Lapland Finland Travel Guide: Best Bases, Winter Activities and Insider Tips

I had the most wonderful time in Lapland, Finland. I truly caught the winter and Christmas vibes during my stay. As magical as this travel destination is, it also comes with some challenges when planning and arriving in Lapland. Which is why I have prepared this Lapland Travel Guide.

Think of this guide as your little cheat sheet. A way to enjoy the reindeer rides, frozen waterfalls, and cozy stays without guessing your way through the cold. Lapland is peaceful and exciting at the same time, and with a few practical tips, it becomes a trip you’ll talk about for years.

1. Where To Base Yourself In Lapland

2. Must-Do Activities In Lapland

3. Key Facts About Lapland 

4. Best Month to Visit Lapland

5. FAQs About Traveling To Lapland

Where To Base Yourself In Lapland

Lapland is bigger than it looks. Distances are long. Snow slows everything down. Your base decides what your days will feel like, so choosing the right spot really matters.

Rovaniemi: Best Base For First-Timers

Rovaniemi is the easiest place to start your Lapland trip. I stayed during my whole trip in Rovaniemi and truly enjoyed it. The airport is right next to town, so you land, and you’re basically already in the Arctic circle. No long transfers. No stress. The whole place feels festive, snowy, and a little magical.

Rovaniemi will also be a great choice if you are traveling with the kids, as it is the home to Santa Claus Village.

Most tours leave from here — huskies, reindeer rides, Northern Lights trips, snowmobiles, everything. You just wake up, step outside, and your whole day is sorted.

Rovaniemi works best if you want variety without moving hotels every few days. It’s convenient, lively, and ideal for first-timers who want a smooth, easy Lapland experience.

Learn more about Rovaniemi in my Rovaniemi Travel Guide!

Levi: Best Base For Skiing And Snowboarding

Levi is where Lapland turns into a winter playground. It’s the top ski resort in Finland, so if skiing or snowboarding is your main mission, this is your spot.

The village feels lively in winter. Warm cafés, good restaurants. A little après-ski scene that wakes up as soon as the slopes close. Everything is easy to reach, and you never feel far from the fun.

The slopes are great for all levels, and the snow here is usually reliable through the season. Many Northern Lights tours start in Levi too, so you can chase the aurora after a day in the mountains.

If you want action, comfort, and great skiing in one place, Levi delivers without trying too hard.

Other Popular Bases In Lapland

Ylläs and Saariselkä are two other places that often pop up when people plan a Lapland winter trip. Both offer that deep-winter feeling: quiet forests, wide snowy trails, and a slower pace compared to Rovaniemi or Levi.

Ylläs is perfect if you want big landscapes and a more traditional Lapland vibe. It has some of the longest ski slopes in Finland, great cross-country trails, and a peaceful atmosphere. Everything feels calm here, almost untouched.

Saariselkä sits further north, which means even better chances for Northern Lights. It’s a great base for people who love winter hiking and want to experience the Arctic wilderness without too many distractions. The village is small, friendly, and surrounded by national parks.

Both Ylläs and Saariselkä are beautiful and worth considering. But for most travelers, Rovaniemi and Levi remain the most convenient choices. Rovaniemi works for easy access, lots of tours, and a mix of activities. Levi is unbeatable for skiing and snowboarding. If it’s your first time in Lapland, these two make everything smoother, simpler, and far easier to plan.

Renting A Car In Lapland

Renting a car in Lapland can be great if you want the freedom to move around. Distances are long, and buses don’t always line up with your plans. But the roads are icy, dark, and covered in snow for months. Locals drive like it’s nothing, but if you’re not used to winter conditions, it can feel stressful. Consider renting if you’ve handled snowy roads before and feel confident. Skip it if you’re nervous behind the wheel in winter. In that case, pick one base and use tours or transfers. It’s safer and, honestly, more relaxing.

Must Do Activities In Lapland

Lapland is one of those places where every day can feel completely different. The cold is real, but so is the magic. Here are the experiences that make Lapland unforgettable.

Reindeer Sleigh Ride

I have to start with the Raindeer Sleight Ride as it was my absolute favorite activity I did in Lapland. Although hard to decide between Reindeer Sleigh Ride and Husky Sledding. Both were amazing, to be fair. The Raindeer Sledding is way calmer than the Husky Sledding. Reindeer move slowly and calmly, so it feels peaceful and almost dreamy. It was truly magical.

Husky Sledding

This is one of the most loved activities in Lapland, and it was also for me. Husky Sledding is way more thrilling than the Reindeer Sledding, so you just need to choose what's better suited for you. Although I highly recommend both! The craziest part is that you actually control and guide the dogs yourself. Truly and experince of a lifetime.

Just please, choose ethical farms that care for their dogs and let them rest properly.

Korouoma Canyon

My top 3 I have to close with Korouoma Canyon. A winter dream for anyone who loves dramatic landscapes. The frozen waterfalls here look like giant blue curtains of ice hanging from the cliffs. It’s a popular spot for ice climbing, but even if you’re not climbing, the winter trail through the canyon is beautiful. The snow is deep, the air is crisp, and the views feel untouched. I did the 5km trail to see several frozen waterfalls and absolutely loved it. During the final part of the trail, we even stopped for a little picnic. Perfect for a calm, scenic winter walk with a little adventure mixed in. And don't worry, most tours will provide you with crampons for your boots to make the walk safer and more enjoyable. Make sure to inquire about crampons before booking.

Santa Claus Village

An iconic place to visit when in Lapland is the Santa Claus Village. Whether you’re five or fifty, this place makes you smile. Of course, mainly this place is for kids. You can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, pet Santa's pets, and visit the Snowman world that includes loads of fun winter activities.

If you are an adult, then at least for me, the most memorable place in Santa Village was the official Santa Claus Post Office. For just ~4 euros, you can send a card to anyone in the world. I enjoyed sending them, knowing how much joy the recipients will have. This way, I created memories of Lapland not just for myself but for my family back home.

The best part is that Santa's Village is free to enter. Of course, once you are in the area, a lot of activities are for a fee, but at least you can visit the site and meet Santa for free. (After if you want the picture with Santa, that's for an extra fee.). I had some hot chocolate, sent some lovely postcards, and caught the Christmas vibe during my visit, also as an adult.

The only downside was that I felt like the park was created with a specific amount of tourists in mind, and there are way more tourists visiting every year, so the place can get packed, and queues are quite long for almost everything.

Ranua Wildlife Park

Ranua Wildlife Park sits about an hour south of Rovaniemi, and it’s one of the easiest ways to actually see Arctic animals without needing a week of wilderness luck. You walk along snowy wooden paths and suddenly spot polar bears, lynxes, owls, arctic foxes, and all the creatures that actually belong in this climate. It’s calm, educational, and great if you’re traveling with kids or just want a quiet break from the more adrenaline-heavy Lapland activities. Just note, seeing all those animals is not guaranteed. It is not like Zoo, it truly is a wildlife park where the animals have a 'normal life', so they might not appear.

Sámi Culture Experiences

Lapland feels even more special when you learn about the people who have lived here the longest. A visit to Inari is the most authentic trip you can take. The Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida explains their traditions, stories, and deep connection to the Arctic. You’ll learn about reindeer herding, seasonal life, and a culture that still lives strongly in the far north. But do not worry, if Inari, which is one of the regions at the most Northern part of Lapland, is too far for your trip, visit the Arktikum museum in Rovaniemi. It is a fantastic museum offering to learn not only about Sami culture but also about the nature and natural processes in the Arctic. I absolutely loved my visit as the museum has been renovated and is extremely interactive. I am sure it was done up to be more fun for kids, as a lot of families come to Lapland with kids, but I had so much fun as an adult.

Icebreaker Cruise In Kemi

Another, very unique activity for colder winter holidays is the Icebreaker Cruise. You literally sail out on a huge icebreaker and watch it crack through a frozen sea. You will be able to do it in the Southern part of Lapland, in the city of Kemi. The most fun part is when the ship stops, you can walk on the ice and even float in the water in a warm survival suit.

Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are breathtaking, but they are never guaranteed. You need clear skies, patience, and a bit of luck. The best chances are from January to March, when nights are long and the weather is colder. If you are lucky enough, you will see the sky finally light up in greens and purples, almost anywhere in Lapland.

Snowmobile Safaris

If you want speed, cold air on your face, and long stretches of untouched snow, this is your thing. Snowmobiling gives you a fun way to explore the Arctic. Guides teach you the basics first, so even beginners feel comfortable. Safety rules matter, especially in these conditions.

Skiing And Snowboarding

If you love snow sports, this region is a dream. Levi is the number one ski resort in Finland and has slopes for every level. Other great spots include Ylläs, Pyhä-Luosto and Ruka. If you’re staying in Rovaniemi, Ounasvaara Hill is small but super convenient for a quick run.

Cross-Country Skiing

Locals love it, and trails are everywhere. It’s peaceful, good exercise, and lets you explore wide open spaces in silence. You don’t need to be an expert — many places offer beginner lessons.

Key Facts About Lapland

Currency - Euro. Lapland it’s actually one of the most card-friendly regions in Europe. Despite how wild it is, the card is accepted widely. Just in case, have a few Euros in cash for souvenirs and small, quick purchases. 

The official language is Finnish, but Lapland is extremely tourist-friendly, so English is spoken widely. 

In the far north of Lapland, there’s a winter period called Kaamos (Polar Night). For several weeks, the sun never rises above the horizon, but it’s not totally dark! Instead, the sky turns into deep blues and purples. And even in Rovaniemi and Levi, the days are extremely short. This was the biggest surprise for me. I knew days would be shorter, but I did not expect such a drastic change. Imagine you wake up at 9AM and it is still dark!

Lapland can reach –20°C to –35°C, so pack well and be prepared. Even at the beginning of December when I visited, and the temperature fell only to a maximum of -6/-8, I mostly had several layers, a proper warm winter jacket, skiing pants, and always had gloves, hat, and scarf with me.

Book tours in advance. Lapland is a popular tourist destination, especially during the festive season, so you don’t want to miss out on some amazing activities.

Things are pricier than in average Europe, so be prepared to spend a bit more.

Best Month to Visit Lapland

Best Overall Month - February. Guaranteed snow, longer daylight (6–8 hours) and warmer than December and January. Also a good time to see Northern Lights.

If you want the “classic Christmas Lapland” vibe - December. 

If your priority is Northern Lights - January, February, March. 

If you want a more comfortable temperature and sunshine, but still experience the winter wonderland - March. 

If you prefer fewer crowds and cheaper prices - November or April. But note, that not all activities might be available. 

Once you know where to base yourself and what you want to do, Lapland becomes easy, warm even, in its own Arctic way. Whether you come for the Northern Lights, huskies, skiing, or just that feeling of being far from everything, you will leave with memories that stay glowing long after the snow melts.

FAQs About Traveling To Lapland

Is Lapland Worth Visiting In Winter?

Yes. If you want snowy landscapes, Northern Lights chances, frozen waterfalls, and Arctic experiences you cannot get anywhere else, Lapland is one of the best winter destinations in Europe. Just pack well and plan ahead because activities book out fast.

How Many Days Do You Need In Lapland?

4 to 5 days in Lapland is ideal. It gives you time to base yourself in one place, enjoy iconic activities like huskies and snowmobiles, visit Santa Village or a ski resort, and still have a night or two for Northern Lights chasing.

Can You See The Northern Lights In Rovaniemi?

Yes, you can see Northern Lights from Rovaniemi, but visibility depends on the weather. Clear skies help, and tours take you to darker spots outside the city. For even better chances, Levi, Ylläs, and Saariselkä usually offer darker skies and fewer obstructions.