Mention the word “Lapland” to someone, and there’s a good chance that they will immediately think of it as “the place Santa Claus comes from”, or at least as something of a winter wonderland.
So, it should hardly surprise anyone to learn that the Lapland region continues to fire the imaginations of many people who are keen to satisfy their curiosity by actually travelling to this part of the world.
But as you might imagine given its… well, wintry associations, Lapland isn’t exactly the kind of place that someone visits casually.
You will need to prepare well for any trip you wish to embark on to this endlessly fascinating region – so, let’s take you through some of the ways you can do exactly that.
First Of All, Where Even Is Lapland?
Given that many of us in other parts of the world might only give that much thought to Lapland – and what it stands for – when Christmas rolls around, it is worth clarifying a few things. Yes, Lapland is a real place, but no, it isn’t a country, or even a single, autonomous entity.
Instead, the region that we know as “Lapland” effectively stretches across the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, and even into the Kola Peninsula in the extreme northwest of Russia.
So, when you are browsing the websites of Lapland holiday providers and see references to, for example, “Swedish Lapland” or “Finnish Lapland”, you will know what that means; they will be referring to the areas of Lapland that are within Sweden or Finland respectively.
Are There ‘Good’ & ‘Bad’ Times To Visit Lapland?
Again, brace yourself for some spectacularly unsurprising information: Christmas is the most popular time for holidays to Lapland. And certainly, if you’re reading this with an interest in enjoying the archetypal snow-dusted ‘winter wonderland’ break, the winter months – from November to March – are the ones to target.
As for if you would like to visit Santa himself with the kids in tow, November or December is the time to aim for.
If you’re on a budget, you are likely to find that early winter dates offer relatively cheaper prices. Turning up as early as the first half of November, though, could mean there isn’t sufficient snow on the ground for you to partake in related activities in areas such as Rovaniemi, and full-on ‘winter’ activities for tourists might not even begin until 1st December.
So, as so often with the timing of holidays, so much will depend on exactly what you want and expect from your trip to Lapland.
What Clothes Should You Pack For A Lapland Break?
Again, we have some further surprising news for you (excuse the sarcasm): the winter in Lapland isn’t just cold, but very cold. Average daytime temperatures in Finnish Lapland have been recorded at -5 degrees C during December, dropping further to -13.4 degrees C at night.
So, you will definitely require lots of layers, as well as sensible footwear, and cosy hats and gloves. Don’t forget to bring thermal underwear, as well as a base layer of moisture-wicking fabric, and – for further warmth – a layer of fleece tops and bottoms or woollen clothes.
Should You Go For A Package Holiday To Lapland, Or Take The ‘DIY’ Approach?
Although it could be cheaper overall for you to arrange the flights, accommodation, and activities for your Lapland holiday separately, you would need to plan meticulously in order to pull it off, and might have to accept a certain level of inconvenience.
A classic example of this, would be the situation when it comes to flights. While booking a package with a travel company could enable you to take a direct flight from an airport near your home, if you were to try to arrange your own flights separately, you might be restricted to a much lower number of airports, and might therefore have to travel to reach the closest one. That, naturally, would add to your costs.
And of course, that’s just one barrier you might come up against if you were to attempt to assemble your desired Lapland break on a ‘DIY’ basis. If you are reading this as someone who has never before gone on a holiday to this captivating, but specialised part of the world for holiday breaks, taking advantage of a package deal from an established and reputable Arctic holiday operator could be well worth the peace of mind as far as catering to all the finer details is concerned.
One example of such a holiday provider is Arctic Direct, which is known for its luxury Lapland Santa holidays with perks including return flights, return airport transfers, full board, a ‘meet Santa’ experience, and even thermal clothing included for the duration of the traveller’s stay.
Finally, The Good Bit: What Are The Best Things To Do In Lapland?
Witness The Northern Lights
From September to March, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking Aurora Borealis as they dance across the night sky. This natural phenomenon is best viewed on clear, dark nights, away from city lights.
Go Dog Sledding
Embark on an exhilarating dog sledding adventure through the snow-covered forests and frozen lakes of Lapland. This activity is typically available from December to April, depending on snow conditions.
Explore The Santa Claus Village
No trip to Lapland is complete without visiting the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Open year-round, this enchanting destination offers the chance to meet Santa himself, send postcards from his official post office, and even cross the Arctic Circle.
Take A Reindeer Safari
Experience the magic of Lapland’s wilderness while riding in a traditional reindeer-drawn sleigh. The best time for a reindeer safari is during the winter months, from December to April, when the landscape is blanketed in snow.
Stay In A Glass Igloo
Enjoy a unique accommodation experience by staying in a glass igloo, offering unobstructed views of the starry skies and Northern Lights. These cosy retreats are available throughout the winter season, from late September to early April.
Ice Fishing
Try your hand at ice fishing, a popular local pastime in Lapland. Drill a hole through the thick ice covering the region’s many lakes and patiently wait for a catch. Ice fishing is possible from January to April, depending on ice conditions.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing
Lapland’s vast wilderness offers countless opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. These activities are best enjoyed during the snowy months of December to April.
Visit A Traditional Sami Village
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the indigenous Sami people by visiting a traditional village. Here, you can learn about their customs, enjoy authentic cuisine, and witness the vibrant colours of their traditional clothing. The Sami villages are open for visitors year-round, but the experience is most captivating during the winter months.
Midnight Sun Activities
From late May to July, Lapland experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun, when the sun never sets below the horizon. This unique period allows for various outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing, to be enjoyed around the clock.
The Bottom Line
Whichever way you “do” your Lapland break, by ensuring you are well-prepared, you can be best-placed to immerse yourself in the undeniable magic of this region, instead of becoming entrenched in worries about the more mundane aspects of your holiday planning. Given the rewards, such thorough planning of your Lapland trip is well worth doing!