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On the Beach Limited
Lapland Overview

Lapland Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!

Lapland: where snow is the default setting, Santa is your local celeb, and the Northern Lights are basically the sky showing off. Cold? Yes. Magical? Absolutely.

Good to Know

  • ☀️ Temps drop to -15°C to -30°C in winter – pack ALL the layers

  • 💶 Finland uses euros – expect to pay around €6 for a coffee, €15-20 for lunch

  • 🎅 Rovaniemi is Santa's official hometown – the big man lives here year-round

Destination Highlights

  • 🎅 Meet Santa at his official home in Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village

  • 🌌 Chase the Northern Lights across crystal-clear Arctic skies

  • 🛷 Dash through snowy forests on husky sleds and reindeer safaris

  • 🏠 Stay in glass igloos and watch the aurora from your bed

  • ⛷️ Hit the slopes at Levi, Finland's biggest ski resort

Where to Stay in Lapland

From cosy log cabins with crackling fires to glass-roofed igloos designed for aurora spotting, Lapland's hotels are an experience in themselves. Here's where to base yourself...

Rovaniemi – Santa's Hometown

The capital of Finnish Lapland and your gateway to the Arctic Circle. Santa Claus Village is just a 10-minute drive from the centre, making this the obvious choice for families wanting to meet the big man himself.

  • Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara – Stylish hilltop hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows, ski-to-door access, and one of Finland's top 50 restaurants. 71 rooms with proper Arctic views.

  • Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets – Private cabins with your own sauna, terrace, and full kitchen. Perfect for families wanting space and that proper cosy Lapland vibe. 10 minutes from Santa Claus Village.

Saariselkä – Northern Lights Central

Deep inside the Arctic Circle with minimal light pollution, Saariselkä is prime aurora territory. A tiny village surrounded by Urho Kekkonen National Park – basically wilderness with excellent hotels.

  • Northern Lights Village Saariselkä – 80 glass-roofed Aurora Cabins designed for watching the Northern Lights from your bed. The ultimate bucket-list stay.

  • Holiday Club Saariselkä – Family-friendly resort with indoor pool, water slides, spa, and sauna. 139 rooms just 1.6km from the ski slopes.

  • Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna – Right in Saariselkä village with direct access to hiking trails and ski tracks. Restaurant serves proper Lappish dishes with Arctic Ocean fish.

Levi – Ski Resort Fun

Levi is Finland's largest ski resort with 43 slopes, but it's brilliant year-round. Think buzzy village vibes, adventure activities, and proper nightlife for a ski resort.

  • Lapland Hotels Sirkantähti – 70 rooms and apartments, each with private sauna. Slap bang in Levi village, 600m from the ski lifts and adventure park.

Kuusamo & Ylläs

For something off the beaten track, Kuusamo offers tropical spa vibes in the Arctic (yes, really), while Ylläs is home to Finland's longest ski runs and the famous SnowVillage ice hotel.

  • Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki – Indoor tropical spa with water slides, pools, and jacuzzis. 125 rooms, two restaurants, and Ruka ski resort just 20km away.

What to Do in Lapland

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

  • Meet Santa Claus at his official village in Rovaniemi – write letters at the Post Office, meet elves, and cross the Arctic Circle line

  • Husky sledding through snowy forests – most excursions welcome kids and include hot drinks to warm up

  • Reindeer farm visits where little ones can feed and pet these gentle Arctic locals

  • Ranua Wildlife Park – spot polar bears, Arctic foxes, and wolverines in their natural habitat

❤️ Couples

  • Northern Lights hunts – head into the wilderness with expert guides and chase the aurora

  • Glass igloo stays at Northern Lights Village – watch the sky from your bed, properly romantic

  • Private reindeer sleigh rides through silent, snow-covered forests

  • Traditional Finnish saunas followed by outdoor hot tubs under starlit skies

👯 Groups

  • Snowmobile safaris across frozen lakes and through Arctic wilderness

  • Skiing and snowboarding at Levi – 43 slopes for all abilities plus brilliant après-ski

  • Ice fishing – drill a hole, drop a line, and wait. More relaxing than it sounds

  • SnowVillage ice hotel visit – sculptures, ice bar, and optional overnight stays for the brave

🏛️ Culture Lovers

  • Arktikum Museum in Rovaniemi – brilliant exhibits on Arctic life, Sámi culture, and the Northern Lights

  • Sámi cultural experiences – learn about the indigenous reindeer herders who've lived here for thousands of years

  • Traditional Lappish dinners in kota huts – reindeer stew by an open fire, cloudberries for dessert

When to Visit Lapland

December to February – Peak Winter Magic

This is what Lapland's famous for. Deep snow, Santa in full swing, and long dark nights perfect for Northern Lights. Temps sit around -10°C to -20°C (sometimes colder), but you'll be wrapped up like a polar explorer. December is Christmas central, especially for families. January and February bring clearer skies and better aurora chances once the holiday crowds thin out.

March to April – Spring Snow

Longer days, milder temps (-5°C to +5°C), and still loads of snow. Arguably the best time for skiing and outdoor activities – you actually get daylight hours to enjoy them. Northern Lights still visible early in the season. Great value compared to December.

September to November – Aurora Season Begins

The first snow arrives, nights get dark, and Northern Lights season kicks off. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and the magical shift from autumn colours to winter white. November brings proper snow and the start of Santa season.

What's On

  • Every November – Christmas season officially opens in Rovaniemi with lights, markets, and festive events

  • Every December to January – Polar Night Festival celebrating the darkest time of year with concerts and lantern walks

  • Every February – Sámi National Day (6th) with traditional music, food, and cultural celebrations

  • Every March to April – Reindeer racing championships in various Lapland towns

  • Every June – Midnight Sun Film Festival in Sodankylä – movies under a sun that never sets

What are the best sights to see in Lapland?

Lapland holidays serve peak winter wonderland energy with a proper helping of magic. Whether you're looking for a cosy escape, a bucket list moment, or you're finally ready to confirm whether Santa is real (he is), here are the big hitters to get the sleigh... sorry, show... on the road.

  • Santa Claus Village - yes, this place is real. Yes, Santa lives here. Yes, you can cross the Arctic Circle like it's the most normal Tuesday activity ever. Think festive vibes all year and enough twinkly lights to power the whole of Manchester.

  • Northern Lights Hunts - if the sky had a flex, this would be it. Head out with an expert guide into the pitch black wilderness and watch the aurora do its mahoosive dance across the night. Hot drinks included because frostbite is not the vibe.

  • Husky and Reindeer Safaris - pick your preferred furry transport. Huskies for the full-speed thrill ride, or reindeer for the calm, storybook moment. Either way, you're gliding across snowy forests like you’ve stepped inside a Christmas film.

  • Glass Igloos and Ice Hotels - the Arctic answer to boujee living. Sleep under the stars, watch the sky shift colours from your bed, or bed down in a room made of ice like a proper winter warrior.

Getting around on your Lapland holidays

Getting around Lapland is surprisingly easy for a place covered in snow most of the year. Rovaniemi is your main entry point, with flights from the UK and the rest of Europe. Once you're in, buses, taxis, and organised tours do most of the heavy lifting. Resorts like Levi, Saariselka and Yllas are linked by regular bus routes, and loads of excursions include hotel pickup so you can just roll out of bed and go. Want to level up your transport? Snowmobiles and sleds are very much a thing here.

Lapland Resorts

Looking for a specific area? Here's where we've got hotels in Lapland:

  • Rovaniemi – Santa's hometown, gateway to the Arctic Circle

  • Saariselkä – Northern Lights hotspot deep in the Arctic

  • Levi – Finland's biggest ski resort

  • Finland – See all our Finnish destinations

Popular Lapland hotels

More Lapland hotels

Weather in Lapland

JAN

-6°C

FEB

-6°C

MAR

-1°C

APR

5°C

MAY

12°C

JUN

18°C

JUL

21°C

AUG

18°C

SEP

13°C

OCT

6°C

NOV

1°C

DEC

-3°C

Lapland doesn’t do things by halves. When it’s cold, it’s proper cold. When it snows, it’s a full winter takeover. And when summer hits... well, the sun basically forgets how to set. Here’s the no faff breakdown so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

  • Winter (December February) - this is Lapland’s main character moment. Expect deep snow, frosty forests, and temperatures that casually drop to minus double digits. But don’t panic, everyone here dresses like a pro and activities run as normal. Perfect if you're chasing Northern Lights, Santa meet and greets, or those boujee glass igloo stays where you snuggle up and pretend you’re in a Christmas advert.

  • Spring (March April) - the sweet spot. Days get longer, skies get brighter, and it’s still snowy enough for skiing, snowmobiling and all the classics. Temperatures start creeping up to a friendlier minus something to plus something territory, which means you can frolic in the snow without losing feeling in your nose. A 10 10 time to visit.

  • Summer (May August) - plot twist: Lapland isn’t just snow. Summer brings lush forests, crystal lakes and the famous Midnight Sun, where daylight sticks around for a mahoosive 24 hours at a time. Expect mild temperatures, loads of hiking, river activities and wildlife everywhere. It’s giving Scandi adventure, not snow globe.

  • Autumn (September November) - short but gorge. Think golden forests, crisp air, and the first dusting of snow rolling in. Nights get darker, which means the Northern Lights start popping off again. Cooler temps set the stage for winter without you needing full Arctic survival mode just yet.

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FAQs

How long does it take to fly to Lapland?

It takes between 3 hours and 3 hours 45 minutes to fly to Lapland from the UK/Ireland, depending on where you fly from.

What's the time difference between the UK and Lapland?

Lapland is 2 hours ahead of the time in the UK.

What language do they speak in Lapland?

There is a range of different languages spoken depending on what area you are in, but in Finnish Lapland, the main language spoken is Finnish.

Is Lapland good for a city break?

Absolutely. Lapland might not be your classic big city jolly, but Rovaniemi serves up a cracking Arctic twist on the usual weekend away. Think cosy cafes, Santa’s hometown, ice bars, museums, and snowy adventures just outside the centre. It’s a city break with extra sparkle, extra snow, and extra bragging rights. Your mates in Amsterdam will be sipping lattes while you’re crossing the Arctic Circle and hanging out with reindeer. Big win.

What's the best month to visit Lapland?

It totally depends on your vibe. Want full Christmas magic, heaps of snow, and Santa in peak form? December is the showstopper. After clearer skies, tons of snow, and top-tier Northern Lights action? March is the winner. Prefer quieter resorts and early winter feels? November is your under-the-radar sweet spot. But, if you want Lapland looking its absolute best, March and early December usually take the crown.

When can I see the Northern Lights?

September to March when the nights are dark enough. The best chances are December to February in places like Saariselkä which sits inside the Aurora Zone. Clear skies help massively – and patience.

Where is Santa Claus Village?

In Rovaniemi, about 8km from the city centre right on the Arctic Circle line. It's open year-round, but December is when the magic peaks.

What should I pack for Lapland?

Layers, layers, layers. Thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers, and a proper windproof outer. Most hotels and excursions provide Arctic-grade snowsuits and boots, but bring your own warm hat, gloves, and snood. Don't forget sunglasses – the snow glare is real.

Is Lapland good for families?

Absolutely brilliant. Meeting Santa, husky rides, reindeer farms, snowman building – it's basically a childhood dream come true. Most activities welcome kids from around age 4, though some excursions have minimum ages. Check individual hotel and activity details.

Can I see the Northern Lights from a glass igloo?

Yes – that's exactly what they're designed for. Northern Lights Village Saariselkä has 80 glass-roofed Aurora Cabins where you can watch the sky from bed. Some even have Northern Lights alerts to wake you when the aurora appears.

How cold does it get?

Properly cold. December to February averages -10°C to -20°C, sometimes dropping to -30°C. But with the right gear (provided on most excursions), you'll be toasty. The dry cold is easier to handle than you'd expect.

Do I need to book activities in advance?

For popular experiences like Northern Lights tours, husky safaris, and Santa visits during peak December weeks – yes, book ahead. Your hotel can usually arrange excursions, or you can book with local operators once you arrive.