Lapland year-round

While Lapland has traditionally been seen as a winter holiday destination, the Finnish Tourist Board is currently attempting to market the area as a great place for summer breaks. From May onwards, snow-clad landscapes give way to budding greenery, melting rivers and beautiful mountains. If you’re not convinced that Lapland holds tourist appeal outside the winter months, here is proof that the area truly is a land for all seasons. 

Spring
In Spring, much of Lapland is still covered with snow. You can ski in the Swedish area inside the Arctic Circle, or enjoy a steamer trip on one of the rivers in Finnish Lapland. In most areas, it is still possible to enjoy reindeer sledding, ice fishing and snow-shoeing. 

Summer
Towards mid-summer, Lapland becomes a place where the sun never sets. The long days (nearly 24 hours in July and August) open up plenty of opportunities to enjoy life to the full. This is the best time to admire the stunning northern landscape of deep blue lakes, thick pine forests and gushing waterfalls, as well as relaxing on one of the area’s long sandy beaches. Off the Lapland coast, a whole archipelago of islands which are unreachable during the winter open up to intrepid summer explorers. 

Autumn
Some say that Lapland looks best in the russets and golds of Autumn. As the days begin to close in, this is a great time to check out the wildlife before hibernation begins. You can see foraging bears, wolverine, elk and reindeer in the wild – guided tours are on offer, or you can strike out by yourself on one of Lapland’s many hiking trails. At the end of a long day, relax your aching muscles in one of the world’s top spas, and watch dusk falling from a luxurious hotel room.

Winter
Lapland must be one of the few places on earth that attracts the majority of its tourists during the winter months. Father Christmas, of course, is a top attraction – children can visit him in his hidden log cabin, and watch his elves beavering away in their nearby workshops. There is dog-sledding, snowmobile safaris and even troll-hunting trips available to families, while couples can enjoy a romantic stay in the famous ice hotel at Jukkasjarvi. Skiing holidays are also popular: resorts like Levi and Riksgransen are guaranteed snow, and often operate as late as May.
One warning, though: in winter, temperatures in Lapland can drop to as low as -20 degrees. If you have small children or find yourself daunted by extreme cold, it may be better to book a winter or ski holiday in an Alpine resort – check out Alpine Elements for a selection of options.