The Top Things to Do During Your Ultimate Winter Adventure in Lapland

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If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a winter wonderland, Lapland is as magical as it gets and is one destination right at the top of my bucket list. I sometimes just sit and picture myself wandering through snow-covered forests, feeding reindeer, taking a thrilling Husky ride and watching the Northern Lights dancing across the night sky from inside a glass igloo – yep, I have it all planned out! And, because of this, I wanted to share the top recommendations I have come across through my research and some of the things we plan on doing when we finally get to visit Lapland.

Husky Sledding

Husky sledding is hands down one of the most thrilling ways to experience Lapland’s wilderness and something I have dreamt of doing for years. It looks so exhilarating being zoomed across the snow by a team of eager, energetic Huskies. Many Husky tours in Lapland will start by taking you to a Husky farm, where you will learn all about these incredible dogs, their training and care. Then you will be taught how to mush and given the reins… Literally! It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline, nature and pure joy, especially if you’re an animal lover like me!

Snowmobiling

For a faster-paced adventure, snowmobiling is an absolute must. You can zoom across frozen lakes, weave through towering trees and explore the Arctic landscape in a whole new way. It’s ideal for those who love an adrenaline rush, but it’s also a perfect way of seeing more of Lapland’s scenery in a short space of time.

Most snowmobile tours are beginner-friendly, with expert guides leading you through the snowy terrain. And if you can brave the cold, a nighttime snowmobile tour like this one is an unforgettable way to experience the Arctic wilderness whilst watching the northern lights under a blanket of stars.

Snowshoeing

If you’re looking for a slower, more peaceful way to explore Lapland (like me) then snowshoeing is the perfect activity for you. With special shoes that stop you from sinking into the deep snow, you can easily walk through the untouched landscapes. It’s a great way to really immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of Lapland’s forests and frozen lakes, and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife like reindeer or Arctic foxes. It’s a lovely way to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Reindeer Sledding

Reindeer sledding is about as traditional as it gets in Lapland. Wrapped in blankets, you’re gently pulled through the snow by a reindeer – a bit like Santa’s sleigh, only more peaceful. It’s such a serene and cosy way to see the landscape.

Many of these tours are run by the local Sami people, so you’ll also get the chance to learn about their culture and reindeer herding, which has been a part of their way of life for centuries. If you’re after a calm but culturally rich experience then this will be perfect for you.

Chasing the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of the top reasons people flock to Lapland, and rightly so. There’s nothing quite like standing under a dark Arctic sky and watching the Aurora Borealis swirl in shades of green, purple, and pink above you. We saw them in Tromso (twice) and I’d love to see them again.

While the Northern Lights can be elusive, the thrill of the chase is all part of the experience. You can head out on a Northern Lights bus tour or even a husky or snowmobile tour at night (as mentioned above), which adds even more excitement to the adventure. And if you don’t fancy a tour, you could always book a glass igloo as your accommodation and keep your eyes peeled each night from the comfort of your bed.

Horseback Riding

This one really surprised me when I was researching activities to do, yes, you can go horseback riding in Lapland through the snow. I’ve read that the horses are calm and sure-footed and of course used to this environment, making this a fun, relaxing and scenic experience.

Sauna and Ice Swimming

After a long day out in the cold, nothing feels quite as amazing as stepping into a warm, steamy sauna. In Finland, the sauna is a way of life and many places in Lapland offer the full experience – which means cooling down after your sauna with a plunge into an icy lake. Yes, it’s as wild as it sounds, will you be brave enough? I’m not sure I would but the sauna sounds fab and most hotels and other accommodations tend to have them included. This sauna experience in Rovaniemi sounds amazing.

Visit Santa Claus

I couldn’t miss this one out now, could I?! Lapland is, after all, the home of Santa and the main reason that most people book their winter getaway here. The Santa Village located in Rovaniemi is a popular destination and full of fun festivities all year round. You can meet Santa, send postcards from the Arctic Circle and visit Santa’s reindeer. However, this is a more commercialised area so if you’d prefer a quieter meet and greet, do check out local Santa excursions and what your hotel can offer.

Can you see why I am so keen to visit Lapland? It’s the perfect winter escape where you can make all your childhood dreams come true (come on, we all know we are looking into this as much for ourselves as the kids!) Which activity is at the top of your list?

Huskies for me, gotta be the Huskies

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