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The idea of travelling to Finnish Lapland is starting to tempt you, but you’re wondering what there is to do? Well, I’ve got some really good news: there’s an almost endless list of activities, especially in the snow!
Obviouuuusly you’ll come to see the northern lights, you’ll try your hand at dog sledding and you’ll get around like the Finns do, by snowmobile. That’s normal. The basics. But I’m also going to show you some other great activities, a few of them bordering on masochism, like jumping into a frozen lake.
Also, the activities normally depend on where you stay in Finnish Lapland: most of the providers are in Rovaniemi, the region’s nerve centre, and in Levi. But honestly, you can do absolutely everything absolutely anywhere, in Inari, in Ylläs, in Kilpisjärvi… and I’ve actually put recommendations for each place.
Right, let’s go through it all!
See the northern lights
Well yes, obviously we’re starting with this one. If you’re going to Finnish Lapland, especially in the depths of winter, there’s a good chance you want to see the northern lights.
And that works out nicely! Because Finnish Lapland is one of the best places to see the northern lights, especially in Europe. With its very cold, very dry climate, the sky is often clear. And since you can very easily get away from the towns and end up in the middle of nature, you’re far from light pollution. So those are good conditions!
The northern lights are visible from late August to mid-April in the region, and the advice is to be as far north as possible. I have a soft spot for Saariselkä/Inari/Ivalo or Levi because they’re much further north than Rovaniemi, but Rovaniemi still does the job just fine 🙂
If you’re going to hunt the northern lights on your own, here are a few tips:
- you need to hire a car so you can get to the right spots if the sky isn’t clear where you are
- you need to know where the clear skies are, using apps that show the cloud cover, like Ventusky or Windy
- Then find a spot facing the right way, with an open view. Try not to stand by the side of the road. OK, there isn’t much traffic on Lapland’s roads, but still.
- And wait. I’d say that when you’ve got a clear sky, you’ve got a 90% chance of seeing the northern lights. Check apps like Aurora and websites like Spaceweatherlive to see the activity. But generally speaking, there are northern lights every night, stronger or weaker.
If you’d rather go with an agency and a guide who knows how it’s done, then check a few things before booking:
- the agency’s reputation. Sites like Getyourguide or Viator show a rating based on customer reviews, and that’s super important
- the group size, so you don’t end up on a 40-person coach
- the price: if it’s too cheap, there’s a catch!
But here are a few recommendations:
📍 Rovaniemi · Lapin Taivas Arctic Expeditions (8 hrs)
Northern lights hunt in a heated minivan, with unlimited mileage and a 75% refund if no aurora is spotted.
- Small group, max. 8 people, heated minivan, pick-up included
- 75% refund if no aurora is spotted
- 🇬🇧 English-speaking guide + pro photos and overalls provided
Free cancellation
From €179 / person
📍 Rovaniemi · Nordic Odyssey (3 hrs)
Small-group northern lights photo hunt, with an aurora-chasing guide and shots taken on a professional camera.
- 🇬🇧 English-speaking guides + small group, max. 8
- Pro camera photos emailed to you after the tour
- Hotel pick-up + overalls, winter boots and hot drinks
Free cancellation
From €115 / person
📍 Levi / Kittilä · Arctic GM Experiences (8 hrs)
Sighting guaranteed or your money back, 8-seat 4x4 van, unlimited mileage and time, even if it means crossing into Norway.
- Guaranteed sighting or full refund
- 4x4 van, max. 8 people, unlimited mileage and time
- 🇬🇧 English-speaking guide + DSLR photos and overalls included
Free cancellation
From €199 / person
📍 Saariselkä (Inari) · Arctic Timetravels (3 hrs)
Three-hour northern lights hunt by minivan from Saariselkä, with guides who pick the spots based on that evening's forecast.
- Pick-up included within 15 km of Saariselkä
- Pro camera photos + hot drinks and snacks
- 🇬🇧 English-speaking guide · minivan for 8 to 18 people
Free cancellation
From €139 / person
Go dog sledding
If there’s one experience you absolutely have to do in Lapland, it’s this one. Dog sledding is the magic of the Far North in all its glory. Just you, the huskies and the vast white wilderness.
You glide over the snow, surrounded by frosted fir trees and silence. Not a sound, apart from the dogs panting and the swish of the sled. No engines, no crowds. Just that rare feeling of being alone in the world, deep in Arctic nature.
Here, it isn’t just a tourist activity. Dog sledding is part of Lapland’s culture. It used to be an essential way of getting around. Even today, some families raise their teams with real passion. So going dog sledding also means meeting people from the North and sharing genuine know-how.
It’s also, and above all, a chance to spend time with adorable dogs! Huskies are tireless. Powerful, happy, cuddly… they only want one thing: to run! You learn to harness them, to cheer them on, to talk to them. And after the ride, they come looking for a fuss as if they’d known you forever. Impossible not to melt.
Recommended agencies
In Rovaniemi
- Husky & Yoga Nature Lapland
- Bearhill Husky
- Apukka Husky
- discover all the dog sledding agencies in Rovaniemi!
In Levi
In Saariselkä / Inari
In Pyhä
📍 Sierijärvi, 13 km from Rovaniemi (2 hrs)
Family farm with 26 huskies on the shore of a frozen lake, where you drive your own sled for 8 to 10 km.
- Drive yourself, 8 to 10 km on Lake Sierijärvi
- 🇬🇧 Safety briefing in English
- Transfer, overalls, hat, gloves and hot drinks
Intermediate cancellation
From 2,448 NOK / person
📍 Rovaniemi · Bearhill Husky (2 hrs 15)
Guided tour of Bearhill Husky's modern kennel, then a 5 km sled ride driven by an experienced musher.
- 5 km ride led by a musher (you're a passenger)
- Guided kennel tour + hot juice and biscuits
- 🇬🇧 English-speaking guide · arctic clothing and goggles provided
Free cancellation up to 7 days before
From €164 / person
📍 Levi · Keo Wilderness (2 hrs)
5 km self-drive ride around a frozen lake, followed by some time with the four-month-old puppies.
- Drive yourself, 5 km over a frozen lake and through pine forest
- 4-month-old puppies and a reindeer enclosure on site
- Break in a heated kota + hot drink and biscuits
Free cancellation
From €150 / person
📍 Saariselkä / Ivalo · Arctic Timetravels (4 hrs)
10 km self-drive safari from Saariselkä, at a small kennel that goes for quality over quantity.
- 10 km self-drive, 45 min of driving taken in turns
- Small kennel, small groups + tour and time with the dogs
- Overalls, boots and gloves provided · pick-up in Saariselkä or Ivalo
Free cancellation
From €249 / person
Go snowmobiling
If there’s one activity that sums up adventure in Lapland, it’s snowmobiling. The thrill of the Far North, the icy wind on your face, and that heady feeling of total freedom. You zoom through snowy forests, frozen lakes and white hills as far as the eye can see, hair in the wind. It’s powerful, exhilarating and insanely beautiful.
Here, the snowmobile isn’t a gadget for tourists: it’s how Laplanders get around. Locals use it to reach villages or cabins lost in the middle of nowhere. Funny thing, actually: when you’re driving, you’ll cross snowmobile trails that have their own road signs.
And then, what a setting! By day, golden light falls on the frosted fir trees. At night, the sky sometimes blazes with the northern lights while you glide over the snow. A moment out of time, somewhere between adrenaline and wonder.
Recommended agencies
In Rovaniemi
In Levi
In Saariselkä / Inari / Ivalo
In Pyhä
In Yllas
In Kilpisjärvi
📍 Rovaniemi · Wild about Lapland (4 hrs)
Guided snowmobile safari in the Rovaniemi backcountry, with a hot drink break and a view from the top of a fell.
- Small group (private option available) + hotel pick-up
- Thermal overalls, boots, gloves, helmet and balaclava
- Hot drink and a view from the top of a fell
Free cancellation
From €165 / person
📍 Levi · Wild Nordic Levi (3 hrs)
Three-hour safari on the forest trails around Levi, with a hot drinks break in a local café or a Lappish tent.
- One snowmobile per person (you drive solo)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off included
- Coffee break and snack in a Lappish tent
Free cancellation
From €173 / person
📍 Saariselkä · Lapland Welcome (3 hrs 30)
Safari across the snowy tundra of Saariselkä, with driving practice on a dedicated track before heading out onto the plains.
- 1 hr 30 to 2 hrs of actual snowmobile driving
- Practice track before setting off + winter gear
- Hotel pick-up in Saariselkä (Ivalo at extra cost)
Free cancellation
From €199 / person
📍 Ylläs · Safartica (5 hrs)
The only one of the four to combine snowmobiling with a visit to a hotel built entirely of snow and ice, sculptures included.
- Visit to the snow village and its ice sculptures
- 3 to 4 hrs of snowmobiling (one vehicle for 2 people)
- Transfers, winter clothing, hot drink and a sweet bun
Free cancellation
From €198 / person
Float in a frozen lake
It’s probably the most unusual experience in Lapland – floating in a frozen lake, bundled up in a waterproof suit. Yes, yes, in freezing water! And yet, no need to panic: you don’t feel the cold, just total calm.
Now, don’t worry, this isn’t an everyday activity for the Finns. Because… they do it without the suit! Well yes, it’s more fun that way (we’ll get to that a bit later, for the masochists).
Lying on the water, surrounded by snow and silence, you look up at the sky. Sometimes the stars, sometimes the northern lights. It’s a strange feeling and a soothing one at the same time. OK, it’s not a wild activity packed with thrills like the previous ones, it’s a sensory experience. Your body relaxes, the noise disappears, time stops. A completely unplugged interlude, to do at least once.
📍 Rovaniemi · Safartica (3 hrs 30)
Ice floating in a survival suit on a frozen lake near Rovaniemi, in broad daylight, without ever getting cold.
- Top-of-the-range survival suit provided
- Transfers and winter clothing included
- Hot drinks and biscuits after floating
Free cancellation
From €129 / person
📍 Rovaniemi · NordicUnique Travels (2 hrs 30)
Flexible options on a forest lake: floating only, a night-time version under the northern lights, or with a barbecue on top.
- 🇬🇧 English-speaking guide
- Northern lights and barbecue options to choose from
- Pick-up within 10 km of Rovaniemi centre
Free cancellation
From €125 / person
📍 Levi · Safartica (4 hrs)
The longest of the four, with coffee or tea brewed over the campfire between two floats in the Arctic silence.
- Full-body protective suit provided
- Coffee or tea brewed over the campfire
- Winter clothing and transfers included
Free cancellation
From €132 / person
📍 Ylläs · Safartica (2 hrs 30)
The night-time version in Ylläs: you float on the frozen lake facing the Arctic sky, with a chance of spotting the northern lights.
- Night-time outing with a chance of northern lights
- Campfire and hot drinks on the shore
- Immersion suits and transfers included
Free cancellation
From €138 / person
See reindeer with the Sami or in the wild
Reindeer in Finland are more than a cliché, they’re a real institution. And wanting to see these lovable goofballs (you’ll understand when you see them walk) is completely normal in Santa Claus’s homeland.
There are two ways to see them: the easy way, which means visiting the Sami, who have been domesticating them for hundreds and hundreds of years, or the “man vs wild” way, trying to come across them in nature.
Now, seeing them in the wild really is down to luck. I’ve been to Finnish Lapland quite a few times, and sometimes I’d see loads of them, while at other times I wouldn’t see a single one for several days. So yes, you need to get away from the main roads, but it’s still partly a matter of luck. And if you do see some, know that they’re not scared of you in the car, but people standing up, now that scares them!
But there are hundreds of thousands of reindeer in Lapland, so you can still see some 🙂
Otherwise the other option, the easy version as I was saying, is to go and see them “at the source”, with the herders, on Sami farms. OK, it’s less authentic than bumping into one on the road (careful, by the way, they cross a bit like idiots), but it’s really nice because you can feed them, they’re pretty used to people, and on top of that you learn about Sami culture, this people, their language. And that’s interesting too!
Choose your farm carefully, because some are huuuuge and others are on a more human scale. But there are farms all over the country!
In Rovaniemi
- Reindeer Farm Porohaka – this small family farm is much loved for its authenticity
- SieriPoro Safaris – an “authentic” farm, run by the same reindeer-herding family for generations, near Lake Sierijärvi
- Santa Claus Village – OK, not the most authentic or original, but the reviews of the reindeer farm are excellent
In Levi
- Soma Adventures, to see the reindeer and go snowshoeing
- Eanan Levi Tours, really highly rated but you’ll need a car to get there
In Ylläs
- Safartica which will take you to a small local farm
In Pyhä
- Kairankutsu with a lovely sleigh ride
📍 Rovaniemi · Porohaka family farm (2 hrs)
A family farm where you feed the reindeer with the herders before having a go at driving a traditional sleigh yourself.
- 🇬🇧 English-speaking guide
- Small group, max. 8, from age 4 + hotel pick-up
- Certified under Tripadvisor's animal welfare policy
Free cancellation
From €110 / person
📍 Lake Suksijärvi, 35 km north of Levi (4 hrs)
A private farm with several hundred reindeer 35 km north of Levi, rounded off with a snowshoe outing on the frozen lake.
- Private farm: your group of max. 8 has it to itself
- Snowshoeing on the frozen lake + a break in a lakeside cabin
- Certified under Tripadvisor's animal welfare policy
Free cancellation
From €200 / person
📍 Ylläs · Safartica (2 hrs)
A family reindeer sleigh ride from Ylläs, with hot drinks and biscuits somewhere warm along the way.
- Family-friendly, suitable for all ages
- Pick-up from Ylläs hotels or the Ylläsrinne office
- 🇬🇧 English or Finnish-speaking guide · only 2 reviews
Intermediate cancellation
From €212 / person
📍 Pyhä · Kairankutsu (1 hr 30 to 2 hrs 30)
The most affordable of the four: a one-hour sleigh safari followed by a visit to the farm in Pyhä.
- One-hour safari + full farm visit
- From age 3, the best fit for young children
- 🇬🇧 English or Finnish-speaking guide · only 3 reviews
Intermediate cancellation
From €125 / person
CAR HIRE IN FINNISH LAPLAND
Roam around Lapland with a car from Discover Cars
- Hire a car from Rovaniemi or Kittilä
- Small car, SUV or 4×4 for adventure
- With cancellation free of charge
- And insurance for every situation
- Prices from €20
Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing
Cross-country skiing is more than a sport in Finland. It’s a way of life for absolutely everyone who spends any time out in nature.
Because sometimes you just want to stop, slow down and enjoy the silence. And for that, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing is perfect. No need to be super sporty: you go at your own pace, in completely unspoilt nature, surrounded by snow-covered fir trees and animal tracks in the powder. It’s a chance to discover wilder spots where there’s nobody around. Just you, the snow, and the soft sound of your footsteps or your skis gliding.
It’s actually dead simple, because all you need is flat ground. And it won’t surprise you when I say that Lapland is seriously flat, so it’s one huge playground for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing!
There are several ways to do it. If you’re staying in a private rental, there’s a good chance the owner will lend you their gear (mine did). Otherwise there are always shops where you can hire some. But if you’ve never done it before, you can take lessons. I’d say that’s a good idea the first time, and then off you go on your own 🙂
And honestly, watching the low sun light up the forest on a morning outing is a small, simple joy, but one you don’t forget.
📍 Pyhätunturi · Bliss Adventure (2 hrs 30)
A snowshoe climb to the top of Pyhä Fell, through the forest of petrified trees in Pyhä-Luosto National Park.
- Panoramic view from the top of Pyhä Fell
- The cheapest of the four, from age 5
- 🇬🇧 English or Finnish-speaking guide · strict cancellation
Strict cancellation
From €99 / person
📍 Rovaniemi · Wild about Lapland (4 hrs)
An introduction to ski touring in a small group, in the deep snow of remote areas where nobody has skied yet.
- Small group + skis, poles and boots provided
- Full instruction: no experience needed
- Snack and campfire out in the wild
Free cancellation
From €109 / person
📍 Levi · Beyond Arctic (3 hrs 30)
A snowshoe outing led by a photographer guide, who shares his settings and tips so you come home with proper pictures.
- Photographer guide: shooting tips included
- Small group, minibus transport, hotel pick-up
- Hot drinks and a snack by the campfire
Free cancellation
From €105 / person
📍 Riisitunturi, from Ruka / Kuusamo (5 hrs)
A private outing among the petrified trees of Riisitunturi, at whatever pace you like, with pancakes cooked over the campfire.
- Private tour: just your group
- Sunrise, sunset or evening slots
- Campfire pancakes + snowshoes, crampons and poles
Free cancellation
From €260 / person
Go ice fishing
It’s totally Nordic and honestly a great experience, even if you’re not into fishing. Every weekend, the locals head out onto the frozen lakes and fjords to stock up on fish.
So yes, put like that, sitting on a frozen lake waiting for a fish to bite might sound weird. But really, it’s a unique experience. You start by drilling through the ice (and that bit alone is fun) with a sort of giant hand-cranked screwdriver, then you settle in, all bundled up, with a line in a hole in the water in the middle of nowhere.
And that’s when you discover something rare: total silence. No noise, no signal, just the calm of nature. It’s almost meditative. And if you also pull out a perch or a trout, that’s the icing on the cake (or the side for dinner, your call). And you’ll be wondering “but how do they survive in freezing water?” I’ve stopped asking myself, but I still don’t have the answer 😀
It’s a gentle and surprising way to experience the Lapland winter. And honestly, even without a fish, you’ll come away with a smile on your face. And slightly cold toes.
📍 Rovaniemi · Safartica (5 hrs)
You ride out to the frozen lake by snowmobile, drill your own hole, then have lunch by the campfire with the fish you caught.
- Snowmobile for 2 people + winter clothing
- Drill your own hole and fish the Finnish way
- Hot soup lunch by the campfire with the catch of the day
Free cancellation
From €189 / person
📍 Lake Ylläsjärvi · Northwind Lapland (1 hr 30)
The simplest and cheapest option: you walk out onto the lake and fish for perch or pike with a pilkki rod.
- Half the price of the snowmobile options
- Fishing gear, winter clothing and guide included
- Hot drink and a biscuit on the ice (only 5 reviews)
Free cancellation
From €73 / person
📍 Levi · Safartica (5 hrs)
The best rated of the four: a snowmobile safari to a remote frozen lake, ice fishing and Lappish soup in the open air.
- Snowmobile for 2 people and winter clothing provided
- Ice fishing on a frozen lake out in the wild
- Lunch of Lappish soup and hot drinks
Free cancellation
From €209 / person
📍 Lake Inari, from Saariselkä · Ivalo Safaris (5 hrs)
A day on Lake Inari, the largest lake in Lapland, with reindeer feeding on an island and lunch in a tepee.
- Small group on Lake Inari with a local guide
- Meet and feed the reindeer on an island
- Homemade 3-course lunch cooked over the fire in a Lappish tepee
Free cancellation
From €189 / person
Enjoy the sauna and jump into the icy lake
Got a bit of a masochistic streak? Perfect, this activity is made for you!
It’s the real local tradition. Here, everyone goes to the sauna. Kids, grandparents, everyone. It’s not just to relax, it’s a way of life. You settle into a little wooden cabin, the heat slowly rises, and then… you completely forget it’s -20°C outside. Well, you forget it temporarily, because…
Then comes the slightly mad bit – you step outside in your swimsuit, run through the snow, and throw yourself into a hole cut in the ice. Yes, really. It sounds crazy, but I swear, it’s an insane feeling. Your body panicking, your brain laughing, and an endorphin rush like you rarely get.
You come out reinvigorated, red as a tomato, feeling like you’ve just done something properly Viking. You tell yourself “never again, that was torture”. And in the end, you go back. Because once you’ve had a taste of the sauna + icy water combo, you’re hooked.
Hit the slopes at the ski resorts
Now no, we’re not in the Alps or any other big mountain range. Especially since, as I keep saying, Finnish Lapland is seriously flat. Buuut, the Finns are stubborn and tenacious (it’s called sisu). So on every (or almost every) big hill they’ve got, they’ve built a ski resort.
We turn up without a shred of subtlety: “that little bump there, they ski on it?” Well yeah, and it’s actually really good fun! OK, there aren’t 200 runs, it’s not Courchevel. But there are anywhere from 11 runs (in Rovaniemi) to more than 60 in the biggest ski area, Ylläs. Not bad!
What I love most are the gorgeous views from the top, forests and lakes as far as the eye can see. And the freezing cold right at the top, where you can see the signs completely frozen over 😀
All the resorts have hire shops, so it’s really easy to come and give the drag lifts a workout!
The biggest resort (and a very family-friendly one) is Ylläs, the best known is Levi, and the other areas are smaller. Pyhä is friendly, Saariselkä is family-friendly too but not very big.
📍 Antinmukka 4 · At the foot of Ounasvaara, on the Kemijoki (1,646 reviews)
Wooden chalets on the bank of the Kemijoki, right next to the Ounasvaara winter sports area, 5 km from the centre.
- Three restaurants and a bar on site
- Family chalets with sauna and direct beach access
- Free parking and Wi-Fi, location rated 8.9/10
From €127 / night Free cancellation
📍 Vartioniementie 2 · 10 km from Santa Claus Village (51 reviews)
Log cabins with sauna and fireplace, to sleep quietly in the forest without giving up on Santa Claus Village.
- Cleanliness rated 9.8/10 and facilities 9.7/10
- Three-bedroom cottages with sauna and fireplace
- Free private parking, handy if you're driving
From €129 / night Free cancellation
📍 Tähtikuja 2 · Inside Santa Claus Village (4,831 reviews)
Cabins set right inside Santa Claus Village, the safe family bet backed by nearly 5,000 travellers.
- Three restaurants, a bar and a mini-market on site
- Family cabins with sauna, pets allowed
- Barbecue, playgrounds, wheelchair accessible
From €147 / night Free cancellation
📍 Tutkijantie 28 · 15 min from Rovaniemi (887 reviews)
The highest rated in Rovaniemi: an adventure resort on the shore of a lake, comfort 9.6/10 and winter activities run on site.
- Private lake beach and a choice of saunas
- Snowmobiling, huskies and aurora safaris from the resort
- Airport shuttle, breakfast praised across 887 reviews
From €298 / night Free cancellation
Explore winter nature
OK, I know, I often say that Finland is lakes and forests, then more lakes, and more forests. Well, it’s not wrong. Except that in winter, with the cold and all that snow, these forests become magical! All the fir trees are covered in loads of snow, and in some places they’re literally petrified by the cold, it’s incredible.
It’s something you mostly see in Finland and Sweden, less so in Norway, as there are fewer fir forests there, which is a real shame.
So go for walks in the forests! Go and meet these trees, and especially if you get the chance, on northern lights nights, for super photogenic shots with these white giants.
If you don’t know where to go, there are always guided outings that take you out to discover nature. And honestly, I love the colours of Finnish Lapland in winter, everything turns pink at sunset.
And above all, if you get the chance and you’re nearby, go to Riisitunturi National Park, not too far from Rovaniemi. And further north, there’s Urho Kaleva Kekkonen National Park.
📍 Riisitunturi, from Rovaniemi · Wild about Lapland (8 hrs)
A full day among the snow-laden trees of Riisitunturi, the most photographed scenery in Finnish Lapland.
- Small group + hotel pick-up outside the city centre
- The guide photographs the outing for you
- Campfire barbecue, clothing and boots provided
Free cancellation
From €190 / person
📍 Pallas National Park, from Levi · Beyond Arctic (5 hrs)
A trek across the fell country to the best viewpoints, on foot or on snowshoes depending on the day's snow.
- Small group + photographer guide, photos sent afterwards
- Snowshoes provided if conditions require
- Light campfire lunch and hotel pick-up
Free cancellation
From €145 / person
📍 Urho Kekkonen National Park, Saariselkä · Outdoor Expert (2 hrs)
The shortest and cheapest of the four: two hours of snowshoeing off the marked trails, starting from Saariselkä.
- Three options: 2 hrs, 4 hrs or 2 hrs in the evening
- Small group, away from the marked trails
- ⚠️ No pick-up: meet on site
Free cancellation
From €75 / person
📍 Riisitunturi, from Rovaniemi · Beyond Arctic (9 hrs)
The longest day of the lot, nine hours in the Riisitunturi hills with a professional photographer guide.
- Small group + wilderness photographer guide
- Set of edited photos sent after the outing
- Light lunch, hot drinks and minibus from the hotel
Free cancellation
From €175 / person
Sleep under the northern lights in a glass igloo
Maybe the best activity of all, but OK, it’s a tad pricey 😀
How about falling asleep watching the northern lights? Finnish Lapland is the peeeerfect place for it! Because its climate is very dry (and so very cold), the sky is clear for much of the winter. I love Norway, you know I do, but the Lapland sky is nicer!
There are quite a few igloo villages (some bigger than others) where your bed is literally under the northern lights. Well, with a pane of glass to protect you from the cold, obviously, out in the middle of nature, far from any lights. It’s absolute bliss!
📍 Rovaniemi · Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle
Glass igloos set right in Santa Claus Village, with a northern lights alarm that wakes you in the middle of the night when the sky kicks off.
- Northern lights alarm in the igloo, can be switched off
- Very well-heated igloos, spacious sauna
- Praised restaurant, gluten-free diets included
From €320 / night Free cancellation
📍 Levi · Facing the fells, front row over the forest
Igloos lined up on the hillside above Levi, looking straight down over the forest, with a panoramic restaurant.
- Clear view over the fells and the forest
- Heating, hot shower and wifi all spot on
- Very popular panoramic restaurant
From €380 / night Free cancellation
📍 Saariselkä · The glass igloo pioneer
The best-known igloo resort in Lapland, mixing glass igloos and log cabins with their own private sauna.
- Log cabins with a private sauna
- Breakfast buffet often described as exceptional
- Very quiet setting, away from everything
From €400 / night Free cancellation
📍 Rovaniemi · Snowy forest, private sauna and hot tub
The most luxurious option: spacious igloos set in the snowy forest, with a sauna and hot tub all to yourself.
- Private sauna and hot tub, not shared
- Breakfast delivered straight to your igloo
- Reindeer on site, setting described as magical
From €600 / night Free cancellation
Visit an ice hotel!
No, no, it’s not a joke: there really are hotels made entirely of ice! Giant igloos! The walls, the tables, the beds, everything is made of ice, and the walls are beautifully carved, often around a theme that changes every year.
Because yes, the hotel only lives for a few months, usually appearing in November and lasting until April. Then it disappears and has to be rebuilt the following year.
Beyond the visit, you can also sleep there. On a bed of ice under a reindeer skin, at -5 degrees. Quite the experience 😀
Given the amount of work it takes, there are only 3 of them:
- the Arctic SnowHotel near Rovaniemi, where you can either sleep, or just visit
- the Lapland Hotels SnowVillage over near Ylläs, which you can visit from Levi
- the SnowCastle in Kemi, further south
Visit Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village, in Rovaniemi, is the dose of magic you treat yourself to without thinking twice. Yes, it’s touristy. But you come away smiling, especially the kids, even in the middle of March.
You cross the Arctic Circle line, one hop and I’m in, one hop and I’m out! You meet the “real” Santa Claus in his office (and anyone who says he lives somewhere else is wrong), you take the souvenir photo, and you turn into a kid again for a bit. The official Post Office is right next door: “Arctic Circle” stamps, cards ready to go out for next Christmas… a little moment out of time.
In between, you stop for a hot chocolate, wander round the shops, dither over the Nordic jumpers. In the evening, the lights come on and the atmosphere turns properly magical.
It’s perfect for families: stars in their eyes guaranteed. As a couple, it’s a sweet little interlude, and no need to apologise for it. Solo, just go, no hang-ups, for the sheer fun of Christmas.
Practical side: entry to the village is free. The official photos and the little activities cost extra. Allow two to three hours to enjoy it at a relaxed pace. Go at opening time or late in the day if you want to avoid the crowds; December is the busiest, January to March gives you more breathing room.
It’s not a “must” for wilderness purists, but for a magical interlude, it does the job. And pretty well, too. You know me, I’m much more into nature than tourist traps, but when I went I actually didn’t mind it, because I got caught up in the whole thing!
But also, at Santa Claus Village, you can sleep in glass cabins or glass igloos, a simply gorgeous setting. And you can do some great activities too, because everything’s right there! Reindeer, dogs, snowmobiles, Santa Claus, it’s all there!
To sleep on site, you can choose between:
- the glass igloos at Santa Claus Village
- some lovely chalets in the heart of the village
- and finally, the Glass Resort, some pretty crazy glass igloos
In conclusion
And there you go, now you know everything! So yes, if you’re staying a week, you’ll have to make some choices among the activities, especially as the bill can climb fast 😀 But one thing’s for sure: you really won’t be bored!
Some agencies take you from your accommodation, or from a meeting point in town, to the activity site. Sometimes you’ll need a car to get there yourself (especially for some kennels and some reindeer farms), so keep that in mind too if you need to book in advance.
Map of Finnish Lapland
I’ve created a map of Finnish Lapland that includes everything you’ll need to plan your trip:
- accommodation, including glass igloos under the northern lights
- all the best activities in each town, like dog sledding and snowmobiling
- all the reindeer farms
- the northern lights agencies
- and loads of other info for each resort!
Useful links for Finnish Lapland
- Plan your trip to Finnish Lapland – in this article, find all the essential information for your next stay
- Which town to choose in Finnish Lapland – Rovaniemi or Levi? A family resort or a nature one? Find out which resort is right for you!
- Sleep in an igloo made of glass – to fall asleep under the northern lights, here are 10 dream places to stay
- What to do in Rovaniemi – discover the best winter activities, like dog sledding and snowmobiling, and plenty more to make the most of nature!
- The best places to stay in Rovaniemi – fancy sleeping out in nature?
- Find your accommodation in Finnish Lapland with Booking
- Book your car and head off on an adventure with Booking Cars (formerly RentalCars)
