Lapland at a glance

The Lapland Region is not a country but a region larger than the United Kingdom. Lapland is one of the last unspoilt natural wildernesses in the world, places en the northernparts of Finland, Norway, and Sweden

Visiting Lapland in Finland, Norway, and Sweden is very special because the region is a winter wonderland.

Why visit Lapland

Lapland is packed with Arctic activities for visitors to enjoy year-round.

The Arctic Circle is best known for its northern lights, magical winter landscapes, and outdoor activities like dog-sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and reindeer sleigh rides.

The reindeer is the most eye-catching of the region´s animals, but the fauna and flora are also exceptional because of their unique geographical position.

You can find inspiration and information about Lapland and its unique attractions, like the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi and the famous Ice Hotels.

There are also plenty of opportunities to experience the traditions of the Sami, the native people.

The region is world-renowned for its magnificent natural beauty, amazing Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, clean air, and silence.

Here you get a list of some of the highlights you can experience in Lapland:

1. Northern Lights

Lapland is one of the best places on Earth to witness the magical Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Gaze up at the night sky as vibrant green, blue, and purple ribbons dance across the darkness.

See more about the Northern Lights in the Lapland region:

Northern Lights in Sweden

In the summer months, it is possible to witness the Midnight Sun in Lapland, a special Nordic experience.

See more about the Midnight Sun in Lapland:

2. Santa Claus Village

In Finnish, Lapland is famously known as Santa Claus' hometown. Visit the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, where you can meet the man himself, cross the Arctic Circle, and send postcards with the special Arctic Circle postmark.

See more about Rovaniemi

3. Snow activities

From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to snowmobiling and ice fishing, Lapland offers a wide range of winter activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

See more about outdoor activities in Lapland:

4. Famous Ice hotels

Stay in a unique ice hotel and spend a night surrounded by intricately carved ice sculptures and glittering ice chandeliers. Lapland boasts several ice hotels where you can enjoy a memorable overnight experience in sub-zero temperatures.

5. Arctic wildlife

As you explore Lapland's pristine nature reserves and national parks, look for Arctic wildlife, including reindeer, moose, and ptarmigans.

6. Husky sledging

Experience the thrill of mushing through snowy forests with a team of enthusiastic huskies. Husky sledging tours are popular in Lapland and offer an unforgettable adventure through pristine Arctic landscapes.

7. Reindeer safaris

Embark on a reindeer safari and ride in a traditional sleigh through the snow-covered wilderness. Learn about the indigenous Sámi culture and their close relationship with these gentle Arctic animals.

8. Sámi Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the indigenous Sámi people. Visit Sámi villages, attend cultural performances, and learn about traditional handicrafts such as duodji (Sámi handicraft).

Whether you're seeking adventure, natural beauty, or a touch of magic, Lapland promises an unforgettable winter escape.

Where is Lapland

Lapland, known locally as Sápmi, is a cultural region traditionally inhabited by the indigenous Sámi.

Lapland is in the Arctic in the northern part of the three Nordic countries, Sweden, Norway Finland, and Russia's Kola Peninsula.

Best time to visit Lapland

You can visit Lapland all year round, but it depends on what you want to discover - the amazing snow landscapes and the Northern Lights or the warm and nice summer with the amazing Midnight Sun.

See more about the best time to visit Lapland:

Best time to visit Finnish Lapland

Destinations in Lapland

There are countless small towns and villages in Lapland, and the main towns are Rovaniemi and Ivalo in Finland and Hammerfest, Kiruna, Luleå, and Gällivare in Sweden.

We have selected some destinations we can recommend visiting:

Rovaniemi (Finland)
Situated just north of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is considered the capital of Finnish Lapland. This town is best known as the hometown of Santa Claus, where visitors can meet any day of the year at Santa Claus Village.

Kiruna (Sweden)
Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost city, is surrounded by amazing landscapes, ranging from rivers and crystal-clear lakes to ancient boreal forests and snow-capped mountains.

The most famous attractions and accommodations are the ICEHOTEL, located in the neighbouring village of Jukkasjärvi (about 20 km from Kiruna), and the Kiruna Snowhotel, Aurora Sky Station in the nearby Abisko National Park.

Kemi (Finland)
Located in Finnish Lapland, in the middle of the Bothnian Arc, is Kemi, the site of the famous Snow Castle with its amazing Snow Restaurant, Snow Chapel, and Children’s Land.

Other popular attractions in this area include cruises aboard the Sampo icebreaker ship, where you can go for an “Arctic swim” in thermal flotation suits.

More places to visit in Lapland

Sami - the indigenous people in Lapland

The north of Lapland is Sápmi, the home of the Sami people, and Inari, Utsjoki, and Hetta are the central communities.

The population is around 80000 people, and most Samis live in Norway, with 50000 people. The reindeer has been central to Sami culture for thousands of years.

Adventure destinations

Over the last 10 years, the Lapland region has seen an increase in tourism driven by improved infrastructure and connectivity.

Destinations like Kiruna, Tromsø, and Rovaniemi attract tourists seeking to explore unique scenery, adventure, and local culture.

How to get to Lapland

You can reach the regions by regional flights from Stockholm and Stockholm-Arlanda Airport to Kiruna and Swedish Lapland. There are flights from Helsinki and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland.

Stockholm-Arlanda Airport in Sweden and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Finland have several international and regional airlines.

Many local domestic carriers in Sweden and Finland have partnerships with international airlines.

See more about getting to Finland