No matter what your age or travel experience, there is something about Lapland that brings out the child in anyone. Of course, there's the opportunity to visit Santa's homeland, but the magical landscapes and fun-filled activities also on offer in this winter wonderland are truly enchanting! I couldn't have been more excited to be ticking this off my travel bucket list!
The Happiest Country in the World
Lapland spans across the north of Scandinavia, occupying the northern parts of multiple countries, however, I was venturing to Finland. People also know this as the happiest country in the world. Rovaniemi is arguably Finland's best-known destination thanks to its Santa Claus Village, but I travelled further north. After a brief stop in Helsinki, I continued on to Ivalo.
Polar Nights and Incredible Sights
I travelled in November, which is the start of the Finnish winter season. It is also when polar nights mean that the sun never officially rises. It was -10C which was unusually warm for the time of year!
![Night-time snowmobile adventure]()
Night-time snowmobile adventure
Despite the cold and darkness, the beautiful surroundings and a huge choice of activities kept me feeling warm, connected to nature and in high spirits. And the amazing thermal gear provided to me was a bonus!
A trip to the Arctic is all about the experiences and activities and I didn't want to miss out on anything! I jumped straight in with a snowmobile adventure, northern lights safari (just about managed to catch sight of a wisp of green in the air!), forest bathing, frozen lake walking, snowshoeing, kick sledging, cross country and tandem skiing, fire making, lassoing... the list goes on!
![Snowmobile adventure]()
Snowmobile adventure
Holiday Highlights
As an animal lover, the wildlife encounters were the big highlights of my trip. From a reindeer sledge ride to a woodland Polaris Point horse ride, I had so much fun. I even got to cuddle the puppies whilst dog sledding!
![Dog sledding Finland]()
Dog sledding Finland
But I am also a foodie, so another highlight was the food - loads of reindeer, fresh fish, gingerbread and glugo (Finnish mulled wine) all made the experience even more enjoyable.
![Finnish cake decorated with berries]()
Finnish cake decorated with berries
![Finnish food]()
Finnish food
Each and every experience felt truly authentic. While I have had amazing and exciting bucket list experiences, I have also found it fascinating to meet locals whose ancestors have grown up caring for their animals as a way of life. Now the existing generations are balancing this way of life in a modern world, while also providing very special offerings for visitors.
![Woodland Polaris Point horse ride]()
Woodland Polaris Point horse ride
Magic in the Air
As well as the activities and experiences, I got to stay in some really special accommodation around Inari, Ivalo and Saariselkä. You'll find everything from intimate adults-only lodges like
Javri Lodge, to wilderness resorts with reindeers and magical Santa experiences (which would be perfect for a family winter holiday) such as
Wilderness Hotel Inari.
![Wilderness Hotel Inari]()
Wilderness Hotel Inari
Some stays have extra-special features too, like
Wilderness Hotel Nangu's outdoor hot tubs and glass roof cabins. I could just imagine how perfect these rooms would be for spotting the aurora borealis lighting up the night sky!
![Aurora Borealis and hut]()
Aurora Borealis and hut
![Log Cabin - Hot Tub]()
Log Cabin - Hot Tub
I came back from my Lapland holiday feeling truly grateful to have experienced such a special place and hope that it is somewhere everyone can visit at least once in their lifetime!