About Lapland

Lapland, Finland's northernmost region, is a magical Arctic wonderland that transforms travelers' dreams into reality. This vast wilderness, covering nearly one-third of Finland, offers the quintessential winter experience with its legendary Northern Lights displays from September to March, where vibrant green, purple, and pink curtains dance across the sky. Rovaniemi, the regional capital and official hometown of Santa Claus, features Santa Claus Village where visitors can cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa year-round, and send postcards with the special Arctic Circle postmark. Beyond Christmas magic, Lapland provides exceptional husky and reindeer safaris through snow-laden forests, ice hotel stays in unique accommodations like the SnowHotel in Kemi, and the chance to witness the surreal Midnight Sun from May to July when the sun never sets. The indigenous Sámi culture adds profound depth to the experience with opportunities to learn about reindeer herding traditions, traditional handicrafts (duodji), and joik singing. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy world-class skiing at resorts like Levi and Ylläs, snowmobiling across frozen lakes, and hiking in pristine national parks like Urho Kekkonen and Pallas-Yllästunturi. The region's clean air, minimal light pollution, and serene landscapes create an unforgettable escape into nature's most dramatic expressions.

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Travel Tips for Lapland

Getting Around

Public buses connect major towns but have limited schedules in remote areas. Trains run from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Kolari, and Kemijärvi. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility, especially in winter when 4WD with winter tires is essential. Taxis are available in towns but expensive. Popular ride-sharing apps don't operate widely in Lapland. Local tour operators provide transportation for activities. Domestic flights connect Rovaniemi, Ivalo, and Kittilä airports to Helsinki. The Matkahuolto app provides bus schedules, and VR's app for train tickets.

Best Time To Visit

December to March for winter activities, Northern Lights, and Christmas experiences; September to October and March to April for Northern Lights with milder temperatures; June to August for midnight sun, hiking, and summer festivals; May and September are shoulder seasons with fewer tourists.

Local Customs

Respect the Sámi culture: ask permission before photographing people, especially during cultural events. Remove shoes when entering Finnish homes. Sauna etiquette is important: saunas are typically gender-separated unless with family, swimwear is usually not worn, and silence is appreciated. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service (rounding up or 5-10% in restaurants). Dress modestly and practically for the weather. Punctuality is valued. Quietness in nature is appreciated—avoid loud noises in wilderness areas.

Safety Information

Lapland is exceptionally safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in urban areas like Rovaniemi. When venturing into wilderness areas: always inform someone of your route and expected return time, carry a fully charged phone (coverage is good but may be limited in remote areas), use GPS or maps, and dress appropriately for Arctic conditions. Beware of thin ice on lakes and rivers during seasonal transitions. Wildlife encounters are rare but maintain distance from reindeer and moose, especially on roads where collisions are a risk. No significant scams target tourists, but be cautious with expensive tour bookings from unverified operators. Aurora hunting in remote areas is safest with guided tours.

Health Information

Finland has excellent healthcare with well-equipped hospitals in Rovaniemi, Kemi, and Tornio. Travelers from EU/EEA countries should carry the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or GHIC. Others should have comprehensive travel insurance. No specific vaccinations are required for Lapland, but routine vaccines (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, flu) should be up-to-date. Winter visitors should be prepared for extreme cold (-30°C/-22°F possible) with proper clothing to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccines are recommended for those hiking in forested areas from spring to autumn. Pharmacies (apteekki) are widely available, and tap water is safe to drink throughout the region.

Languages Spoken

FinnishSwedishNorthern SámiInari SámiSkolt Sámi

Quick Facts

Currency

Euro (EUR)
€

Timezone

Europe/Helsinki +02:00 (GMT)

Calling Code

+358

Electricity

Type C, F; 230V, 50Hz
Socket types →

Driving Side

Right

Population

177,000

Area

100,366 km²

Government

Regional Council of Lapland (regional authority), with 21 municipalities including Rovaniemi, Tornio, and Kemi

ISO Code

FI-10

About Lapland

Things to do in Lapland

Explore Winter Woods: Snowshoe walk with local Biologist

Half-Day Premium Ice Climbing in Pyhä Lapland

Snowmobile drive experience

Kid’s Ice Climbing Adventure in Pyhä-Luosto, Finland

Reindeer Feeding Experience with Local Guide in Levi

Traditional Sight-Skiing Experience in Kemi

Discover Inari: Reindeer Farm, Siida Museum & Open Fire Lunch

A Day with Reindeer Herders

Ivalo: Aurora Hunting with Reindeer

Icetrek to Old Kemi

Reindeer Antler Workshop

Northern Lights Walk to Old Kemi with BBQ and Arctic Views

Ivalo: Reindeer herd and fishing experience

Winter Trek

Arctic Fishing & Open Fire Cooking