What to see, what to do Finnish Lapland?
The 10 good reasons to go Finnish Lapland
Reaching the end of the continent.
It's a real end-of-the-world feeling at the tip of the peninsula
Try dog sledding
...and become a musher! Impossible not to go for a walk with our four-legged friends.
Try the sauna and ice bath combo
...to make things right. Bend the rules and discover the benefits of hot-cold!
Visiting Santa's country
... and why not get your picture taken next to the old bearded man and his faithful Rudolph!
Back to nature, the real thing!
... in the last wilderness of Europe, infinite spaces and a multitude of landscapes.
Chasing the Northern Lights...
... in the dead of winter. Pile on the layers of clothes and go for a night walk
Take time to live,
to enjoy the peace and quiet. Enjoy a nice view, a good meal, a walk.
See reindeer and elk
...in their natural environment. Who doesn't dream of meeting these emblematic animals?
Waiting for a sunset that never comes..
A fascinating phenomenon to be observed preferably perched on a hill.
Testing a variety of activities
... on land, at sea or in the air! In all seasons, it is outside that everything happens.
What to visit Finnish Lapland?
Interview: My Lapland
with Anaïs EYRAUD, author of the guide
Anaïs Eyraud, the author of this edition of the Lapland guide and the latest edition of the Oslo City Trip, is a young woman from the Ardèche who has always been fascinated by the landscapes and cultures of the north. She studied Nordic and Germanic languages and sustainable tourism at university. She is now a translator and production manager for a travel agency.
See the video of the interviewGood to know to visit Finnish Lapland
Timetable
On weekdays, most museums, tourist offices and visitor centers are open between 10am and 5pm. Please note that opening times vary according to the country, the size of the town and the time of year. Always check the opening hours if you're not already there, as you could be travelling for nothing. Opening times are longest between December and March, then between June and August.
To be booked
If you're visiting Lapland in the high winter season, it's essential to book all your activities in advance. The same applies to transport, both rail and sea. You'll have no trouble renting a car in winter. It's a popular destination, and most villages and towns are crowded with tourists. In summer, the region remains busy, but most activities are self-guided. If you're thinking of visiting the fjords, greeting the whales, renting a car or taking a Hurtigruten cruise, booking is essential.
Budget & Tips
The cost of living is high in all three countries, so Lapland is not a cheap destination, and this naturally includes sports facilities.
Main events
Traditional festivals are the most celebrated and authentic. In Sweden, don't miss Saint Lucia's Day in December, the Saami market in Jokkmokk in February, and the Crayfish party in August/September. In Finland, St. Mary's Day in Hetta in March is a concentration of Sami culture and traditions, and Christmas week in Rovaniemi has a very special flavor. In Norway, the Saami Easter in Kautokeino is not to be missed, as is the Vinterfestuka in Narvik in March/April, two festivals rich in costume and tradition. Everywhere in Lapland, we celebrate Midsummer's Day, the longest day of the year! It's a time for singing and sharing around a bonfire, but above all it's a time for laughter.
Guided tours
There are many providers of guided tours and activities, many of whom are well known to tourist offices. Winter highlights include dog-sledding, aurora borealis hunting, snowmobile, ski and snowshoe tours, ice climbing, traditional sauna sessions, reindeer encounters, boat tours of the fjords and whale watching. In summer, kayaking, hiking, cycling, glamping and fishing are very popular.
