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.

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.

Credits: Visit Rovaniemi

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

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

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

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.

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

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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.

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.

Discover Lapland in the summer

Join Vesku, the reindeer, on an adventure through Lapland's summer wonders. Dive into nature's rhythm and uncover hidden treasures in the Arctic wilderness.

Rovaniemi

Explore Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus and the culinary capital of Lapland during one of the eights distinctive seasons of the area.

Sustainability

Meet the Sámi

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

Sustainability

Best times to see the Northern Lights in Finland

Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime show and find out the best times to visit Finland for your chance to see the Northern Lights in the Lapland.

Top things to do during winter in Lapland

Discover the top five things to experience during the winter in Lapland and plan your visit to Finland.

Meet Santa Claus in the Finnish Lapland

Find answers to your questions about Santa, including where he's from, how old he is and where he lives.

Five things to experience in dreamy Inari

From discovering Sámi culture to spending a night floating on Lake Inari, here are five things to experience in Inari.

10 Best ski resorts in Finland

Long winter season, slopes suitable for all ages, lots of winter activities, and the Northern lights make Finland the perfect winter destination.

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.

Attractions

Activities

Nature activities

Food and drinks

Sauna

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.