Here you will find the authentic Lapland
In the northernmost Lapland of Finland the arctic travel region of Lapland North is located. Living local culture, largest national parks in Finland and a variety of nature activities among fell scenery offer unique experiences year-round.
Travelling in Lapland North Destinations is an adventure filled with unexpected encounters with enchanting Lappish nature and intriguing local culture. Below you will find inspiration and many valuable reasons why to visit the northernmost Lapland.
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 conveniently 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.
Learn more
Autumn colors 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.
Autumn colors in Lapland
Open fell biking 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.
Learn more
Spend your Christmas holiday in winter wonderland of Lapland!
Christmas in Lapland is always white, with an abundance of winter activities and the joy of the holiday season. The scenic, snowy, wintery landscape give this venue a real, worry-free, Christmas feel. Christmas feasts and various holiday programmes allow you to make the most of the holidays.
The Saariselkä chapel and other churches in the region provide a peaceful respite for visitors with busy lifestyles. Here the winter is snowy and welcomes you to experience the magic of the winter wonderland.
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.
Winters many phases
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!
Learn more
North Lapland road trip
The Northernmost road trip in Finland familiarizes travelers 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 towards 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 your toes to the sea.
Experience the authentic 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.
Sámi culture
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.
Summer in Lapland is memorable
How to get here?
Inari-Saariselkä is far away in the North, yet just a few hours from Southern Finland. You can get to Lapland with multiple ways, and often the trip is an experience in itself.
{{ howToGetHere.title }}
How to get around?
When travelling through the arctic hills, you must remember that distances are quite often long. Be sure to enjoy the views while making your way from a destination to another.
From
to
Distance
- By car {{carTime.h}}{{carTime.min}}
- By bicycle {{cyclingTime.h}}{{cyclingTime.min}}
