How to Plan a Magical Winter Holiday to Finnish Lapland

Looking to visit the region of Finnish Lapland in the winter? Whether you want to see the Northern Lights, meet the locals (aka feeding reindeer!), or just experience the most magical winter wonderland you’ll ever step foot in, Lapland is the place to do it. Plan a magical winter holiday with my helpful tips on how to get there, where to stay, the best things to do in Lapland, what to wear in Lapland in winter, and so much more.

Psst, this post contains affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

Is seeing the Northern Lights, feeding reindeer, going on a dog sledding adventure, or visiting Santa’s hometown on your bucket list? Lapland, Finland is the perfect place to check those experiences off.

I recently went on an unforgettable winter trip to Lapland. This region is like nowhere else I’ve been, with its towering pine trees covered with up to 3 tons of snow, hoarfrost glistening on the branches, dark skies that light up with countless stars and the aurora borealis, and picture-perfect winter landscapes that look like something straight out of a snow globe.

Yes, it really is that magical.

If a winter holiday to Finnish Lapland is on your bucket list, this is the perfect travel guide for you. After spending 7 days in Lapland with Travelbase and Lapland Travel, here are my top tips and advice on how to plan an incredible winter trip to this region.

Where is Lapland?

First things first: let’s cover where Lapland actually is.

Lapland is technically a region that spans four countries: Finland, Russia, Sweden, and Norway. However, Lapland is also a specific region in Finland—Lappi in Finnish—that is essentially a county.

I think this is why Finland often comes to mind when people talk about going to Lapland but just know that it’s a very large international region with climatic, cultural, and topographical similarities.

How to Get to Lapland, Finland

There are four primary international airports that you can choose when flying into Lapland, Finland: Rovaniemi (RVN), Ivalo (IVL), Kittilä (KTT), and Kuusamo (KAO). They offer direct routes to many well-connected cities in Europe, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris.

Personally, for my winter holiday to Lapland, I flew on a direct flight from Manchester to Rovaniemi with Ryanair. It was just over 3 hours in flight time.

You could also fly into Helsinki and get the overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. Depending on how much time you have in Finland, this could be a very fun way to experience the country and see the changing landscapes!

Where to Stay in Lapland, Finland

When looking at where to stay in Lapland, many people are interested in staying at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. I do not recommend this. Why? Because it’s outrageously touristy, inauthentic, and incredibly expensive.

(I think it’s also worth mentioning that while Santa Claus Village has an Arctic Circle sign, it’s not actually located above the Arctic Circle. This was one thing that really irked my Lapland guide, Florian. The Arctic Circle line is technically 2-ish kilometers north… so that’s worth keeping in mind. Basically, this place is just lying to tourists, which feels icky to me.)

Instead, choose a quieter village for your Finnish Lapland holiday. I could not recommend Luosto more! This is where I stayed on my 7-day Lapland trip and it was even more dreamy and magical than I could have even imagined.

Luosto is far quieter than Rovaniemi, with basically zero crowds and no touristy hotels. It’s also just 1.5 hours away from Rovaniemi Airport by car (2 hours by bus), making it really easy to get to but far enough away so that it feels really off-the-radar.

I truly felt as though we were driving into a fairytale town located in a snow globe. It’s absolutely perfect and a winter wonderland in every sense of the word!

Personally, I recommend staying in a cute little chalet or cabin. There are so many dotted around Luosto that are within easy walking distance of the town’s grocery store and restaurants, yet delightfully tucked away into the forest.

How to Get Around Finnish Lapland

The easiest way to get around Lapland, Finland is by renting a car. However, if you’re like me, you may not feel totally comfortable driving on very icy and snow-covered roads. That’s why I recommend staying somewhere you can easily reach by public bus or hired taxi.

Again, Luosto effortlessly fits those requirements—it’s a 1.5-hour taxi ride or a 2-hour bus ride. And once you’re in Luosto, you can literally walk around the entirety of the town within 20 minutes.

It’s awesome. Everything is easily reached by foot, including its one (surprisingly well-stocked) grocery store and local restaurants.

Additionally, Lapland Safaris—the primary tour provider in Luosto—is right in the middle of town. I recommend booking all your Lapland activities with them, as they are all well-organized with very friendly, English-speaking guides.

Best Things to Do in Lapland, Finland

There are SO many incredibly fun winter activities to do and experiences to have in Finnish Lapland! Here’s a quick list of what I recommend—find the full blog on each Lapland activity here.

Reindeer Feeding & Sleigh Ride

Meet Lapland’s most iconic residents at a local reindeer farm, where you can feed reindeer, learn about Sámi culture, and enjoy a peaceful sleigh ride through snow-covered forests.

Northern Lights Expedition

Your Finnish Lapland holiday isn’t complete without seeing the Aurora Borealis!

Join a guided tour to chase the Northern Lights away from light pollution, with expert guides tracking conditions for the best possible chance to see them dance across the Arctic sky.

And don’t be distraught if you don’t see them on your tour. We actually didn’t see them on our’s but ended up going to a secluded spot another night on our own and seeing them light up the sky! It was amazing.

Wilderness Dinner in a Kota

Warm up in a traditional Finnish hut with a fire-lit, multi-course dinner featuring local Lappish ingredients, surrounded by Arctic silence.

Husky Safari

Glide through snowy wilderness on a dog sled led by energetic huskies—an exhilarating and unforgettable way to experience Lapland’s winter landscapes.

Winter Fat Tire Biking

Explore snowy forest trails on a fat tire bike designed for winter terrain, offering a surprisingly fun and unique way to move through Lapland’s wilderness.

Snowshoe Hike Through the Forest

Take a guided snowshoe hike through snow-laden forests and fells, learning about local wildlife while soaking in peaceful Arctic scenery.

This is an absolute must-do activity on any Finnish Lapland holiday—it feels like your snowshoeing through a winter wonderland!

Sunset Snowmobiling Safari

Ride snowmobiles across frozen landscapes at golden hour, when pastel skies and untouched wilderness create a truly breathtaking experience.

Winter Walk to a Cozy Kota

Enjoy a slow winter stroll through the snow, ending at a cozy kota where you can warm up by a fire with hot drinks or grilled snacks.

Downhill or Cross-Country Skiing

Hit the slopes or glide along groomed cross-country trails that wind through forests and frozen lakes, offering scenic skiing for all experience levels.

Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake

Drill a hole in a frozen lake, drop a line, and embrace the stillness of Lapland’s winter for a uniquely peaceful Arctic experience.

Snowy landscapes are actually quieter! The fresh, fluffy snow acts as a natural sound-absorbing, porous blanket. How cool is that?

What to Wear on a Winter Holiday to Finnish Lapland

Packing right is crucial for a winter trip to Lapland, Finland. With temperatures dropping to -35°C (-31°F) and below, the weather here is no joke.

As someone who grew up in one of the coldest places in the continental U.S., I was well-prepared for the cold. But I understand that most people have no idea what to wear or what to pack for a winter trip to Lapland.

So here are my top tips on what to pack for Lapland, Finland during winter!

Base Layers are Key

Base layers—preferably those that wick away moisture—are the ideal clothing items to wear under your thicker sweaters and pants and bulky winter jackets.

The best part about base layers, which are also referred to as thermals, is that they pack away tightly, so you can pack quite a lot even in a small suitcase.

Honestly, out of all my Lapland packing tips, this one is the most important. Base layers are so incredibly useful in keeping your body warm and wicking away sweat (which makes you even colder when it dries!).

So, pack more base layers than thin and thicker layers!

A lot of people really love wool base layers but as I avoid buying animal-based products, like Merino wool, I go for natural fibers like bamboo, Tencel/Lyocell, and synthetic alternatives such as polyester fleece.

Thin, Buildable Layers are Next

For tops, think thin sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, a light jacket, and maybe even a thermal vest that keeps your core warm and cozy. For bottoms, I like fleece-lined leggings or jeans (depending on what I’m doing in the daytime).

Thick Layers for Maximum Warmth

And finally, top your Lapland winter outfit with one thicker layer, such as a sweater or hefty winter coat. Typically, on the top half, my winter layering includes 1-2 thin long sleeves as a base layer depending on how cold it is, a thicker sweater, and then my winter jacket over the top of everything.

On the bottom half, I’m often wearing moisture-wicking thermal leggings and fleece-lined leggings over those, followed by my waterproof and windproof snow pants.

Warm Accessories

Keeping your extremities warm is a key part to staying safe and comfortable in Lapland’s brutal winter. Good quality accessories make that happen.

• Hat – a wool or synthetic beanie works well, followed by a winter jacket with a hood for extra protection
• Mittens – not gloves; mittens allow your fingers to share warmth, so they’ll always be a warmer choice
• Winter boots – I love my Sorel waterproof winter boots and wore them exclusively while in Lapland, Finland
• Thick, fleece-lined socks (like these—I like to wear two pairs)
• Hand and foot warmers – these can be a lifesaver when doing more sedentary activities like dog sledding or snowmobiling, where you’re sitting for extended periods of time

My Lapland Winter Packing List

Let’s get to the good part shall we… what did I actually pack for my 7-day Lapland holiday? Well, I’ll tell ya!

Here’s what I packed in my carry-on suitcase. (And yes, I only took a carry-on. Even more shocking, I genuinely could have fit more in my bag than what’s below…)

Psst, you’ll notice I link to Boody a lot in my packing list above! That’s because I truly do love and support this sustainable company. They create really fantastic products made from eco-friendly bamboo-based materials.

How to Book an Unforgettable Lapland Holiday

Now obviously, you could plan a winter trip to Finnish Lapland yourself… but why not hand the task over to the professionals?

I visited Lapland for 7 days with Lapland Travel, a unique travel concept created by Travelbase. Founded in 2011, Travelbase is an experienced tour provider that tailors trips based on where you’re flying from, what you want to do, and where you want to stay.

Typically, I plan my travels myself, but I’m not going to lie… it was fantastic just showing up to Rovaniemi Airport and having everything already organized for me, including transportation to and from the airport and all my daily activities.

Even better, Lapland Travel’s 7-day winter trips start at under £1,200 per person, including:

• Roundtrip flights from a handful of UK airports
• Four activities (husky safari, snowmobile tour, Northern Lights expedition, and snowshoe hike)
• An experienced English-speaking guide (our guide, Florian, was fantastic!)

It really doesn’t get any better than that.

Click here to view Travelbase’s 7-day winter Lapland trip.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Winter Holiday to Lapland

Is Lapland expensive?

The Travelbase’s Lapland trip mentioned above is pretty affordable in my opinion. However, as a whole, I’d say the Finnish Lapland region sits upper middle to high on the price range. It varies significantly though, depending on where you stay and what time of year you visit.

For instance, expect far higher prices leading up to Christmas, as everyone is heading to Europe’s premier winter wonderland destination with their families and kids. On that same topic, anything related to Santa—like Santa Claus Village—will be far more expensive than a simple hotel or small chalet.

With regard to food, Lapland is pretty comparable to other pricier destinations around Europe, such as London or Paris.

I don’t eat meat so my meals were slightly cheaper than those with ingredients like reindeer, beef, and chicken. That said, I still found them to be around €18-25 per dish, not including drinks or starters.

Drinks like local Finnish beer tend to hover around €9-12 per pint in restaurants and bars. I’d say this is on par with other northern Europe destinations like Norway, where alcohol is notoriously expensive.

If you want to visit somewhere in Europe where food and drink is cheap, definitely head to Poland or Albania instead. (Though you won’t get the same winter wonderland vibes, that’s for sure!)

What currency is used in Lapland, Finland?

Finland uses the euro. Here is the current exchange rate between the euro and British pound, and the euro and U.S. dollar.

When is the best time to visit Lapland?

Regarding the higher costs around the holidays, this is why I visited Lapland in January. Prices are better this time of year, yet you still get the same winter-wonderland vibes with very snowy trees, chilly temperatures, and ideal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights.

That said, I honestly think I’d prefer visiting in January anyways (specifically at the end), as we had a good amount of daylight and the locals said that when I visited, it was the first time they’d seen the sun in weeks.

Aside from January, February would also be a great month to visit Lapland, Finland. You’ll get even more daylight and there should still be a hefty amount of snow on the ground and the trees.

Are there other places to stay in Lapland, Finland?

Again, I recommend staying in a chalet tucked away in the forest around Luosto. Not only is it far more relaxed staying in your own chalet, you also have access to a full kitchen and perhaps even a sauna. (Most houses in Finland have a sauna!)

I really enjoyed having the ability to go out and buy groceries and cook my own food. This not only saved me money since I wasn’t going to a cafe or restaurant for every meal, but it was also far more convenient, as I was way too tired to leave the chalet after exhausting winter activities like fat tire biking and snowshoeing!

If you want to experience the best of the best in Lapland, there are also spectacular glass igloos in Luosto. Depending on what time you visit, you can snag a few nights in the premium glass igloos at Santa’s Hotel Aurora for around £700/night.

Is it pricey? Yes. But is it unforgettable? Undeniably so.

Aside from Luosto and Rovaniemi, other popular places to stay in Lapland include Levi, Saariselkä, Inari, and Kemi.

• Levi is great for those interested in skiing and snowboarding in perfectly snowy conditions
• Saariselkä and Inari offer more remote Arctic experiences with ideal Northern Lights viewing
• Kemi is on the coast and offers saunas with icy swims and the world’s largest snow castle

Is thick winter clothing really necessary for Lapland?

Yes, absolutely. This is a non-negotiable. Temperatures in Lapland can drop to below -35°C (-31°F) with strong winds that make it even colder. In these types of weather conditions, frostbite can occur within as little as 30 minutes.

However, depending on who you book your Lapland trip with, you may have the option to rent thermal clothing and boots. This is what a few of my travel buddies did and it was very convenient.

Instead of over-packing their suitcase with bulky winter items like thick coats, snow pants, and heavy boots, they simply brought necessities like base layers and then rented cold-rated thermal clothing from Luosto Safaris.

This is a fantastic option if you’re traveling to Lapland from a warmer country where winter clothing isn’t necessary and you don’t already have any on hand. (And you don’t want to buy any for a one-off trip because that’s silly.)

Is Visiting Finnish Lapland Worth It?

YES. 100% yes. If I could, I would scream from all of the world’s highest mountaintops about the amazingness of Lapland. Finland was my 38th country and I can confidently say that this was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on.

Spending a week in the Arctic Circle; watching the breathtaking Northern Lights flit across the sky not once, not twice, but thrice; experiencing the indigenous (Sámi) culture; and staying in a cozy chalet located in a literal winter wonderland was unforgettable.

There’s nowhere else that comes close to Lapland, Finland, and if you have the chance to visit, don’t pass it up. You will not regret it.

I hope this guide helps you plan the ultimate Lapland trip! I can wholeheartedly say that if you visit Finnish Lapland in the winter, you will have one of the most magical experiences of your life. (I sure did!)

Have questions about visiting Lapland or need some advice on where to stay, who to book your trip with, the best Lapland attractions, or something else? Put ’em in the comment section below!

Sophie xx

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As mentioned above, this post contains affiliate links. Which means if you make a purchase through the links, this site receives a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure here.

Many thanks to Lapland Travel for hosting me on their 7-day Finnish Lapland trip. Though I visited Lapland on a gifted trip, with accommodation, flights, and activities paid for, all thoughts and opinions are my own. This trip really is unforgettable and like nothing I’ve ever experienced before!