Holiday to Lapland
Enjoy a magical holiday in Lapland with husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobiles. In the evening you can admire the enchanting northern lights in the vast snowy wilderness. Lapland offers adventure, winter activities and unforgettable Arctic experiences.
Europe
Holiday to Lapland
When you think of Lapland, images of husky sledding, reindeer safaris, snowmobiles across vast white landscapes and the magical northern lights automatically come to mind. For us, a holiday in Lapland had been a dream for years. Together with family we travelled to the wintry north for an unforgettable week full of adventure, nature and special experiences. In this blog we share our best moments and the must-dos for a winter holiday in Lapland.
Where exactly is Lapland?
Lapland lies in the far north of Europe and stretches across four countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. When people talk about Lapland, they often mean Finnish Lapland, the most popular and most accessible part of the region. This area lies above the Arctic Circle and is known for its vast snowy landscapes, adventurous activities and of course the magical northern lights. Thanks to its unique location, in winter you experience short days, long nights and a real Arctic atmosphere, which makes Lapland a special destination for a winter holiday of a week or longer. Once you have been there, you will want to go back one day!
How to get to Lapland?
A holiday to Lapland usually starts with a flight. Several tour operators offer complete Lapland trips, including trips to Finnish Lapland. From Amsterdam you can fly direct, with Transavia among others, to popular destinations such as Kuusamo and Rovaniemi. We flew to Kuusamo and immediately noticed on arrival that we had landed in a completely different world, in the middle of Lapland's winter wonderland.
After arriving at the airport, transfers are ready to take you straight to your accommodation. The drivers are very experienced in driving in winter conditions and ensure a safe journey through the snowy landscape. If you want more freedom, you can also rent a car in Lapland.
We stayed in the charming little town of Salla, at Holiday Club Salla. The accommodation was comfortable and typically Finnish, complete with a private sauna, ideal for warming up after a day full of winter activities. We chose half board, which we definitely recommend for a winter holiday in Lapland. Supermarkets are often far away, public transport is limited and local products are relatively expensive.
How to prepare for a holiday in Lapland?
A holiday in Lapland requires good preparation, because temperatures can vary widely. During our trip the temperature dropped to -19 degrees Celsius, while on other days it was around freezing. Good, warm winter clothing for Lapland is therefore essential. Make sure you bring enough layers.
When packing, think of essential items such as a warm hat, waterproof shoes, thick woollen socks, thermal clothing, a fleece jacket, a ski jacket and ski trousers, ski goggles, a balaclava, a scarf, sunscreen, Vaseline and a bikini or swimming trunks for the Finnish sauna.
On a holiday to Lapland you are often given a special winter overall on arrival that you can use all week. We wore thermal clothing underneath and sometimes a fleece jacket for extra warmth. Special snow boots are also provided, although they are not always comfortable. We had brought our own snow boots and sturdy winter boots. Gloves are often replaced by woollen mittens, which give extra warmth. Tip: hand warmers in your mittens are a real lifesaver in extreme cold.
Winter accessories and thermal clothing are easy to find in shops such as Decathlon. Also do not forget to bring your camera, tripod, drone and smartphone to capture the northern lights in Lapland. Download the XploreTheNorth app, which notifies you as soon as the northern lights are visible!
Download the packing list at the bottom of this blog and travel well prepared on your holiday to Lapland.
What are the chances of seeing the northern lights in Lapland?
The reason most travellers go to Lapland is the hope of seeing the northern lights. The chance of seeing the northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, in Lapland depends on several factors. The phenomenon is caused by interactions between the solar wind, charged particles from the sun, and the earth's magnetic field. The clearer and darker the night, the better you can see it. The time of year also plays a role: the winter months, when the nights are long and dark, offer the best chances. Cloud cover, light pollution and geographical location also affect how well the northern lights can be seen.
Many accommodations in Lapland now offer northern lights alarms. You get a notification as soon as the northern lights are visible, so you do not miss this magical moment. You can also use apps such as XploreTheNorth Aurora, which gives live information about the chance of northern lights and alerts you when they are close.
When the northern lights are forecast, it is important to be well prepared. Make sure your camera and tripod are ready and your warm clothes are within reach. Find a dark spot, far away from artificial light, both to see the phenomenon well and to take photos without noise. Set your camera to a long shutter speed to capture the play of light of the northern lights.
We were lucky enough to see the northern lights once during our trip. It was a magical moment: sometimes hard to see with the naked eye, but very special. We stayed up all night to capture this extraordinary natural phenomenon. The feeling of coming face to face with the northern lights in Lapland is truly unforgettable and a highlight of any winter trip!
7 must-do excursions in Lapland
In Lapland there is a wide choice of winter excursions for every traveller, depending on your preference and the time of day. Start your morning or afternoon with a reindeer safari, for example, or head out on an adventure in the evening on a northern lights excursion to spot the magical Aurora Borealis. Keep in mind that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon; there is no guarantee you will see them. The famous husky safari, a snowshoe walk or a snowmobile safari should not be missing from a holiday in Lapland either. With so many activities, Lapland offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, nature and magical winter experiences for young and old.
Walking in nature in Lapland
Lapland's unspoilt nature is ideal for walks through snowy forests and vast landscapes. There are various walking routes that take you along winding paths through beautiful forests. Do watch your step: one misstep off the path and you sink into the deep snow, which of course causes plenty of hilarity.
Cross-country skiing and skiing in Lapland
For winter sports lovers, Lapland offers excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing or downhill skiing. The vast, snowy terrain is perfect for both beginners and advanced skiers. Well-maintained cross-country trails lead you past snowy forests, frozen lakes and wide plains, while ski resorts such as Ruka and Levi offer perfect slopes for alpine skiers and snowboarders.
Snowshoe walking in Lapland
During our trip to Lapland we did the snowshoe walk twice: once during the day and once in the evening. For these excursions we wore a special winter overall, but you can also wear ski trousers and a winter coat. You attach special snowshoes under your shoes. At first it feels a bit strange, as if you are hardly moving forward, but as soon as you walk through the snow you quickly get used to the special feeling. It can be a challenge at times, especially going up and down hills, and slipping is part of it now and then. Still, you forget all the discomfort as soon as you see the impressive view over the snowy landscape.
Halfway through the walk you can take a break in a cosy fire hut, where a crackling fire is burning. Traditional reindeer burgers or sausages are grilled here, and you are served hot drinks such as coffee or berry juice in a kuksa, a wooden cup carved by the Sámi. Because you move a lot while walking, you hardly notice the cold, but during the break it is nice to adjust your scarf, hat and overall. After lunch you sometimes go ice fishing, for example, where you stand still for longer and it is extra important to stay warm.
Our evening snowshoe walk was all about the northern lights. Unfortunately the Aurora Borealis did not show itself that evening, but the experience was magical nonetheless. Under the clear starry sky, with the full moon above us and the deep silence of Arctic nature, the walk became unforgettable. The evening ended at a campfire in the middle of nature, where the guide told stories and the fire crackled cosily, a perfect end to a winter day in Lapland.
Reindeer sleigh ride in Lapland
A reindeer sleigh ride in Lapland is a unique way to discover Arctic nature. On the safari you get your own reindeer and sleigh, which you steer yourself. Luckily reindeer are well trained and usually know exactly what to do. On our ride, two young reindeer were even brought along to be trained to walk with the group.
Note: the sleighs can be quite heavy and now and then a reindeer can get stuck. Just stay seated calmly and enjoy the surroundings, and the safari will always go smoothly. Because you sit still during the ride, it can get very cold. We wore a winter overall, a fleece jacket and thermal underwear, plus a balaclava with a warm hat on top. Our hands got cold quickly, so the woollen mittens provided on the spot were indispensable.
Along the way you stop at a reindeer enclosure, where you can feed the animals, and at a cosy hut with a campfire. Here you can warm up for a while and enjoy the atmosphere of the Lapland winter. Truly an experience you will not soon forget!
Snowmobile safari in Lapland
A snowmobile safari is an absolute must on a holiday in Lapland. It is an exciting way to explore the vast snowy landscapes and experience Arctic nature up close. We recommend choosing an excursion of at least two hours, so you have enough time to enjoy the ride and the surroundings.
You usually ride two to a snowmobile, with the option to swap drivers along the way. The feeling of zooming across the snow with the wind in your face is unforgettable and gives you a real adrenaline boost. On the ride, the guide takes you to special places you would otherwise never discover. We came to a spot where the world had never looked so white: a breathtaking view, with a soft sun shining on the horizon. Magical to see!
Halfway along the route we stopped at a cosy wooden cabin in the middle of untouched nature, where hot chocolate and local treats were served. It is a nice opportunity to warm up and take in the serene surroundings. On the way back we followed a different route, so we could discover even more of the snowy landscape.
Tip: do not forget your balaclava! You wear it under your helmet and it keeps your head and ears nice and warm during the ride.
Husky safari in Lapland
For many people, the husky safari is the highlight of their trip to Lapland. On arrival you are greeted by the deafening barking of the enthusiastic huskies. The dogs run in pairs, six per sled in total. One person sits in the sled while the other stands at the back and steers. The strongest and most experienced huskies run at the front.
Steering the sled takes quite a bit of strength, especially when you have to brake. The huskies run fast, and to stop the sled from overtaking them you sometimes have to brake hard. It is also handy to pay attention when a husky does its business, because you might be surprised by a flying ‘poo’!
When you go up a hill, the huskies ask you to help. When they look back, you know it is time to run along. It is a fantastic experience to move through the snow together with these powerful dogs.
For this excursion we recommend wearing your overall with thermal clothing underneath, a jumper and of course a hat and scarf, because it can get cold when you sit still. Halfway through the safari you stop to light a fire. Here you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee or berry juice while sausages are grilled. A lovely break during this unforgettable adventure.
E-fatbike through the snow in Lapland
A special and adventurous excursion in Lapland is cycling through the snow, on an e-fatbike: a special bike with extra-wide tyres and a motor. This makes cycling through deep snow surprisingly easy and above all great fun. Accompanied by a guide, you explore the forest, and the route that best suits the group is decided on the spot. The bike has three assistance levels, and the highest gives you a big boost to get up hills and slopes. The feeling of speed on the descents is a real adrenaline rush!
The course can be challenging. We slipped several times, but luckily you land softly in the snow, which only leads to funny moments. A few times we also stepped off the bike and sank deep into the snow, a typical Lapland adventure, let's say! Despite the little mishaps, enjoying the breathtaking winter surroundings is what matters most.
The right winter clothing is essential for this activity. We wore a thermal shirt, a warm winter coat with a scarf, ski trousers and sturdy boots. That way you stay comfortable and warm while fully enjoying this unique e-fatbike excursion in Lapland.
Our holiday to Lapland was everything we had hoped for and even more! From husky and reindeer safaris to snowmobile and snowshoe excursions, every day brought new adventures and magical moments. The northern lights, the serene snowy landscapes and the unique winter activities made this one of the most special trips we have ever made.
For anyone dreaming of a holiday in Lapland: prepare well, pack your warm clothes and let yourself be amazed by the nature, the animals and the Arctic magic. This trip not only lets you enjoy breathtaking views, but also gives you memories for life.
Practical tips for Lapland
Preparation
On the spot
Frequently asked questions about a holiday to Lapland
Where is Lapland? +
Lapland lies in the far north of Europe and stretches across Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. People usually mean Finnish Lapland, the most popular and most accessible part, above the Arctic Circle.
How do you get to Lapland? +
From Amsterdam you fly direct, with Transavia among others, to Kuusamo or Rovaniemi. Transfers to your accommodation are waiting at the airport; if you want more freedom, you can rent a car.
What should you wear in Lapland? +
Wear several layers: thermal clothing, a fleece jacket, thick woollen socks, a warm hat, scarf and balaclava. You are often given a winter overall, snow boots and woollen mittens on the spot. Hand warmers in your mittens are highly recommended in extreme cold.
What are the chances of seeing the northern lights? +
That depends on solar activity, cloud cover, light pollution and the time of year; the long, dark winter months offer the best chance. There is never a guarantee. We saw them once during our trip.
How do you photograph the northern lights? +
Find a dark spot, far away from artificial light, put your camera on a tripod and choose a long shutter speed. Have your warm clothes ready so you can go outside quickly as soon as the northern lights appear.
Which excursions should you do in Lapland? +
Our must-dos are a husky safari, a reindeer sleigh ride, a snowmobile safari, snowshoe walking, a ride on an e-fatbike, walking in nature and cross-country or downhill skiing.
Is half board handy in Lapland? +
Yes, we recommend it. Supermarkets are often far away, public transport is limited and local products are relatively expensive.