Top 9 Places To Visit In Finnish Lapland 2024: Explore Arctic Wonders

Finnish Lapland is a place often termed the Arctic Wonderland, so magical, full of wonderful landscapes and unique Arctic experiences. Whether coming during the snowy winter months or the midnight sun in the summer, Finnish Lapland promises unforgettable adventures. In this article, we look at the best places to visit and the things that you simply can’t miss.

Why Finnish Lapland Should Feature in Your Bucket List?

Located in the northernmost part of Finland, Lapland is known for its untouched natural beauty, vibrant Sámi culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences like the Northern Lights and reindeer safaris. From full-on winter sports to serene hikes in the summer, there’s something here for everyone.

Top 9 Places to Visit in Finnish Lapland

Finnish Lapland can only be described as a magical destination in terms of snowy landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable experiences. From charming towns to unspoiled wilderness, there’s something here for every traveler. Discover the best places to visit in Finnish Lapland and what makes them unique.

1. Rovaniemi: The Gateway to the Arctic

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is a lively hub that serves as a gateway to the Arctic. It’s also famously known as the Official Hometown of Santa Claus.

Top attractions in Rovaniemi:

Santa Claus Village: Meet Santa Claus, send postcards from the Arctic Circle Post Office and cross the magical Arctic Circle.
Arktikum Museum: Discover the history of Lapland and learn about Arctic life.
Ranua Wildlife Park: Visit this Arctic zoo to see polar bears, lynx, and other wildlife in natural settings.
Northern Lights tours: Rovaniemi is one of the best places in Finnish Lapland to see the Northern Lights during winter.
Best time to visit: December for the Christmas atmosphere, or September to March for the Northern Lights.

2. Levi—The Ski Capital of Finland

Levi is heaven for adventure hunters. It is Finland’s biggest ski resort and, therefore, a place where activities are conducted throughout all seasons.

Things to do in Levi:

Skiing and Snowboarding: With over 40 slopes, it is perfect for winter sports fans.
Snow Village: This is one of the magical hotels made entirely from ice and snow.
Spa Experiences: After adventurous outdoor activities, relax at some of the finest spas in Levi.
Summer activities: Hike through the fells or mountain bike on scenic trails under the Midnight Sun.
Why visit: Levi combines thrilling outdoor adventures with cozy après-ski vibes.

3. Saariselkä: A Wilderness Wonderland

Saariselkä is a small village that serves as the gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Finland’s largest protected areas.

Key highlights in Saariselkä:

Glass Igloos: Sleep under the stars and watch the Northern Lights in warmth and comfort.
Aurora Hunting: Saariselkä enjoys clear skies and good probabilities for observation of the Aurora.
Hiking Trails: There are hiking trails to the rugged wilderness in the summer or snowshoeing via pristine trails in the wintertime.
Why Visit: Experience adventure, calm, or luxury in Lapland under the roof of Saariselkä.

4. Kemi, Home of the Legendary Snow Castle

Kemi, thanks to its Snow Castle, is a sheer architectural wonder and only an edifice made of all ice.

Things to do in Kemi:

SnowCastle: Visit this amazing construction and spend the night at the Snow Hotel.
Sampo Icebreaker Cruise: Feel the adventure of sailing through frozen seas and even experience dipping into icy waters wearing a survival suit.
Seaside Adventures: During summer, explore boating and fishing up to the Gulf of Bothnia.
Why visit: Kemi combines Arctic marvels with unique adventures you will never find elsewhere.

5. Inari: The Heart of Sámi Culture

Inari is the cultural center of Finland’s Sámi people, offering rich traditions and serene natural beauty.

Top attractions in Inari:

Siida Sámi Museum and Nature Centre: Learn about Sámi heritage and the Arctic environment.
Lake Inari: Finland’s third-largest lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, or relaxing by the shore.
Northern Lights Safaris: Low light pollution makes Inari an excellent spot for Aurora viewing.
Why visit: Inari represents an authentic experience of Sámi culture and pure Arctic nature.

6. Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Nature’s Playground

Pyhä-Luosto is an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Must do in Pyhä-Luosto:

Amethyst Mine: Come see Europe’s only active amethyst mine and dig your gemstones.
Hiking and Skiing: There are miles of trails in the summer or ski miles of pristine snow in the winter.
Reindeer Safaris: Experience the magic of Lapland’s iconic reindeer up close.
Why visit: Pyhä-Luosto offers year-round activities in one of the most scenic settings in Finland.

7. Ylläs—Lapland’s Hidden Gem

Ylläs is a beautiful region famous for its vast ski areas and serene nature.

What to do in Ylläs:

Skiing and Snowboarding: It has more than 60 slopes, making it a favorite among winter sports enthusiasts.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing: Explore quiet trails through snow-covered forests.
Midnight Sun Adventures: Hike or bike in summer under 24-hour daylight.
Why go: Ylläs is a quieter, less crowded alternative to Levi for nature lovers.

8. Ranua: Arctic Wildlife at its Best

Ranua is an animal lover’s paradise, with close encounters with Arctic wildlife.

Top attractions in Ranua:

Ranua Wildlife Park: View polar bears, wolves, and owls in a setting that closely resembles their natural habitats.
Berry and Mushroom Picking: In summer, explore the forests around Ranua for fresh Arctic berries.
Aurora Tours: Experience the magic of the Northern Lights in a serene environment.
Why visit: Ranua provides a family-friendly mix of wildlife and nature experiences.

9. Ruka: Outdoor Adventures Year-Round

Ruka is a popular resort town offering activities in every season.

Things to do in Ruka:

Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes during winter or enjoy cross-country trails.
Karhunkierros Trail: One of Finland’s most popular hiking trails.
Wildlife Spotting: View brown bears and much more in their natural environment
Why go: Ruka provides an excellent balance between action and relaxation

Things to Do in Lapland When it’s Cold

Lapland is best experienced when it’s cold. Snowfall in the area makes all this perfect for:

Northern Light Tours: There are certain spots in the region: Levi, Saariselkä, and Inari.
Husky and Reindeer Safaris: Take a traditional Arctic transportation ride.
Ice Fishing: Try to catch some fish through a hole in the ice.
Snowmobile Rides: Feel the thrill of riding at a high speed in snowy landscapes.
Aurora Igloos and Glass Cabins: Sleep under the stars with comfort.

Places to Visit in Lapland in Summer

Summer in Lapland is quite different. During the 24-hour daylight period, you can visit:

Hiking Trails: Enjoy walking on fells and forests in Saariselkä and Pyhä-Luosto.
Fishing and Boating: Lake Inari is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Wildlife Watching: See the Arctic fox, reindeer, and birds in their environment.

How to Get to Lapland

Getting to Finnish Lapland is easier than you could have imagined, thanks to perfect transport options and well-knit routes. Whether it’s from Finland or internationally, here’s a guideline on how to plan your trip:

1. By Plane

Flying is the fastest and easiest method of reaching Lapland if one is coming from outside Finland. Several airports in Lapland also act as entry points into the Arctic wonderland.

Lapland Major Airports:

Rovaniemi Airport: The busiest in Lapland and often termed as the “official airport of Santa Claus.”
Kittilä Airport: Ideal for those looking to visit Levi and Ylläs ski resorts.
Ivalo Airport: Ideal for access to Saariselkä and Inari.
Kemi-Tornio Airport: Suitable for those who want to visit the Snow Castle of Kemi.

Flights to Lapland:

From Helsinki: Multiple daily flights link Helsinki to Lapland’s major airports with flight times between 1 and 1.5 hours.
International Flights: In winter, direct international flights to Rovaniemi and Kittilä are possible from cities such as London, Paris, and Frankfurt.

2. By Train

Finland’s rail network is efficient and comfortable, making train travel an excellent option to get to Lapland while experiencing breathtaking views on the way.

Key Train Routes:

Helsinki to Rovaniemi: 8-12 hours depending on the service; overnight sleeper trains, referred to as “Santa Claus Express,” with private cabins are available.
Rovaniemi to Other Lapland Destinations: Regional trains or buses from Rovaniemi will get you to Levi, Saariselkä, and more.

Why train?

Eco-friendly mode of transport.
Overnight trains save on accommodation costs while giving a different experience.

3. By Bus

Buses are available for long-distance travel to Lapland. Finland has a good network of buses connecting the major cities and remote Lapland destinations.

Popular Routes:

Helsinki to Rovaniemi, approximately 12–15 hours.
Rovaniemi to Levi, Saariselkä, Inari, and Kemi.

Tips for Bus Travel

Book tickets in advance during peak seasons.
Take overnight buses to make the most of your travel time.

4. By Car

Driving to Lapland offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. The roads in Finland are well-maintained, even in winter, though you’ll need to prepare for snowy conditions.

Driving Times:

Helsinki to Rovaniemi: approximately 10 hours (800 km/500 miles).
Rovaniemi to Levi: Around 2.5 hours (170 km / 105 miles).

Winter Driving Tips:

Ensure your car is equipped with winter tires.
Keep an emergency kit, as temperatures can drop significantly.

5. By Cruise or Ferry

Not a direct route to Lapland, a ferry is one of the other ways people from neighboring countries, like Sweden and Estonia, reach Finland. From the port cities of Helsinki and Turku, they take further transportation to Lapland by train, bus, or aircraft.

Some of the Major Ferry Routes:

Stockholm in Sweden to Turku and Helsinki.
Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki.

6. By Organized Tours

If you want to have an easy time, you can book an organized tour. There are many companies that offer packages including transport, accommodation, and guided activities in Lapland.

Benefits:

Ideal for first-time visitors.
Saves time on planning and guarantees access to the best attractions.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Flying: Best if you want to get there fast and don’t have much time.
Train or Bus: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to enjoy scenic views.
Driving: Great for people who prefer flexibility and intend to visit various destinations.

Best Time to Visit Lapland

Winter (November to April): It is great for snow activities, Santa Claus Village, and Northern Lights.
Summer (June to August): This is the best time to visit for hiking, fishing, and experiencing the Midnight Sun.

Conclusion

Finnish Lapland is a destination that offers magic in every season. Whether you’re exploring Santa Claus Village in December, skiing in Levi, or experiencing the serenity of Lake Inari under the Midnight Sun, you’ll be captivated by its charm. Plan your trip today and discover the best places to visit in Finnish Lapland for an adventure you’ll never forget!