Lapland, the captivating Arctic region, spans across multiple countries including Finland, Sweden, Norway, and parts of Russia. While all these areas offer a magical escape with their snowy landscapes, festive spirit, and unique Arctic experiences, my blog is specifically focused on exploring Finland’s Lapland.
Day 1: Santa Claus Village
Our adventure began at the iconic Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, where Christmas comes to life year-round. Here’s what we did:
Cross the Arctic Circle: Mark your Arctic achievement with a certificate (€4-6) as you enter the magical north. The Arctic Circle is an imaginary line at approximately 66.5 degrees north latitude, marking the boundary of the polar region. It experiences 24-hour daylight in summer and 24-hour darkness in winter and includes parts of Canada, Alaska, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Greenland.
Meet Santa Claus: An unforgettable experience! While meeting Santa is free, a photo with him costs €40, or €55 for both the photo and video download. It’s a bit pricey but is a wonderful souvenir and cherished memory.
Santa’s Post Office: Write your wishes or send postcards stamped with Santa’s unique Arctic Circle postmark. An international stamp costs €2.75.
Dining at Santamus: Indulge in a delightful lunch (€29) with a variety of open buffet appetizers and a la carte main dishes featuring many Finnish options. What I found special is that you can try gold panning for an extra €29—whatever gold you find, you keep. Gold panning sessions begin at 12:00, 13:30, and 15:00
Day 2: Husky and Reindeer Adventure ❄️
We embarked on a Reindeer Farm, Husky Sled Ride & Santa Claus Village Tour with GetYourGuide, a full-day journey packed with thrilling Arctic experiences! At €188 per person, this tour offered incredible value for a magical day.
The tour started at 10 am and ended around 4 pm, with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations:
- 9:30 am at the Safari Office in Santa Claus Village (Joulumaantie 5)
- 9:05 am at the City Office, Shopping Center Rinteenkulma (Koskikatu 25)
Important: Missing your meeting time and point results in a missed safari, which is non-refundable—so punctuality is key!
It was a day of thrilling Arctic experiences:
Reindeer Farm 🦌
Our first stop was a serene visit to a traditional reindeer farm surrounded by snow-covered trees. We had the chance to meet these gentle creatures and learn about their importance in Sami culture. A peaceful reindeer sleigh ride through the winter wonderland set the tone for the day—magical and quiet, like something out of a storybook! They even give you a reindeer driving license after the ride. How cool is that? But it’s only valid for 5 years, so you’ll have to come back before it expires!
Local Flavors 🍽️
Warm up with traditional salmon soup or a vegetarian option, while learning about reindeer herding from local experts.
Husky Sleigh Ride 🐕
The energy shifted as we arrived at the husky camp. These enthusiastic dogs were ready to run and their excitement was contagious! After a quick lesson, we hopped onto the sleds for a thrilling ride through the Arctic wilderness. Feeling the crisp air and hearing the huskies’ paws in the snow was an experience like no other—pure exhilaration!
More Santa Time 🎅
Afterwards, they took us to Santa Claus Village, where we had two hours to explore and soak in the magical festive atmosphere. Kids under 140cm could try mini snowmobiling on a special track, which was included in the package. After two hours of free time, they brought us back on a comfortable bus ride, making it a fun and relaxing experience to remember!
Day 3: Snowmobile Safari
Our third day in Lapland was all about adrenaline and breathtaking scenery with a Snowmobile Safari, a thrilling highlight of our trip! At €119 per person, this activity with GetYourGuide offered an incredible experience for adventure seekers.
Tour Details:
- Duration: 3 hours (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
- Pickup & Drop-off Location: Safartica Office, Koskikatu 9
- Pickup Time: 8:35 am
- Drop-off Time: Around 12:00 pm
Snowmobile Safari: A two-hour guided ride across the frozen Arctic terrain. This thrilling experience is perfect for mastering snowmobile driving while admiring Lapland’s stunning wilderness.
Hot Drink Break: A stop during the ride allowed us to savor a warm drink and enjoy the peaceful silence of the Rovaniemi wilderness.
This exhilarating activity was a definite highlight, combining adventure with breathtaking Arctic landscapes.
Day 4: Chasing the Northern Lights
On the final day, we focused on relaxation and chasing the magical Northern Lights in the evening. You have two main options for this adventure: rent a car and explore independently or book a guided tour with professionals who know the best viewing spots. We chose the Northern Lights tour, priced at €189 per person. While the cost initially seemed high, it was worth it.
The Northern Lights can sometimes be faint and challenging to see with the naked eye, making it tricky to find the right locations on your own. Joining an expert-led tour significantly increases your chances of a successful sighting. The experience we had was nothing short of breathtaking and deeply humbling. The tour included:
Aurora Hunting: Guided by a skilled aurora hunter, we chased the elusive Aurora Borealis to the best viewing spots, thanks to up-to-date weather and solar forecasts.
Cultural Connection: Our guides shared fascinating stories of the region’s history and culture, adding a special touch to the tour.
Photography Assistance: With an onboard photographer, we could fully immerse ourselves in the stunning light show without worrying about capturing the perfect shot ourselves.
Small Group Tour: With only 8 participants, the tour felt intimate and personal. Hotel pick-up and drop-off made it incredibly convenient.
Plus, the guide let us decide how long to stay— as long as we didn’t get too cold! It was a relaxed and flexible experience where we could enjoy the Northern Lights at our own pace with the group.
Price Summary
Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs to help plan your Lapland adventure:
- Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate: €4-6
- Photo with Santa: €40
- International stamp at Santa’s office: €2.75
- Lunch at Santamus: €29 per person
- Gold Panning at Santamus: €29 per person
- Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village Tour: €188 per person
- Snowmobile Safari (2 hours): €119 per person
- Northern Lights Tour: €189 per person
Tips for Visiting Lapland:
- Dress Warmly: Temperatures can plummet, so thermal clothing is essential, wear at least 3 layers.
- Book in Advance: Tours like these fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
- Stay Flexible: The weather in Lapland can be unpredictable. Check forecasts and adjust plans accordingly.
Lapland’s beauty, traditions, and unique Arctic adventures left us in awe. Whether you’re seeking festive fun, thrilling activities, or the magic of the Aurora Borealis, Lapland promises memories to treasure forever.