Visiting Lapland, Finland: The Ultimate Arctic Adventure Guide
Just here for the itinerary? Jump to our Lapland itinerary below.
Lapland has been sitting on our travel bucket list for years and let us tell you, it did not disappoint. Think dancing northern lights stretching across the night sky, reindeer roaming freely through the snow, and husky sled rides through pine forests blanketed in white. If you've ever dreamed of a real-deal arctic adventure, Lapland, Finland is calling your name.
We visited in February, flying into Ivalo from Helsinki, and based ourselves in the Inari region for a few unforgettable nights. Having already chased the northern lights in Iceland and Tromsø, Norway, we went in with high expectations and Lapland still blew us away. It's more remote, more rustic, and more authentically wild than anywhere else we've experienced winter. There's something different about this place. It has raw, authentic arctic energy.
Rather than feeling like a destination built around tourism, Lapland felt like a place where tourism had simply adapted to the Arctic lifestyle.
Snow-covered forests stretched endlessly across the horizon. Reindeer wandered through the wilderness. The air felt impossibly crisp. Every day brought a new adventure. The cold gets into your bones, but in a good way, making you feel like you are truly living the arctic experience.
Whether you're planning a romantic winter getaway, a family vacation, or a bucket-list Northern Lights trip, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable Lapland experience.
Why Visit Lapland?
There's no shortage of "arctic" destinations these days, but Lapland stands apart. It's not just the northern lights (though those are absolutely stunning). It's the combination of experiences that makes this place so special:
Northern Lights viewing opportunities
World-class arctic activities for every comfort level, from snowmobiling to ice fishing to aurora photography
Husky sledding adventures
Reindeer experiences
Snowmobiling through Arctic wilderness
Glass igloos and sky cabins
Frozen lakes and snow-covered forests
Cozy lodges and traditional Finnish hospitality
The Finnish sauna experiences
Some of the darkest skies in Europe
Authentic Sámi culture woven into the landscape, food, and experiences
A winter playground feel that somehow manages to feel both curated and wild
The incredible people and sauna culture!
One of our favorite facts? Lapland is home to more reindeer than people.
Things to Know Before You Go
Visa: Finland is part of the Schengen Area — check requirements for your nationality
Plug Type: Type C and F (European standard), we recommend this travel adapter
Currency: Euro (€)
Language: Finnish and Swedish are official, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas (and pretty much everywhere throughout Finland)
Safety: Very safe, one of the safest destinations we've ever visited
Best Time to Visit: November through March for snow and northern lights; January–February for the best aurora odds
Polar Night: Inari experiences near-total darkness from late November to mid-January making it magical and unlike anything else. The long polar night is something to be experienced!
Temperature: Expect extreme cold. Highs can be below -10°C (14°F), lows can push -30°C (-22°F)
Good For Couples?
Absolutely. Between the glass igloos, Northern Lights, cozy cabins, and winter adventures, Lapland may be one of Europe's most romantic destinations.
Good For Families?
Lapland is fantastic for families, especially around the Christmas season.
Good For Solo Travelers?
Very solo-traveler friendly. Tours are easy to join and Finland is exceptionally welcoming.
Where Is Lapland and How Do I Get Here?
Lapland occupies Finland's northernmost region, stretching deep into the Arctic Circle. It is all the way at the top of Finland and shares a border with Norway, Sweden, and Russia.
For most travelers, there are two primary gateways:
Option 1: Fly to Ivalo
This is the option we chose.
Most international travelers (like us traveling from the US) will connect through Helsinki. We decided to (and recommend!) build in at least 24 hours in the city, it's worth it. First Helsinki is a fantastic city to explore and secondly, you’ll want some buffer time just in case there are any unseemly travel delays (like a winter storm hitting NYC). Helsinki has a cool, design-forward energy with incredible food, waterfront markets, and easy walkability.
Where we stayed: Hotel Fabian boutique, central, and genuinely lovely
Where we ate:La Galleria
Best way to explore:A walking tour(like this one)is hands-down the most efficient way to get a feel for the city quickly.
From Helsinki, we flew Finnair directly into Ivalo Airport (IVL), the closest airport to the Inari region. Finnair typically runs 4–5 daily flights in winter, so you have solid schedule flexibility. The flight is roughly 1.5 hours.
Pro tip: Book early — winter flights to Lapland fill up fast, especially around peak aurora season (January–February).
Once you land in Ivalo, you're looking at a 30–45 minute drive north to Inari. Your options:
Taxi — convenient, easy, slightly pricey
Rental car — great if you want flexibility (just make sure you're comfortable driving on icy roads!)
Shuttle or bus — most affordable option
Hotel transfer — many hotels, including our pick, offer airport pickup as part of packages
Option 2: Travel Through Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. It can be pretty touristy, but still a really cool experience and great for families to see Santa’s village.
Many travelers take the overnight train from Helsinki before continuing north by bus or rental car toward Inari.
To get to Rovaniemi, you can either fly (most likely you will have to connect through Helsinki) or you can take the train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi which takes roughly 8+ hours or you can take the Santa Clause express which takes 12-13 hours (however we have never taken this, but we have heard good things).
Best Time to Visit Lapland
One of the most common questions we get is: "When is the best time to visit Lapland?"
The honest answer? It depends on what kind of Arctic experience you're hoping for.
Unlike many destinations where there is a clear "best" season, Lapland transforms dramatically throughout the winter months. Some travelers dream of visiting Santa's hometown during the Christmas season, while others want the best chance to see the Northern Lights dancing overhead. Others simply want to experience a true winter wonderland. Or a good mix of both Arctic adventures with Northern Lights opportunities with fewer crowds, which is exactly what we were looking for when we booked for late February.
No matter when you visit between November and March, expect snow, cold temperatures, and plenty of opportunities for adventure.
November: Early Winter & Northern Lights
November marks the beginning of winter in Lapland. Snow starts covering the landscape, the days become shorter, and Northern Lights season is fully underway.
This can be a great time to visit if your primary goal is seeing the Aurora Borealis, as there is very little daylight and long nights provide excellent viewing opportunities.
Best for:
Northern Lights
Smaller crowds
Early winter experiences
December: Christmas Magic
If you've ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life Christmas card, December might be your perfect month.
The villages glow with holiday lights, Christmas markets appear, and families flock to Lapland to visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Snow-covered forests, cozy cabins, and festive decorations create an atmosphere that feels straight out of a storybook.
December is also one of the busiest and most expensive times to visit.
Best for:
Families
Christmas experiences
Festive atmosphere
January: Peak Winter Wonderland
January is when Lapland truly feels wild and Arctic.
The holiday crowds begin to disappear, but the snow is at its deepest and the winter landscapes are absolutely stunning. Expect extremely cold temperatures, often dropping well below freezing, but also some of the most pristine winter scenery you'll ever experience.
This is an incredible time for snowmobiling, husky sledding, and embracing the Arctic lifestyle.
Best for:
Winter activities
Snow lovers
Fewer crowds after the holidays
February: Our Favorite Time to Visit
We visited Lapland in February and honestly couldn't have asked for a better experience.
The snow conditions were fantastic, all activities were operating, and there was just enough daylight to enjoy the scenery while still having excellent Northern Lights opportunities at night.
Temperatures were still cold (like very cold) but manageable with proper layers. We also found February offered a nice balance between winter magic and practical travel conditions.
If we were planning another trip, we'd happily return in February.
Best for:
Northern Lights
Husky safaris
Snowmobiling
Glass igloo stays
First-time visitors
March: Longer Days & Warmer Temperatures
March brings longer daylight hours and slightly milder temperatures while still maintaining excellent snow conditions.
This can be one of the most comfortable months to visit because you'll have more time to enjoy outdoor adventures without sacrificing the winter experience. Northern Lights are still possible, although the viewing window becomes shorter as daylight increases.
Best for:
Outdoor adventures
Photography
Travelers who prefer slightly warmer temperatures
Our Recommendation
If you're visiting Lapland for the first time, we'd recommend late January through early March, with February being our personal favorite.
You'll experience everything that makes Lapland special: snow-covered forests, Arctic adventures, cozy cabins, reindeer, huskies, and some of the best Northern Lights opportunities of the year.
Now, if you are dreaming of Christmas time in Lapland, then absolutely visit in December, but be prepared and plan early!
No matter when you visit, one thing is certain: Lapland feels like stepping into another world. Between the snowy landscapes, Arctic wildlife, and unforgettable winter experiences, it's one of the most magical destinations we've ever visited.
Where We Stayed: Wilderness Hotel Inari
After extensive research, we landed on the Wilderness Hotel Inari— and we'd choose it again without hesitation.
Here's why we loved it:
Location: Close enough to the town of Inari to explore easily, far enough away to feel genuinely secluded in the arctic
Full board option: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all served on-site — no logistics, no scrambling for restaurants in the middle of nowhere
Activities built in: Choose from a range of guided arctic experiences without needing to coordinate with outside operators
Packages available: Perfect for first-timers who want a seamless, stress-free trip
Our Package Breakdown (3-Night Stay)
We chose the 3-night all-inclusive package, which included:
Full board (all meals)
5 pre-arranged activities
Airport transfers to and from Ivalo
Activity scheduling and logistics
This approach made the whole trip feel effortless. We just showed up, ate well, and adventured hard.
It ended up being one of the best travel decisions we made.
The experience felt nearly all-inclusive while still maintaining an authentic Arctic atmosphere.
Our Cabin: The Sky Glass Cabin
We upgraded to the sky glass cabin — and oh my goodness, was it worth it. Floor-to-ceiling glass panels overhead mean you can watch the northern lights shimmer across the sky from your bed. It's genuinely one of the most surreal experiences of our lives. If you can swing it, book this cabin. Don't think twice.
Watching the Northern Lights dance overhead while lying in bed was one of the most memorable travel experiences we've ever had.
If your budget allows, we'd strongly recommend upgrading.
Accommodation Styles to Consider
Not everyone wants the all-inclusive approach, and that's totally fine. Here are the main options:
| Style | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glass cabin / sky dome | Romance, aurora chasers | Premium price, unforgettable experience |
| Traditional hotel | Budget-conscious, flexibility seekers | Stay near a main town for easier meal access |
| Airbnb cabin | Families, groups | Great value, more privacy |
On a budget? Stay at a hotel in Inari town and book individual excursions through local operators. You'll save money without missing out on the experiences.
What Makes Lapland Different?
We've visited Iceland. We've visited Tromsø. Lapland still surprised us. The biggest difference wasn't the scenery, it was the feeling. Lapland feels purpose-built for winter. It was made for winter activities and excursions. The infrastructure, accommodations, activities, and culture are all centered around embracing Arctic life rather than simply surviving it. Every day felt like stepping into a winter playground. With so many different varieties of winter activities and accommodations you can embrace Lapland on any budget and find your own magical arctic experience. Plus you have the option to try the touristy activities, venture out on your own, or even better, a mixture of both.
What to Do in Lapland: Arctic Activities
This is where Lapland really shines. The activity offerings are staggering — here's a taste of what's available:
Husky safari — one of the most exhilarating things you will ever do
Reindeer visit— slower paced, deeply charming, unforgettable
Northern lights snowshoe tour — guided hikes to prime aurora viewing spots
Snowmobile safari — cover serious ground through pristine wilderness
Ice fishing — surprisingly peaceful and very Finnish
Aurora photography workshops — perfect if you want that iconic shot
Aurora Camp - a cool way to experience the Northern Lights!
Note: Most hotels and tour operators in the Inari area offer these - your hotel concierge or package coordinator can help you book. Activity slots fill fast in peak season, so pre-book wherever possible!
With all of these amazing experiences, we strongly recommend travel insurance, which is why we partner with World Nomads. We nearly missed our trip due to a Snowstorm in New York City and knowing we had travel insurance gave us peace of mind.
Chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland
Let's talk aurora. It's the reason so many people make the trip — and Lapland delivers.
We've seen the northern lights in Iceland and Tromsø, and while those experiences were stunning, Lapland felt different. More remote. Fewer light pollution issues. A rawness to the landscape that made the aurora feel even more dramatic.
Best conditions for northern lights:
Clear, cloud-free skies (cloud cover is your biggest enemy)
Solar activity of KP-3 or higher
Away from town lights
Peak season: late September through March, with January–March offering the longest dark hours
Staying in a glass cabin gives you passive aurora watching all night long - no alarm clocks, no bundling up, just you and the lights.
Weather in Lapland
Lapland is cold.
Really cold.
Winter temperatures regularly remain below freezing and can easily drop below 0°F (-18°C). Expect temperatures well below freezing even during the day and even colder at night. While we were there we had some clouds and little bit of snow. Expect deep layers of snow and ice around, which adds to the majesty of Lapland.
Even if you don’t think it’s going to be “that cold”, it is, trust us. So be prepared and embrace the cold weather, but be smart about it! No one wants frostbite to ruin their amazing vacation.
Polar Night
During portions of winter, Lapland experiences Polar Night, when the sun remains below the horizon for extended periods.
While there is still beautiful twilight light during the day, don't expect traditional daylight hours.
The result? More opportunities to see the Northern Lights! Which make for some epic experiences.
What to Pack for Lapland
Layers are everything. Even if you are bringing your warmest winter coat, you still need plenty of layers. Especially for the activities. If you are snowshoeing you will want to be able to take off layers while still staying warm and if you are snowmobiling the wind can cut through the thickest of clothing, which is why layers are so essential.
Essential Packing List
Wool socks (we recommend bringing at least 3-4 pairs as you will want to wear 2 pairs at one time, especially for night time activities)
Thermal base layers
Insulated snow boots
Ski pants
Winter jacket
Beanie
Neck gaiter or face covering
Waterproof gloves
Glove liners
Hand warmers
Foot warmers
Mid-layer fleece or sweater
Lightweight vest
Many tour operators provide thermal outerwear, but you'll still want quality layers underneath.
How to Choose Accommodation in Lapland
There are three primary accommodation styles:
Glass Igloos & Sky Cabins
These are epic and offer incredible views of both the surrounding landscape and hopefully incredible views of the aurora. In most instances you will pay a premium for these types of cabins. If you are planning on relaxing and want an incredible way to experience Lapland we highly recommend paying extra for this experience.
Perfect for:
Northern Lights hunters
Honeymooners
Couples
We stayed in a sky cabin at the Hotel Wilderness Inari and absolutely loved our experience.
Others to consider:
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (the most well known in the region, but also the priciest)
Traditional Hotels
There are plenty of traditional hotels throughout the Lapland region ranging from typical hotel rooms to floor to ceiling window rooms. These hotels are typically more budget friendly and still offer incredible views and experiences.
Perfect for:
Budget-conscious travelers
Travelers staying in town centers
Recommendations:
Arctic Cabins & Airbnbs
If you are looking for that quintessential experience consider staying in a cabin or renting an Airbnb or VRBO further away from the town. If you are looking for a more secluded experience with the charm of Lapland, this can be a great option.
Perfect for:
Families
Longer stays
Travelers seeking privacy
Recommendations:
Itinerary
Steal Our 4-Day Lapland Itinerary
We initially planned out all of our excursions and then opted to use a package deal through our hotel because the package had almost everything we wanted. If you want an easy solution (although probably a bit pricier) where everything is taken care of, we recommend selecting a hotel package through your accommodation. However, if you are on a budget or don’t like being constrained by a fully planned itinerary, you can customize your own adventure using our itinerary below.
Day 0: Arrive in Helsinki and Explore
We highly recommend flying into Helsinki the day before if you are coming from outside of Europe (like the USA or Canada). We were stuck in a blizzard from New York City, and our flight was delayed by a day. Fortunately, we had an extra day built into our schedule, so although we had to cut our Helsinki exploration short, it did not impact our Lapland vacation.
We will call this Day 0 of our Lapland adventure - so spend your arrival day in Helsinki to explore this beautiful city.
Day 1: Helsinki to Inari
If your schedule doesn’t allow for arriving a day early then, fly into Helsinki
Fly from Helsinki to Ivalo (roughly a 2 hour and 15 minute flight, with multiple flights leaving per day on Finnair)
Transfer to Inari
Check into your accommodation
Enjoy your first Arctic sunset
Northern Lights hunt after dinner either on your own or through a guided tour
Day 2: Husky Safari & Aurora Snowshoeing
Breakfast at your accommodation or in town
Explore the town of Inari or Ivalo in the morning or relax in a Finnish Sauna
Optional: if you want more of an active experience try out Cross Country skiing!
Lunch in the town or at your accommodation
Early afternoon, do one of our favorite experiences and take a husky safari (AKA a sled dog experience!) Honestly, flying through snow-covered forests behind a team of eager huskies felt like something straight out of a movie. Even if you only choose one activity in Lapland, make it this one.
Grab dinner at your accommodation or in town and then prepare for a night activity.
We highly recommend (and loved) Aurora Snowshoeing! Take a night adventure and gear up to chase the Northern lights. This is a really cool way to experience the polar night while being out in nature.
Day 3: Snowmobiling & Reindeer Experience
Have breakfast at your accommodation or VRBO/AirBnB
Take an early morning tour or drive to meet the Reindeer! There are several Sami Reindeer farms throughout Lapland and we highly recommend taking the opportunity to feed these amazing animals up close and to learn more about the Sami people and culture. This was one of the most uniquely Finnish experiences of our trip.
Head back to your accommodation or into town for lunch
In the early afternoon take a snowmobiling adventure in Inari across the frozen lake. Be sure to bundle up because it will be freezing cold with the cold wind cutting through you, but the views and experience are incredible. If it is your first time snowmobiling, we highly recommend taking a group trip.
Head back to your accommodation to warm up (great opportunity to warm up in a Finnish sauna!)
Have dinner at your accommodation or in town.
If you haven’t experienced the Northern Lights consider a northern lights tracking tour!
Day 4: Soaking up the Arctic & Departure
With your last day in Lapland, this is a great opportunity to either sleep in and enjoy the cozy warmth of your accommodations or grab and early breakfast and go exploring one final time.
Take an opportunity to either take a winter bike (fat bike) excursion around the area. Or you can try cross country skiing or snow shoeing. Looking for something more relaxed? Consider going to the Sami culture museum in Inari or picking up some last minute gifts or souvenirs.
Transfer to the Ivalo airport (depending on where you are staying expect anything from 45 minutes to an hour+)
Catch an afternoon return flight back to Helsinki
Best Things to Do in Lapland, Finland: Our Honest Rankings
Husky Safari (Dog Sledding) - absolutely amazing, can’t miss in our opinion. Be sure to take the opportunity to visit with the sled dogs!
Snowmobiling - an incredible experience, but bundle up (maybe triple bundle up), but the arctic landscape truly is beautiful gliding past on a snowmobile makes it even more enjoyable
Reindeer Farm Experience - We loved this experience because it was a great opportunity to see and feed the reindeer up close and to learn more about the Sami culture. A good mix of animals and culture.
Aurora Snowshoeing - A really cool experience! This was our first time snowshoeing and we both absolutely loved it. Treking through the forests in deep snow searching for the Aurora was definitely a highlight for us. The only reason we ranked this lower was because the night we snowshoed was snowing and overcast. Still a cool experience (the silence is the Arctic is truly unique), but unforutnatly no aurora for us this night.
Chasing the Northern Lights - why in the world did we put this last?! So, to be fair, staying in the glass igloo made for some incredible viewing opportunities from the warm comfort of our accommodation. The night of our Aurora tour was completely overcast, so unfortunately no Northern Lights viewing for us. Still a cool experience, but we would recommend chasing the Nothern Lights your first or second night, so you can rebook if you don’t see them.
Honorable mention: Finnish Sauna Experience. Truly nothing like warming up in a Finnish sauna after spending some time in the freezing cold. 11/10 would definitely recommend. Bonus points if you choose to do the traditional sauna experience and jump in the snow during the sauna.
Why We Chose Inari (and why you should too)
After extensive research, we ultimately based ourselves in Inari.
Here's why:
Excellent Northern Lights opportunities
Fewer crowds than Rovaniemi
More remote Arctic atmosphere
Incredible selection of wilderness lodges
Easy access to winter activities
Strong Sámi cultural influences
Glass cabins and domes are plentiful in this region
Incredible variety of activities from multiple quality tour operators
Most importantly, Inari felt like the Lapland we imagined. Remote, peaceful, snowy, and deeply connected to nature. It had enough amenities for us to enjoy ourselves without feeling overly touristy. The perfect balance for us.
Is Lapland Worth Visiting?
Without question: yes.
Lapland is one of those rare destinations that lives up to the hype and then exceeds it. The northern lights dancing overhead while you're warm inside a glass cabin. The silence of the snow-covered wilderness. Feeding a herd of reindeer as they rush around and frolick in the snow. The way 5°F (-15°C) somehow feels alive and energizing rather than just cold.
If you've been waiting for the right moment to go, this is it. Start planning, pack your thermals (and several extra pair of socks), and get ready for one of the most magical trips of your life.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you book or purchase through our links. We only recommend things we’ve personally used and loved. Thanks for supporting our blog!
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