Lapland (Finland), When to Go and What to See

The best times to visit are actually those leading up to Christmas, because - despite the polar cold (winter lasts from October to April) - it's at this time of year that this land shows all its magic.

Additionally, the local facilities are equipped and suitable even for the coldest visitors. So here's what to do and see in Lapland.

When talking about Lapland, one immediately thinks of one thing, or rather one person: Santa Claus. According to tradition, it is precisely in Lapland - the northernmost region of Finland - that the jolly man in the red suit, tasked with bringing gifts to well-behaved children, has his home. And especially his toy workshop: that magical place where, helped by his ever-present elves, he fulfills the dreams of children all over the world.

But Lapland, aside from being the land of the ultimate Christmas legend, is also an interesting tourist destination. Perfect for those considering an unusual vacation, full of adventures and at quite low temperatures.

If it's true that he is the first thought of anyone visiting Lapland, it's also true that, once you arrive, you must absolutely visit and discover his home. About 8 km from Rovaniemi, the capital, lies Santa's village, which hosts not only Santa Claus's residence but also several restaurants and souvenir shops.

Entrance to the village is completely free, and of course, if you wish, it is allowed to deliver a Christmas letter to the 'main man' in person.

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Still in Rovaniemi, you'll find the Lauri Handicraft Shop, a large craft store dedicated to Sami culture. The Sami are the indigenous people of Lapland who, by tradition, wear typical clothing, herd reindeer, and work with wood and other materials found in nature.

Today, there are about 6,000 Sami in Lapland, and many stories and legends are tied to their people. At the capital's shop, some local masters hold masterclasses for tourists who want to learn to create authentic Sami pieces.

One of the attractions to see for those arriving in Lapland is the aurora borealis: the famous optical phenomenon created by solar winds, which colors the sky in shades ranging from green, to red, to blue, even brushing against pink. In the northernmost part of the region, the aurora borealis is visible for a long period from late September to about mid-April. Typically, this natural spectacle occurs about once every two nights, so there are plenty of opportunities to admire it in Lapland.

The ideal areas for spotting the aurora are those far from urban centers, where artificial lights are scarce, and the spectacle is particularly mesmerizing. For this reason, special structures have been built in the woods surrounding the city to allow tourists to enjoy the show to the fullest.

In Rovaniemi, for example, is the Arctic treehouse hotel, consisting of 37 panoramic tree houses. The interiors are wooden, heated, and one entire wall of each structure is made of glass to provide a perfect view. Also in Rovaniemi, there's the famous Santa's Hotel Santa Claus, opened in 2016. This facility is divided into igloos made entirely of glass, which are also useful for seeing the aurora, but also for experiencing the midnight sun or enjoying the Lapland snowfall. This hotel is located near Pyhä-Luosto National Park.

Among the things that cannot be missed on a trip to Lapland is a hike in the woods, in search of reindeer.

The northernmost region of Finland, in fact, has a lower population density, hosting more reindeer than residents. One of the ways to get close to these animals - linked to the figure of Santa Claus - is the typical husky excursion. The blue-eyed dogs are indeed masters of sledding: the snow sledding experience that is beloved by tourists.