16 Things to See and Do in Finnish Lapland

One of the most thrilling ways to appreciate Finnish Lapland’s scenery is to glide across the wilderness on a sled pulled by huskies. There are hundreds of tour operators throughout the region offering trips ranging from a few kilometres to multi-day experiences. Most offer hotel transfers, while some also provide winter clothing. On many tours, you’ll spend time with the huskies beforehand and learn about their role in the region and how they are bred, trained and looked after. It’s always worth doing some extra research to ensure you’re using a provider with a comprehensive ethical policy.

Situated seven kilometers away from the city centre of Levi, Luvattumaa is a wonderful place to free your mind from stress and chill out. It is a natural spa and sauna, which uses the water coming from the clean and natural Lappish river. The spa also provides hot and cold open-air baths and compartments with traditional saunas. The main attraction of Luvattumaa is the ice gallery, which is rebuilt from snow and ice every year with a different theme. There is also a huge ice castle comprised of a snow chapel, ice gallery and an ice bar. Recommended by Jessica Wood

If you’re visiting Finnish Lapland between late August and early April, you’ve got an excellent chance of spotting the Northern Lights. There’s no guarantee, since you’re reliant on clear skies and solar activity, but they’re visible on roughly 200 nights a year, making it one of the most reliable parts of Europe to observe the phenomenon. At first, you may only see grey ribbons dancing across the sky but, on a good night, expect vivid shades of green. You can join an organised tour, though sometimes you only need to look up and admire nature doing its thing.

Located in the municipalities of Enontekiö, Kittilä, Kolariand Muonio, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is one of the oldest national parks and the third largest national park in Finland. Muonio is a good place to start hiking, as the landscape is relatively flat and there are sufficient village houses where you may find food and necessities. While hiking you can see highland flora and fauna. The most common plant is the Dryas octopetala, and is considered to be the most beautiful flower in Lapland. Recommended by Jessica Wood

If you’re up for an adventure and keen to discover the pristine beauty of Finnish Lapland on foot, ski trekking is the way to go. Unlike Alpine skiing, this type of backcountry skiing mostly takes place in ungroomed natural spaces and doesn’t take much practice to get the hang of. Think of it as winter hiking, but with specialist equipment to help you navigate the snowy terrain. The skis tend to be slightly shorter than what you’d use for downhill skiing and your boots aren’t fully locked into the bindings, leaving your heels free.

The Midnight Sun is one of the most iconic natural phenomena in the Nordic region, even if it is a pain for the locals. The inclination of the Earth’s axis makes it possible for the northern regions of Finland to experience daytime constantly during summer with the sun not setting for several weeks. Sodankylä in central Lapland is one of the best places to see the Midnight Sun. There is an incredible view and usually a clear sky with warm and mild sunshine. It also hosts the Midnight Sun Film Festival, which launches every year in June and plays 20 to 30 modern movies from all around the world nonstop, and is surely a great way to keep yourself entertained when the sun keeps you up all night. Recommended by Jessica Wood

Zip around frozen lakes and icy fells by embarking on a snowmobile tour | © Cavan Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Saariselkä Sport Resort is an excellent ski resort for both beginners and advanced skiers, providing routes of different difficulties. There are two sections, Kaunispää and Lisakkipää. Each section consists of around 20 different slopes and street settings modified according to the day’s snow conditions. The resort offers many exciting routes for ski-lovers. Recommended by Jessica Wood

Did you know that reindeers outnumber humans in Finnish Lapland? That means you’re almost guaranteed to see them, whether they’re roaming in the wild in search of food or at a reindeer farm. They’re an essential part of the indigenous Sámi way of life and every reindeer has an owner. Brown bears, lynxes, wolverines, arctic foxes and golden eagles are among the other animals worth keeping a close eye out for, be it on a dedicated wildlife safari or while exploring the wilderness.

Lapland boasts a proud culinary heritage, heavily based around natural produce foraged from the region’s lakes, woodlands and rivers. Fresh fish – such as arctic char, salmon and trout – features prominently in traditional Lappish cuisine and is often cooked by an open fire or smoked, giving it a strong, earthy flavour. You’ll also come across plenty of reindeer and mushroom-based dishes, typically served with a side of almond potatoes, which are unique to northern Scandinavia. Leipäjuusto (a soft cheese dessert usually served with cloudberry jam) and rieska (a type of barley flatbread) are both must-try regional specialities.

No trip to Finland would be complete without spending a healthy amount of time sweating it out in a sauna. It’s an integral part of Finland’s cultural heritage and, no matter where you stay on your Lapland adventure, you’ll never be far away from a sauna. There are three main types – wood-burning, electric and smoke saunas – and they’re typically heated to between 80-90C (176–194F), providing an array of health benefits. What better way to cap off a day braving the cold in Lapland? Also, it’s customary to sauna in the nude, so don’t be shy.

Wild About Lapland Ice Fishing Snowshoeing Tour Rovaniemi

While unspoilt nature is Lapland’s primary appeal, the capital, Rovaniemi, shouldn’t be overlooked. Having been almost entirely destroyed during the Second World War, it was redesigned with input from renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto in a configuration resembling a reindeer’s head. Beyond being a convenient travel hub and gateway to the wilderness, it contains several fine examples of modernist architecture, including the city hall, city library, Lappia House and Arktikum science museum. Most of the restaurants, bars and shops are clustered around Lordi’s Square, named after the Finnish rock band, Lordi, who won the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest.

Whether you’re planning to visit Finnish Lapland in the depths of winter or the height of summer, the festive spirit remains alive throughout the year at Santa Claus Village – although it’s especially magical to visit around Christmas time. It’s open every day of the year and entry is free. You can visit a husky or reindeer park, try snowmobiling, hunt for handcrafted souvenirs, and enjoy the extensive choice of bars and restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo standing directly on the Arctic Circle.

Kemi is situated beside Bothnian Bay and at the mouth of the River Kemijoki in the southern part of Lapland. This town perfectly demonstrates the Lappish culture. Kemi Church is a classic Finnish Evangelical Lutheran church, which showcases the northern Finnish architecture styles of the past. There is also a snow castle with an ice bar, which is constructed in different styles every year. The Icebreaker Sampo takes short tours from Kemi cutting through the sea ice. Recommended by Jessica Wood

The Snow Restaurant from 2016 | © Visit Kemi Tourist Board

There are at least 1,000 lakes in Lapland and Lake Inari in the far north is the biggest. During the summer you can go to the river near the lake and partake in the tradition of mining for gold, which has been going on since the Lapland Gold Rush of 1868. During the winter you may try another Lappish tradition: ice fishing, which involves drilling though the ice to catch fish. If you are lucky you may catch whitefish, rainbow trout or perch, which are delicious when cooked fresh on a campfire. Recommended by Jessica Wood