Lapland

Finnish Lapland is sure to have snow in the wintertime

The magic of snow

While many other areas in the world are affected by the climate change and lack of snow, Finnish Lapland is sure to have snow in the wintertime. In the heart of winter, the northern lights crossing the night sky in green waves and the blue dusk of wintry evenings add a sense of mystique to the Lappish winter.

Here, the winter is long: it begins in October and ends in April. Meticulously maintained ski slopes and an extensive network of cross-country ski trails offer visitors unforgettable winter sports experiences. For a more action-packed adventure, try a snowmobile or a husky safari; those who prefer a slower pace will enjoy the traditional reindeer-driven sled ride.

In Lapland, visitors should expand their horizons and boldly go where they've never gone before - for instance to a steaming hot sauna, and once the heat becomes too much to bear, jump into the freezing cold lake through what is called "avanto" in Finnish, meaning a hole in the ice.

It never gets dark in the mid-summer

Under the midnight sun

When talking about Lapland, Finns often refer to its wilderness as a place "of strange magic". What foreign visitors may find most amazing is the light; in Lapland, it never gets dark in the mid-summer. This strange magic affects everyone: sleeping is out of the question when you can find better things to do with your time.

Whitewater rafting, hiking in the rugged and open landscape, fly fishing in a clearwater creek, or gold-panning are just a few examples or the exciting activities that await you. There's no need to go seeking adventures – there's one waiting for you behind every corner.

In the autumn, night frost will make birch tree leaves and ground vegetation turn into bright shades of yellow, orange and red. This colourful season is an ideal time for outdoor sports such as hiking and mountain biking.

Studies show that the air in northern Lapland in the cleanest in Europe. The fresh, clean air is a joy for your senses and makes breathing a real pleasure.

Santa in the city of Rovaniemi

Santa's secrets

All children (and children at heart) know that Santa Claus lives in Korvatunturi, in Finnish Lapland. There are other locations in Lapland where Santa also meets visitors: you can see Santa in the city of Rovaniemi, in his official headquarters at the Arctic Circle, or in SantaPark.

Were you always curious to know how long Santa's beard is, or what exactly the northern lights are? Santa's secrets offer an answer to these questions and many more

A night at an igloo

Cosy cottages or exotic igloos

Destinations in Lapland offer accommodation in first-class hotels and apartments, or in fully-equipped log villas or cosy cabins. A night at a snow hotel or in an igloo is an experience not to be forgotten!

Within easy reach

Finnish Lapland is at the far corner of the world, or at your doorstep – depending on your perspective. But the important thing is that your can get there easily from anywhere in the world.

You can fly to Lapland via Finland's capital, Helsinki, or directly to Rovaniemi, Kemi-Tornio, Ivalo, Kittilä and Enontekiö, or travel by rail in the comfort of a sleeping car.

And once you get there, you can count on the locals to give you the right directions. Don't hesitate to ask!