Lapland Travelers Recommend

Nature's most spectacular light show is as mysterious as it is captivating, and catching sight of the elusive Northern Lights from Finland is especially unforgettable. Here are a few ways to help ensure you catch Aurora Borealis in all is glory.

When to Go

Travelers hoping to catch the Northern Lights in the Finnish wilderness typically head out there sometime between late September and March. During these winter months, guided tours take explorers out into the countryside between 11pm and 2am, when dark, clear skies offer the best environment to take in the display.

Where to Go

Tours depart from destinations including Levi, Rovaniemi, Saariselkä, and Ylläs, taking travelers deep into the arctic countryside to see the lights.

How to Go

Visitors hoping to see the Northern Lights in Finland can choose from a broad range of travel options and adventures. Huddle around a campfire on a remote lake shoreline and watch the skies come to life, enjoy a traditional Lappish picnic surrounded by frozen tundra, or pull on a dry-suit and float in a frozen lake in the Finnish wilderness. And wherever you are in the countryside, one of the most scenic ways to experience the Northern Lights is on a reindeer sleigh or snowmobile—traveling by moonlight across the snow-covered fells and frozen lakes to a remote vantage point far from the city lights.

The Finnish province of Lapland is famously known as the home of Santa Claus, who is said to be found throughout the year in the Arctic Circle. Here’s how to meet St. Nick in his native North Pole and get into the Christmas spirit in Finland.

Visit Santa Claus Village

Situated right on the Arctic Circle, this amusement park is packed with festive shops and restaurants, and is even home to Santa’s Office and Main Post Office, where visitors can meet the man himself any time of year. Several tours include a visit as part of a wider Arctic itinerary or in combination with city sightseeing.

Head to SantaPark

Deep beneath the Arctic Circle, a secret cavern known as SantaPark is always celebrating Christmas. Here, you can learn from Santa’s helpers at Elf School, take a ride on the Magic Train, or meet Santa and the Ice Princess in their underground home. Admission includes access to all onsite attractions and can be redeemed over two consecutive days.

Go on Santa's Sleigh Ride

Settle into your seat and dash through the snow on a ride through rural Rovaniemi. Snowmobile tours are ideal for large groups and thrill-seekers, as riders can enjoy enchanting views from otherwise inaccessible terrain. More traditional tours, led by Santa’s reindeer or huskies, are also available, often as part of comprehensive Arctic Circle tours.

Situated just below Finland’s Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi offers visitors the chance to enjoy snowy fun, hunt for the Northern Lights, and discover the city’s claim-to-fame as the home of Santa Claus. Read on for how best to fill three days in the northern Finnish city.

Day 1: Snow, Sights, and Northern Lights

Get oriented in Rovaniemi on a sightseeing tour that provides an overview of the city. Check out Rovaniemi’s highlights during a panoramic drive; visit the ice-carved Snowhotel; and try snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Several tours combine husky-sledding and reindeer sleigh rides with Rovaniemi’s cutting-edge Arktikum—a museum spotlighting Arctic culture and wildlife—and the Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa Claus and shop for Christmas gifts.

Rovaniemi is well-located for spotting the Northern Lights, so devote your evening to hunting the natural phenomena. Set up vigil on a darkened fell or join a photography tour that comes with tips for capturing the lights on camera. Or, optimize your chance of sightings with a 3-day Northern Lights pass, which includes three consecutive evening hunts, nightly campfires, and return transport. 

Day 2: Go All Out for Snow

Dive headfirst into Rovaniemi’s winter fun on day two. Topping the list for many are reindeer- and husky-led sled rides, so book a combo tour to experience a sleigh ride by both creatures. Another option is an ice-fishing experience, during which you’ll drill a hole in a frozen lake and drop lures to snare fish. Alternatively, take a snowmobile safari and soar through snowy woods for the ultimate adrenaline fix.

Increase your chance of seeing the Northern Lights by joining another hunt in the evening. Tours vary from wait-and-watch-by-the-campfire trips to more adventurous expeditions, such as snowshoe or reindeer sleigh safaris that search for the display.

Day 3: Wildlife and Winding Down

Branch out and enjoy sights outside Rovaniemi on your final day. If it’s fall, take a nature tour to explore pristine Arctic forests and natural springs. Or, discover Ranua Wildlife Park, where you’ll see more than 50 wildlife species in habitats that replicate their natural environments. Glimpse brown bears, wolves, moose, owls, and Finland’s only polar bears.

Come evening, dine out in the mystical surroundings of the Snowland Restaurant—an igloo-shaped eatery sculpted from ice and furnished with ice tables. Alternatively, if tonight happens to be December 31, sign up for an open-air party outside Rovaniemi, welcoming the New Year with a burst of fireworks, ice bars, a snow disco, and an appearance by Santa himself.

Three days in Lapland give you enough time to see cultural highlights, explore Arctic landscapes, and take part in outdoor adventures. To make the most of your time and money, choose day trips that combine several activities. Here are some ideas for how to spend three days in Lapland. 

Day 1: Meet Santa and Reindeer

The regional capital of Rovaniemi is the starting point for most Lapland vacations and home to its star attraction—the Santa Village. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the chance to meet Santa, explore elves’ workshops, and shop for Santa-themed souvenirs. Tours tend to include round-trip hotel transfers and a private meet-and-greet with Santa, with some featuring a reindeer sleigh ride or a visit to a reindeer farm. Don’t forget to post your Christmas cards at Santa’s official post office before you leave.

For your first night in Lapland, plan a Northern Lights safari. Though tours maximize your chance of spotting the natural phenomenon, sightings aren’t guaranteed, so planning a tour for your first night means that you’ll still have time for a second outing if you don’t get lucky the first time. Summer visitors can also enjoy the magic of the Arctic nights—opt for a guided hike, picnic, or bike ride beneath the Midnight Sun.

Day 2: Arctic Adventures

On day two, head to the ski resorts of Levi or Ylläs, where you can spend an action-packed day exploring Lapland’s Arctic landscapes. If you’re visiting in winter, you can take a husky-sled ride or snowmobile tour; go trekking through the snow on a snowshoe excursion; or hit the ski slopes. Summer visitors can hike, bike, or go horseback riding. 

Alternatively, the Pyhä-Luosto National Park offers a dramatic backdrop for outdoor activities. Day trips typically cover the Isokuru gorge and the Pyhä Waterfall, and include either a hike or the chance to go cross-country skiing. Some tours pay a visit to the Lampivaara Amethyst mine, Europe’s only active amethyst mine, where you can try digging for gemstones.

Spend your second evening at the Snow Village in Ylläs. Made entirely of snow and ice, the complex includes ice sculpture galleries, an ice chapel, an ice bar and restaurant, ice slides, and offers you the chance to sleep in a bed carved from ice. 

Day 3:  Discover Sami Culture

Three days in Lapland mean that you can venture further afield and discover the wild landscapes of Northern Lapland. The small village of Inari serves as the gateway to the north and is an important center of Finland’s indigenous Sami people. Learn more about Sami Culture on a tour that covers the Siida Museum and the Sámi cultural center of Sajos, home to the Sami Parliament Hall. 

Another highlight of Inari is Inari Lake, which is best enjoyed from the water—set sail on a cruise or try your hand at ice fishing. The area around Lake Inari is also a prime spot for viewing the Northern Lights, so if you didn’t get chance to see the Aurora Borealis on your first try, it’s worth booking a second excursion. Spend your final night in Lapland at a traditional Finnish sauna, where you can relax in a wood-fired steam room before cooling down in a lake or ice bath. 

Two days in Rovaniemi—the capital of Finnish Lapland—lets you enjoy its snow adventures, top sights, and Arctic culture. Ride a husky sled, admire local wildlife, dine in an igloo, and more. Here are our ideas for getting the most out of 48 hours in Rovaniemi.

Day 1: Sleighs and Sleds

**Morning:**Start your visit with one of Rovaniemi’s top winter attractions—a sled ride. Hold tight as a husky-drawn sleigh speeds you across frozen plains, or slow the tempo with a jingle-belled reindeer-sleigh ride through the woods—perfect for the kids. Alternatively, double up with a tour that incorporates both of these snow adventures in one outing.

**Afternoon:**Continue your exploration of Rovaniemi’s outdoor pursuits this afternoon, either drilling into a frozen lake and dropping a hook into the water on an ice-fishing adventure or whizzing through the forested fells on a snowmobile safari.

**Night:**As dusk falls, maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights by joining a guided search. Book a photography-themed tour to help you capture the lights’ full glory or a trip focused on the Finnish folklore around the phenomenon. Alternatively, choose a snowshoe trek, tramping through the snow while you scan the skies. 

Day 2: City Sights, Culture, and Santa Claus

**Morning:**Widen your horizons with some sightseeing today. Observe Arctic polar bears at Ranua Wildlife Park, or opt for a Rovaniemi city tour. Some combine sleigh rides with time at the fascinating cultural exhibitions of the Arktikum museum, while others include visits to Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village and ice-built Snowhotel.

**Afternoon:**If you haven’t already, make tracks for Santa Claus Village. Join a tour that begins with snowmobile and reindeer-sleigh rides before showcasing this fairy-lit Christmas park, where the kids can meet Santa Claus and mail a Santa-postmarked postcard.

**Night:**Mark your last night in style at the Snowland Restaurant outside Rovaniemi. Constructed entirely out of snow, this igloo eatery promises a magical evening. Savor exotic local dishes at an ice table and drink from ice glasses—a fitting finale to your stay.

Nestled in northern Finland, Rovaniemi comes into its own in winter when Arctic Circle snows, the northern lights, and Santa Claus attract visitors. From reindeer-sleigh rides to chasing the aurora borealis, here’s how to get the most from a day in the city.

Morning: Go for the Snow

Begin your day in authentic Lapland style, with a reindeer safari on Rovaniemi’s fells. Head into the snow-laden countryside, meet the animals, and take a sleigh ride through the woods to the jingle of reindeer bells. Alternatively, up the pace with a husky-sled ride—dashing through the snow pulled by these ever-energetic dogs—or pair up both activities on a combo trip, enjoying a reindeer-sleigh circuit before skidding over the frozen waste behind a team of huskies.

Afternoon: Sightseeing, Santa, or More Snow

Double down on Rovaniemi’s snow sports this afternoon, adding a touch of discovery or Christmas magic while you’re at it. Learn about the Arctic’s wildlife and culture on a city tour that includes Rovaniemi’s Arktikum museum before continuing to Santa Claus Village—a theme park where the kids can meet Santa. Pack a lot into your afternoon with a tour that rolls a snowmobile trek, reindeer-sleigh ride, and visit to the village into one outing, or, if it’s just speed you’re after, book a snowmobile safari and zoom off through the wooded fells.

Evening: Seeking Out the Northern Lights

This evening, seize the chance to sight the northern lights—and snap brilliant shots of them—on an evening photography tour. You’ll set up camp on a fellside with a photography guide and watch for the lights as you get photo tips on how to best capture them. Those interested in Finnish culture can choose a tour focused on the Finnish folklore that surrounds the aurora borealis, hearing the ancient legends that still swirl around this natural phenomenon. For the ultimate northern lights hunt, however, go by reindeer sleigh, scanning the skies from a sled as it glides through the snow.

Two days in Lapland means you can travel farther into the Arctic region, spend a night at an ice hotel, and enjoy plenty of outdoor activities. Plan ahead to maximize your time, and choose tours that combine multiple destinations or include accommodation for the best value. Here’s how to spend two days in Lapland.

Day 1: Santa Village and Snow Hotel

**Morning:**Just outside Rovaniemi, the Santa Village is the “official hometown of Santa Claus,” and it’s a must-visit attraction for travelers of all ages. Meet Santa himself, peek behind-the-scenes of Santa’s workshops, shop for festive gifts, and send a postcard from Santa’s post office. The village can get incredibly busy, so it’s worth booking a tour that includes meeting Santa, as well as transfers from your hotel.   

**Afternoon:**Stay in the festive mood with a visit to a traditional reindeer farm, and learn all about Lapland’s native animals. Depending on the time of year, you might get to see baby reindeer or take a reindeer-sleigh ride. Alternatively, Ranua Zoo in Rovaniemi is home to the only polar bears in Finland, as well as Arctic fox, brown bears, and lynx.  

**Night:**Book a night at the Snow Village in Ylläs, where you can try regional specialties such as reindeer steak, enjoy drinks at the Ice Bar, and then snuggle up in a thermal sleeping bag in a room made entirely of snow.  

Day 2: Adventures in the Arctic

**Morning:**Whether blanketed in snow or blooming with wildflowers, the sweeping plains of Lapland provide a dramatic backdrop for outdoor activities year-round. Ride on a husky-pulled sled or snowmobile, try your hand at ice fishing, or enjoy summer activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, or canoeing. 

**Afternoon:**Learn more about Lapland’s unique history and cultural heritage with a visit to one of the region’s more unusual attractions. Perhaps take a tour of the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine, the only one of its kind in Europe, located in Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Alternatively, foodies can discover Lappish traditions with a tour of a meat smokery or a local brewery. 

**Night:**Increase your chances of an aurora borealis sighting by booking a northern-lights safari that uses aurora-tracking technology to locate the best viewing areas. Those visiting outside the viewing period (typically from late September until March) can enjoy a hike, cycling tour, or stand-up paddleboarding excursion beneath the midnight sun instead. 

Finland’s northernmost district and the home of Santa Claus, Lapland offers endless opportunities for Arctic adventure. With just one day to explore, base yourself at a resort town such as Rovaniemi or Levi, keep traveling distances to a minimum, and maximize your time with a tour that includes multiple activities. Here are some ideas.

Morning: Meet Santa in Lapland

Lapland’s most popular attraction is the Santa Village just outside Rovaniemi—the “official hometown of Santa Claus”—and visiting Santa is an unforgettable experience for travelers of all ages. Visiting as part of a tour avoids the hassle of organizing transfers and means you can book activities such as a meet-and-greet with Santa in advance. While meeting Santa Claus is the obvious highlight, there are plenty of other things to do at the village, so leave yourself plenty of time to explore. Peek into Santa’s workshops, meet the reindeer, pose for photos crossing the Arctic Circle line, and shop for Christmas-themed gifts. Don’t forget to send a postcard from Santa’s post office, stamped with a one-of-a-kind Santa Claus postmark. 

Afternoon: Enjoy an Arctic Adventure

Lapland’s wild Arctic landscapes are equally impressive in summer and winter, but for the best views, you need to leave the city behind and head out into the countryside. Husky-sled rides and snowmobile excursions are great fun, while families with younger children can opt for a ride in a reindeer-drawn sleigh or a visit to Ranua Zoo in Rovaniemi. For the best value, choose a tour that includes hotel pickup and transfers. End the day with a delicious dinner of typical Finnish cuisine, and perhaps try regional specialties such as reindeer or moose steak, smoked herring, and sweet desserts made with bilberries. 

Night: Hunt for the Northern Lights

If you’re visiting Lapland between late September and March, set out on a northern-lights safari for a chance of spotting the mesmerizing aurora borealis. Northern-lights tours typically leave the city around 9pm, staying out until the early hours of morning and using aurora-tracking technology to maximize your chances of a sighting. Summer visitors don’t have to miss out—the midnight sun means that the sun never sets during the summer months, and the ethereal glow of the evening hours provides a magical backdrop for activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and cycling.