Travelisto destinations
Finnish Lapland holidays
Husky trails, reindeer sleighs and the northern lights in winter; the midnight sun, lakes and endless forests in summer.
Overview
Welcome to Finnish Lapland
Finnish Lapland is winter as you always imagined it: snow-laden forests, frozen lakes, husky teams racing through the trees and, on a clear night, the northern lights rippling across the sky. It is one of the most magical places on earth for families at Christmas, and one of the best places in Europe to see the aurora, with long, dark nights and very little light pollution.
Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle, is home to Santa Claus Village and the Arctum science centre, and is the easiest base for a short break. Further north, the resorts of Levi and Ylläs combine downhill and cross-country skiing with snowmobile and husky safaris, while Saariselkä and Inari, close to the Russian and Norwegian borders, are wilder, with glass-roofed igloos, reindeer farms and the culture of the Sámi, Europe’s only indigenous people.
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Summer is a different world: the sun barely sets from June to early August, the lakes and fells are perfect for hiking, canoeing and fishing, and autumn brings blazing colours, known as ruska. Best for: families and Christmas trips, northern lights hunters, couples, and active travellers who love snow or summer hiking. See our guide to Lapland tours.
From the team
Why we love Finnish Lapland
Give the northern lights at least three nights and stay away from town lights. Then let the huskies do the rest. A day behind a dog team is the moment everyone talks about afterwards.
Rossella Rossella, Luxury & Destination Specialist Meet our Travel DesignersFind your trip
Holiday types in Finnish Lapland
Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.
Where to stay
Beach destinations grouped by resort area — pick the cluster that matches your pace.
City breaks
Finnish Lapland's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.
Escorted tours
Finnish Lapland in Winter: Huskies, Reindeer & Sauna – 8 Days
Finnish Wilderness Week: Snowshoes, Huskies & Northern Lights – 8 Days
Finland Family Winter Adventure – 8 Days
Small-group winter trips in Finnish Lapland, with huskies, reindeer, snowshoeing and the northern lights.
Tailor-made
Everything you see above is a starting point — we'll shape any of these around how you actually want to travel.
Christmas in Lapland
Santa, reindeer, huskies and snow, timed for the festive season.
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Northern lights break
Aurora cabins or glass igloos, with aurora hunts by snowmobile or sleigh.
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Active winter
Skiing in Levi or Ylläs with husky and snowmobile safaris.
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Midnight sun summer
Hiking, canoeing and lakeside cabins under the summer sun.
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Knowing before you go
When to go
Jan
-8°
Feb
-7°
Mar
-2°
Apr
4°
May
11°
Jun
18°
Jul
21°
Aug
17°
Sep
11°
Oct
3°
Nov
-3°
Dec
-6°
For snow, husky and reindeer safaris and the northern lights, go from December to March; the aurora season runs from about late August to early April, and February and March bring more daylight and great snow. For the midnight sun, hiking and canoeing, go from June to August; September brings autumn colours.
Flights & how to get there
In winter there are direct flights from several UK airports to Rovaniemi, Kittilä (for Levi and Ylläs) and Ivalo (for Saariselkä), in around 3 hours 30 minutes. At other times, fly via Helsinki, then take a short domestic flight or the overnight Santa Claus Express train.
Visa & passport
UK passport holders do not need a visa for a short holiday in Finland, but passport and entry rules for the Schengen area apply. Check the UK FCDO travel advice for Finland for the latest rules.
Currency & money
The euro (EUR). Cards, including contactless, are accepted almost everywhere.
Language & tipping
Finnish and Swedish, with the Sámi languages in the far north; English is very widely spoken.
Health & safety
Winter temperatures can fall well below –20°C, so specialist thermal clothing is usually provided on winter holidays; bring thermal base layers, a hat, gloves and warm socks. Buy comprehensive travel insurance that covers winter activities.
FAQs
Finnish Lapland — your questions
When is the best time to see the northern lights in Lapland?
The aurora season runs from about late August to early April. December to March has the darkest skies and snow on the ground. Give yourself at least three nights for the best chance.
Where is the best place to stay in Lapland?
Rovaniemi for Santa, short breaks and easy access. Levi or Ylläs for skiing and activities. Saariselkä and Inari for wilder landscapes, glass igloos and Sámi culture.
Can I fly direct to Lapland from the UK?
Yes, in winter there are direct flights to Rovaniemi, Kittilä and Ivalo from several UK airports. At other times you fly via Helsinki.
Is Lapland good for families at Christmas?
It is one of the best family Christmas trips there is, with Santa, reindeer, husky rides and snow almost guaranteed. December dates book up early.
Is Lapland worth visiting in summer?
Yes. The midnight sun, lakes and fells are perfect for hiking, canoeing and fishing, and it is far quieter than in winter.
Make this trip yours
Plan your Finnish Lapland holiday with a Travel Designer
Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.
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