x
MENU ☰
Book your stay

Stories from Lapland

What to do when in Lapland

Published on March 2019

Author
Lotta Lonka / Key Account Manager

Is visiting Lapland on your bucket list? For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which is important to plan well. There are many different kinds of activities and adventures available, and it can be difficult to choose what to do in Lapland during your stay. Here are our top-7 things you cannot miss when visiting Lapland.

1. Experience the authentic nature of Lapland

Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights) painting the sky with different shades of green, frozen marshes and snowflakes, the sunshine in the middle of summer nights, birds singing in the sunny days of spring and colourful leaves during “ruska” in autumn.

In Finland we have four seasons and no matter what time of the year you come for a visit – the nature of Lapland gives you its best! Lapland is not only for winter holidays, but all year around.

You can experience the magical nature by yourself, for example visiting Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park or with our various nature activities such as Aurora Borealis Picnic, Snowmobile with Ice Fishing or Berry picking.

Take a look at Visit Rovaniemi’s tips on how to explore nature and what to do in Ylläs!

what to do in Lapland

Reindeer Safari Lapland

Summer in Lapland Midnight Sun

Autumn in Lapland Safartica

2. Meet our arctic Animals

Lapland is well-known for its arctic animals such as reindeer and huskies. If you are lucky, you may spot a reindeer in the wild (or on the road, so be careful if you are driving in Lapland). The best way to meet these furry friends is to join our husky safaris and reindeer safaris.

We also recommend a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park located about 1 hour drive from Rovaniemi. Get ready to spend an exciting day with your family or friends, and see different kinds of animals – even a polar bear!

We at Safartica also organize day trips to Ranua Park during Christmas time.

Husky Safari Lapland

3. Visit Santa Claus Village

What holiday would it be without a visit to Santa Claus? If you are in Rovaniemi, you probably know it as Santa´s hometown. Santa Claus Village is located about 8 km from the city centre and it is open every day.

Come and experience the magic of Christmas, meet Santa himself with his little helpers and reindeer, buy souvenirs for your loved ones and send a postcard from Santa Claus Main Post Office!

If you’d like to combine driving a snowmobile, a visit to a reindeer farm and the meeting with Santa Claus, we recommend you our Arctic Delight.

What to do in Lapland Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi

4. Heat of Sauna

Did you know that most Finns have a sauna in their own house? It is a big part of our culture and everyday life, and we recommend you trying it. Going regularly to sauna has many health benefits, but above all it is a place to relax – both physically and mentally.

For a real Finnish style, sit in a sauna for a while then go outside to roll in the snow and go back to sauna. It may sound weird, but it´s quite refreshing.

For those who like challenges, instead, ice-swimming in winter is a must-do, or a more gentle summer swim in one of Finland’s thousands lakes.

Would you like to know more about saunas? Here are some tips!

You can experience sauna in all our accommodations in Rovaniemi and Ylläs.

What to do in Lapland

5. Have fun with snow

If you are visiting Lapland during winter time, you are most likely to see quite a lot of snow. This gives you the chance to test yourself with different kinds of activities such as cross-country and down hill skiing, and snowboarding in Ounasvaara Ski Resort in Rovaniemi, or in Ylläs, Finland biggest ski resort.

Besides this, there are also other activities you can do, like riding a sled or building a snowman. We offer you many adventures in this winter wonderland, such as skiing lessons and snowshoe walks, riding a snowmobileice-floating and hunting the Northern Lights.

What to do in Lapland Fat Bike

What to do in Lapland

Snowmobile Safari What to do in Lapland

6. Get familiar with Finnish culture

Finland and Finnish culture have a lot to offer. We Finns may look a bit shy, but we are more than happy to welcome you here.

Rovaniemi is a lively city with its various restaurants and cafes, shopping centresevents and cultural sights.

In Ylläs you can experience the authentic nature and an easy-going feeling of this little and idyllic village. Relax in small cafes chatting with the locals or take part into different kinds of events.

Taste traditional Lappish food and flavours such as salmon soup, mashed potatoes and reindeer, flatbread called “rieska” and a special “bread cheese” with cloudberries.

Read more about the best restaurants in Rovaniemi and how to dine like a local!

Finnish Food Sky Hotel Ounasvaara What to do in Lapland

7. Enjoy the silence

For many, our everyday life is hectic, busy and it can be difficult to relax. Even though Lapland offers you great adventures, it also provides you a possibility to stop, breathe and truly enjoy every moment. Walking in the pure nature, listening to the silence around you and unplugging from the hustle and bustle of big cities is something worth trying!

Most importantly, you can spend precious time with your loved ones. Watch the sky full of stars from glass igloos – and if you are lucky, you may get a glimpse of the Northern Lights!

We offer you great accommodation in our both locations. Experience our cosy Ounasvaaran Lakituvat chalets in Rovaniemi, where you can heat your own sauna after a day of full of adventures, feel the warmth of the fireplace and have a dinner full of northern flavours with your family and friends!

In Ylläs we have 3 hotels in the middle of the purest nature.

Accommodation Rovaniemi What to do in Lapland

As you see, there is a lot to do here in Lapland! We are here to help you and make your holiday special. Take a look at our safaris and accommodation, and if you have anything to ask – don’t hesitate to contact us. We are looking forward to meeting you!

All stories by Lotta Lonka

Safartica Rovaniemi

453 ratings

Read more or leave your rating

Safartica Ylläs

64 ratings

Read more or leave your rating

Custom Chatbot
en