Discovering Lapland

Sparsely populated, beautiful and mysterious, Lapland is the perfect location for adventure or activity holidays. Visitors can watch the northern lights, see Santa’s grotto or view the stunning scenery from a dog sled – whatever the time of year, there is always plenty to do.

When to go
Lapland is most famous for its winter attractions – from October to May, there’s a host of activities on offer from the sublime (relaxing in a steaming spa) to the bizarre (reindeer lassoing and troll hunting in the thick pine forests). Skiing holidays are also popular, and snow is guaranteed from as early as September to as late as June, while the months from November to March are the perfect time to see the magical aurora borealis.
In summer, Lapland presents a completely different face. Mid-summer brings virtually 24 hours of light, and with it plenty of opportunities for day-long hiking, biking and wildlife watching. Make sure you pack a good insect repellent, though – midges are numerous in the area after the snow melts.

What to do
There’s plenty to do in Lapland, particularly over the winter months. Cross country skiing is popular across the Finnish part of the region, while northern Swedish Lapland offers groomed pistes far into the summer months. The area’s spas are among the best in the world, if a little pricey – check out Spa Hotel Levitunturi or the riverside manor of Taivaanvalkeat for fabulously relaxing experiences.
Adrenaline junkies will enjoy the diverse sporting activities on offer, from reindeer sledding to ice fishing, rafting and biking. Caneoing excursions are also available during the summer months.
Finally, December is a wonderful time to visit the world’s most authentic Santa. Several Lapland resorts, including Rovaniemi and Saariselka in Finnish Lapland, offer the opportunity to sit on Father Christmas’s knee, see his magical post office, and see his elves making toys in their workshops.    

The alternatives
One disadvantage of a holiday in Lapland is that it can be pricey. If you’re after a break in the snow but don’t fancy shelling out Finnish prices, consider the Alps instead. Some of the high-altitude resorts boast excellent snow conditions and a cosy winter atmosphere – check out some of the options on a site like Alpine Elements.