Finnish Lapland
During the deep winter, when the sun barely rises and the frozen landscape emits a mystical blue light, Finnish Lapland is a breath of fresh air fantasy.
During the deep winter, when the sun barely rises and the frozen landscape emits a mystical blue light, Finnish Lapland is a breath of fresh air fantasy.
In the realm of the Arctic Circle under a night sky illuminated by the bewitching Northern Lights, Finnish Lapland’s frozen Narnia landscapes demand exploration by all who visit them. But what these vistas keep secret is that it isn’t just the outdoors that are utterly enchanting. Rising from the ashes of World War Two, Rovaniemi has a history of revival built into its modernist façade.
And Europe’s largest wilderness isn’t just the time-honoured dwelling of Father Christmas, it’s also the proud home of its indigenous Sámi people. Traditionally known for their reindeer herding, opportunities to explore their culture are as abundant as their horned wards.
In pursuit of…
… a meeting to be remembered
As the reindeer-drawn sleigh glides down the tree-lined path deep in the woods, tingles of excitement start to replace those of the air chill. Time in these parts takes visitors away from the crowds for an utterly private experience as enchanting as any child (or parent) would wish for. It's here in this icy wilderness where the real magic happens. With no one else but an elf in sight, a secluded hut festooned with cosy festive cheer is where Father Christmas himself extends a warm (and gift filled) welcome.
“Trees are my friends without mouths, so I’m never lonely. When I’m happy I go to the forest, when I’m sad I go to the forest. The forest is very important for Finnish people. We can’t live without it.”
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A sense of place
Get to know our favourite spots in Finnish Lapland, from the kaleidoscopic skies of Rovaniemi to Levi’s pistes.
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![Red wooden snow covered hut in Finnish Lapland]()
Rovaniemi
The capital of Lapland is where a fusion of adventure and culture exists. Sightings of the Aurora and Santa are almost a given, but the Arctic science centre and museum – Arktikum, Jätkänkynttilä Bridge and numerous design statements by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto make for more grown-up and sheltered pursuits.
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![Young woman enjoying a view of the northern lights from a glass igloo]()
Levi
In the north west of the country lies Lapland’s largest ski resort, where 44km of snowy terrain offers challenges for everyone whether shaky-footed beginners or seasoned black runners. The wild side takes on a different meaning in this lively space with visitors roaming the apres-ski venues or sleeping under the stars in a glass igloo.
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Its essence...
ENCHANTING
WILD
TRANSCENDENT
Passages from a journal A weekend in Finnish Lapland
Day 2
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Day 3
Day 3
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Day 3
Day 3
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![A person sat on a wooden bench looking up at the northern lights]()
12:30pm
After a hunt for the Aurora led to a later first night than planned, our sleepy heads were soon cleared zipping along on snowmobiles and mini-skidoos for the kids. After lunch, we’re heading out in search of a little red house – home to Finnish local Irene and her Sámi husband Ari.
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![Red wooden snow covered hut in Finnish Lapland]()
9:52pm
We’ve been so busy I’m only just finding time to write. We found the house where Irene warmly welcomed everyone with tales of the nearby reindeer (featuring Rudolf of course) and the house elves who look after the place when they’re not in. We then headed into the workshop where we all tried our hands at making a keepsake to take home. Matching bracelets for the kids, what else?
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![Huskey dogs sledge safari ride at sunset in Levi, Lapland,]()
11am
Short, sweet, and jam-packed; this trip has been a magical whirlwind. This morning we made friends with the huskies before we went zipping through the trees on a sled. It got our excitement up but not like what’s to come later will…
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![Reindeer pulling a wooden sled through a snowy forest]()
7:28pm
I’m not ashamed to say that, even as a grown-up, that was magical. Pulling up to a hut in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, we were greeted by an elf who told us that Father Christmas was inside waiting to say hello. The kids were overjoyed to meet jolly St Nick and he even gave a gift each, telling them they had special permission to open then before the big day.
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The leading line-up
Finnish Lapland
Extraordinary
experiences
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![Red wooden snow covered hut in Finnish Lapland]()
Visit a Lappish couple in their little red woodland home and create an antler work of art.Reminiscent of a gingerbread house, the home and workshop of Irene and Ari Kangasniemi is the stage for all things Lappish. Artisans by trade, the couple invites visitors in with snacks and tales of the local area, before hosting a workshop where they teach their craft and how to make a keepsake to take home.
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![Huskey dogs sledge safari ride at sunset in Levi, Lapland,]()
Fly through the pines on a husky-drawn sled.Practically a rite of passage in these parts, meet some new four-legged friends at a husky farm and learn the ropes of sled driving. Once the hang of it has been grasped, glide through the trees behind pounding paws to a Lappish ‘kota’ for warming drinks around a camp fire.
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![Winter Reindeer sled ride in Ruka in Lapland]()
Visit Father Christmas in his cosy Christmas hut.Deep in the peaceful forest, there’s a very magical secret being kept. Pulling up to a hut in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, an elf comes bounding out in greeting, telling everyone that Father Christmas is inside waiting to say hello. He of course knows who has been good all year, handing out an early present that he gives special permission to be opened before the 25th.
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Destination essentials
WHEN TO VISIT
Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
FROM THE Reading room
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