Lapland in Winter – 17 Unmissable Winter Activities

Planning a magical trip to Lapland in Winter? This guide details all of the best Lapland Winter activities, and includes where to eat, how to plan, and all of our top tips for visiting.

Winter in Lapland is the most magical time of the year to visit. Imagine days discovering glorious winter landscapes followed by cosy evenings beneath the Northern Lights.

You see, Lapland is both romantic and adventurous in equal measure, so it’s guaranteed fun for all the family. With all that said, let’s get to it and jump into our ultimate guide to visiting Lapland in Winter.

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Lapland Winter At a Glance

• Pack appropriately with this Lapland winter packing list
• Book a hotel or hostel here
• Stay connected in Europe with a portable wifi hotspot or a local e-sim
• Explore Lapland in Winter on a best-selling tour
• Don’t forget travel insurance

Lapland Winter Itinerary

I go into a lot of detail in this Lapland Winter Guide, so if you’re short for time, here’s a quick overview of the best things to do in Lapland during Winter.

• Husky Sledding Safari
• Reindeer Safari
• See the Northern Lights
• Spend a Night in a Glass Igloo
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowmobile Tour
• Traditional Finnish Sauna
• Visit Santa in Lapland
• Drive a Race Car on Ice
• Learn About Traditional Sami Culture
• Go Ice Fishing
• Stay in the Worlds First Ice Hotel
• Discover Lapland by Snow Tank
• Go Horse Riding
• Polar Explorer Ice Breaker Cruise
• Visit a Traditional Lappish Teepee
• Enjoy Traditional Lappish Food

16 Best Lapland Winter Activities

1. Husky Sledding Safari

I’m kicking off the list with our favourite winter activity in Lapland, and that is a Husky Sled Safari. Led by a team of energetic mountain dogs, you’ll discover the spectacular winter landscapes moving at a nail-biting pace.

Nothing can prepare you for the exhilarating sensation until you experience it for yourself. But all I can say is hold on tight. Book your Husky Sled Safari here.

Tip – I go into more detail regarding this topic in our guide to dog sledding in Lapland, so be sure to check that out for more info.

2. Reindeer Safari

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a Reindeer Safari is an almost tranquilising experience. Unfortunately, it doesn’t involve any flying, the reindeer save that for Christmas eve. But it does involve dashing through the snow on a reindeer open sleigh.

Reindeer safaris occur throughout the day during the Lapland winter; however, a Northern Lights Reindeer Safari is especially magical. Book online here with GetYourGuide.

3. See the Northern Lights

Of course, one of the most popular bucket list experiences when visiting Lapland in Winter is seeing the Northern Lights. Otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, this spectacular natural phenomenon is an otherworldly experience. All kinds of colours from green to purple, and even red dance around in the twilight sky.

Unfortunately, like most natural phenomena, the Aurora is unpredictable. While the winteris the best time to visit Lapland for the Northern Lights, the conditions need to be perfect for them to appear. Sometimes they don’t show for days or weeks at a time.

4. Spend a Night in a Glass Igloo

It had been on our bucket list forever to stay in a glass igloo. And let me tell you, it was every bit as magical as we had imagined. The concept of the glass igloo was born in Finnish Lapland, created by Jussi Eiramo – founder and owner of Kakslauttanen Resort.

The story behind Mr Eiramo and his vision for the world-famous resort is a truly inspiring one. After having the pleasure of meeting him, we are convinced that he’s the real-life Santa Clause!

5. Cross Country Skiing

With Lapland seeing snow anywhere from 175 – 225 days per year, cross-country skiing plays a considerable part in the local culture. 

Historically, skiing across forests and lakes to get to work or school was not unusual, and I can’t help but feel like I was cheated by having to take the bus.

Since the invention of snowmobiles and cars, not so much; however, cross-country skiing is still a national sport in Finland. Locals insist it is a fantastic activity for both body and mind. Even if you’re a total beginner, this Lapland winter activity is fun for all the family.

6. Snowmobile Tour

Next up we have another of our favourite winter activities in Lapland, and that’s a Snowmobile tour. A snowmobile is a bit like a jet ski on snow. And it’s by far one of the most thrilling ways to discover the diverse winter landscapes that make up the arctic circle.

With a variety of tours to choose from, you could spend anywhere from 1-hour up to an entire day whizzing through forests, lakes, and mountains. Book your Snowmobile Tour Here

7. Traditional Finnish Sauna

Saunas play a significant role in Finnish culture. Most family homes have them, and they are considered a necessity for a happy and healthy life.

With this in mind, visiting a sauna is a quintessential thing to do in Lapland in Winter, helping you to relieve any stress on both the body and mind.

If you’re feeling brave enough, there’s a deeply rooted Finnish tradition called ‘cold therapy‘, where you take an ice plunge followed by a hot sauna.

8. Visit Santa in Lapland

You can’t visit Lapland without visiting Santa, and the great thing is, it doesn’t even have to be Christmas time.

Santa Clause takes visitors all year round in this part of the world. So if you want to spread the festive cheer in the middle of Summer, so be it! In Lapland, anything is possible.

The official home of Santa Clause is the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. However, he does seem to have several houses all over the region. 

9. Drive a Race Car on Ice

Exclusive to Swedish Lapland, driving a race car on ice is one of the most hair-raising experiences you can have throughout the region.

The winter activity, known as ice-driving, takes place in Arjeplog at the world’s largest driving centre. It is available for just 11 weeks each year when the plains of Lake Adjaur transform into 2965 acres of icy terrain.

There’s only one company that offers this one-of-a-kind experience, and that’s Lapland Ice Driving.

10. Learn About Traditional Sami Culture

The entire Northern Lapland region is home to the Sámi – the last remaining indigenous people in the European Union.

The Sámi possess a rich cultural heritage and are known for their close connection to the land and nature. Time spent exploring and learning about this fascinating culture, is time well spent.

Inari, Rovaniemi, Enontekiö and Utsjoki are some of the best places to explore the Sámi culture in Lapland today.

11. Go Ice Fishing

A typical ice fishing experience involves a short hike to a nearby frozen lake, cutting a hole in the ice, and waiting for your catch to take the bait.

We didn’t get around to trying ice fishing on our recent trip, but I can imagine it’s quite a fun experience!

Ice Fishing may be one of the more low-key winter activities in Lapland, but it’s an interesting one nonetheless.

12. Stay in the Worlds First Ice Hotel

Visiting Lapland in Winter is a once in a lifetime experience. But thanks to this extraordinary Ice Hotel in Swedish Lapland, I think I’m going to have to visit twice.

The Ice Hotel in Lapland is an ever-changing work of art. Each year a team of international artists sculpt the hotel, only for it to melt away months later.

The special ‘ice rooms‘ within the hotel come fully equipped with thermal sleeping bags and extra warm blankets so you definitely won’t freeze.

13. Discover Lapland by Snow Tank

One of the more unique ways to discover the beautiful Lappish landscapes is to travel by snow tank.

Snow tanks are an awesome piece of machinery, made even more impressive by our guide who actually built his tank himself.

Ccrawling through the wilderness and enjoying the scenery from the panorama cabin was an enjoyable experience.

All things considered, I’d say this Lapland winter activity is perfect for families with small children or those seeking a more comfortable safari experience.

14. Go Horse Riding

Another winter activity fit for animal lovers, horse riding tours allow a peaceful and romantic journey through the rugged wilderness of Lapland.

Experienced riders have the option to ride on horseback. Or you can relax and enjoy the ride in a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh. Ask at your hotel for horseback riding tours in your area.

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15. Polar Explorer Ice Breaker Cruise

When visiting Lapland in Winter, another once-in-a-lifetime experience is to take the Polar Explorer Ice Breaker Cruise.

Exclusive to Finnish Lapland, the 3-hour cruise transports passengers through the frozen water of the Bothnian Sea.

During the cruise, you’ll get to experience the tremendous power of the vessel, as it effortlessly cuts through the ice.

A guided tour is included, and you’ll have the opportunity to stop off and walk on the ice or take a swim in a flotation survival kit.

16. Visit a Traditional Lappish Teepee

Historically, Teepees, otherwise known as Lavvu, were temporary dwellings used by the Sami people. They served as a place of refuge when herding reindeer across the barren winter landscapes.

Today, the teepees are dotted all over Lapland. Many of the tours & excursions include a visit to one. We got to huddle around a fire with a warm drink while hearing spellbinding stories about Sami history and culture.

17. Enjoy Traditional Lappish Food

After long days adventuring in the winter landscapes you’ll need some hearty food to help refuel. Thankfully, the restaurant scene in Rovaniemi is thriving, where you can sample traditional Lappish cuisine. From reindeer and fish to a variety of vegetables and fruits, Lappish food is as fresh as it is delicious! 

Best Hotels in Lapland

Planning where to stay in Lapland will probably be the most exciting yet challenging part of organising trip. Glass igloos, wooden cabins, ice hotels, tree hotels, the list is endless. All offer a truly unique and memorable stay. I will list some of my Lapland bucket list hotels below, including Kakslauttanen Resort, where we stayed. 

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Finland)

After spending 4 nights at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in March, I can confidently say it’s one of the most magical resorts in the world. I am talking Disneyland on ice – A snow-ridden playground for adults and children alike. Alongside iconic luxury accommodations such as glass igloos and cosy log cabins, the resort offers several exciting excursions.

Arctic Treehouse Hotel (Finland)

For a slightly modern twist on the glass igloo, Arctic Treehouse hotel provide another extraordinary hotel experience in Finnish Lapland. Elevated on stilts overlooking the Lappish wilderness, the luxury cabin accommodation is designed to allow a nest-like view.

Treehotel (Finland)

Treehotel in Swedish Lapland provides extraordinary accommodation such as a UFO, birds nest and mirror cube cabin, set high among the trees of a Pine Forest.

Each cabin allows you to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. During the day, you can enjoy an abundance of winter activities.

You can also check out many other accommodation options here. Or use the Map below to see all your options:

Booking.com

Winter in Lapland FAQs

When is Winter in Lapland?

Here’s a fun fact about Lapland for you. Not only is it home to untouched wilderness, majestic nature, magical hotels, and Santa Clause, it’s the home of 8 seasons as well.

While Lapland’s main seasons are spring, summer, autumn, and winter just like the rest of the world, the change in weather conditions is particularly dramatic.

The lives and work of the locals are highly sensitive to the changing seasons; therefore, it makes sense for them to break down the year into eight seasons instead of four. If you’re interested, the eight seasons are as follows:

• True Autumn – Sami: tjaktja: September – October
• Autumn-Winter – Sami: tjaktjadálvve: November – December
• True Winter – Sami: dálvve: December – March
• Spring-Winter – Sami: gidádálvve: March – April
• True Spring – Sami: gidá: April – May
• Spring-Summer – Sami: gidágiesse: May – June
• True-Summer – Sami: giesse: June – July
• Summer-Autumn – Sami: tjaktjagiesse: August – September

What is Lapland Winter Temperatures?

While Lapland at Christmas is a great idea, it does come with inflated hotel and travel prices. Considering there are also very few daylight hours during this time, and the Lapland winter temperatures can drop as low as -40C, you wouldn’t be missing much by pushing your trip into February or March instead.

We visited Lapland in March, and the enchanting winter vibes were still in full swing. The landscapes adorned a thick blanket of white snow but the days were longer than the earlier winter months, and temperatures were far more endurable -5 to -10C.

No Lapland winter activities were out of bounds, and even Santa allowed us to visit him. So if you’re planning a trip to Lapland in March, I’m confident you won’t be disappointed.

What to Pack for Lapland in Winter?

Packing for your winter holiday in Lapland is the final step in the planning process, but it’s not one that should be taken lightly.

With temperatures dropping as low as -40C, having the right winter gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. To help you prepare, you can check out our complete Lapland winter packing list here.

Enjoy your Winter Trip to Lapland!

Well, that concludes our ultimate guide to visiting Lapland in Winter. I hope you have a magical trip to this unforgettable location.

If you have any questions or feel we have missed anything, please reach out to us in the comments below. We love hearing from you!

If you’re heading to Finland, check out our Finland series to help plan your trip!

Stay adventurous and Happy travels.

**Our trip to Lapland was sponsored by Kakslauttanen Resort. However, as always all thoughts and opinions are our own.

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