Things to do in Lapland in Winter
Santa Claus Express
One of the best ways to get to Lapland is to hop on the Santa Claus Express. The Santa Claus Express is a 12-hour journey and this can be done overnight so you don’t need to worry about accommodation. It offers fantastic views of Finland on the way and is truly a unique experience.
If you are short on time you can also fly to Kemi or Rovaniemi.
Lapland Finland in Winter
Lapland Finland in winter is busy and also more expensive due to its popularity. To get around this I would try and avoid the Christmas period and go in mid-January to still experience Lapland winter with minimal crowds.
How cold is it in Lapland?
It can reach as cold as -30 Celsius so you would need to wrap up warm. When I went in January it reached -24 Celsius.
What to pack for Lapland?
- A warm waterproof coat
- Mittens or gloves (I used my ski mittens which were great for keeping my hands warm)
- Waterproof shoes. I wore my hiking boots but I saw people in snow boots.
- Thermals
- Woollen socks
- Hat
- Buff
- Scarf
- Swimsuit if you intend on going to a sauna
Things to do in Lapland in Winter
Seaside Glass Villas Kemi
If you are looking for somewhere unique to stay, I would recommend Seaside Glass Villas Kemi. These modern igloos have floor-to-ceiling windows with a glass roof so you can see the northern lights from your bed. For more information check out my review here.
Check out the Seaside Glass Villas Kemi and book via booking.com or Agoda.
Lumihiutale Sea View Restaurant
The Lumihiutale Sea View Restaurant is in the main building where the Seaside Glass Villas Kemi is and is a perfect place to eat while enjoying magnificent panoramic sea views from the restaurant.
Snow Experience 365
The Snow Experience 365 is in the main building with the Seaside Glass Villas Kemi and the Lumihiutale Sea View Restaurant so you could tie it all in at once. This Snow Experience 365 changes its theme every year and this year is a fairytale theme. Inside you can find a snow castle along with an ice slide (which you can slide down). It is kept in a cooling temperature of -5 all year round (hence the 365 in the name) and is included in the price if you stay at the Seaside Glass Villas Kemi.
Arkadia Reindeer Park
Arkadia Reindeer Park is a short drive from Seaside Glass Villas Kemi where you can feed reindeer and learn about these fascinating creatures. This experience was so unique, finding out about how to breed reindeer and how they have grown in popularity. If you do go do not ask how many reindeer they have. This is considered offensive as it’s like asking how much is in your bank account. There is even a chance to go on a sleigh ride.
See the northern lights
Lapland is the perfect place to view the Northern Lights if you’re lucky. You can check out the Aurora Borealis forecast to see if you are in luck.
Try a spot of Ice Fishing
This is something so unique to the area but be warned it is such hard work. You have to make the hole yourself by twisting this pole into the snow until you reach the bottom. You could also tie this in with cross-country skiing or snowshoeing experience.
Satamakonttori Sauna
Finns love Saunas (well they did invent them) so if you’re in Finland I would highly recommend going. Satamakonttori Sauna is no different. They have a wood-burning sauna, a sea plunge pool and a hot tub so you will be spoilt for choice. You can hire out Satamakonttori Sauna privately as it is quite small but perfect for around 10-12 people.
The sea plunge may not be to everyone’s taste however I would recommend trying it at least once to get the full Finnish sauna experience. I tend to go in the sauna and then go in the plunge pool but be aware that it is +4 Celsius so is not for the faint-hearted.
I have tried many saunas and here are some of my favourites: Loyly Sauna, Allas Sea Pool and Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall Review
The Icebreaker Sampo
The icebreaker Sampo is an icebreaker ship (in short it breaks the ice for other ships to pass through) but it also offers an experience where you can go ice floating. This unique experience is where you don’t have to remove any of your clothing and get a waterproof suit which not only keeps you completely dry and warm but also makes you float.
You begin your journey with a guided tour of the Icebreaker Sampo and then have a choice of ice floating. This is a day trip but so fun and different it was one of the highlights of my trip.
Hertta Sky Restaurant
Situated on the 13th floor of the town hall in Kemi Hertta Sky Restaurant has panoramic views of Kemi. The restaurant serves scanadavian cuisine however the Hertta Sky restaurant is currently closed on weekends.
Visit Tornio
Did you know that there is a Swedish Lapland too? You can go over the border from Sweden and Finland and strangely there is no border control, you can simply walk through it. They do have this very Instagrammable and very cute sign but then you can say you went to Sweden.
Restaurant Olof
Restaurant Olof is part of the Hotel Olof and is a perfect place to eat if you are in Haperanda Tornio. You can find out more about the restaurant here.
Cross Country Skiing
If you are looking for some activity in Lapland cross cross-country skiing may be for you! You start with a 400M circuit to get used to cross-country skiing. If you have tried skiing before it is different, the skis are thinner and you need special shoes that connect the ski to the top of your foot so you can lift your heel. It is a cross between walking and skiing and isn’t particularly fast but still great fun. Just be sure to wrap up warm as it is cold.
Visit Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is a very popular place to visit if you are in Lapland. It is located in Rovaniemi. This place is a fairly expensive experience and very touristy but is perfect for a family vacation. Of course the main
