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Best Things to Do in Lapland, Finland in Winter

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Lapland, Finland is pure magic — especially if you visit in winter. After spending time exploring this Arctic wonderland firsthand, I can honestly say Finnish Lapland feels like stepping into a real-life snow globe. Think frozen forests, dancing northern lights, cozy igloos, and adventures you’ll be talking about for the rest of your life.

If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Lapland Finland in winter, I’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide — filled with activities we loved, tips we wish we knew before going, and real experiences you won’t want to miss.

1. Chase the Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is one of the top reasons people travel to Lapland — and for good reason. On clear nights, the skies light up with waves of green, purple, and pink.
Tips from our experience:

  • Stay multiple nights: Your chances of seeing the lights go up dramatically.
  • Go north: Places like Saariselkä, Inari, and Kilpisjärvi have the darkest skies.
  • Use apps: We used the Aurora app to get alerts when solar activity was strong.
  • Dress properly: Waiting outside in Arctic temperatures isn’t casual — wear insulated boots, thermal layers, and hand warmers.

Pro tip: Book a Northern Lights Tour if you want guides who know how to find clear skies even if it’s cloudy where you’re staying.

A couple stands on a snow-covered landscape, part of their enchanting Lapland itinerary, under a green-tinged aurora borealis. Bundled in winter clothing and holding hands, they're surrounded by snowy trees as the star-studded night sky glimmers above.
A person in a blue coat stands on the snow-covered landscape of Lapland, Finland, gazing at a colorful aurora. Trees and a small cabin are visible on the right, beneath the starry winter sky—truly an enchanting sight for those looking for visiting tips on chasing auroras.

2. Sleep in a Glass Igloo

Staying in a glass igloo is one of those once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experiences. We have an entire guide on best igloos to stay at in Finland.

Other great igloo stays to check out: Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Levin Iglut, and Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos.

Just book early — igloos fill up fast during peak season (December–March)!

Aerial view of a snowy landscape in Finnish Lapland with rows of green, glass-topped igloo cabins offering unique accommodations surrounded by a forest. A large building is visible at the edge, along with parked vehicles. The scene is tranquil and covered in snow.

3. Go Dog Sledding with Huskies

If you love dogs and adventure, husky sledding is a must. You’ll actually get to mush your own sled across snow-covered landscapes, with the most excited team of dogs leading the way.
Good to know:

  • Most tours include a lesson on how to drive the sled.
  • The dogs love to run — they’re born for it!
  • Dress way warmer than you think (wind chill on the sled is no joke).

4. Visit Santa Claus Village

Even if you’re a grown-up, Santa Claus Village outside Rovaniemi is a whole vibe. You can:

  • Cross the Arctic Circle
  • Meet Santa in person
  • Send postcards with a real Arctic Circle postmark
  • Ride a reindeer sleigh

It’s touristy but festive, and if you lean into the cheesiness, it’s honestly a lot of fun — especially at Christmas time.

People standing near tall poles with "Arctic Circle" written on them are part of a magical Lapland itinerary. Set in a snowy area with a large decorated Christmas tree, other adventurers are scattered around, and snow-covered trees fill the enchanting background.

5. Explore Snowman World

Right next to Santa Claus Village, you’ll find Snowman World, a mini winter wonderland built from snow and ice.
Here, you can:

  • Zoom down massive ice slides
  • Ice skate outdoors
  • Explore beautifully carved snow rooms and sculptures

It’s perfect for families, but honestly, we had just as much fun as adults.

Inside an ice cave at the Arctic SnowHotel, a person in a yellow jacket and snow boots salutes a large snow sculpture of a backpack-wearing bear. The smooth cave walls glow softly, capturing the enchanting spirit of Lapland.
A person in a yellow jacket and beanie stands next to someone in a snowman costume with a carrot nose and big smile. They are outside an Arctic SnowHotel in Lapland, surrounded by trees and snow-covered structures, capturing the enchanting winter wonderland perfectly.
A person in a yellow jacket and red backpack trudges uphill through the snow, pulling an inflatable snow tube. Snow-covered trees paint Lapland, Finland's serene landscape under a cloudy gray sky, reminiscent of the enchanting Arctic SnowHotel nearby.

6. Try Ice Fishing

If you want a true Arctic experience, bundle up and head out for an ice fishing adventure. Local guides will drill holes into frozen lakes and show you how to fish under the ice, just like Finns have been doing for centuries.
What to expect:

  • All the gear (and thermal overalls!) is usually provided.
  • Hot berry juice and snacks are often included.
  • It’s surprisingly peaceful — and if you’re lucky, you might catch dinner.
In Lapland, Finland, a person in a yellow jacket and blue hood kneels on a snowy landscape at the Arctic SnowHotel site, using a red tool to drill through the ice. The foggy, snow-covered backdrop reveals distant trees barely visible in the serene wilderness.
A person bundled up in a blue winter coat with a fur-lined hood and beige mittens kneels in deep snow outside the Arctic SnowHotel. They are smiling and holding a pole. Snow-covered trees and buildings are visible in the background under a gray sky.
A person in a bright yellow jacket and black pants stands on the snowy, frozen landscape of Lapland, Finland. They hold a small tool near a hole in the ice, with the dense forest backdrop under a gray sky hinting at an adventure near the famed Arctic SnowHotel.
Three people on a frozen lake in Lapland, Finland, surrounded by snow. One person in a blue jacket points outward, another in yellow takes a photo, and the third sits on a sled. Snowy trees line the background under a gray sky near the Arctic SnowHotel.

7. Take a Reindeer Safari

Reindeer are central to Sámi culture and Lapland life, and riding in a reindeer-pulled sleigh feels straight out of a fairytale.

Click here to book the reindeer farm experience we did!

Quick tip:

  • Book through a reputable farm or Sámi-owned company where the animals are well cared for.
  • Reindeer rides are slow and peaceful — it’s more about soaking in the Arctic silence than speed.
A reindeer pulls a sled carrying two people in winter clothing, smiling as they glide across the snow. Their Lapland itinerary unfolds amidst a backdrop of other reindeer and people, framed by wooden fences and snow-dusted trees.
A reindeer with antlers and a light-colored coat stands close to a wooden structure in a snowy enclosure, resembling a scene from an enchanting Lapland itinerary. The background features a snow-draped forest with trees and a rustic wooden fence.
View from a sled pulled by a reindeer on a snow-covered path, surrounded by wooden fences and trees. A person’s booted feet are visible in the sled, part of an unforgettable Lapland itinerary. Other people and reindeer appear in the distance under a clear sky.
A group of reindeer with varying shades of fur graze on a snowy forest floor in Lapland, surrounded by tall trees. The scene is tranquil, with patches of snow and the reindeer scattered throughout this idyllic part of your itinerary.

8. Explore Frozen National Parks

Lapland is packed with national parks that feel almost untouched.
Some favorite spots:

  • Urho Kekkonen National Park (near Saariselkä) — incredible winter hiking and cross-country skiing.
  • Pyhä-Luosto National Park — rugged hills, frozen waterfalls, and old-growth forests.

You can even rent snowshoes if you want to go exploring at your own pace (highly recommend — it was such a fun way to get off the beaten path).

A person in a blue coat and white pants strolls along a snow-covered path through Finland's winter wonderland, where tall, frosted trees stand beneath the warm, colorful sky of a Lapland sunset.
Aerial view of a snow-covered forest with tall pine trees, extending toward distant hills under a pastel-colored sky at sunset or sunrise. The landscape is serene and vast, reminiscent of a dreamy Lapland itinerary, with soft pink and purple hues in the sky.
A person in a blue coat and white pants throws hot water into the cold air, creating a cloud of steam. They stand in a snowy forest with trees covered in snow—a perfect moment from their Lapland itinerary. The sky is pastel during either sunrise or sunset.

9. Relax in a Finnish Sauna (or an Ice Sauna!)

You haven’t truly visited Finland until you’ve sweated it out in a traditional Finnish sauna — bonus points if you jump into the snow or a frozen lake afterward.

But if you want to take it up a notch? Try an ice sauna — a sauna built inside an ice structure!
It’s colder around the walls but just as steamy inside. We tried this at Arctic SnowHotel and it was one of the most unique spa experiences of our lives.

A wooden sauna interior with two-tiered benches on the right side, reminiscent of a cozy retreat in Arctic SnowHotel, Lapland Finland. A small window is set above the benches, and a black bucket with a wooden ladle rests on the lower bench, capturing the essence of Finnish tradition.
A dome-shaped igloo made of snow glows warmly at night in the heart of Lapland. The igloo's small entrance and an opening at the top emit a subtle icy blue light, creating a serene contrast against the nighttime sky—a true marvel reminiscent of Finland's enchanting Ice Hotel.

10. Try Your Hand at Ice Sculpting

At many ice hotels and Snowman World, you can sign up for ice sculpting workshops where you carve your own masterpiece out of a block of crystal-clear ice.

It’s surprisingly harder (and more fun) than it looks — and you don’t have to be an artist to enjoy it.

11. Take a Snowmobile Safari

Snowmobiling across the Arctic tundra was one of the most exhilarating experiences of our trip.
Here’s what to know before you book:

  • Most companies provide thermal suits and helmets.
  • You usually need a valid driver’s license to drive.
  • Go for a sunset or Northern Lights ride if you want those extra epic views.
A person in a yellow jacket sits on a snowmobile amidst the snowy expanse of Lapland, Finland. Several other snowmobiles are lined up nearby under an overcast sky, with trees framing this wintry scene.

12. Visit the Arktikum Museum in Rovaniemi

If you want to understand the Arctic beyond the pretty landscapes, visit Arktikum — Rovaniemi’s beautiful Arctic museum and science center.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits about:

  • Sámi culture
  • Arctic wildlife
  • Climate and environmental changes
  • The history of Finnish Lapland

Plus, the building itself — with its iconic glass tunnel — is stunning and makes for great photos.

13. Visit an Ice Hotel

Yes, you can actually sleep in a hotel made entirely of ice and snow — or just tour one if you prefer something less chilly.

The Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos outside Rovaniemi is one of the most famous and offers snow suites, ice restaurants, and even an ice chapel.

We stayed a night in our own ice room here. Read how it went!

Even if you don’t stay overnight, it’s absolutely worth visiting.

Two people sit on a bed inside an ice-themed room at the Arctic SnowHotel. The walls and sculptures, crafted from ice, exhibit intricate shapes and patterns, including abstract designs. The atmosphere is cool and blue-toned, evoking a winter wonderland in Lapland Finland.
Two people in winter clothing walk inside an ice structure, passing an illuminated blue ice arch with "Arctic SnowHotel" engraved. Ready for a magical stay? Click here to book your dream getaway and explore our top snowhotel reviews!.

14. Warm Up with a Traditional Lappish Meal

After a long day in the snow, there’s nothing better than warming up with hearty Finnish food.
Some must-try dishes:

  • Reindeer stew (poro)
  • Salmon soup (lohikeitto)
  • Cloudberry desserts
  • Fresh baked cinnamon buns (korvapuusti)

Restaurants in Rovaniemi and Saariselkä usually have cozy, cabin-style vibes — perfect for post-adventure dinners.

Quick Tips for Planning Your Trip to Lapland Finland in Winter

  • When to Visit: December–March for winter magic. September–March for Northern Lights.
  • How to Get There: Fly into Rovaniemi, Kittilä, or Ivalo airports.
  • Getting Around: Renting a car gives you the most freedom, but tours and transfers are easy to arrange too.
  • What to Wear: Proper Arctic gear is essential. Think thermal base layers, insulated snow boots, waterproof outerwear, and serious gloves.

(We have a full Lapland winter packing list if you need one!)

Final Thoughts on The Best Things to Do in Lapland Finland in Winter

Lapland wasn’t just another destination for us — it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lived up to every dreamy expectation. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, cuddling huskies, or ice sculpting under the Arctic sky, there’s something about Lapland that stays with you.

If you’re planning your own adventure, I hope this list of the best things to do in Lapland Finland in winter helps you create the kind of memories you’ll never forget. ✨

And if you have any questions while planning, drop them in the comments or shoot me a message — I’m always happy to talk about Lapland!

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