10 Magical Things to Do in Lapland, Finland in Winter (2026)
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Planning a winter trip to Finnish Lapland? Experience the best of this unforgettable winter wonderland by adding these ten must-do activities to your Lapland itinerary! From husky safaris and feeding reindeer to snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and fat tire biking through magical snow-covered forests and so much more, these are the 10 best things to do in Lapland, Finland.
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I don’t say this lightly…
Finnish Lapland—located above the Arctic Circle—is the most magical winter destination I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting! It’s a a literal winter wonderland in every sense of the word.
Visiting Lapland, Finland legit feels like stepping into a real-life snow globe or a storybook fairytale, where flurries fall gently from the sky, the days are slow and peaceful, the nights glow with the Northern Lights, and exhilarating adventures are always just outside your chalet door.
If you’re wondering what you should do on your Finnish Lapland trip, here are 10 unforgettable things to do in Lapland in winter—and why every single one deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Psst, need some tips on how to plan the ultimate winter trip to Finnish Lapland? Read my in-depth guide here!
10 UNFORGETTABLE THINGS TO DO IN FINNISH LAPLAND
Reindeer Feeding & Sleigh Ride
No Lapland winter trip is complete without meeting its most iconic residents: reindeer.
On my 7-day Lapland trip with Travelbase, I visited Jaakkola Reindeer Farm, a family-owned farm just outside of Luosto, Finland.
We had the chance to feed these gentle animals, learn about Sámi culture and reindeer herding traditions, bundle up for a classic reindeer-pulled sleigh ride through snow-covered forests, and even lasso some reindeer antlers! It was very chilly but so much fun.
This memorable experience was so wholesome and peaceful, as the reindeer are very chill. It also feels deeply connected to Lapland’s culture and history, making it one of the most meaningful things you can do in Finnish Lapland in the winter months.
Northern Lights Expedition
Seeing the Northern Lights dance across the Arctic sky is one of those bucket-list moments that I’ll never forget. Joining a guided Northern Lights tour gives you the best possible chance of seeing them, as expert guides track weather conditions and drive you away from light pollution.
Whether you see faint green ribbons or a full-blown light show, standing beneath the aurora in the peaceful silence of Finnish Lapland is an unforgettable experience!
(Seriously, I cried while watching them. The cinnamon roll-shaped aurora borealis pictured below truly looked like that in person, just a bit less green. It was insane and completely took away my breath!)
Pro tip: Even if you don’t see them on your first try, don’t give up!
Lapland has some of the best aurora-viewing conditions in the world. If you don’t see them on your Northern Lights tour, download the Aurora App (the purple one) and keep an eye on the forecast.
If it goes above a two and the sky is clear, head out to a nearby lake or clearing! This is what my small group did and we saw the most insane Northern Lights on our own—it was genuinely one of the most magical nights of my life.
Lapland Husky Safari (aka Dog Sledding!)
If there’s one thing to do in Lapland that instantly puts a smile on your face, it’s a husky safari! These dogs are pure joy—energetic, excited, and clearly born to run.
After meeting your team of huskies—who you can’t pet until after the run thanks to their frenetic energy that sometimes results in little unwanted nips (according to the guides)—you’ll glide across snow-covered trails by sled, surrounded by nothing but white landscapes and snow-covered pine trees.
Our dog sledding adventure was incredibly thrilling, unbelievably scenic, and so so magical. I genuinely had one of those “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this” moments during this experience. It was easily a highlight of my Lapland trip!
Quick note: This is one of the most exhausting things to do in Lapland in the winter! It may sound relaxing but it’s very much not so for the person on the back of the sled.
They not only have to brake when the guides say to slow down but also run behind the sled to help the dogs get up hills. It’s most definitely fun though!
(One of the funniest things you may experience on your husky safari when all of the dogs look back and judge you for being too heavy or not keeping up while helping them run up a hill… it was hilarious! I wish I got a good picture of it.)
Traditional Finnish Dinner in a Kota
Lapland isn’t just about getting outdoors and doing adrenaline-boosting activities—it’s also about slowing down and soaking up all the region’s unique culture. A wilderness dinner at a local kota is one of the best ways to do just that!
Taking place in a cozy wooden cabin or kota (aka a traditional Finnish hut), you’ll warm up by a crackling fire while enjoying traditional Lappish dishes made with local ingredients.
Organized by Travelbase and their local tour group, Lapland Travel, I attended a wilderness dinner at Aarnikota near the Finnish Village of Luosto and it was unforgettable.
Those in my travel group had a three-course dinner featuring Lappish fingerling potatoes, carrots, smoked reindeer and salmon, Lappish cheese, pickled onions, cloudberry jam, and flambéed apples with homemade ice cream.
I was the only vegan in the group, which you would think wouldn’t be ideal in a pretty remote place like Finnish Lapland… but the chef really took care of me! I was truly fed like a vegan queen.
My three-course vegan meal also featured Lappish potatoes, onions, and carrots, but for my main, I was served up a unique dish of home-smoked tofu and vegan mushroom cream sauce.
Dessert was flambéed apples but with a delightful mango sorbet with cloudberry jam. It was spectacular!
The combination of incredible food, a cozy fire, and hot mulled wine makes this experience feel intimate and unforgettable. I think it’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Lapland, Finland!
Sunset Snowmobiling Safari
This is one of my favorite things to do in Lapland in winter! I’m a BIG lover of snowmobiling, as I did it growing up in Minnesota, so snowmobiling through Finnish Lapland’s vast wilderness was exhilarating…
Doing it at sunset took the experience to another level!!!
Racing across frozen landscapes that through snow-covered pine forests while the sky shifts to cotton candy colors with soft pastels and baby blues was mesmerizing, and offers a totally different perspective of Lapland’s winter beauty.
This is a must-do for adventure lovers and anyone who wants to cover more ground while still feeling immersed in nature.
Winter Fat Tire Biking
This was shockingly my favorite activity I did in Lapland! I was incredibly nervous for it, as I’m not a super strong biker, but it was SO. MUCH. FUN.
Fat tire bikes are designed with oversized tires that grip packed snow trails, allowing you to cycle through snowy forests and along frozen paths with ease. Plus, we had electric fat tire bikes, which made navigating the steep hills much easier.
Though I did feel like I was holding the 12-person group up, the guides—Kevin and Lidia—reassured me that I could bike at my own pace! Safe to say that zipping and zooming through the snow-packed trees and quiet forest was one of the most unique things to do in Finnish Lapland.
If you’re looking to try something a little different on your winter Lapland trip, this is a fantastic option. And one you surely won’t forget!
Snowshoe Hike Through Snow-Covered Forests
Snowshoeing is a classic thing to do in Lapland in winter, and a great way to traverse the region’s untouched wilderness. With each step, you’ll crunch through fresh snow as towering trees surround you, heavy with frost.
Guided hikes often include stops to learn about local wildlife (like mountain hares!), the Arctic environment, and maybe even a cheeky break with hot juice (a traditional Finnish drink!).
My Lapland Travel group’s snowshoe hike took us up to Luosto Fell, a prominent 510-meter (1,650 ft) high fell located in Pyhä-Luosto National Park.
We snowshoed through old-growth pine forests, coming to the top of Luosto Fell where we were rewarded with expansive views overlooking surrounding fells, weaving rivers, and frozen lakes.
Though the views up top were very cool, the best part about our snowshoe hike was definitely going down the mountain through the ultimate winter wonderland… rather than trying to describe it, just take a look at the photos below! (Prepare to be awed.)
The snowshoe hike was slow, grounding, and incredibly beautiful. It’s the perfect thing to do in Lapland in winter if you’re looking for something beyond the thrill-based activities.
Winter Walk to a Cozy Kota
I would argue that some of the most magical moments in Finnish Lapland are the quiet ones. On one of your free days or during a quiet morning or afternoon, I recommend going on a relaxing winter walk to a cozy kota.
Gently stroll through the snow, making your way to a traditional hut where a fire is already waiting.
Depending on the type of kota you visit—either a privately-owned kota or community-based one located in a park (like this)—you can warm up by a roaring fire or with some hot drinks, snacks, and grilled treats.
This experience perfectly captures Finnish Lapland’s slower pace of life and deep connection to nature!
Downhill or Cross-Country Skiing
The region of Finnish Lapland offers excellent opportunities for both downhill and cross-country skiing, whether you’re a beginner or more experienced.
Cross-country skiing is especially popular here, with well-maintained trails winding through forests and across frozen lakes. Downhill skiing is smaller-scale than in the Alps but still incredibly scenic—and far less crowded! (And honestly, far more affordable, too.)
Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake
If you’ve never fished on a frozen lake, this will definitely be the most extraordinary thing you do in Lapland in winter!
This may sound a bit scary depending on what you’re comfortable with, but you’ll drill a hole into a thick frozen lake, drop your line, and wait patiently for a bite while surrounded by total silence.
As someone who grew up ice fishing in Minnesota (it’s very popular there), this experience is incredibly peaceful and a surprisingly relaxing way to spend a winter day—whether you catch anything or not!
Just focus on slowing down, disconnecting, and appreciating how special the Lapland environment truly is.
Plan an Unforgettable 7-Day Lapland Trip
If you’re interested in experiencing all of these incredible Lapland winter activities, definitely plan your trip with Lapland Travel, a local tour company created by Travelbase!
Their packages start at under £1,200, including:
- Roundtrip flights from the UK
- Four winter activities (husky safari, snowmobile tour, aurora expedition, snowshoe hike)
When building out your tailored Lapland tour, you can choose to add on other activities, such as fat tire biking, ice fishing, or the reindeer farm visit.
You can also choose to stay in a far quieter village—Luosto—where there’s no touristy hotels, massive crowds, or disruptive light pollution. (The Northern Lights in Luosto are breathtaking! We saw them four out of the seven nights we were there!)
However, Travelbase also offers the option of staying in Rovaniemi, where you can meet Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village! This is perfect for families with small kids who want a more joyful, Christmas-themed Lapland trip.
Click here to check out Travelbase’s 7-day winter Lapland trip.
As you can see, there are some pretty spectacular things to do in Finnish Lapland in winter! Whether you do one or two of the activities mentioned here, or all of them, you’ll no doubt have an unforgettable trip to this magical region.
Have questions about visiting Lapland, Finland or need help planning a trip here? Head to the comment section below and ask away!
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 Travelbase for hosting me on their 7-day 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!
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