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Lapland, the magical region north of the Arctic Circle, is a destination straight out of a fairytale. Covered by vast snowy landscapes, illuminated by aurora borealis and home to the rich Sami culture, this region offers an unforgettable experience. In this article, we’ll explore Lapland’s must-see sights, from its natural wonders to its most authentic traditions – check out our private tours here!
Northern Lights: a unique spectacle in the sky
One of Lapland’s greatest attractions is the Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon that paints the sky in shades of green, purple and pink. Between September and March, Arctic nights offer an unbeatable opportunity to witness this luminous spectacle.
The best places to see the auroras are in areas far from light pollution, such as Abisko in Sweden, Rovaniemi in Finland or Tromsø in Norway. Many accommodations in the region offer glass domes or transparent igloos, perfect for enjoying the phenomenon without getting out of bed. You can also join night-time safaris on snowmobiles or dog sleds, adding to the thrill of the experience.
National parks: wilderness in its purest form
Lapland is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, with national parks that stand out for their unspoilt beauty.
Abisko National Park (Sweden): Ideal for hikers and photographers, especially during the ‘polar night’ when the sun never fully rises.
Urho Kekkonen National Park (Finland): A vast expanse of tundra and boreal forest, perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland): One of the largest parks in Europe, famous for its rivers, waterfalls and the possibility of finding gold in its waters.
These wilderness areas are also a haven for local wildlife, such as reindeer, moose and, with any luck, the elusive Arctic wolf.
Rovaniemi and the home of Father Christmas
Rovaniemi in Finland is known as the ‘capital of Lapland’ and the official home of Father Christmas. This charming themed village attracts thousands of visitors every year, especially during the Christmas season.
The Father Christmas Village offers the opportunity to meet Father Christmas in person, postmark letters from the Arctic Circle and cross the famous circle line. In addition, the village has local craft shops, traditional restaurants and activities for the whole family.
Don’t miss the Arktikum, a museum and science centre with fascinating exhibitions on Sami culture, Lapland’s history and Arctic phenomena.
Sami culture: age-old Arctic traditions
Lapland is home to the Sami, the only indigenous people recognised in the European Union. With a history dating back thousands of years, the Sami have developed a unique relationship with Arctic nature, based on reindeer herding, fishing and handicrafts.
To learn more about this culture, visit the town of Karasjok in Norway or the Siida cultural centre in Finland, which hosts exhibitions, workshops and traditional events.
A must-do experience is to partake in a traditional Sami meal, which includes dishes such as suovas (smoked reindeer meat) and bidos (a reindeer stew). All this is accompanied by a joik, the ancestral Sami song that evokes a connection with nature.
