Travel guide Finnish Lapland

The Arctic Circle crosses the Lapland countries as well as Iceland, Greenland, Canada and Alaska at 66' 32° N latitude. Fascinating phenomena occur north of the Arctic Circle. During the midnight sun, the sun remains on the horizon for 24 hours. Conversely, during the polar night, the sun never rises above the horizon.

Glacial valley found in Norway, very deep and narrow. Its inland waters, with very little salt and derived from torrents and melting glaciers, are among the deepest in the world. In the north, there are many fjords. Boat trips are offered along the coast, which is the most convenient way to enjoy them.

If many people think of Finland when Lapland is mentioned, this region with blurred and unofficial borders actually covers 4 countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia, above the Arctic Circle. Cradle of the Saami people, it is a naturally rich land that is considered the last wilderness in Europe.

Or hjotron, multer, it's the polar bay that grows in Lapland. It looks like a yellow raspberry and has a very particular taste, does not leave indifferent: we love it or hate it! During good harvests, prices drop significantly. It can be eaten fresh, plain or with whipped cream, in jam, candy, ice cream and even syrup.

These little pterygote insects are very virulent in Lapland, especially in areas close to water. Their bites are much stronger than those of the usual mosquitoes and can really spoil a walk. So don't forget to equip yourself! Buy mosquito repellent locally, and don't forget the mosquito net..

The polar night is the time of year when the sun does not rise, from late November to mid-January. This phenomenon can only be observed beyond the Arctic Circle. Even during this period it is not dark because the snow and the sun create a halftone lighting and a particular brightness. Magical!

Impressive, powerful and bold, it's a true symbol of Lapland. The Saami language has some 400 words for it! You'll come across it on the roads, especially in summer. The animal is quite unpredictable, so it's best to slow down, or even stop your vehicle to let it cross. A good opportunity to get a closer look.

Rorbuer in the plural. The word means "little house to live in" and designates these fishermen's huts that can be found on the Norwegian coasts, mainly on the Lofoten Islands. Real symbol of the culture of the coasts, they are built out of wood and on piles, one recognizes them thanks to their painting most often red and their white borders.

This is the name given to the indigenous people of Lapland, or Sápmi. They are one of the largest indigenous groups in Europe, but also one of the most endangered. They speak various dialects of Saami, a Finno-Ugric language. Also present in Sweden and Finland, the largest groups are found on Norwegian territory.

This phenomenon appears as early as May and lasts until July. It can only be observed above the Arctic Circle: the sun never sets, skimming the horizon before climbing back into the sky for the following day. A disturbing phenomenon, but one of infinite beauty... This eternal sun offers an incredible sense of freedom.

Stuga in Swedish, hytte in Norwegian, mökki in Finnish. Rare are the people who do not have their little cottage in the middle of nature, near a lake, a river or on the coast. We go there at weekends, during the holidays, to recharge our batteries in the middle of nature. These huts are more or less rudimentary, often without running water or electricity.

Long-nosed little creatures from Norse mythology, trolls lived in Norway a very long time ago. It is said that they only came out at night, and could only be seen on the evenings of a full moon. Exposure to the sun could turn them to stone, and that's how we see troll-shaped rocks today!