What to Do in Lapland: 11 Must-Dos

You’ve probably dreamed of visiting Lapland but wondered if it’s worth the expense and effort. Here’s the truth: this Arctic wonderland offers experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else, and many don’t require breaking the bank. From chasing aurora borealis to meeting actual reindeer herders, Lapland delivers authentic adventures that justify every penny spent. The key lies in knowing which activities offer the most bang for your buck and when to visit for maximum impact.

Chase the Northern Lights From Abisko’s Aurora Sky Station

If you’re serious about seeing the Northern Lights, Abisko’s Aurora Sky Station should top your list. Located 900 meters above sea level on Mount Nuolja, this spot offers some of the world’s clearest skies with minimal light pollution.

You’ll reach the station via a 20-30 minute chairlift ride from STF Abisko Tourist Station—the journey itself becomes part of the aurora experience.

The prime viewing season runs September through March, and while aurora sightings aren’t guaranteed, Abisko’s position under the Aurora Oval maximizes your chances.

The station provides thermal suits and warm footwear to combat the extreme cold. Expert guides are available to answer questions about the Aurora and provide educational insights during your visit.

You can grab refreshments at the café, join guided tours, or splurge on Northern Light Dinner packages for an unforgettable experience. Prices start from SEK 2270 for the Aurora Sky Station Northern Light Dinner option.

Experience Authentic Husky Sledding Through Snow-Covered Forests

While the Northern Lights captivate from above, husky sledding connects you to Lapland’s snowy wilderness at ground level. You’ll grip narrow rails on sleds unchanged for over a century, learning to brake with metal teeth and lean into curves for balance.

The enthusiastic dogs need minimal instruction—they’re born to pull.

Budget-friendly options include short 800-meter introductory rides, perfect for testing the waters. Longer 5-10km safaris offer deeper forest exploration, with participants alternating between driving and riding. The dogs maintain impressive speeds of 15-20 km/h as they surge through narrow forest trails.

Most tours provide thermal suits and hot drinks, plus transport from Rovaniemi.

This isn’t just adventure—it’s experiencing indigenous Arctic transportation that connected remote villages for generations. You’ll discover why husky sledding remains Lapland’s most authentic winter activity.

Meet Santa Claus Year-Round in Rovaniemi’s Official Village

Just eight kilometers from Rovaniemi city center, Santa Claus Village brings Christmas magic to life 365 days a year on the official Arctic Circle line. You’ll meet the real Santa Claus daily, plus Mrs. Claus, creating unforgettable memories regardless of when you visit.

Cross the famous Arctic Circle line for that perfect photo, or explore SantaPark’s underground caverns 50 meters below ground. The Main Post Office receives 500,000 letters annually – you can send your own Christmas wishes via elf mail. As a UNICEF partner since 2010, the village also contributes to charitable causes through annual donations.

With over 700,000 annual visitors, this isn’t just a tourist trap. The village sits conveniently 2km from Rovaniemi Airport, making it easily accessible. During December’s peak season, expect crowds of up to 6,000 daily visitors, but the year-round operation means you’ll find quieter, budget-friendly times too.

Sleep Under the Stars in a Glass Igloo

Where else can you sleep surrounded by Arctic wilderness while staying warm at 21°C and watching the Northern Lights dance overhead? Glass igloos in Lapland offer this magical experience through thermal glass that prevents frost while providing unobstructed aurora views.

You’ll find most glass igloo hotels above the Arctic Circle, including Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi. These 15-20 m² accommodations sleep 2-4 people and feature heated interiors, minimalist Scandinavian décor, and essential amenities like coffee makers. The resort sits in pristine wilderness on the edge of a large national park, surrounded by untouched forests and lakes.

Book well in advance, especially for Northern Lights season from late August to April. While you’ll pay premium prices, the experience eliminates hours of standing outside in brutal cold.

Some igloos include bathrooms and kitchenettes, though many offer single-room layouts that work best for shorter stays.

Explore Sami Culture and Reindeer Herding in Inari

How do you connect with one of Europe’s oldest surviving indigenous cultures while experiencing Arctic traditions unchanged for millennia? Head to Inari, the cultural heart of Finland’s Sami people, where you’ll discover authentic reindeer herding practices dating back thousands of years.

Visit local reindeer farms where Sami herders share their traditional knowledge and offer sleigh rides through snowy landscapes. You’ll learn how reindeer provide everything from food to clothing materials.

Explore the Siida Sami Museum to understand duodji handicrafts made from birch, antlers, and wool. You can also admire traditional gákti clothing that represents vital cultural expressions of Sami identity.

Don’t miss hearing joik songs that preserve ancient oral traditions. Many experiences are budget-friendly, especially visiting cultural centers and attending language preservation programs.

The Sami Educational Institute offers affordable workshops where you’ll gain authentic insights into this resilient Arctic culture.

Hike Korouoma Canyon’s Frozen Waterfalls

After enjoying Sami traditions, shift your focus to one of Lapland’s most spectacular winter wonders at Korouoma Canyon. You’ll discover towering frozen waterfalls reaching 60 meters high, transformed into glittering blue ice sculptures during December through March.

The 4-6 km loop trail takes 2-3 hours and offers moderate difficulty with steep, icy sections. You’ll need microspikes or ice grips for safe footing—rentals are available nearby. Wooden ropes help navigate tricky descents; walk sideways facing the ropes for stability.

Consider joining a guided tour for safety and expertise. Small groups include thermal clothing, hot drinks, and wilderness barbecue, plus round-trip transport from Rovaniemi. For thrill-seekers, ice climbing tours provide an adrenaline-pumping way to scale the frozen waterfalls with expert instruction.

Budget-conscious hikers can explore independently, but bring layered clothing and use the parking area toilets beforehand.

Snowmobile Through Oulanka National Park’s Wilderness

While you can’t actually snowmobile inside Oulanka National Park due to strict environmental protections, you’ll find incredible snowmobiling adventures just outside the park boundaries.

Head to nearby Ruka, about 100 km away, where you’ll access 600 km of diverse snowmobile trails through forests and open landscapes.

You can book guided tours or rentals in the Kuusamo and Ruka area, often combining rides with visits to frozen lakes or wilderness cabins.

These experiences let you explore Lapland’s wider wilderness under permitted conditions without breaking park regulations. For those who prefer to stay within the park, the Pieni Karhunkierros offers a 10 km circular route perfect for snowshoeing adventures.

Inside Oulanka, snowmobiles are only used weekly for trail maintenance on routes like the 26 km Oulanka Wilderness Trail.

You’ll need to stick with skiing, snowshoeing, or fat biking within park boundaries.

Try Ice Fishing on Frozen Lakes

When Lapland’s lakes freeze solid from December through March, you’ll discover one of the region’s most peaceful winter activities. Ice fishing requires minimal gear—rent an ice auger, short rod, and basic tackle locally rather than buying expensive equipment.

You’ll need warm layers, waterproof boots, and gloves since temperatures drop well below freezing.

Start by drilling holes through 6-inch thick ice, then try jigging for abundant perch using small lures. Test multiple spots until you find active fish. Morning and afternoon provide optimal fishing times, while noon tends to be less productive.

Safety’s vital—fish with others, check ice thickness with a spud bar, and carry rope for emergencies.

Most lakes offer perch, pike, and whitefish. Local guides provide gear and expertise if you’re inexperienced.

Clear morning skies and late winter provide the best conditions for this quintessentially Nordic experience.

Marvel at Äkäslompolo’s Otherworldly “Whoville Trees”

The ice-covered trees near Äkäslompolo look like they’ve stepped straight out of Dr. Seuss’s imagination. These “Whoville trees” form when freezing fog coats branches at higher altitudes around Ylläs fell, creating surreal, frost-covered sculptures.

You’ll find the most dramatic examples near the ski resort’s tree line at 400 meters elevation. Head to the northern and western slopes for the best views. Winter months from December through March offer ideal conditions when deep snow and sub-freezing temperatures preserve the delicate ice formations.

Access them via hiking trails or ski slopes above Äkäslompolo. Some trees are illuminated at night for magical viewing. The pristine landscape offers a sense of untouched nature that makes for perfect photography opportunities. Pack full winter gear and check weather conditions before heading out. You can combine tree-spotting with skiing or join guided tours that include photography stops at prime viewpoints.

Warm Up in Traditional Finnish Saunas

How can you truly experience Lapland without stepping into one of Finland’s sacred saunas? These “churches of nature” offer the perfect refuge from Lapland’s frigid temperatures, warming your body and soul simultaneously.

You’ll find wood-heated saunas at most accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. The traditional experience involves heating to around 80°C, then creating löyly by throwing water on hot stones for that essential steam.

Many places offer complimentary sauna access, making this an affordable culture.

Don’t miss trying a smoke sauna if available – these chimney-less structures represent the oldest Finnish tradition. These traditional saunas were originally simple dugouts heated with fire-warmed stones, serving both practical and spiritual purposes in Finnish culture. Whether you’re staying at a summer cottage or hotel, saunas provide essential relaxation after long winter days exploring Lapland’s wilderness, connecting you to over 2,000 years of Finnish heritage.

Dig for Amethysts in Pyhä-Luosto’s Working Mines

Deep beneath Lapland’s ancient fells lies one of Europe’s most accessible treasure hunts – the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine in Pyhä-Luosto National Park. You’ll dig for 2,000-million-year-old amethyst crystals using traditional hand tools during hour-long guided tours that run year-round except May and November.

The experience costs around €20-30, and you’ll keep one palm-sized amethyst free. Reach the mine via a scenic 2.5-3km hike from Luosto parking area, or catch winter’s special snow train from Rovaniemi.

No mining experience needed – just grab a pickaxe and start digging in the heated winter shelter or open-air summer site. The mine tour includes fascinating gemstone stories that reveal the geological history and formation of these precious crystals.

Clean your stones onsite to spot genuine purple crystals among ordinary rocks. It’s perfect for families seeking an authentic, hands-on adventure.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Lapland offers incredible value when you plan smart. Book glass igloos and husky rides in advance for better rates, and consider visiting during shoulder seasons for fewer crowds. Pack warm layers to avoid expensive gear rentals, and don’t miss free activities like Northern Lights viewing and exploring frost-covered forests. Whether you’re chasing aurora or meeting reindeer, Lapland’s magic doesn’t require breaking the bank—just proper planning and realistic expectations.