Lapland Travel Inspiration

Looking for Lapland travel inspiration? Discover ideas for every season in Lapland North, from northern lights, winter activities and Sámi culture to autumn colours, summer days, biking, saunas and road trips. Use this page to find themes, stories and travel ideas for planning your trip to Northern Lapland.

Two people dressed in winter jackets and hats stand on a snowy shore, facing a calm, icy body of water with snow-covered hills in the background. One person has their arm around the other.

Talvivaatteisiin ja huopiin sonnustautunut pariskunta istuu puisessa reessä ulkona ja jakaa hellästi hetken, kun poro seisoo etualalla lumisessa maisemassa, jonka taustalla on puita.

Winter in Lapland North

In the Lapland North region the winter lasts well over half a year, so there are plenty of opportunities for snowy winter activities. Try out cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing – you can learn a different sport every day!

Sámi Culture

The northernmost Lapland has a rich and unique culture. Lapland North area is located in the homelands of the Sámi, Europe’s only recognized indigenous people. Sámi culture is a vibrant part of everyday life. Visitors are invited to explore more with local, Sámi-run companies.

Saunas

Whether by a lake, in the forest, or at your accommodation, sauna offers a moment to unwind, reset, and enjoy one of Finland’s most cherished traditions. Step into the warmth and feel the Arctic stillness settle around you.

Värikkäät revontulet loistavat violetin ja vihreän sävyissä yötaivaalla Nellimin yläpuolella, ja ne heijastuvat puiden ja metsäisten kukkuloiden ympäröimälle rauhalliselle järvelle. Maisema tuntuu rauhalliselta ja luonnolliselta.

Discovering the Northern Lights

This remarkable phenomenon of the polar region, also referred to as aurora borealis, occurs when the particles accelerated by the magnetic field of the Earth collide with airborne particles. Lapland North Destinations are located under the Aurora oval, which means that the possibility for seeing the Northern Lights is excellent in the area.

On average, Northern Lights can be seen in Lapland North up to 200 nights a year from September to April – whenever the sky is clear from clouds and it is dark enough.

More about northern lights

Valkoisia koskia sisältävä joki virtaa ohi kallioiden ja puumetsän, jonka syksyn värit ovat keltaiset, oranssit ja vihreät, osittain pilvisen taivaan alla.

Autumn colours in Lapland

As autumn arrives in Lapland, the trees begin to transform into a vibrant array of oranges, yellows, and reds. The leaves change color as the temperature drops and the days grow shorter. The fall foliage in Lapland is truly stunning, with the trees appearing to be on fire in a blaze of color. The bright hues stand out against the crisp blue skies and the landscape is filled with the sound of rustling leaves. As the season progresses, the colors deepen and become more intense, creating a magical display of nature’s beauty that is not to be missed.

In autumn the colorful foliage delights visitors. The reduction in daylight prompts the plants to begin their winter preparations. Deciduous trees, shrubs and grass start to change color into deep shades of red, yellow and orange. In northern Lapland the autumn colors are at the most beautiful in September.

More about autumn

Christmas in Lapland

Christmas in Lapland North brings together snowy adventures, sparkling lights and heartwarming moments. Families can enjoy reindeer rides, meet local culture, embrace winter activities and unwind in cosy accommodation. It’s the perfect place to create memories that last.

Explore winter

Punaiseen ja valkoiseen pukeutunut joulupukki vilkuttaa kahdelle lapselle, jotka seisovat lumen peittämän puumökin ulkopuolella yöllä puiden ympäröimänä ja lämpimien lyhtyjen valaisemana.

Biking in Lapland year-round

For mountain biking, we have something even better than mountains – our open fells. Take a snowy trail to the top and admire the infinite chain of round fells that don’t grow trees in the arctic climate. When the night falls, snuggle up by the fire or venture out to the pubs of an original Lapland village. Open Fell Biking in Saariselkä is a one of a kind experience. Within minutes from your cottage, you’ll be on top admiring the infinite chains of fells in the horizon. These big hills used to be mountains before the ice age rounded them and made them perfect for mountain biking. They’re ”open” because the arctic climate doesn’t allow them to grow trees.

Explore biking

Kolme ihmistä ajaa läskipyörillä lumisessa, auringonpaisteisessa maastossa, jota ympäröivät lehdettömät puut. Taivas on kirkas, ja aurinko on matalalla horisontissa heittäen pitkiä varjoja talviseen maisemaan.

First snow starts the winter season

Saariselkä usually gets its first snow in October. The lakes freeze and nature falls into hibernation. The winter of the north continues with mystical polar night, the northern lights flare and the snow is soft and clean. In Lapland North Destinations, the winter season begins with the first snow, and the ski trails often open at the beginning of November. Spend your first snow holiday here in the northernmost Lapland with versatile services such as skiing, downhill skiing and admiring the northern lights! Enjoy the fresh open air, winter activities and discover the culture and traditions of the North.

Explore experiences

Pienen saaren lumipeitteiset puut heijastuvat rauhalliseen, tyyneen järveen kirkkaan sinisen taivaan alla, mikä luo symmetrisen talvimaiseman.

Luminen maisema, jossa mutkitteleva tie leikkaa lumen peittämiä kukkuloita ja puita, kaukana ajava ajoneuvo ja taustalla metsäisiä kukkuloita peittävä sumu tai sumu.

North Lapland Road Trip

The Northernmost road trip in Finland familiarizes travellers to authentic Lappish villages and incredible nature with warm-hearted services all around the region. Road trip starts from Tankavaara and travels to Saariselkä following the road through Ivalo towards Inari and Utsjoki area to the northernmost place in Finland, Nuorgam village.

During your trip you can also head west to Lemmenjoki or Karigasniemi. Do visit Sevettijärvi and Näätämö when heading towards North from Inari. While the regulations with border control allow it you can actually do the road trip as a round trip from Nuorgam to Näätämö by crossing the border to Norway and traveling alongside the Arctic Ocean and dip toes to the sea.

Explore North Lapland road trip

Perinteisiin vaatteisiin pukeutunut henkilö istuu maassa järveä ja kumpuilevia kukkuloita vastapäätä pilvisen taivaan alla, ja lähellä tundralla on pieni nuotiopaikka ja tarvikkeita.

Experience local culture and heritage

Lapland North is a place to learn about Sámi culture, local traditions and the history of life in the northern wilderness. In Inari, you can visit Sámi Museum Siida and Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos, or join experiences offered by local Sámi-run companies.

The region also has a strong gold culture, especially in Tankavaara, where visitors can learn about the history of gold prospecting in Lapland and try gold panning themselves. Together, these cultural experiences offer a deeper view of Northern Lapland beyond nature and outdoor activities.

Explore Sámi culture

Explore gold culture

Keltaisia luonnonkukkia kasvaa kivien seassa rauhallisen järven rannalla, ja taustalla on suuria lohkareita vedessä ja metsäinen rantaviiva osittain pilvisen taivaan alla.

Summer in Lapland

As summer arrives in Lapland North, the region transforms into a land of the midnight sun, with 24 hours of daylight. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers and the sound of waterways. The lakes and rivers come alive as the water warms up, inviting locals and visitors alike to take a refreshing swim. The greenery is lush and vibrant, with forests and meadows teeming with life. The sunsets are stunning, with the sky painted in shades of pink, purple, and gold. The long days provide ample time for outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, fishing, and camping. Lapland in summer is a paradise for nature lovers, with its breathtaking landscapes and endless daylight hours.

Explore summer