Welcome to Lapland

Finnish Lapland is a year-round destination known for its Arctic wilderness, Northern Lights, snow, reindeer, nightless nights and rich Sámi culture.

Credits: Miikka Niemi, Flatlight Films

About Lapland

Lapland is the northern-most region of Finland and an active outdoor destination that's known for its incredible, year-round light phenomena, vast arctic nature, and Santa Claus, of course. The land of the indigenous Sámi people, known as Sámi homeland or Sápmi, also crosses the northern part of the region. Explore Finnish Lapland, Europe’s last great wilderness!

Best reasons to travel to Lapland

Things to experience in the north

Looking for reasons to visit Finnish Lapland? Look no further – we've gathered seven best reasons in one place. Simply scroll left or right.

Credits: Juha Laine

Northern Lights and unique accommodation

Sleep under the dancing skies

Seeing the Northern lights is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Or perhaps twice or thrice in a lifetime. Finnish Lapland is the best place to see the auroras. Stay in a glass-covered cabin and stargaze from bed! The aurora season starts in the autumn and lasts well into the spring.

Credits: Jari Romppainen

Father Christmas

Visit Santa Claus year-round

Did you know that Santa Claus is from Finland? Travel to Rovaniemi and you can meet him every day of the year.

Year-round activities

Enjoy the outdoors

Snowboard, ski, snowshoe in the winter, and hike, bike, swim or go wildlife-watching in the summer and autumn. The array of activities available throughout the year is practically endless. Did you know that the locals actually say there are eight seasons in Lapland?

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Sámi culture

Explore Sámi culture and traditions

Sámi, the only indigenous people in the EU, live in Sápmi – a cultural region that crosses northern Lapland. Visit the Siida Centre of Sámi Culture in Inari to learn more about the heritage and life of the Sámi.

Credits: Siida Sami Museum

Reindeer

Meet the icons of Lapland

These wonderful fairytale creatures are quite literally everywhere in Lapland. Most of the 200 000 reindeer of Finnish Lapland roam free in the never-ending wilderness. If you'd like to meet them, a visit to a reindeer park or a reindeer ride are great options.

Credits: Pyhä

Midnight sun

See the magical nightless nights of summer

Summer in Lapland is the stuff of fairy tales and sugar-plum dreams. It's truly endless summer nights when the sun doesn't set. Go mountain biking, take an unforgettable hike in the wilderness, or simply admire the views from a hot tub.

Credits: Harri Tarvainen

Arctic wilderness

Relax in peaceful nature

Lapland boasts some of the world’s purest air, water, and arctic nature as far as the eye can see. Nothing compares to going outdoors into unspoiled nature and filling your lungs with fresh, clean air.

Credits: Harri Tarvainen

Plan your holiday in Lapland

Looking for travel tips, inspiration and local insights to help you plan your holiday in Lapland? Here's a selection of stories about Lapland to get you started.

Best times to see the Northern Lights in Finland

The Northern Lights season in Finland runs from late August to April. Find out the best months, what affects visibility, and how to plan your aurora trip.

Meet the Sámi

The Sámi are the only indigenous people within the European Union. Learn more about this unique culture.

Must-visit nature locations in summer Lapland

Summer in Lapland is truly magical and there are many must-see nature locations to visit from national parks to canyons and fells.

Hiking in Finland: trails, national parks and tips

Finland has 41 national parks and thousands of kilometres of marked trails, all free to explore. Here's how to plan the perfect hike in Finland.

Taste the eight seasons of Lapland

Experience Arctic wilderness and eight seasons of Lapland through its food, as each season offers a unique culinary experience.

Wilderness guide's family-friendly Lapland summer

Wilderness guide Minttu Heimovirta from Ylläs shares her best recommendations for family-friendly summer activities in Lapland.

National Parks in Lapland

There’s no better place to experience the real magic of Arctic nature than in a national park in Lapland. Enjoy the golden hours of the Midnight Sun in the summer and the breathtaking colours of the autumn foliage.

5 must-see saunas in Lapland – Rovaniemi and more

Relax and unwind at some of the most unique saunas in Finnish Lapland from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä and more.

Lapland destinations

Would you like to know more about the destinations in Lapland? Click on the pins in the map to discover the best places to visit.

Activities and experiences in Lapland

View all things to do in Lapland

Looking for activities, experiences and tours offered by local providers in Lapland? Click on the images and find theme-specific things to do around the region.

Themed routes in Lapland

Explore all routes

Meet Santa Claus, explore the fells and take in stunning arctic nature. Lapland offers many interesting places to visit - both indoors and out. Here are a few selected routes through Lapland with suggestions for what to see, eat and do. When you find something you like, click the heart icon to save it.