LAPLAND: THE MOST AMAZING WINTER WONDERLAND

Lapland stands out as one of the most incredible winter trips I’ve ever experienced, and I’m delighted that you enjoyed it too! I’ve received numerous questions, prompting me to write this article to offer assistance, share tips, and address some of your inquiries <3

To start, Finland, located in Northern Europe, has Helsinki as its capital. Lapland, depicted in the map below from Wikipedia, constitutes one of its regions, covering 30% of the country. Renowned for its Arctic landscapes and as the residence of the indigenous Sami people, Lapland’s most well-known city and capital is Rovaniemi.

Did I go alone or by group?

I started this journey with a group from Athens just before Christmas, and after their departure, I extended my stay for a bit. The travel agency, NORDIX, based in the center of Athens, efficiently organized all aspects of the trip—activities, transportation, flights, food, and accommodation. We spent a fulfilling 6 days in Levi and Rovaniemi, and I must say their expertise and meticulous planning were evident. Having traveled with other agencies before, the difference in quality was striking, and I wholeheartedly recommend NORDIX.

Angel’s tip : Lapland is not one of the easiest trips, requiring significant arrangements in advance, especially during the high season. You don’t want to arrive there and not be able to do husky safari because everything is fully booked! However, armed with time, enthusiasm, and the information I provide in this article, it’s entirely possible to plan such a trip independently. As for the cost, Finland is known to be an expensive country, and this trip, with its  variety of activities, falls into the higher price range. Considering the complexity of the arrangements, I doubt that organizing everything independently would result in a significantly cheaper alternative.

Which option is cheaper?

The correct answer varies depending on factors such as the hotels chosen, transportation, the month of visit, preferred activities, and flight options. Speaking from my own experience during the peak season and with the specific hotels I selected, I found the group package to be more cost-effective. Angel’s tip: Although the total cost of 2700 € for a 6-day GROUP trip ALL INCLUDED may seem high to you, it’s essential to consider that Lapland is known for being an expensive destination with many activities.

The costs:

Before choosing the travel agency NORDIX with the package of 2700 € for a 6-day GROUP trip ALL INCLUDED during Christmas 2023, I conducted a personal investigation. Typically arranging my travels independently, this decision involved a careful assessment of costs, and I found that, in this case, the group package offered by NORDIX was more economical considering the high prices in Lapland and the high season I was visiting.

• Initially, there were no direct flights from Athens to Rovaniemi for individual travelers, as the travel agency had chartered a plane for our group. However, on my return journey, when I extended my stay, I had to take 2 planes, flying through Milan. It’s worth noting that the cost of flying alone would be at least 600-700€ per person.
• Second, each activity with the huskies, reindeers and the snowmobiles, for example, have a cost of 100-200€ per person each.
• In addition, the hotels they chose for 5 nights with breakfast had a cost 350-400€ per night (double room).
• The several costs for the whole transportation of the trip with private bus, our guide, the entrances in Arktikum museum, Levi Spa, the Ranua zoo, the Snowman World in Santa Claus village, the food all the days, were for sure around 500€ per person. You can see several small costs in all my article. Angel’s tip: Navigating the roads in the whole Lapland is stress-free, even for solo travelers renting a car. The well-maintained roads are snow-free, ensuring a smooth driving experience. For car rental pricing, you can check rates on this website to plan accordingly.

Ideal age for your kids?

Around the ages of 6-8, children are at an adorable stage with their cute childish enthusiasm, making it a perfect time for them to experience the excitement of meeting Santa Claus. The trip becomes a delightful and magical experience for your kids, with the enchanting landscape, charming animals, and the presence of Santa Claus himself.

However, it’s worth considering that if children are too young, the journey might be more tiring for them, especially given the low temperatures. Despite the enchantment of the surroundings, the cold weather can pose a challenge for younger ones. Therefore, it’s essential to gauge your child’s tolerance to cold weather and ensure they are adequately dressed to fully enjoy the magical adventure.

Airport to use:

Rovaniemi airport. From my hometown, Athens, there are no direct flights to Rovaniemi unless chartered. A chartered flight is essentially a flight not included in a regular airline’s scheduled service; instead, it’s arranged by a charter company or group. In the case of my trip, the travel company I chose rented the entire plane for the specific route Athens-Rovaniemi. After their departure, I returned via Milan in Italy. Angel’s tip: Ensure you arrive 2-3 hours in advance for your return flight from Rovaniemi. The airport is small and not well-organized, so allowing extra time will help streamline your departure process.

Ideal season:

Lapland offers enjoyment throughout the year, but unquestionably, the winter season from November to March stands out as the best time to visit. This period transforms Lapland into an enchanting winter wonderland with pristine snow, a plethora of activities involving huskies and reindeers, and mesmerizing displays of the Northern Lights at their peak. While Santa Claus welcomes visitors throughout the year, the Christmas period adds an extra touch of magic to the experience! 🙂 Angel’ s tip: Of course be prepared for very low temperatures.

Currency: Euro

Language: Finnish but they speak English fluently.

Plug: European type C and F

Accommodation:

I stayed in 3 different hotels and I recommend all of them!

• First one was in Levi(Sirkka village) in a great location in the center of the village and close to the Levi Ski resort called “Break Sokos Hotel Levi”. Convenient rooms with great breakfast.
• Second one was in the center of Rovaniemi village, perfect location too close to the river called “Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Rovaniemi”. Rooms and breakfast were decent.
• Third one was in a Glass Igloo 15 minutes drive outside the center of Rovaniemi called “Nova Galaxy village”. Unique experience in a remote area sleeping under the stars! Angel’s tip: There is free parking if you have your own car but if you take a taxi be careful since it is very expensive, the cost one way from the center of Rovaniemi is around 50€.

Must do in Lapland:

1. Northern Lights Viewing: Lapland stands out as one of the premier destinations to witness the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. For optimal viewing conditions, plan your visit during the winter months when clear skies and absence of clouds are crucial. The prime months for Northern Lights displays typically span from September to March. Whether you choose to embark on a solo expedition or opt for a guided Northern Lights tour, the experience promises to be awe-inspiring if you are lucky!!! Personally, I tried both alone and with an organized tour with the local company “Safartica” at a cost of 90€ per person with transportation and hot drinks, and although we were not fortunate enough to witness the magical display that night, our guide, Myrto, generously shared a photo from a previous outing at the same location (picture below). The location they drove us was exquisite! Angel’s tip: Enhance your chances of catching the Northern Lights by downloading the “Aurora” app. This app can provide valuable information on the possibilities of sightings and guide you to the best locations for a memorable experience.
2. Santa Claus Village: Experience the enchantment of Christmas at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Encounter Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and revel in festive attractions. You can meet Santa either at the Christmas house or in his office, and it’s absolutely free. Unfortunately, mobile photography is not allowed, but you have the option to purchase professionally taken photos by the elves at the end. The cost is 80€ for both printed and digital formats, or a lower price for either one separately. Just a 4 km drive from the village, you can explore Santa Park, an adorable Christmas theme park nestled in the home cavern of Santa Claus. The park features captivating shows, Santa’s post office, the Elf Workshop, charming shops, and another Santa’s office where you can meet him once again. This experience is not only amazing for children but also thoroughly enjoyable for adults—I certainly loved it too! Entrance is 45 € / adult and 38 € / child (3-12 years old). Angel’s tip: At Santa Park, the Santa Claus there was the only one who allowed us to take pictures with our mobile phones, unlike in Santa Claus Village where none permitted it, neither Mrs Claus.
3. Husky Sledding: Take a thrilling husky sled ride through the snow-covered landscapes. It’s a unique and exciting way to explore the Arctic surroundings. Husky are amazing happy dogs full of energy that are excited to get you around! I went to a great family farm close to Levi called “Polar Lights Tours”. A local office called “SAFARTICA” arranged all the activities for us and  we rented from them as well some thermal uniforms, extra socks and gloves.
4. Reindeer Safari: Immerse yourself in Lapland’s rich cultural heritage by embarking on a reindeer safari—an incredible experience surrounded by amazing animals! I chose to visit the same outstanding family farm, “Polar Lights Tours,” for both the husky safari and the reindeer safari. Located near Levi, this farm offers an unforgettable adventure.For a simple yet enchanting ride with both huskies and reindeers, prices start from 110 euros per adult and 60 euros per child. This unique experience not only connects you with Lapland’s cultural roots but also provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of these incredible animals. More info for the packages and prices here.
5. Snowmobiling: Explore the vast snowy landscapes on a snowmobile. It’s an adventurous way to discover the beauty of Lapland’s winter scenery. I rented uniforms from the company “Safartica” who were our instructors too! You can see more information and prices in their site here!
6. Ice Fishing: Experience the tranquility of Lapland by trying ice fishing on frozen lakes. Difficult and you need to be patient but t’s a serene and traditional activity.
7. Skiing & Winter Sports: Lapland offers excellent opportunities for skiing and other winter sports. Levi and Ylläs are popular ski resorts. The Ski Pass for adults and 3 hours is 43€, for 1 day 52€, for 2 days 97€ and if you want to just take the lift for a ride, price is 14€ round trip.
8. Arktikum Museum: the most famous museum in Rovaniemi where you can learn about the Arctic environment, history, and Finnish culture. The entrance fee is 18 euros for adults but there are different fees are per below.
9. Sauna Experience: Embrace the Finnish tradition of sauna. Many accommodations offer private saunas, or you can try a traditional Finnish sauna. Sauna sessions involve periods of heat interspersed with cool-downs, often by jumping into a cold lake, snow or taking a cool shower. Crazy? Did you know that saunas are an integral part of Finnish culture, promoting relaxation and socializing?
10. Snow Village: Visit the Snow Village in Kittilä, an enchanting complex made entirely of snow and ice every year more than 22 years now, that opens usually around December. It includes a hotel, restaurant, and various ice sculptures. It is so impressive with different themes every year! Would you stay in a room made of ice?
11. Spending a night in an Igloo: Imagine spending your night in a Glass Igloo under the stars and Northern lights! Is there anything more magical?  Angel’s tip: I spent 2 nights in one called “Nova Galaxy Village”, 15 minutes drive from Rovaniemi. The bad thing is that if you haven’t rent a car, the taxis are too expensive. One way from the Igloos to Rovaniemi I paid 50 euros.

Ideal Itinerary I suggest to you: 

• I recommend a 2-3 day stay in Rovaniemi, or more if you plan to engage in the usual activities available in this charming city. Rovaniemi, though small, can be explored in 1 day, allowing time to visit the Arktikum museum and enjoy a delightful dinner. Dedicate an additional day to the enchanting Santa Claus Village (details below) and Santa Park, especially if you’re traveling with children.
• Next, spend 3 days in Levi: Experience a day of skiing in Levi, one of Finland’s largest ski resorts. On another day, embark on thrilling husky sledding and reindeer sleigh rides. For the third day, indulge in the excitement of snowmobiling, visit the Snow Village in Kittilä, and unwind with spa time at Levi Spa Hotel.
• Allocate 1 day in Kemi: Take a cruise on the Sampo icebreaker, cutting through the frozen sea, and perhaps even take a refreshing dip in the icy waters (costing around 320 Euros). Explore the SnowCastle of Kemi, a reconstructed snow and ice structure offering art exhibitions, a chapel, and a restaurant. Angel’s tip: Consider skipping the SnowCastle if you’ve already visited Snowvillage.
• Finally, set aside 1 day for Ranua: Take a day trip from Rovaniemi to Ranua Zoo, the northernmost zoo in the world specializing in Arctic wildlife. Immerse yourself in the unique environment, where polar bears, lynx, foxes, and various birds await, providing an educational experience about Arctic fauna. Angel’s tip: It was nice but if you don’t have an extra day just skip it. If you go though,  don’t miss to buy some amazingggg chocolates from Fazer Shop at the entrance/exit of the zoo!

What activities can you do in Santa Claus village?

Santa Claus village is open all year long, it has free entrance and provides magical atmosphere making it very popular destination in Rovaniemi! What can you do there?

• Cross the Arctic circle! The village is located on the Arctic circle so you can cross and receive a certificate! So cool!
• Shop souvenirs, ornaments and special gifts in the numerous shops!
• Meet the real Santa Claus in his office or the Christmas House for free! Angel’s tip: You cannot take pics with Santa and your mobile but the elves will take for you and you can buy them after if you wish. The cost is 80 Euros for both digital format and printed.
• Visit the Post Office and send a letter, either from you to Santa Claus or from you to someone special, complete with the official Arctic Circle postmark. You can even receive a response from Santa Claus himself to someone you hold dear! Angel’s tip: For the response from Santa, I observed two options. The first one, available at the Christmas House, costs 10 Euros. You simply fill in the address you want it sent to and include your name. The second option is cheaper, at the Post Office, where you can purchase a stamp, a postcard, and an envelope, then craft the letter yourself, complete the address, and send it to your desired recipient. In my case, I paid 1€ for the postcard, 2.5€ for the stamp, and 1€ for the envelope to send special Christmas greetings from Santa to my nephew in Greece (total 4.5 Euros).
• Visit “Snowman World” , an ice impressive park inside the Santa Claus village with entrance fee including ice skating, ice slides, an impressive ice restaurant, ice bar etc. Entrance ticket is 29 euros per person.
• Visit Mrs Santa and have a coffee in her house. Angel’s tip: If you want to meet her, it is 5€ per person and you can buy the photos with her after.
• Have a reindeer 400m ride with Santa’s reindeers in the snowy village. Cost for adults is 25€ and for kids 20€.

Things to know about weather & seasons in Lapland:

Please be aware that during summer in Lapland, you will have many hours daylight and a few or not at all hours darkness and during winter, the daylight lasts only a few hours. When I visited during Christmas, I faced daylight around 11:00 till 14:30 pm.

• Snowy period: November-Mid April and 21/12: darkest day of the year
• Northern lights season: late August-early April
• Polar night: December-January
• Arctic summer: June-August
• Arctic bright nights: May-July
• Midnight Sun(24hrs daylight): June 06th-July 07th with 21/6: the absolute dayight
• Autumn: September

Minimum temperature during winter: -25/-30°C  (or -13/-22°F)

Max temperature during summer : +25/+30°C  (or 77/86°F)

Things to take with you:

My first advice: Dress in several layers and bring waterproof clothing and thermal pants/blouses. Especially during winter, you may face extremely low temperatures of -25/-30°C, so you need to bring your warmest clothes!

Let me tell you some important things I took with me:

• A waterproof backpack and a small bag for credit cards, phone, keys etc. Angel’s tip: I was there for 1 week on December and it was snowing every day. With this way I protected my drone, some extra gloves and GoPro camera.
• Warm clothing / many thermal base layers . Angel’s tip: I bought many things from Oysho since they have warm and ski collection, check them!
• Ski clothes and accessories if you will go for skiing.
• My furs and ski jacket.  Angel’s tip:  For the activities, a local office we used to book all the activities called “SAFARTICA” gave us some thermal uniforms to wear above the clothes, extra socks and gloves.
• Snowboots. Angel’s tip: I am a big fan of Moonboot since they are extremely warm and waterproof.
• Wool socks.
• Ski/waterproof gloves.
• Buff neck gaiter.
• Headwear.
• Swimsuit and Flip Flops Angel’s tip: I didn’t have flip flops for the spa time and I was barefoot but they were necessary. I used swimsuit in the Spa resort I went a guest and in the Sauna .
• Quick-Dry Towel, otherwise you can pay for one.
• Waterproof vase for your mobile (for the spa)
• Sunglasses. (I didn’t use them because the sun didn’t appear at all but have a pair with you!)
• Power bank. Angel’s tip: The low temperatures make the battery of your mobile weaker.
• Sleep mask for the summer.
• Sun cream.
• European electrical adapter if you are not from Europe.
• Driving license for the snowmobiles.

Interesting facts to learn about Rovaniemi: 

• Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus.
• You can visit Santa Claus every day of the year.
• Rovaniemi is home to 62000 people & 14000 reindeers.
• I tried some local restaurants in the center of the city like “Gustav”, “Nili” and “Arctic restaurant” with the last one to be my favorite! If you want wings and ribs, visit “Hook”! Angel’s tip: Make reservations!
• There are a few bars you can go to like Hemingway’s, Oliver’s corner and Gustav for cocktails.
• The city underwent significant reconstruction after being heavily affected during the Lapland War of 1954-45, leading to the incorporation of modern elements in its architecture.

Interesting facts to learn about Levi: 

• Levi is actually the name of the mountain, the actual village is Sirkka but it is well known as Levi.
• Levi ski resort is one of the biggest ski resorts in Finland and absolutely amazing!
• Levi has 180 days snow at least.
• The closest airport  to Levi is Kittila but Rovaniemi airport is 2 hrs drive too.
• Levi has a famous spa resort that even if you don’t stay there, you can visit to use their spa. The name is Levi Spa Resort and it is located in the center of the village. Entrance for the Adults on 2023 was €24, children ages 4–14 : €16 and children under 4 for free. If you don’t have a swimsuit, you can rent for 8€ and a towel for 6€.

Food & Drinks to try in Lapland:

• Glogi, a local drink with alcohol or without similar to mulled wine.
• Reindeer meat, often prepared in various dishes like stews, smoked or sautes.
• Salmon soup
• Cloudberries, the berries of Lapland.
• Sami bread, their traditional flatbread.
• Karl Fazer Chocolates, amazing chocolates made in Finland. Angel’s tip: I bought soooo many from Fazer shop I found outside Ranua zoo. All so delicious! 

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