Finnish Lapland Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Places to Stay & Travel Tips

• Winter (November–March):​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Skiing, husky safaris, snowmobiling, and icebreaker cruises are ways to witness the Arctic in heavy snow. The period from November to February is also the peak aurora season and the best time to visit Finland to experience the Northern Lights.
• Spring (March–May): With the snow melting and the rivers thawing, the Arctic is getting alive with colour and movement. Spring is a perfect time for photographers and skiing enthusiasts.
• Summer (June–August): One can enjoy hiking, fishing, or paddling on a lake while the sun is shining for 24 hours due to the midnight sun. The nature is stunning and therefore perfect for people who love adventure.
• Autumn (September–October): The forests get covered with the golden ‘ruska’ leaves, and the trails become quiet while the auroras are starting to appear. Autumn provides the opportunity for peaceful hikes.

Read more: Best Time to Visit Finland Guide

• Fly​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Direct: Generally, travellers come to Helsinki first, then a short 1-1.5 hour flight is taken to Rovaniemi, Kittilä (Levi), or Ivalo. Fast, handy, and beautiful from the sky!
• Train: Rovaniemi is the main connection on the rail line from Helsinki. The trip passes through infinite forests, crystal-clear lakes, and quaint Arctic villages.
• Road Transfers: Driving in winter is like a dream, but you need to have a car with studded tyres (which is mandatory from Nov–Mar). Look out for reindeer and moose while admiring the snowy landscapes.
• Guided Transfers: The majority of hotels and tour operators provide you with security, comfort, and convenience during the winter transfer time, and hence you can relax and enjoy the Arctic view without the need to worry about the icy ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌roads.

Step outside into a world painted with dancing colours. The sky ignites above you in green, purple, and gold while Arctic silence wraps around you. Chasing the Northern Lights is a magical Lapland experience you will never forget.

• Where: Saariselkä, Inari, Rovaniemi
• When: October–March (Nov–Feb for best chances)
• Duration: 3–5 hours per tour
• Price: €120 (~₹11,000) per guided tour

Feel the thrill as huskies dash through snowy forests or glide silently behind reindeer across frozen fells. Experiencing these living Arctic traditions is truly one of the best things to do in Finland, creating memories you will never forget.

• Where: Levi, Rovaniemi, Saariselkä
• When: November–March (winter)
• Duration: 15-minute rides to full-day adventures
• Price: Husky ride €60 (~₹5,500); full-day safari €200 (~₹18,500); Reindeer ride €60 (~₹5,500)

Hold tight as you speed across icy forests and frozen lakes, adrenaline soaring with every turn. Snowmobiling in Lapland is an exhilarating adventure and one of the best places to visit in Finland for Arctic thrill-seekers.

• Where: Levi forests, Kemi sea ice
• When: November–March
• Duration: 1–3 hours
• Price: €100–150 (~₹9,200–14,000)

Carve through fresh powder with towering pines and snow-capped fells all around. Whether you crave thrilling downhill runs or peaceful cross-country trails, Lapland’s skiing delivers pure Arctic joy. Every glide feels like a magical winter escape.

• Where: Levi (alpine), Ylläs (cross-country)
• When: December–March
• Duration: Half to full day
• Price: Ski pass €50–70/day (~₹4,600–6,400), equipment €30–40 (~₹2,800–3,700)

Step into a world where centuries of Sami traditions and Arctic stories come alive. At the Siida Museum in Inari, every exhibit, artefact, and seasonal programme invites you to experience the vibrant culture, history, and life of Lapland’s indigenous people firsthand.

• Where: Inari
• When: Year-round (summer for programs, winter for exhibitions)
• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Price: €15 (~₹1,400)

Climb aboard a real icebreaker or wander through an intricate SnowCastle made entirely of ice. These experiences make you feel like you stepped into another world, frozen yet alive with Arctic magic.

• Where: Kemi
• When: Winter only
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Price: Icebreaker €120 (~₹11,000), SnowCastle €15 (~₹1,400)

Read more: Where to stay in Lapland

1. Layer​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Up: Put on thermals, insulated jackets, waterproof boots, warm hats, and gloves to maintain comfort in Lapland’s Arctic conditions.
2. Photography Gear: Alongside tripods and spare batteries, also headlamps, because in cold temperatures batteries are consumed very fast.
3. Book Early: Glass igloos, icebreaker cruises, snowmobiles, and aurora tours are the most sought after and sell out quickly; thus, make your reservation in advance.
4. Respect Sami Culture: Understanding Sami traditions before involvement, as numerous local activities are the heritage of their culture.
5. Safety First: Always ensure winter tyres are used for rentals, and be very cautious in following the directions for snowmobile and other winter ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌activities.

• Day​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ 1 – Rovaniemi: Get to Lapland and experience the fairytale world of Santa Claus Village, then delve into fascinating topics of the Arctic at the Arktikum Museum.
• Day 2 – Levi: Enjoy the excitement of a husky safari during the day and try to find the beautiful Northern Lights in the night sky for an unforgettable Arctic experience.
• Day 3 – Levi Adventure: Race across the snow-covered woods on a snowmobile or have a great ski day at Levi’s spotless slopes and winter wonderland.
• Day 4 – Saariselkä/Ivalo: Arrive at a comfortable glass igloo, unwind, and see the auroras dancing in the night sky in Finnish Lapland’s most beautiful nature.
• Day 5 – Inari & Return: Experience the Sami culture at the Siida Museum and then get back to Rovaniemi with memories of Arctic landscapes and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌traditions.

Estimated Total Cost: €1,200–1,600 (~₹110,000–145,000), including accommodation, activities, and transfers.

Finnish Lapland is a winter fairytale where adventure, culture, and nature come in magical union. Northern Lights, huskies, glass igloos, and Sami traditions – all these are memories that you will never forget. This Finnish Lapland Travel Guide has revealed to you how you can easily explore the Arctic, plan your ideal schedule and find comfortable accommodation and exciting activities. The call of the Arctic is calling – feel the beauty of Lapland and feel the undying magic of Finland Tourism. To have an experience of a lifetime! Pickyourtrail is here for you. Plan your trip hassle-free and book your personalised Finland tour package now.