Lapland, a winter wonderland nestled in the northernmost reaches of Scandinavia, offers an enchanting escape from the ordinary. This pristine Arctic landscape, with its snow-draped forests and shimmering aurora-lit skies, beckons travellers seeking a truly magical winter experience. From witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights to immersing yourself in ancient Sámi culture, Lapland promises a journey that transcends the typical holiday getaway. Let’s explore the myriad wonders that make winter holidays in Lapland an unforgettable adventure.
Experiencing aurora borealis in lapland’s dark sky reserves
The celestial dance of the Northern Lights is perhaps Lapland’s most mesmerizing attraction. This natural phenomenon, also known as Aurora Borealis, paints the night sky with vibrant hues of green, purple, and pink. Lapland’s location within the aurora zone makes it one of the best places on Earth to witness this spectacle.
Abisko national park: prime northern lights viewing spot
Situated in Swedish Lapland, Abisko National Park is renowned for its exceptional aurora viewing conditions. The park’s unique microclimate often results in clear skies, even when surrounding areas are cloudy. The Aurora Sky Station, perched atop Mount Nuolja, offers an unparalleled vantage point for Northern Lights enthusiasts.
The chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Abisko is so high that some tour operators offer a ‘Northern Lights guarantee’ during peak viewing seasons.
Photographing aurora with Long-Exposure techniques
Capturing the elusive Aurora Borealis requires specific photographic techniques. Long-exposure photography is essential to reveal the full spectrum of colours and patterns in the night sky. To achieve stunning results:
- Use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera stable
- Set your camera to manual mode with a high ISO (1600-3200)
- Choose a wide aperture (f/2.8-f/4) and a slow shutter speed (15-30 seconds)
- Focus manually on a distant object or the horizon
Aurora forecasting apps and services for optimal sightings
Technology has made aurora hunting more accessible than ever. Several apps and online services provide real-time aurora forecasts based on solar activity and local weather conditions. Popular options include Aurora Alert , My Aurora Forecast , and Aurora Pro . These tools can significantly increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights during your Lapland adventure.
Traditional sámi culture and reindeer sledding adventures
The Sámi people, indigenous to Lapland, have inhabited the Arctic regions for thousands of years. Their rich culture, deeply intertwined with the land and its reindeer, offers visitors a unique glimpse into traditional Arctic life.
Visiting authentic sámi villages: inari and jokkmokk
Inari, located in Finnish Lapland, and Jokkmokk, in Swedish Lapland, are two of the most significant Sámi cultural centres. These villages provide immersive experiences where you can learn about Sámi history, crafts, and customs. The Siida Museum in Inari offers comprehensive exhibits on Sámi culture, while Jokkmokk hosts the annual Jokkmokk Winter Market, a centuries-old gathering of Sámi people.
Reindeer herding experience at nutti sámi siida
At Nutti Sámi Siida in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, visitors can participate in authentic reindeer herding activities. You’ll learn about the crucial role reindeer play in Sámi culture and even try your hand at lassoing. The highlight for many is a serene reindeer sledding journey through the snow-covered landscape, offering a true taste of traditional Sámi transportation.
Learning joik: ancient sámi singing tradition
Joik, the traditional form of Sámi singing, is an integral part of their cultural expression. This unique vocal art form is used to evoke people, animals, or landscapes rather than to describe them. Many Sámi cultural centres offer workshops where you can learn about the history and significance of joik, and even try your hand at this ancient vocal technique.
Arctic wildlife safaris and Snow-Covered landscapes
Lapland’s pristine wilderness is home to a diverse array of Arctic wildlife, offering nature enthusiasts and photographers unparalleled opportunities for observation and capture.
Tracking arctic foxes in varangerhalvøya national park
Varangerhalvøya National Park in Norway’s northernmost region is one of the best places to spot the elusive Arctic fox. These resilient creatures, with their thick white winter coats, are perfectly adapted to the harsh Arctic environment. Guided tracking expeditions allow you to observe these beautiful animals in their natural habitat while learning about conservation efforts to protect this vulnerable species.
Photographing snowy owls in utsjoki region
The Utsjoki region in Finnish Lapland is a prime location for spotting and photographing snowy owls. These majestic birds, with their distinctive white plumage and piercing yellow eyes, are a favourite subject for wildlife photographers. Winter is the best time to spot these Arctic residents as they hunt across the open tundra.
Patience and silence are key when photographing Arctic wildlife. The pristine white landscape offers a stunning natural backdrop for capturing these remarkable creatures.
Polar bear watching from svalbard’s ice floes
While not technically part of Lapland, the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard is often included in Arctic adventures due to its proximity and unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Svalbard is one of the few places in the world where you can observe polar bears in their natural habitat. Guided expeditions by boat or snowmobile take you to the edge of the pack ice, where these magnificent predators roam.
Ice hotels and unique arctic accommodations
Lapland’s accommodation options go beyond traditional hotels, offering guests the chance to sleep in truly extraordinary surroundings that complement the magical Arctic environment.
ICEHOTEL jukkasjärvi: sculpted ice suites and ice bar
The world-famous ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, is rebuilt each year using ice harvested from the nearby Torne River. This architectural marvel features intricately sculpted ice suites, an ice bar, and even an ice chapel. Spending a night in a room made entirely of ice and snow is a surreal experience that epitomizes the essence of an Arctic adventure.
Glass igloos at kakslauttanen arctic resort
The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finnish Lapland offers a unique lodging experience with its glass igloos. These heated, glass-domed structures provide an unobstructed view of the night sky, allowing you to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. The resort also features traditional snow igloos for those seeking an authentic Arctic sleeping experience.
Treehotel’s mirrorcube: camouflaged forest retreat
For a truly unique stay, the Treehotel in Swedish Lapland offers a variety of treehouse accommodations, including the striking Mirrorcube. This reflective cube, suspended among the pine trees, creates an illusion of invisibility as it mirrors the surrounding forest. It’s an architectural marvel that provides both luxury and a deep connection with nature.
Winter sports and activities in lapland’s resorts
Lapland’s snowy landscapes provide the perfect playground for winter sports enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities suitable for all skill levels.
Cross-country skiing in Ylläs-Pallas national park
Ylläs-Pallas National Park in Finnish Lapland boasts an extensive network of cross-country skiing trails, totalling over 300 kilometers. These well-maintained tracks wind through pristine forests and across frozen lakes, offering skiers breathtaking views of the Arctic wilderness. Both beginners and experienced skiers can find suitable trails, with options ranging from gentle slopes to challenging backcountry routes.
Ice fishing on lake inari’s frozen surface
Lake Inari, Finland’s third-largest lake, transforms into a vast ice fishing ground during winter. Local guides can introduce you to this traditional Arctic pastime, teaching you how to drill through the thick ice and set up your fishing spot. Patience is key as you wait for Arctic char, trout, or pike to bite. Many tours include the opportunity to cook your fresh catch over an open fire, completing the authentic ice fishing experience.
Snowmobiling through saariselkä’s wilderness trails
Saariselkä, a resort town in Finnish Lapland, is a popular base for snowmobile adventures. Guided tours take you deep into the Arctic wilderness, across frozen lakes and through snow-laden forests. These exhilarating rides offer a unique perspective on Lapland’s vast, untouched landscapes and the chance to cover significant distances in a short time.
Husky sledding expeditions in rovaniemi
Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus, is renowned for its husky sledding experiences. Driving a team of eager Siberian huskies through the snow-covered wilderness is an unforgettable adventure. Many tours offer the chance to learn about the care and training of these incredible working dogs, as well as the opportunity to experience the thrill of mushing your own sled.
Culinary delights of lapland: from cloudberries to reindeer
Lapland’s cuisine reflects its unique Arctic environment, offering a blend of traditional Sámi dishes and modern Nordic gastronomy. The region’s short growing season and long winters have resulted in a culinary tradition that makes ingenious use of local ingredients.
Foraging for arctic ingredients with local chefs
Many Lappish restaurants now offer foraging experiences, where guests can join chefs in gathering wild ingredients. During the brief summer months, the Arctic landscape bursts with edible treasures such as cloudberries, lingonberries, and wild herbs. In autumn, the forests yield an abundance of mushrooms. These foraging trips not only provide insight into Lapland’s culinary traditions but also offer a deeper connection to the land and its seasonal rhythms.
Traditional sámi dishes at restaurant aanaar in inari
Restaurant Aanaar, located in the Sámi cultural centre Sajos in Inari, offers an authentic taste of traditional Sámi cuisine with a modern twist. Here, you can sample dishes such as suovas (smoked reindeer meat), lohikeitto (creamy salmon soup), and kampanisut (Sámi bread) prepared using time-honored techniques. The restaurant’s commitment to using local, sustainable ingredients ensures a true taste of Lapland on every plate.
Lappish whiskey tasting at kyrö distillery company
While not traditionally associated with whiskey production, Lapland is home to some innovative distilleries. The Kyrö Distillery Company, located in Isokyrö, Finnish Lapland, produces award-winning rye whiskey using local ingredients and pure Arctic water. Visitors can tour the distillery, learn about the whiskey-making process, and enjoy a tasting session featuring their unique Lappish spirits.
From witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights to immersing yourself in Sámi culture, from exhilarating winter sports to unique Arctic accommodations, Lapland offers a winter holiday experience like no other. Its pristine landscapes, rich traditions, and warm hospitality create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural insights, or simply a magical escape from the everyday, Lapland’s winter wonderland awaits, ready to enchant and inspire.
