Welcome to Lapland

In summer, the sun never sets, and in autumn, winter and spring, the Aurora Borealis lights up the sky.

About Lapland

Lapland is the northern-most region of Finland and an active outdoor destination that's known for its incredible, year-round light phenomena, vast arctic nature, and Santa Claus. The land of the indigenous Sámi people, known as Sámi homeland or Sápmi, also crosses the northern part of the region. Explore Finnish Lapland, Europe’s last great wilderness!

7 reasons to visit Lapland

Looking for reasons to visit Lapland? Look no further – we've gathered seven best reasons in one place.

Credits: Visit Rovaniemi

Midnight sun

Summer in Lapland is the stuff of fairy tales and sugar-plum dreams. It's truly endless summer nights when the sun doesn't set. Go mountain biking, take an unforgettable hike in the wilderness, or simply admire the views from a hot tub.

Credits: Harri Tarvainen

Northern lights and unique accommodation

Seeing the Northern lights is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Or perhaps twice or thrice in a lifetime. Finnish Lapland is the best place to see the auroras. Stay in a glass-covered cabin and stargaze from bed! The aurora season starts in the autumn and lasts well into the spring.

Credits: Jari Romppainen

Activities year-round

Snowboard, ski, snowshoe in the winter, and hike, bike, swim or go wildlife-watching in the summer and autumn. The array of activities available throughout the year is practically endless. Did you know that the locals actually say there are eight seasons in Lapland?

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Sámi culture

Sámi, the only indigenous people in the EU, live in Sápmi – a cultural region that crosses northern Lapland. Visit the Siida Centre of Sámi Culture in Inari to learn more about the heritage and life of the Sámi.

Credits: Siida Sami Museum

Reindeer

These wonderful fairytale creatures are quite literally everywhere in Lapland. Most of the 200 000 reindeer of Finnish Lapland roam free in the never-ending wilderness. If you'd like to meet them, a visit to a reindeer park or a reindeer ride are great options.

Credits: Pyhä

World's cleanest air

Lapland boasts the world’s purest air, water, and arctic nature as far as the eye can see. Nothing compares to going outdoors into unspoiled nature and filling your lungs with fresh, clean air.

Credits: Harri Tarvainen

Santa Claus

Did you know that Santa Claus is from Finland? Travel to Rovaniemi and you can meet him every day of the year.

Get to know the region

All of Finland’s four regions are special in their own way. Here are a few things that are unique about this one.

Lapland destinations

Would you like to know more about the destinations in Lapland? Click on the pins in the map to discover the best places to visit.

Things to do in Lapland

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Attractions

Inspiration for your journey

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Meet Santa Claus, explore the fells and take in stunning arctic nature. Lapland offers many interesting places to visit - both indoors and out. Here are a few sample journeys through Lapland with suggestions for what to see, eat and do. When you find something you like, click the heart icon to save it.

Frequently asked questions about Lapland

Read all frequently asked questions

Is Lapland a country?

Where is Lapland?

How can I get to Lapland?

What is the weather in Lapland? What should I wear?

Where and when can I see the Northern Lights?

Best hotels and accommodation in Lapland?

What can I do in Lapland?

Summer in Lapland – what is it like? What is the midnight sun?

The best times to spot the Northern Lights are during spring and autumn.