things to do in lapland in decemberthings to do in lapland in december

- The good pictures of me, by Harri Lindfors. Finally, there is the Norwegian Lapland. The cozy cafe is very bright which is welcoming during the dark, winter months. As an Airbnb Associate, we earn when you book through our links. Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Stories, Armenia travel blog | Virginia travel blog | Hawaii travel blog, Learning how to photograph the lights on this tour, Outside of the lavvu (you get to go there! Finland winters produce ample snowfall and Lapland supplies endless kilometres of well-groomed skiing paths. Thanks! So Im not sure which tree resort came first, but out of the 2, I think this one is my favourite. Just because the sun does come up doesnt mean it is all that light. Go for a headlamp and youll be sorted. Youll be able to keep your essentials with you at all times, even when youre outside being active. This well-regarded company allows you to reach speeds of up to 200km/h in complete safety, with no walls or barriers to potentially get in your way. Or, for adventure enthusiasts, you can drive race cars on the ice of frozen lakes. Time spent exploring and learning about this fascinating culture, is time well spent. In all honestly, its a grey area amongst animal rights activists. You need to have a valid driving licence to drive a snow mobile. Tip For more information about picking an ethical tour company or reindeer farm, see our guide to reindeer safaris in Lapland. You see, Lapland is both romantic and adventurous in equal measure, so its guaranteed fun for all the family. Click here to book a snowshoe hiking tour! You can even go snowshoe hiking at night. This is easily one of the most popular activities in Lapland and lasts 10-11 hours. And, of course, if youre visiting Lapland for Christmas, its your chance to get up close and personal with the big man himself. Rovaniemi Airport is serviced by airlines from all over Europe (and many winter season routes open up) and you can get there on an easy flight from Helsinki. Husky dog sledding is a great adventure. The two main airports in Norwegian Lapland are Alta and Kirkenes. I have to admit that I am not much of a museum-goer, but I found my trip to the Artikum Museum in Rovaniemi very insightful and worthwhile. Inari, Rovaniemi, Enonteki and Utsjoki are some of the best places to explore the Smi culture in Lapland today. Everything was a 10/10. Do make sure you book ahead as they fill up quickly. I am talking Disneyland on ice A snow-ridden playground for adults and children alike. When you arrive at Apukka Resort, you will be introduced to the huskies and hear stories about dog sledding and the dogs before taking to the sleds! Waking up to sweeping vistas of the majestic winter landscapes is an experience unlike no other. Seeing a big game is a great way to spend your afternoon or evening! Since the invention of snowmobiles and cars, not so much; however, cross-country skiing is still a national sport in Finland. What's The Weather Like in December in Lapland? These are some of my top recommendations of the places I have stayed and the places I vow to stay at one of these days! Extending for hundreds of miles above the Arctic Circle, 11 Fun Things to Do in Lapland in Winter - Wild Junket Adventure Travel Blog Lapland in winter is a magical wonderland. The trails weave through frosted woodlands, snowy plains, and across frozen lakes. Q. The easiest way to access Swedish Lapland is to fly to Stockholm, spend a day or two there, and then fly to Lapland. . Snow Village. Its quickly catching on in other parts of the world, with advocates like Wim Hof The Iceman praising its help benefits. You cant visit Lapland without visiting Santa, and the great thing is, it doesnt even have to be Christmas time. Attend the Theatre. The slopes are suited to all skill levels, from beginners to daredevils. You can also check out many other accommodation options here. In winter, in the same place, be amazed by the colorful show of northern lights that dance through the glass roof. If youre heading to Finland, check out our Finland series to help plan your trip! Lapland is filled with snow, fairy lights, warm food, igloos, tree houses, husky sleds and snowball fights. While Laplands main seasons are spring, summer, autumn, and winter just like the rest of the world, the change in weather conditions is particularly dramatic. A guided tour is included, and youll have the opportunity to stop off and walk on the ice or take a swim in a flotation survival kit. Learn about the herding lifestyle and its significance in Laplands culture. Here we've put together some of your possible adventures and unforgettable experiences. Going for a reindeer sleigh ride in Rovaniemi, Lapland. I cant even imagine how incredibly beautiful it would be especially by snowshoe! I have seen the northern lights in both autumn and winter. While I covered the top things to do in Rovaniemi in winter above, there are still some basic tips I want to summarize or write below. #1 Meet Santa Claus #2 Try ice swimming #3 Search the Northern lights #4 Enjoy snow and winter activities #5 Experience the Finnish sauna culture #6 Spend Christmas and New Year in Finland #7 Visit a local ice hockey match #8 Familiarize yourself with the Sami culture #9 Spend a night in a log cottage in the wilderness Glide over the thick snow as you enjoy the fresh open air. Skiing across forests and lakes to get to work or school was not unusual, and I cant help but feel like I was cheated by having to take the bus. All areas are equally magical. Click here to book a sauna and an ice bath session! The long dark nights in the north are perfect for adventures by . On December 22, 2023, the sunrise will be at 1108 and the sunset will be at 1322. If youre visiting Lapland in winter, there are tons of exciting things to do and look forward to. When is it Winter in Rovaniemi? Of course, a significant part of the local culture is the cuisine. Cafe & Bar 21 has delicious coffee but it was their waffles that left me impressed! >> Click here for ice fishing rates and availability. Youll spend most of your time skimming through forests and lakes that provide some of the most jaw-dropping views in all of the region. Another one of my favorite places to eat in Rovaniemi is Cafe & Bar 21 (which just so happens to have the same owners as Gustav and Yuca, so it is no surprise that I was impressed by this place)! Its the Christmassy destination we all dream about as little kids. And during the day you can enjoy an abundance of winter activities, such as reindeer safaris, husky sledding and exploring the local Sami culture. Just 250km north of the Arctic Circle and so many things to do Saariselka has become a major winter destination for Christmassy experiences, dogsled safaris, ice-fishing, skiing and northern lights sighting. Another popular activity during winter in Finland is snowshoeing. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Some Swedish Lapland experiences even include a homestay with a local Sami family a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter one of the last remaining aboriginal groups in Europe. It took me 10-minutes or so to get to grips with it, but after that, it was smooth sailing. I strongly recommend you give it a try. This 2.5-hour tour takes travelers to check out detailed ice sculptures, have a drink at an ice bar, and learn how you can use a sauna despite the place being made of ice and snow! Feed the reindeer, pose for a picture with them, and go on a reindeer sleigh ride. The beer is unfiltered and made with the freshest Lappish water. But, it doesnt really work like that. However, the good news is that Lapland is one of the best areas in Europe to spot them! Thanks! Lapland has many, but the ones in Levi and Ylls are the most popular. But it does involve dashing through the snow on a reindeer open sleigh. They have 6 types of tacos on the menu and I fell in love with the pork original. When you arrive, you can visit Santa and get your photo taken with him. Around since 2016, a tour of the brewery costs 20/pp, and the tours run regularly every Friday evening from 1600-1800. The general nature and culture aspects are very similar with sprawling forests, whimsical villages, and beautiful wildlife. Snow tanks are an awesome piece of machinery, made even more impressive by our guide who actually built his tank himself. A vast region in fact that covers northern Sweden, Finland, Norway and even part of Russias Kola Peninsula. If you purchase a product through these links, we will earn a small commissionat no extra cost to you. Historically, Teepees, otherwise known as Lavvu, were temporary dwellings used by the Sami people. The Levi Ice Gallery is an ice hotel that has it all: ice sculpture, a restaurant, an ice bar, and wood-heated saunas. Unfortunately, the aurora failed to make an appearance for the four nights we were in Lapland. Finnish Lapland is the most visited part of the region and is where we stayed during our recent trip. I had multiple meals there on my most recent trip including this spicy chicken in the photo above! Things to Do in Lapland, Finland: See Tripadvisor's 108,044 traveller reviews and photos of Lapland tourist attractions. **Our trip to Lapland was sponsored by Kakslauttanen Resort. And you do get a Lappish BBQ (with premium quality sausages or vegan/veggie ones if you request). The restaurant is a cross between fine dining and the laid-back vibe that Finland is known for. It is free to visit, but it costs money to get your photo taken with him. Pretty much all of the activities listed above are offered in the different regions, so theres no need to travel loads. One of the main reasons that tourists flock to Lapland is to see the northern lights! The winter activity, known as ice-driving, takes place in Arjeplog at the worlds largest driving centre. One place that I truly love in the heart of Rovaniemi is the Coffee House. On my latest trip, I headed back for lunch and had their reindeer sandwich that came with pickles, lingonberries, and fries. The captivating design of the glass igloos allows guests a panoramic view of the night sky. The skies are wonderfully clear, perfect for witnessing the northern lights. I have also listed a variety of places to eat to give you options (and I have enjoyed all of the places myself)! It was one of the more expensive burgers but it was filling and incredibly delicious. Or use the Map below to see all your options: Lapland provides a realm of exploration opportunities throughout the year; however, wintertime is, without a doubt, the most adventurous. It's a whole village made out of snow - igloos, ice bars and everything. Best things to do in Lapland Whether you go for Santa, snow, midnight sun or northern lights, Lapland is the Arctic of your wildest childhood dreams. Address: Lapinkvijntie 4, 96100 Rovaniemi. If you wear too many layers you might end up sweating, this then freezes to your body and you end up being colder than you would have been with less layers. Click here to book your stay at the Levi Ice Gallery! But, what not many know is that Rovaniemi is not technically in the Arctic Circle (this is 8km north and at the Santa Claus Village!) Posted on Last updated: December 12, 2020. Snow pants: If you're going to be spending time outdoors in the snow, snow pants are a must too to keep your legs warm and dry. This truly is one of the best Rovaniemi restaurants! Book online here with GetYourGuide. Experience the Arctic atmosphere and truly northern products. The bikes have wide tires that can easily travel across the snowy terrain, so you dont have to worry about slipping. So let's start! Welcome to Northern Finland! Another fantastic place I had dinner at one night was the Roka Street Bistro in the city center of Rovaniemi. Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more! The following airlines currently fly to Rovaniemi Airport: EasyJet, Ryanair, Air France, Eurowings, Finnair, Norwegian, Turkish Airlines, and KLM. Korouoma, a 1-million-year-old valley, has about 14 frozen waterfalls that you can see on this winter tour. A popular Lapland winter activity is dog sledding, and there are plenty of places in Rovaniemi (and nearby) to go on a husky adventure! However, he does seem to have several houses all over the region. Nevertheless, I learned so much about photographing the northern lights and he takes really great pictures of those on the tour in front of them. When you first hear someone pitch the idea of floating in a freezing lake, it might not sound too appealing. Discover events happening in Lapland in December and activities that are perfect for a December trip to Lapland. The official home of Santa Clause is the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. These months are the darkest, coldest, and snowiest. Click here to book a tour of Rovaniemi and meet Santa Claus! But with all of that out of the way, lets get to it. Beautiful landscapes you can see in Lapland in winter. I think dog sledding in Rovaniemi is one of the best things to do in Lapland in winter! Megan is from Virginia and Aram is from Armenia. Again, we were on the hunt for the Northern Lights which as you know never showed. All beef is local and they have plenty of veggie options on the menu. It is a place where all of your Christmas and winter dreams can come true (as lame as that sounds! Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center. A savusauna (smoke sauna) is a special type of Finnish sauna heated by burning wood. To help you prepare, you can check out our complete Lapland winter packing list here. ) it has some of the tastiest small bites in the city! Get ready, ladies and gentlemen, for the virtual ride of a lifetime. All kinds of colours from green to purple, and even red dance around in the twilight sky. Once at the snow village we took in the husky ride, reindeer ride, snowmobile to visit the big man, visit the ice hot. Youre welcome! He even goes to seminars and workshops in his downtime which is super impressive (his passion for the job comes across). Is Lapland a country? This activity is one of the most popular things to do in Finland in winter. Website Designed by us via Fresh Creatives, If you enjoyed our free guide, you could support us by, Visit Lapland in Winter An Ultimate Guide, Helsinki in Winter - The Ultimate Travel Guide, One Day in Helsinki - The Best 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary, 20 Winter City Breaks in Europe to Escape the Winter Blues, Visit Lake Bled in Winter 14 Lake Bled Winter Activities. will definetly visit again in December 2023 :) Read more. Send a letter from the Santa Claus Post Office, posted with an official Santa stamp. Blog Europe Scandinavia and the Nordics Finland, Your email address will not be published. If you are at a cafe and planning to order multiple coffees. Whether youre looking for adventure, relaxation, or something different, here are the absolute best tourist attractions in Lapland. Watch the northern lights dance First, the bad news: the northern lights, also called aurora borealis, never show up on demand. 11. It's the best time of year in Lapland to see the Northern lights, while Lapland winter activities include reindeer safaris, husky sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing. They depend on natural factors such as solar winds and charged particles in the earth's upper atmosphere. ), Hanging with the man at Santa Claus Village. But if youre an adrenaline junkie, this is one Lapland winter activity you dont want to miss. These are all legit questions weve been asked when talking about our winter trip to Lapland. Click here to check out train connections to Rovaniemi. I mentioned the extraordinary Ice Hotel earlier, and I have a full section dedicated to it further down in the article. Planning a trip to Finland? Since this is an everyday use item, its a good idea to bring several pairs with you. And we can continue bringing you free tips and advice. Beyond Arctic offer short 2-4 hour photoshoots for couples and families. Narvikfjellet is a jaw-dropping ski resort surrounded by majestic mountains and deep fjords, offering some of the best alpine skiing in all of Norway. Lapland winters produce plenty of snowfall. all over the world as it has a little post office inside. It is around 12-15 Euros one-way but there is a group taxi from Hotel Santa Claus each Friday that is only 3/pp). You can book an individual tour (minimum 4 people) at a different hour for 25/pp. Click here to book a cross country skiing tour! Ice-fishing is a popular winter activity in Lapland. Gliding through the magical winter landscapes is an incredible way to spend the day. Here's a summary of our experiences and our suggestions for planning an itinerary for Lapland Day 1 - Fly into Oulu Written 30 December 2022. While the wintertime is the best time to visit Lapland for the Northern Lights, the conditions need to be perfect for them to appear. Although these events are unlikely, they do happen, and having travel insurance gives you that extra piece of mind that you are protected. It is more than just a hostel (I had a rather luxurious private room there! Of course, one of the most popular bucket list experiences when visiting Lapland in Winter is seeing the Northern Lights. Me and my group in Lapland, all cozy in our winter gear during our snowshoe hike. In 2017 I left my life as a management consultant and started chasing waterfalls, sunsets and views around the world. And, of course, if you're visiting Lapland for Christmas, it's your chance to get up close and personal with the big man himself. The special ice rooms within the hotel come fully equipped with thermal sleeping bags and extra warm blankets so you definitely wont freeze. A campfire lunch is included. Don't blame us if you're tempted to book a flight to Lapland as soon as you finish looking at these photos. It offers lots of modern hotels and winter activities. Santa Claus Village opened in 1985 and is a large complex filled with various attractions, places to eat, and lodging facilities. Be sure to check out their website and see what is happening when youre there and it might make for a great, chilled-out activity! Gretas Travels is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets and any other online reservation that are made without having fully read the terms and conditions of any third party provider. And let me tell you, it was every bit as magical as we had imagined. Ice Fishing may be one of the more low-key winter activities in Lapland, but its an interesting one nonetheless. It is available for just 11 weeks each year when the plains of Lake Adjaur transform into 2965 acres of icy terrain. The most renowned Mexican restaurant in Finland is actually in Rovaniemi and is owned by the geniuses behind Gustav and Cafe & Bar 21 (both mentioned in this guide)! It has two different exhibits inside permanently, as well as some temporary ones. You can order a shot from the Ice Bar for an additional charge. Treehotel in Swedish Lapland provides a real treehouse experience, with extraordinary accommodation such as a UFO, birds nest and mirror cube cabin, set way up high among the tall trees of a Pine Forest. Reindeer safaris occur throughout the day during the Lapland winter; however, a Northern Lights Reindeer Safari is especially magical. This is when you can enjoy magical white scenery, northern lights, and excursions in the snow. During the cruise, youll get to experience the tremendous power of the vessel, as it effortlessly cuts through the ice. Wrapped up in warm clothes and a blanket, we cruised at a gentle pace beneath the light of a mystical full moon. So if the auroras are to make an appearance, you can watch the spectacle from the comfort of your bed. 3. This is such a fun activity that takes you over frozen lakes and through frosted forests. These dogs are born to run, and boy, do they run. Thermal clothing is great for regulating your body temperature. Because I feel like the actual winter starts in November and goes through March, you can see the average temperatures for all months below: Again, these are just averages and winter can start earlier or later! Review of: Icekarting Levi. Don't worry! This is said to increase your blood flow and raise your endorphin levels. In Lapland, anything is possible. Sometimes they dont show for days or weeks at a time. Its made with high-quality material that covers your whole body and keeps you dry. It is also renowned for being the best destination in Finland for ice climbing! It wont move much over the horizon and it will still be quite dark and it could look more like a colorful sunrise/sunset than anything else. While the glass igloos originated at Kakslauttanen Resort, you can find them now all over Lapland. You also have an excellent chance of spotting the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland, as well as having access to an abundance of exhilarating winter activities such as reindeer safaris and husky sledging tours.