Plan a trip to Lapland

 Lapland's very distinct winter and summer seasons offer contrasting experiences, each revealing the region’s unique charm. Summer brings endless daylight and the phenomenon of the midnight sun, while winter provides opportunities to witness the enchanting Northern Lights, transforming the dark skies into a mesmerizing display of the aurora—a breathtaking and magical spectacle resembling a dance of vibrant green curtains.

Lapland is not a country; rather, it is a region extending from Russia to Norway through Finland and Sweden. It is the homeland of the Sami people, who have lived in the area for centuries as reindeer herders, fishermen, and woodworkers. The locals, who speak the Sami language and wear traditional folk costumes, strive to preserve their wonderful heritage and the local cuisine, featuring dishes like reindeer, salmon, and delicious desserts based on forest berries.
The most magical time to visit Lapland, Finland, is during the winter season. Towards the end of December, thousands of tourists flock to the city of Rovaniemi, heading to the village of Santa Claus – a destination we’ll explore further later on. This also marks the beginning of the winter tourism season, which peaks from February to April. During these months, the ice covering the lakes and rivers thickens enough to allow safe travel by off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, reindeer sleds, and husky dogs. It's important to remember that daylight hours in January are limited and the days are extremely short, so it's advisable to plan the trip between mid-February and late March.

For those visiting during this time, it's recommended to check out one of the sports clubs in Rovaniemi or Levi, where storm suits and boots designed for the local conditions are available for rent. Thermal underwear is essential for various outdoor activities under the open sky.

Here are some recommended sites to visit in Lapland, Finland:

Rovaniemi:

The capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, offers a plethora of attractions. The lively city center features a long promenade lined with shops, dog sledding operators, restaurants, and winter stalls. Throughout the city, numerous companies offer winter activities such as snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow karting, reindeer sleigh rides, and husky sled experiences (located outside the city and requiring transportation).

Approximately 15 minutes from the city center lies the Santa Claus Village, where you can explore Santa's Painted House and have a chance to meet him. The central area also provides shopping opportunities, a hotel, an Ice Palace (closed in temperatures above freezing), and buildings related to the Santa Claus tradition.

Rovaniemi is home to the Arktikum Museum, a must-visit ethnographic museum. It presents a diverse range of exhibits, displays, films, and presentations showcasing life in the northern Arctic Circle. The exhibition includes the history of Rovaniemi, which was destroyed during World War II and reconstructed based on the design of Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Another of Aalto's masterpieces in the city is the municipal library, providing visitors with an opportunity to witness his architectural genius.

The Ounasvaara Sports Area is Rovaniemi's sports center, featuring ski trails, snow jumps, sports fields, and an ice hockey rink.

Kuusamo:

If you're a skiing or winters sports enthusiast, the Ruka Ski Resort in Kuusamo is for you, with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. Allocate time to visit the Hautala Nature Photography Center. This center is dedicated to showcasing the remarkable works of Finnish nature photographer Hannu Hautala, featuring stunning images of wildlife in Finland, especially in the Arctic region.

Korouoma:

The frozen waterfalls of Korouoma Nature Reserve are a stunning sight during the winter, displaying magnificent ice formations and featuring walking trails in the area. The beauty of this location, particularly when the waterfalls are frozen, draws photographers and nature enthusiasts. If you’re looking for adventure in the enchanting Arctic surroundings and to explore the wonders of nature, this is your ideal destination.

From the parking lot, there's a path that requires moderate walking ability and ascends uphill - not suitable for those with mobility issues. The descent into the geological fracture is relatively steep, and at the beginning, you'll see a Finnish structure called "Kota," a café-style establishment that operates irregularly. The ascent back to the parking lot is moderately steep and takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Ranua:

The Arctic Zoo in Ranua is a unique experience, providing an opportunity to encounter polar bears, lynxes, Arctic foxes, wolverines, deer, birds, and winged creatures. Creating meticulous replicas of natural habitats, the zoo offers visitors a unique insight into these animals' lives during the snowy winters. The service area within the zoo includes cafes, a restaurant, and shops, featuring a renowned Finnish chocolate factory shop: Fazer.

Luosto - Pyhä:

Pyhä-Luosto National Park offers activities such as snowshoeing, guided snowmobile tours, husky sleigh rides, and cable car rides. The Pyhä ski resort provides excellent views and a unique experience, and, at the peak of the mountain, there is a café and a short sculpture trail.

Luosto is a beloved skiing destination featuring slopes of varying difficulty levels and ski lifts accessible from multiple hubs. The nature reserve is located north of Rovaniemi, and the area is darker in winter than the city, increasing the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights.

Kemi:

Kemi, a city located on the Gulf of Bothnia, is home to the famous Snow Castle. This seasonal marvel is reconstructed each winter, featuring ice sculptures within rooms carved from molded snow. The Snow Castle complex includes a restaurant, café, a shop, and an open area with snow-based attractions, including inner tube slides. In Kemi, you can also enjoy snowmobile rides, featuring a distinctive experience where you ride on the ice of the Bothnian Bay, tethered to an icebreaker, and then proceed with the journey on a sled.

One of the most exhilarating attractions in the Arctic region is the icebreaker cruise. Departing from the commercial harbor of Kemi, the icebreaker, Sampo, plows through the frozen waters, crushing the ice shelf with thundering sounds and splashes. At a certain point, the ship anchors in the frozen ice field of the Bothnian Bay, and those interested have the opportunity to don a special thermal survival suit developed by NASA and float in a small ice-covered pool created by the ship. The ship's interior is open for a guided tour, providing a glimpse into crew quarters, control rooms, and the powerful engine room.