Lapland, Finland: 4 places to see on a winter route
Explore Lapland, Finland's Arctic region known for winter activities and northern adventures. This route covers 791.3 km through Finland's most scenic winter destination, perfect for snowmobiling, ice swimming, and experiencing authentic Arctic experiences near the Arctic Circle.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Lapland
- End
- Snowmobile Trail
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Lapland
- Arctic Circle — Imaginary line marking the boundary of the Arctic region, crossed during the expedition with celebration and Arctic dip activities.
- Santa Claus Village
- Snowmobile Trail — Traditional Finnish activity through snowy wilderness with stops at authentic Finnish huts for roasting sausages and warming drinks.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- At 2 PM in winter, there is almost no sun in Lapland — expect twilight conditions during afternoon activities.
- Food
- Visit the teepee hut restaurant at Santa Claus Village that serves salmon on fire. No reservations — expect to wait 45 minutes outside in the cold.
- Food
- Try salmon soup at the cozy warm restaurant at Santa's Village for a beautiful dining setting.
- Tip
- At Santa Claus Village Post Office, you can send personalized letters to Santa, and he will send letters back before Christmas. The office receives about 500,000 letters per year.
- Tip
- You can cross the Arctic Circle in Lapland and get official confirmation of crossing it.
- Tip
- Husky sled rides in Lapland allow you to pilot the dogs yourself rather than just ride passively. Prepare for an adrenaline rush.
- Tip
- When ice floating/swimming in Lapland, wear provided protective suits. The water feels numb when you first enter due to the protective gear.
- Avoid
- Be prepared for frozen lake activities — ice thickness is about 40 centimeters, which can feel unsettling despite safety measures.
- Tip
- Reindeer sleigh rides and husky rides are available at Santa Claus Village. You can feed reindeer and pat them.
- Transport
- Snowmobiling is a primary winter activity in Lapland. Tours include stops at traditional Finnish huts where guides roast sausages and serve warm drinks.
- Where to stay
- Organize group expeditions through Flying the Nest Expeditions website at flyingthenest.tv/expeditions to join winter adventures in Lapland with other travelers.
Video on this route
This is why you NEED to visit Finland! (the perfect winter getaway)