Lapland is the country that we have all dreamed of at least once in our life and it is certainly one of the most curious places in Northern Europe , in the northernmost part of Finland. At the center of magical Christmas legends and scenarios, Lapland is not just the land of Santa Claus; between the enchantment of the northern lights, the magnificent and surprising midnight sun and the iconic colors of the ruska (autumn season), this country is a real daydream , one of the life goals of every wanderluster and beyond . Reindeer farms, snowy nights and almost untouched landscapes, amidst fun festivals, outdoor excursions and springs of pure water.
Suitcase and document in hand … let’s go! And you won’t even need a passport here. Here’s how to plan a trip to Lapland , Finland: where is it, when to go and what to see!
Travel informed: useful information
- Inhabitants : 2.317.159
- Capital : Rovaniemi
- Languages : Sami, Finnish
- Local currency : euro (€)
- Climate : dry and subarctic, with a short summer. Temperatures that reach -18 ° in winter, in the coldest even -40 °. In summer they reach a maximum of 19 °
- Distance from Italy : 2,854.87 km (5-7 flight with stopover) from Rome to Rovaniemi
Where is it
Lapland is the northernmost part of Finland . It borders Sweden, Norway and the Kola Peninsula, Russia. It is a geographic-cultural region inhabited by the Sami population.
How to get there
By plane
Reaching Lapland by plane is quite simple, as the country is served by several airports : the
slowasema Ivalon in Ivalo, the most northerly and the most used for arctic adventures; the slow-moving Rovaniemen in Rovaniemi, the largest and busiest; the slow-moving Kuusamon in Kuusamo, less touristy but with a lot of internal traffic; and Kittila’s slowasema Kittilan, the closest to the mountains and ski resorts.
We still recommend that youprefer the Rovaniemi airport , which is also well connected with Helsinki and with the major European capitals and beyond. Unfortunately there are no direct flights from Italy to Lapland , which almost always have a stopover, usually in Helsinki (flight duration including minimum stop 5 h 30 min). The main airlines that fly to Rovaniemi from Italy are: Finnair, Norwegian Air International and Transavia. Compare flights from Rome or Milan
By bus or train It will
be possible to reach Rovaniemi by bus or train only if you are already in Helsinki , thanks to the VR company. From Helsinki, the direct train leaves from Central Station and goes to Rovaniemi Station (IC line, travel time 8 to 12 h).
Reaching Lapland by bus or train from Italy is practically impossible . You would have to face a journey that is really too long and at a very high cost compared to the plane.
By car
Again, thinking of leaving Italy for Lapland is almost impossible . The trip would be around 35 hours without stopping (from Milan 3,220 km, 35 hours) and the costs would be really excessive. Our advice is therefore to go to Helsinki (city for which there are many direct flights from Italy) and maybe rent a car directly at the airport (average cost from € 30.00 per day). Recommended companies: Hertz and Europcar.
Due to the changing climate and long travel times, also the car from Helsinki is an option to be evaluated very judiciously (Helsinki-Rovaniemi 824 km, 9 h 40 min via E75). The best solution is always to arrive in Rovaniemi by plane and then move from there.
When to go
Info on climate and best period
Month Average temperatures (min / max) Precipitation (days / mm) January -18 / -8 ° 10 days / 40 mm
February -18 / -8 ° 10 days / 35 mm
March -13 / -2 ° 9 days / 35 mm
April -6 / 4 ° 7 days / 30 mm
May 1/11 ° 8 days / 35 mm
June 7/17 ° 9 days / 60 mm
July 10/20 ° 10 days / 70 mm
August 8/17 ° 10 days / 70 mm
September 3/11 ° 9 days / 55 mm
October -2 / 4 ° 11 days / 55 mm
November -9 / -3 ° 12 days / 50 mm
Dicembre -16 / -7° 10 gg / 40 mm
- Climate : cold continental, with freezing winters and mild, short summers. Temperatures that reach -18 ° in winter, in the coldest even -40 °. In summer they reach a maximum of 19 °. Precipitation concentrated in summer, numerous snowfalls in winter
- Best time: in summer for mild temperatures and long days. In June you can witness the midnight sun. In winter to admire the Northern Lights and participate in experiences such as the sleigh ride
- Period to avoid : if you suffer particularly from the cold and are not interested in the spectacle of the Northern Lights, you can avoid winter
- Advice : bring very warm thermal clothes in your suitcase, better technical clothing, and shoes suitable for snow and ice. Camera and all the tools to immortalize this land. Scarves, gloves, wool caps
The main cities
- Rovaniemi : capital and home of the largest and busiest airport, Rovaniemi is the base from which all major tours depart
- Karasjok : the center of the Sami people. Very touristy, this city is the perfect destination to get to know this culture better and to go on excursions with dog sleds or snowmobiles
- Kiruna : the ideal city to admire the Northern Lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer, thanks to its proximity to the Arctic Circle
- Jukkasjorvi : a very curious city where the first hotel built entirely in ice is located
- Kittila : city home to another very important airport and ski resorts
10 things to see and do: the places of interest in Lapland
- Northern lights : one of the most incredible natural phenomena of the earth’s atmosphere and occurring only at the two magnetic poles of the Earth, one of the best places to admire it is Lapland. Several expeditions are organized from Rovaniemi to see the Northern Lights
- Midnight sun : another of the suggestive phenomena to be admired near the Arctic circle. The sun lowers on the horizon and does not die. The twilight lasts for hours, disappearing only for a few minutes and sometimes even not disappearing at all, to make way for dawn immediately. The phenomenon occurs for a few weeks a year, during the summer
- Santa Claus Village : open all year round, visiting it is the dream of young and old. It will be possible to meet “Santa Claus”, visit his studio, the post office where the children’s letters arrive, get to know the reindeer and visit the house of “Mrs. Claus”. Arranged several tours from Rovaniemi
- Jokkmokk Market : one of the most important events of the Sami culture, which takes place every year, for 400 years, on the first weekend of February. A colorful market where it will be possible to buy duodji products (Sami craftsmanship), including typical dances and songs. Very important: book well in advance, this event is sold out every year
- Angry Birds Park : an attraction entirely dedicated to children. A very fun themed playground, with the famous characters of the game. Located in Rovaniami, free entry
- Pilke Science center : a very interesting interactive museum in Rovaniemi, also suitable for children. Very “green”, based on nature and the Arctic forest
- Karasjok and Sami Park : a place to get to know the Sami people, visiting the Sami Park and following the Samipath. Do not miss a visit to the local history museum RiddoDuottarMuseat
- Saariselka : another perfect location to get to know the Sami people. Several excursions depart from here to admire the Northern Lights and visit the Urho Kekkonen National Park
- Oulanka National Park : wonderful park in the eastern part of the country, on the border with Russia. Valley with rivers, forests, gorges, rapids and remarkable wild orchids
- Korouoma Falls : famous frozen waterfalls, which attract many tourists every year! To visit them safely, we recommend that you take part in a tour of the frozen waterfalls of Korouoma, departing from the Rovaniemi area
The main itineraries in Lapland
Nature and traditions, unforgettable scenarios and suggestive experiences : from excursions in fairytale scenarios to stronger adventures, Lapland is certainly a fascinating land, which will steal your heart!
The itineraries that can be followed are different and it all depends on your interests and what you want to see ! For example, to admire the Northern Lights you will have to go in winter, if you want to witness the Midnight Sun the most suitable period is between June and July. If you are traveling with children, we do not recommend the winter months , as they are very cold and with temperatures reaching -20 °! You can easily meet reindeer even in the summer months.
So let’s see togethersome of the most popular itineraries in Lapp land:
- Aurora Boreale & Glass Igloo : five days to fully enjoy the magnificent colors of the Aurora Borealis and try the experience of staying in curious glass igloos, which will allow you to admire the sky even while staying inside. You arrive in Rovaniemi and discover all the surroundings
- From Rovaniemi to Nykvag : eight days of excursions that will leave you speechless, between national parks, hidden beaches where you can admire seals and whales and a courageous swim in the Arctic Ocean. Rovaniemi is the starting and ending point
- Meeting with Santa Claus : four days to better enjoy the Christmas atmosphere of Lapland, in this small thematic itinerary, among reindeer, dog sleds and snow. Ideal especially if you are traveling with children
What to do in Lapland: excursions and tours
How much does a holiday in Lapland cost
Prices, offers and advice
Lapland is inevitably an expensive destination : partly because of its location, not immediate to reach, partly because all of Northern Europe has a high cost of living. But by booking well in advance, in a period of the year perhaps not too popular for tourists, you can save something!
We recommend that you fly directly to Rovaniemi , with a stopover in Helsinki, and keep this city as a base. From here you can then make various excursions in the surrounding area .
The choice of accommodation will be very important. We recommend an apartment with a kitchen and every comfort, so that you can prepare your own food, thus saving on lunches and dinners. Equally important is the choice of a car , preferably a 4×4 and obviously with studded tires (around € 500.00 for a week).
- Where to sleep: in Rovaniemi hotels and b & bs starting from € 65.00 per room
- Low cost flights: to Rovaniemi from € 220.00
- Flight + hotel: Return flight + 5 days / 4 nights from € 1.263,00 per person – see the offers
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