Distances in Lapland are large and public transport is limited. Most visitors use airport transfers and let activity companies pick them up from their hotel. Hire cars come with winter tyres, but drive only if you are used to snow and ice, and watch out for reindeer on the road.
When to go
December brings the classic Christmas atmosphere, but daylight is just a few hours of twilight and prices peak. January and February are the coldest months, with deep snow. March is a favourite for many: longer, brighter days, good snow and decent aurora chances. The aurora season runs from late August to early April. Autumn brings the ruska colours in September, and June and July bring 24-hour daylight.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rovaniemi or Levi better?
Rovaniemi is better for a short trip focused on Santa, with more flights and activities. Levi suits families and couples who want skiing alongside the husky and reindeer trips, in a more traditional resort village.
What are the chances of seeing the northern lights?
Good on clear nights between late August and early April, and better the further north you go. Cloud is the main problem, so stay at least three or four nights to give yourself several chances.
What should I wear in Lapland?
Thermal base layers, wool or fleece mid-layers, warm socks, a hat and gloves. Most packages and safari companies provide insulated overalls, boots and mittens for activities.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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