Visiting Finland, the land of Santa and the Dancing Sky

Lapland Finland, a Scandinavian retreat located above the Arctic Circle, is a place that lends itself to cliches. Nevertheless, it's almost impossible to resist describing the destination as a "winter wonderland" or, quite simply, "breathtaking." 

Yes, we know you've heard similar descriptors when describing a beautiful area of the world, but Lapland, Finland is the real deal. The snowy scenery indeed seems to be taken from a painting or movie set. And that's without even mentioning the gorgeous Northern Lights.

Lapland is a place worth visiting. This article will provide an overview of everything you need to know to get the most out of your trip.
 
Lapland Destinations

Lapland, Finland, is comprised of innumerable small towns. The native Sami has a rich and distinct culture. They have an iconic native style dress and are known for domesticating reindeer. 

Exploring the Sami way of life and gallivanting through each village would take a lifetime. Therefore, we've selected some destinations that contain some of the best of what Lapland has to offer:

Saariselka

​We'd be remiss if you missed out on the classic winter activities available in Lapland. Saariselka is the perfect place to visit if you want to have a great view of the Nothern Lights, hit the ski slopes, or hike through an idyllic mountain forest. Want to be less active? Not a problem. Saariselka is also known for providing peaceful activities such as spas and massage parlors.

​Kiruna

Kiruna is home to some of the most iconic attractions in Lapland. The Icehotel is an art exhibit made entirely of ice and snow that you can live in. Yes, the attraction seems gleaned from a children's book, but we assure you it truly exists! Other incredible places to see in Kiruna include Abisko National Park and Aurora Sky Station.

Autti

​Autti is a small village that is perfect for those who wish to get in touch with nature. It is famous for a gigantic gorge, scenic river canyons, and snowcapped forests. Not to mention, Autti hosts an annual Medieval fair. 

Rovaniemi

If you had to choose a town to shoot a Christmas card, Rovaniemi would be among the best choices in the world. The village is famous for Santa Claus village, the original home of Santa Claus, and an attraction that draws millions of people to Lapland every year. Admittedly, this town is the most "touristy" on the list, but dealing with the crowds is well worth it. You simply won't find a better place to enjoy the winter season anywhere else in the world. 

Tips on Visiting Lapland

How to visit

Notably, there are no direct flights to Lapland, so you must first fly to the Finnish capital, Helsinki, before proceeding to the area. 

Lapland is a common destination, so it's easy to find packages that include airfare. In other words, we can simplify things, so you only need to make one purchase, and you'll be shuttled off to Lapland's scenic landscape. 

Language

Once you arrive, you'll be happy to discover that most people can speak English well. 

When to arrive?

We highly recommend visiting Lapland Finland, during the wintertime. This is definitely when the area shines the most and when most activities are available.

Clothing

Luckily, the weather in Lapland isn't as intense as in many Scandinavian areas. However, it would be best if you came with durable winter clothing to keep warm. 

Things to Do

Here is a list of some of the best activities in Lapland, Finland:
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• The Northern Lights
• See Santa Claus
• Dog and reindeer Sledding
• Hiking
• Skiing
• Ice fishing
• Driving a snowmobile

When you are ready to visit the northern parts of Europe and want that off the beaten path adventure, Finland is the country to discover a magical place with the mystery of Santa Claus and the magical Northern Lights.