Finnish Lapland Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Finnish Lapland in this comprehensive travel guide. From natural attractions to cultural landmarks, hiking and biking routes, and more, this guide covers everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip.


Introduction to Finnish Lapland

Finnish Lapland, located in northern Finland, is the perfect destination for those looking for breathtaking natural scenery, outdoor adventures, and cultural exploration. With its vast wilderness areas, crystal-clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains, Finnish Lapland offers something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Finnish Lapland

Check out the following places for an amazing experience in Finnish Lapland:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Arktikum Museum and Science Center - Located in Rovaniemi, this museum showcases the Arctic region’s history, nature, and culture.
  2. Siida - This museum in Inari offers insight into the Sami culture and lifestyle.
  3. Sami Parliament - Visit the Lapland region’s parliament located in Inari. Learn about Sami’s way of life and political power.

Natural Attractions of Finnish Lapland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Northern Lights - Witness one of the world’s most incredible natural phenomena.
  2. Levi Ski Resort - Experience skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports at this famous ski resort.
  3. Santa Claus Village - Take a photo with Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, and more in this magical village in Rovaniemi.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Finnish Lapland

  1. Urho Kekkonen National Park - This national park has several hiking and biking trails.
  2. Oulanka National Park - Enjoy the scenic river views and waterfalls in summer or hike through the snow in winter.
  3. Hetta-Pallas Trail - This hiking trail is over 50km in length and a great way to experience Finnish Lapland’s wilderness.

Best Things to Do in Finnish Lapland: Activities and Tours

  1. Sauna - Finnish Lapland is famous for its sauna traditions, so make sure to try it out at least once during your trip.
  2. Husky Safari - Experience Lapland’s winter scenery while being pulled by a team of eager huskies.
  3. Snowmobile Safari - Explore the Arctic wilderness on a thrilling snowmobile adventure.
  4. Reindeer Sledding - Learn about the native Sami culture and enjoy a reindeer sledding experience in a traditional Sami village.

Week-Long Itinerary for Finnish Lapland

Day 1-2: Rovaniemi - Visit Santa Claus Village, Arktikum Museum, and Science Center.

Day 3-4: Inari - Visit the Siida Museum, the Sami Parliament, and learn about Sami culture.

Day 5-6: Saariselkä - Enjoy outdoor activities such as husky safaris, snowmobile safaris, or Northern Lights tours.

Day 7: Levi - End your trip with some skiing or snowboarding experiences with world-class amenities in a winter sport resort.

Food and Drink Scene of Finnish Lapland

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Reindeer meat - Enjoy traditional Lapland food by eating reindeer, usually served roasted, smoked or as a sausage.
  2. Rössypottu - A traditional Lapland stew made with pork, potatoes, and barley.

Local Beverages

  1. Salmiakki Koskenkorva - Finland’s famous vodka mixed with salty liquorice.
  2. Lapin Kulta - This is Finland’s globally popular beer.

Where to Stay in Finnish Lapland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Santa Claus Holiday Village - Located in Rovaniemi, this accommodation offers a range of cabins and apartments for a magical holiday experience.
  2. Hotel Inari - Enjoy resort-like amenities in scenic Inari.
  3. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - This resort located in Saariselkä provides modern cabins and igloos accommodation along with great outdoor activities.

What to Buy in Finnish Lapland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Sami handicrafts - Local Sami handicrafts like bracelets, knife cases, and handbags made of reindeer leather are a must-buy.
  2. Marimekko designs - Textile designs from one of Finland’s most famous designers - Marimekko.

Local Culture and Customs of Finnish Lapland

The indigenous Sami people have a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, handicrafts, and other forms of art. It is essential for tourists to respect the local customs, including preserving the environment and respecting the local Sami culture.

Best Time to Visit Finnish Lapland

Wintertime from December to February offers unparalleled experiences such as Northern Lights and winter sports activities. However, if you prefer milder weather for hiking or fishing, June to September is an ideal time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Finnish Lapland

Do:

  1. Respect nature and the environment.
  2. Learn about the Sami culture.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or disturb the environment.
  2. Wear inappropriate clothing in the wilderness.

Safety and Health

Safety in Finnish Lapland

The Lapland wilderness is vast and can be hazardous without the right equipment. It’s essential to always have a map, GPS, and emergency equipment if you plan to explore remote areas.

Health in Finnish Lapland

Medical facilities are accessible, but it’s essential to have travel insurance coverage.

Getting to Finnish Lapland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Finnish Lapland

  1. Rovaniemi Airport - Located in Rovaniemi, this airport is the gateway to Finnish Lapland.
  2. Ivalo Airport - Located near Inari, this airport is in eastern Lapland.

Bus Stations Near Finnish Lapland

Multiple buses run between Rovaniemi and Inari.

Other Options

Rent a car, and drive yourself through Lapland’s scenic routes.

How to Get Around in Finnish Lapland

Car rental or bus services are the best ways to explore the Northern Finland region.

Where to Go Next from Finnish Lapland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Helsinki - Visit the Finnish capital, Helsinki, after exploring Lapland.
  2. Stockholm - Explore Stockholm and other cities in the Scandinavian region after your trip to Finnish Lapland.

Conclusion

Finnish Lapland offers an unforgettable travel experience with its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. This comprehensive travel guide should serve as a helpful tool to plan your next trip and make unforgettable memories in Finland.

Forest and fells of Pallastunturit in autumn Forest and fells of Pallastunturit in autumn Major roads and towns. Major roads and towns. River in Salla. River in Salla. Fell landscape in Muotkatunturit Wilderness Area, Utsjoki Fell landscape in Muotkatunturit Wilderness Area, Utsjoki The Siberian Jay will often appear, to curiously watch the visitors. The Siberian Jay will often appear, to curiously watch the visitors. Winter in Riisitunturi National Park, Posio. Winter in Riisitunturi National Park, Posio. Train in Kemi, with Sleeper trains. Sleepers, restaurant car, ordinary coaches and car-carrying cars – and Father Christmas on board Train in Kemi, with Sleeper trains. Sleepers, restaurant car, ordinary coaches and car-carrying cars – and Father Christmas on board Typical road in northern Lapland. Connecting road 9695 in Sodankylä. Typical road in northern Lapland. Connecting road 9695 in Sodankylä. Reindeer crossing a highway in Lapland; wait for all of the herd to pass. Reindeer crossing a highway in Lapland; wait for all of the herd to pass. Snowmobile as serious transport, en route to the Savukoski Värriö research station Snowmobile as serious transport, en route to the Savukoski Värriö research station In midwinter there are only a few hours of daylight, if any In midwinter there are only a few hours of daylight, if any Särestöniemi museum, with traditional buildings, in Kittilä Särestöniemi museum, with traditional buildings, in Kittilä Northern lights in Ruka. Northern lights in Ruka. Reindeer ride near Ruka Reindeer ride near Ruka Skiing through the forest on prepared tracks Skiing through the forest on prepared tracks The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi The Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi Poronkäristys at a hotel. Poronkäristys at a hotel. Forest at Kumputunturi in Kittilä. Forest at Kumputunturi in Kittilä. Mountain landscape seen from Kovddoskaisi in Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, Enontekiö. Patches of snow remaining in late July. Mountain landscape seen from Kovddoskaisi in Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, Enontekiö. Patches of snow remaining in late July.


    Enontekiö
    Inari
    Karigasniemi
    Kemi
    Kemijärvi
    Kevo Strict Nature Reserve
    Kittilä
    Levi
    Muotkatunturit Wilderness Area
    Nuorgam
    Pello
    Pyhä
    Pyhä-Luosto National Park
    Ranua
    Riisitunturi National Park
    Salla
    Savukoski
    Sevettijärvi
    Sodankylä
    Suomu
    Tervola
    Urho Kekkonen National Park
    Ylitornio
    Äkäslompolo