12 Things to Know Before Visiting Lapland: Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Lapland? Before we set off on our own Arctic adventure, we had so many questions, from the best time to catch the Northern Lights to how cold it really gets and what we’d need to pack.

After experiencing Lapland firsthand, we’ve pulled together everything we wish we’d known before going – this guide will give you all the essential tips to make your Lapland adventure unforgettable.

1. Is Lapland Expensive?

Lapland can be expensive, but this does depend on your travel preferences and dates you travel.

Accommodation prices vary, with unique options like glass igloos, ice hotels, and luxury lodges costing significantly more than standard hotels or cabins.

For example, in the winter months glass igloos can cost anywhere between €500-€1000 per night, whereas standard hotels cost around €150-€400. Activities like husky sledding, snowmobiling and guided Northern Lights tours can also add up quickly.

However, there are ways to save money without compromising on your experience. It’s often cheaper to book experiences and activities in advance, and through booking sites like GetYourGuide, rather than when you arrive in Lapland.

Another great way to save money but still experience a unique glass igloo is to book one for a night, and spend the rest of your trip in a more affordable hotel or cabin.

If you’re flexible with your travel dates, we’d recommend visiting during the off-peak seasons which are usually early autumn and late winter, as prices tend to be lower. We visited in Late October/November, it was still off-peak but we experienced snow and northern lights.

Food and drinks are generally pretty expensive, but you can find cheaper options in larger towns like Rovaniemi. We found cafe’s to be quite expensive, we paid around €4-5 for a coffee and around €8 for cake.

2. What is the Best Time to Visit Lapland?

The best time to visit Lapland depends on what you want to experience and what budget you have.

For a classic winter wonderland experience, including snow-covered landscapes, Northern Lights, and winter activities like dog sledding, the ideal time is between December and March.

During these months, you can enjoy the full range of winter sports and the magical Christmas atmosphere, especially in Rovaniemi, known as the “official” home of Santa Claus.

However, this is also the most expensive time to visit, with accommodation costs at their highest as this is the most popular season.

We would recommend visiting in October or November if you want to save some money but still experience Lapland in the winter.

During these months, Lapland gets its first snow, the chances of seeing Northern Lights are high, and all of the winter activities will be starting. However, accommodation prices will be much cheaper.

If you’re after the Northern Lights, the best chances of seeing them are from September to March, with clear, dark skies and cold weather creating optimal conditions.

If you’re interested in warmer weather and the unique experience of the Midnight Sun, summer (June to August) is the ideal time.

During this period, the sun doesn’t set, providing 24 hours of daylight for activities like hiking, fishing, and exploring the national parks.

Best Months for Specific Activities:

Northern Lights: September to March
Skiing and Husky Sledding: December to March
Midnight Sun: June to early August
Hiking & Outdoor Exploration: June to September

3. How Cold Does It Get in Lapland & What Clothing Should I Pack?

Lapland’s winter temperatures can be extreme, so packing the right clothing is essential to stay warm and comfortable.

During the coldest months of November to February, temperatures can drop as low as -30°C (-22°F), particularly in the more remote, northern areas.

During our visit in November, temperatures reached -15°C (5°F) in Rovaniemi, and -30°C (-22°F) in Levi, and we had the first snow of the season. However, average temperatures will range anywhere from -1°C (30°F) to -30°C (-22°F).

The key to staying warm is dressing in layers, with thermal base layers, insulated mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear.

Don’t forget to bring essential winter accessories like a warm hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof boots. For a detailed packing list, check out our full guide on what to pack for Lapland.

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Make sure you have everything you need by reading our complete Lapland winter packing list here.

4. What Airport Do You Fly Into in Lapland?

There are several airports located around Lapland, depending on where you want to start your trip:

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN): This is the most popular and busiest airport in Lapland, located in the city of Rovaniemi, which is considered the “official” home of Santa Claus. It’s a great starting point for winter activities, Santa Claus Village, and exploring the southern part of Lapland. There are direct flights from Helsinki and many other European cities during peak seasons.

Kittilä Airport (KTT): Kittilä is best for the Levi and Ylläs ski resorts and is ideal if you’re interested in skiing or snowboarding. This airport also has connections to Helsinki and several international flights during the winter season.

Ivalo Airport (IVL): Located further north, Ivalo is a great choice for exploring the more remote areas of northern Lapland, including Saariselkä, Inari, and the Finnish wilderness. It’s also a popular location for seeing the Northern Lights due to its remote location and dark skies.

From these airports, you can access the main towns and resorts via buses, rental cars, or pre-arranged transfers.

Many tourists fly into Helsinki first, and from there, take a direct domestic flight to one of the Lapland airports. If you’re from Europe, there are over 20 cities that fly directly to Rovaniemi including:

London
Edinburgh
Manchester
Birmingham
Amsterdam
Paris
Istanbul
Berlin
Madrid
Barcelona

5. What Currency Is Used in Lapland?

In Lapland, the currency used is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, and most places accept credit and debit cards.

We didn’t get cash out during our visit as everywhere accepted cards, so we highly recommend using a travel card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

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6. What Language Do They Speak / Do They Speak English in Lapland?

In Lapland, the official language is Finnish, but you could also encounter Swedish and Sámi, the language of the indigenous Sámi people.

English is very widely spoken in Lapland and most locals, especially in cities like Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo, can assist with questions and directions.

Most tour operators, car rental agencies, and excursion companies have their services available in English and you’ll find that most menus and informational materials are available in English.

All staff at resorts and tourist attractions will speak very good English, and may speak other common European languages.

Photo by Frans van Heerden

7. What Plug Type Is Used in Lapland?

In Lapland, as in the rest of Finland, the standard plug type is Type F. These are the two-pronged round plugs commonly used across much of Europe.

We always recommend having a universal adapter which has multiple plug types and USB ports, so you can use it anywhere in the world and charge multiple devices at the same time!

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8. How Many Days Is Enough to Explore Lapland?

The ideal amount of time to explore Lapland depends on what you want to experience and your budget, but we’d recommend anywhere from 3 to 7 days.

Our time in Lapland was unique in the fact we drove our campervan there, and ended up staying for just under a month.

However, we stayed at each resort for 2-3 nights, which we found to be plenty of time to experience the resort, take part in winter activities and see Lapland’s beauty.

3-4 Days

If you’re short on time, a 3-4 day trip can still give you a taste of Lapland’s highlights. You can spend one day exploring Rovaniemi and visiting Santa Claus Village, another doing winter activities like snowmobiling or husky sledding and with some luck, you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

5-7 Days

A 5-7 day itinerary allows for a more relaxed experience. You’ll have time to:

Explore multiple towns like Rovaniemi, Saariselkä, and Kittilä
Spend a full day on activities such as reindeer sleigh rides, ice fishing, or skiing
Dedicate an evening or two for Northern Lights hunting
Experience a sauna and ice swimming session
Take a day trip to more remote areas for wilderness experiences

More Than 7 Days

For those who want to explore Lapland in-depth, a longer stay of 10 days or more is perfect for fully immersing yourself in the landscape and local culture.

You can venture further north to Inari or Saariselkä, where you’ll find fewer tourists, or spend more time on outdoor adventures like cross-country skiing or visiting Sámi villages.

9. When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Lapland?

The best time to witness The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis is during the winter months, from late September to mid-April, when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest.

October to March offers the highest chances of seeing the Northern Lights, particularly from December to February, when the polar night provides long hours of darkness.

We saw the Northern Lights in November, but they were not at their strongest and were sometimes barely visible to the naked eye.

The optimal conditions for seeing the Northern Lights are dark and clear skies with minimal cloud cover, away from city lights and light pollution. Rural areas, such as Saariselkä, Inari, or Kilpisjärvi, are ideal for chasing the lights.

The intensity of the Aurora also depends on solar activity, and it’s possible to monitor the Aurora forecast to increase your chances of witnessing a display.

While you can technically see the Northern Lights from late September to mid-April, planning your trip around mid-winter (December to February) will give you the best opportunities to see this magical phenomenon.

👉 How to see the Northern Lights in Lapland – 9 Tips for the Best Experience

10. Is It Possible to Drive in Lapland During Winter & Are There Any Special Requirements?

Yes, it is possible to drive in Lapland during winter, but there are important factors to consider due to the extreme conditions.

We drove to Lapland in our campervan, so we do have personal experience driving in Lapland in the winter. You would obviously need to be comfortable driving on icy roads, in the snow and in the dark.

Some of the most important things to consider when driving in Lapland during winter:

Winter Tires: In Finland, using winter tires is mandatory from November to March. Cars are typically equipped with either studded or non-studded winter tires to handle the icy and snowy roads.
Icy and Snowy Roads: Roads in Lapland are well-maintained, but snow and ice are guaranteed during winter.
Driving in Darkness: In winter, Lapland experiences long hours of darkness due to Polar Night, especially in December and January. It’s important to be comfortable driving in low-light conditions, as visibility can be limited.
Animal Crossings: Reindeer often wander onto the roads in rural areas, so keep an eye out for them, particularly in remote locations. There are warning signs in areas where animal crossings are frequent.

11. Does Lapland Have Public Transport?

Lapland does have public transport, this includes buses, trains, and taxis. However, due to the region’s remote and vast nature, public transport may not reach every area, especially the more secluded spots, so it’s important to plan ahead depending on where you’re staying.

Buses:

Regional Buses: Buses are the most common form of public transport in Lapland, connecting the main towns such as Rovaniemi, Levi, Kittilä, and Ivalo. Bus services are regular and well-maintained but can be less frequent in more rural areas or outside peak tourist seasons.
Airport Buses: There are bus transfers available from airports like Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo to major hotels, ski resorts, and nearby towns. These are particularly useful if you’re not renting a car, although most resorts and hotels offer airport pick up and drop offs.

Trains:

While there aren’t trains that operate deep within Lapland, the Finnish rail network offers service to Rovaniemi, with connections from Helsinki and other major cities. From Rovaniemi, you can take a bus or taxi to reach further destinations in Lapland.

This is a great alternative to flying as it’s cheaper, but the journey is much longer, taking 8-9 hours from Helenski to Rovaniemi.

Taxis:

Taxis are available in towns and near popular tourist areas, such as airports and hotels. However, they can be expensive, especially for longer journeys or in more remote areas.

12. Where Are the Best Places to Stay in Lapland?

Lapland has a great mix of accommodation, from cosy cabins to luxurious glass igloos, perfect for catching the Northern Lights. During our trip, we stayed in a few different spots, each offering something unique.

Rovaniemi was ideal for its amenities and shopping, while Levi was perfect for outdoor activities like skiing and Northern Lights tours.

We also spent time in the small ski town of Pikku-Syote, which we highly recommend if you want a more laid-back, quiet escape in the wilderness, with some great skiing on the side.

For a lively atmosphere and easy access to Lapland’s top attractions:

Rovaniemi is the ‘capital’ of Lapland, so it has plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes, while still being surrounded by the arctic wilderness.

It’s home to Santa Claus Village and there are plenty of attractions such as museums and wildlife parks; making it ideal for families. The city also provides easy access to Northern Lights tours, husky safaris, and snowmobile adventures.

There are also plenty of hotels, apartments and unique glass igloos to choose from. We stayed in a modern apartment in the centre, plus two spots just outside Rovaniemi: the cosy Bear Hill Husky Cabin and the beautiful Apukka Resort, both perfect for a more Arctic experience.

For ski enthusiasts and adventure seekers:

Levi in Kittilä is one of Finland’s best ski resorts, known for its epic slopes and winter sports; it’s an ideal destination if you love the outdoors.

You can choose to stay in log cabins nestled in the woods, luxurious spa hotels, or unique glass-roofed cabins. We stayed at Northern Lights Village Levi, and highly recommend it, we had an incredible time!

👉 The Best Igloo Hotel in Levi – Review of Northern Lights Village

For a peaceful retreat in the wilderness:

Saariselkä is a quieter alternative, located further north. It’s perfect if you want to experience Laplands remote wilderness and offers great opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and Northern Lights. The area is also home to the iconic Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and Northern Lights Village Saariselkä.

For cultural immersion and wilderness exploration:

Inari is the heart of Sámi culture in Lapland, providing an authentic experience of the local heritage. It’s less crowded but offers plenty of activities, including reindeer safaris, Aurora hunting and stays in traditional Sámi-style cabins. Inari is ideal if you want to combine Northern Lights hunting with cultural experiences.