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Forests draped in snow, frozen lakes, and magical skies make the things to do in Lapland truly unforgettable. This Arctic wonderland offers everything from chasing the Northern Lights and meeting Santa Claus to staying in a cozy glass igloo. Adventure seekers can ride snowmobiles through icy trails, while others may prefer relaxing in a warm dome under the stars. Lapland beautifully blends natural beauty, culture, and thrilling experiences, making it perfect for every kind of traveller. Discover how this storybook destination captures your heart in every magical season.
10 Things To Do In Lapland
From chasing the northern lights to being pulled by a pack of huskies, the list of things to do in Lapland, Finland, is nothing short of magical.
1. Hunt The Northern Lights In Luosto
In Finnish Lapland, Luosto is a charming and peaceful village known for its tranquility and natural beauty. Located next to Pyhä-Luosto National Park, it’s one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights, thanks to minimal light pollution. The summit of Ukko-Luosto is a popular viewpoint, easily accessible on foot and offering a stunning view of the night sky. Guided tours often include warm beverages by a campfire, making the experience even more memorable. Luosto is perfect for those seeking a unique and serene Arctic adventure.
Highlight: Aurora sightings from Ukko-Luosto Fell
Nearest Airport: Rovaniemi Airport
2. Visit Santa Claus Village In Rovaniemi
Photo: doctor on travel / Pexels
Visiting Santa Claus Village near Rovaniemi is one of the best things to do in Lapland, bringing the Christmas spirit to life year-round. Located on the Arctic Circle, you can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Line, and send postcards from his official Post Office. The village sparkles with lights and cosy log cabins, perfect for photos. Children can enjoy reindeer sleigh rides, mini snowmobiles, and meet Santa’s elves. With snow activities and festive charm, December is the most magical time to experience it.
Highlight: Meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, enjoy reindeer rides, send postcards, explore snow activities.
Nearest Airport: Rovaniemi Airport
3. Go Dog Sledging Through Arctic Wilderness
Photo: Lars Ley / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Dog sledding in Lapland is a magical way to explore its snowy wilderness. Tours in Levi, Rovaniemi, and Saariselkä let you glide through pine forests and frozen lakes with trained Huskies. After a safety briefing, you can ride as a passenger or drive your own sled with a musher. Most tours last 1–4 hours and provide warm gear. The only sounds are husky paws on snow and soft winds. End with hot berry juice and meeting the dogs—one of the most unforgettable things to do in Lapland.
Highlight: Drive your own husky sledge
Nearest Airport: Alta Airport
4. Sleep In A Glass Igloo At Kakslauttanen
Photo: Alidrunela12 / Wikimedia Commons
Sleeping in a glass igloo at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is a surreal experience that can only be found in Finnish Lapland. This resort, located in Saariselkä, has heated glass domes, offering guests the opportunity to watch the Northern Lights while staying in bed. Each igloo has thermal glass which prevents it from frosting, warm bedding, and a private toilet (most of the larger ones have showers). Due to the isolated nature of Kakslauttanen, the dark skies provide minimal light pollution and higher opportunities to see auroras when the skies are clear.
Highlight: Aurora view from bed
Nearest Airport: Ivalo Airport
5. Take A Reindeer Sleigh Ride
Photo: Joao Monteiro / Unsplash
If you are looking for what to do in Lapland that feels peaceful and truly traditional, a reindeer sleigh ride is perfect. Offered in places like Inari, Rovaniemi, and Levi, these rides are guided by Sámi herders who’ve cared for reindeer for generations. Snuggle under warm blankets as your reindeer pulls you through snowy forests. Many tours include Sámi stories, warm berry juice, and even feeding the reindeer. Some rides happen under the Northern Lights. Quieter than dog sledding, it’s ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking a reflective Arctic experience.
Highlight: Guided Sámi-led sleigh rides
Nearest Airport: Ivalo Airport
6. Relax In A Finnish Sauna And Ice Dip
Photo: Santeri Viinamaki / Wikimedia Commons
No visit to Lapland would be complete without experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna, followed by a roll in the snow or a dip in the icy lake. Saunas can be found in cabins, hotels, and lakeside lodges all over the region. Saunas are entwined in Finnish culture and come with many health benefits. In Rovaniemi, Ylläs, or Levi, you will be able to find a wood-heated sauna located alongside a frozen lake, you can then step out and jump into a hole that has been cut into the ice, or avanto.
Highlight: Sauna-to-ice-lake experience
Nearest Airport: Helsinki Airport
7. Snowmobile Across Frozen Lakes And Forests
Photo: Manfred Werner – Tsui / Wikimedia Commons
Snowmobiling in Lapland is one of the most exciting ways to see the rugged, raw wilderness. Snowmobiles are available all over Lapland, from Levi to Saariselkä. Guided tours will take you across frozen lakes, cliffs, hills, and pine forests while travelling at exhilarating speeds. Some tours will even take you to secluded wilderness huts, a reindeer farm, or spots where you can see the aurora at night. Snowmobiling is one of the most exciting outdoor activities one can experience in Lapland, making it the perfect day trip for adrenaline junkies and Arctic explorers alike.
Highlight: Long-range Arctic rides
Nearest Airport: Kittilä Airport
8. Visit The SnowCastle Of Kemi
Photo: Estormiz / Wikimedia Commons
Kemi’s SnowCastle is a wonder of architecture built from snow and ice. The SnowCastle is rebuilt every winter with a new design. SnowCastle is located in Kemi, a coastal town in Finnish Lapland. Kemi’s SnowCastle generally opens for visits between January and April. The inside of the Castle features a lot of finely carved ice sculptures, an Ice Chapel for weddings, a SnowHotel with icy beds, and the famous Ice Restaurant where the tables and glasses are also made of ice. The experience is surreal and glittering, and one of the most unique things to do in Lapland.
Highlight: Ice-built hotel, chapel, and restaurant
Nearest Airport: Kemi-Tornio Airport
9. Go Cross-Country Skiing In Ylläs
Photo: Jordi Costa Tomé / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Ylläs is a cross-country ski paradise in Finnish Lapland, offering over 330 kilometres of well-maintained trails through pristine Arctic scenery. These scenic routes pass through peaceful pine forests, frozen lakes, and the vast Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. Trails are clearly marked and cater to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned skiers. Along the way, cosy warming huts and cafes provide the perfect place to rest and enjoy a hot drink. It’s one of the most rewarding and immersive ways to experience the serene, snowy beauty of Lapland in winter.
Highlight: 330+ km of ski trails
Nearest Airport: Kittilä International Airport
10. Join A Sámi Cultural Experience
Photo: Manfred Werner – Tsui / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting Sámi culture is one of the best things to see in Lapland. The Sámi are the Indigenous people of the Arctic and have a wonderful cultural heritage based on reindeer herding, traditional music (joik), and beautiful handicrafts. Some of your most exciting options with Sámi hosts include storytelling, visits to reindeer farms, and handicraft workshops. You’ll also be able to taste traditional foods, such as smoked reindeer and cloudberries. Additionally, you’ll learn about Sámi life and history in the far north from places like the Siida Museum in Inari.
Highlight: Traditional stories, crafts, joik music
Nearest Airport: Rovaniemi Airport
Lapland is a stunning blend of Arctic charm, cultural wonders, and unforgettable adventures. From reindeer sleigh rides to watching the Northern Lights from a glass igloo, there are countless magical things to do in Lapland. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a family chasing snowy memories, this is where dreams meet reality. Plan and book your Arctic escape with TripXL now—because Lapland isn’t just a dream, it’s a destination.
Cover Photo: Moskenes / Wikimedia Commons
