Don’t be left out in the cold – experience the ultimate winter wonderland with these adventurous Lapland activities– from Reindeer rides, Santa Claus, an Ice Hotel and the Northern Lights
Lapland, a magical winter wonderland located in the northernmost part of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia, is a bucket list destination for many travelers. It’s not a country, rather it’s a shared area of these countries.
Known for its snowy landscapes, reindeer herders, and mesmerizing Northern Lights, this spectacular destination offers a range of unique and unforgettable experiences–from husky safaris and reindeer sleigh rides to snowmobiling and ice fishing, plenty of outdoor activities exist in this winter wonderland.
In this list, we’ll explore some fantastic things you can do, from visiting Santa Claus to sleeping in an ice hotel.
 Here are some fantastic things to do in Lapland:
- See the Northern Lights: Lapland is one of the best places in the world to witness the aurora borealis, a natural phenomenon that creates a stunning display of colorful lights in the night sky.
- Go on a husky safari: Experience the thrill of mushing through the snow-covered landscape on a sled pulled by a team of energetic huskies.
- Visit Santa Claus: It is said that this place is home of Santa Claus, and you can meet him in person at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
- Take a reindeer ride: Enjoy a relaxed and traditional mode of transportation on a sleigh ride through the snowy forests.
- Go snowmobiling: Explore Lapland’s wilderness on a snowmobile, an exhilarating way to experience the beautiful winter scenery.
- Relax in a Finnish sauna: Finnish saunas are a traditional part of Finnish culture and offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
- Visit an ice hotel: Lapland is home to several ice hotels, where you can sleep in a room made entirely of ice and snow.
- Go ice fishing: Experience the peacefulness of ice fishing, a popular pastime in Lapland’s frozen lakes and rivers.
- Ski or snowboard: Lapland has several ski resorts that offer excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
- Learn about Sami culture: The indigenous people of Lapland, the Sami, have a rich culture and history that you can learn about through various cultural experiences and museums.
Did you know?
Lapland is home to Europe’s last remaining wild forest reindeer population. These majestic animals are perfectly adapted to life in the Arctic and can be seen roaming freely in the forests of Lapland.
Male reindeer, unlike most other deer species, also grow antlers during winter. Contrary to popular belief, female reindeer also grow antlers during winter, although they typically shed them in the spring while males shed theirs in the winter.
A little history:
Lapland’s indigenous Sami people have inhabited the region for over 9,000 years, and they have played a significant role in shaping the culture and way of life. The Sami have traditionally been reindeer herders, living a semi-nomadic lifestyle and moving their herds from one grazing area to another, depending on the season.
Over the centuries, it has been influenced by various external forces, including the Vikings, who established trading posts in the region, and the Russians, who controlled parts of Lapland in the 1700-1800s.
In the 19th century, it became part of the Grand Duchy of Finland, which was then under the rule of the Russian Empire.
During World War II, Lapland was the site of fierce battles between Finnish and German forces, resulting in widespread destruction and displacement of the local population.
After the war, Lapland was rebuilt and saw a period of rapid modernization and development, with the growth of industries such as forestry, mining, and tourism.
It is known for its stunning natural beauty, culture and history, and unique Arctic experiences. The region has managed to preserve its traditions and way of life while embracing modernization and economic growth.
