Are you trying to find the best places to visit in Finnish Lapland? This article highlights some of the most amazing towns, villages, and natural areas in Finnish Lapland. But first, you have to prepare yourself for this journey to the mighty north! Beautiful Finnish Lapland has many interesting experiences that will satisfy every kind of traveler.
Learn more about the best things that await you in the land of the northern lights and the midnight sun.
Finnish Lapland is full of incredible places to visit and I think making a list of the best places was a challenge!
Best Places to Visit in Finnish Lapland
1. Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is most famous as the capital of Lapland and the “official” home of Santa Claus. It is also one of the best places in Finland to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
During World War II, Rovaniemi was nearly destroyed, but today, it is a vibrant modern town with plenty of things to do. Open all year round, exploring the Santa Claus Village is a must.
2. Saariselkä
Saariselkä is a beautiful resort town located 250 km (155 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. It is Finland’s northernmost ski resort.
This resort village is the center of Lapland’s winter activities and serves as the gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park. Saariselkä is most famous for its cross-country skiing and downhill skiing possibilities.
3. Levi
Levi is a small town in western Lapland. It is home to frozen lakes, river valleys, ski resorts, and breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape. During the winter months, Levi is a popular ski resort. There are over 40 slopes to ski.
If you are looking for an extreme winter activity, you can also try snow swimming! Lying on the icy water and staring at the sky is truly impressive.
4. Nuorgam
Nuorgam is a small village with around 200 residents in the Utsjoki Municipality of Lapland. It is the northernmost point of Finland and the European Union.
The area is most famous for its salmon fishing, but there are plenty of things for travelers to do as well. Most of the attractions in and around the village focus on tourism, adventure activities, and escapism.
5. Ruka
Ruka is where you will find some of the best skiing slopes in Finland. Ruka Ski Resort offers adventure seekers a skiing season that lasts over 200 days a year, so there is every chance that there will be plenty to do when you are here.
There are 39 slopes you can descend from and 22 ski lifts to help you get to the top. Skiing is not the only activity! You can also go snowboarding, get up close to arctic animals like reindeer and huskies, and hike one of the many hiking trails. One of the most popular hiking trails in Ruka is the Pyhän Jessyeus Trail, which leads to the top of Pikku-Pyhavaara and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.
6- Kuusamo
Kuusamo is a 20-minute drive from Ruka near the Russian border. The town is also home to world-class skiing. However, Kuusamo has more to offer than Ruka. Kuusamo is famous for its Sami history, outdoor activities and tranquility.
Oulanka National Park is one of the best places to explore the Arctic wilderness, while Pohjolan piratti (aka Santa’s Cottage) is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
At this historic property, you can learn about the local culture, enjoy traditional food and stay warm in the sauna. If you want to learn more about the local history, visit the Pokkatorma Outdoor Museum.
7. Ylläs
Ylläs, also known as Yllastunturi, is located 115km (71 miles) north of the Arctic Circle at an elevation of 718m (2,355ft). The Ylläs region consists of two Lappish villages – Ekaslompolo and Ylläsjärvi.
The region is known for its Arctic wildlife, skiing slopes, hiking trails and impressive Arctic terrain. Along the Kesenkijärven Kieros trail, you might spot the Siberian jay, reindeer, arctic fox and the Eurasian three-toed woodpecker.
Yllas is home to Finland’s largest ski resort, its most popular national park (Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park) and the world’s only sauna gondola.
8- Pois
Pois is a small town in Lapland, but the town and its surrounding areas are spectacular when it comes to outdoor activities. It was the first destination in Finland to receive the Sustainable Travel Finland certification.
It is also a center of ceramic culture and home to Finland’s popular ice-climbing destination. In Pois, you can explore endless landscapes, learn to ice climb, and explore snow-covered forests.
9- Pallas-Yllas Tunturi National Park
The iconic Pallas-Yllas tunturi National Park is a dream destination for any nature lover. This national park has some of the most breathtaking views in the world, extremely pure air, and abundant wildlife.
Extremely accessible, this park is suitable for both inexperienced and experienced hikers, and families with children. The trails will allow you to admire the rich Arctic landscapes. My favorite trail is the Varkankurunpolku trail. The trail is only 3.5km (2.1 miles) long and it leads through dense forest to the bottom of a ravine, where you can see the falling stream.
10- Riisitunturi National Park
Riisitunturi National Park was established in 1982 and covers 77sq km (30sq mi) of mountainous area near Posio. Incredibly photogenic, this national park is a great destination for snowshoers, cross-country skiers, bird watchers, and trekkers.
In winter, spruce trees cover most of the hills in the national park with a thick layer of frost, creating the perfect winter scenery for a day’s hike.
How to Reach
Being a famous tourist destination in Finland, Lapland is an easily accessible place where you can reach via air, road and rail.
- By Air: Lapland is easily connected by air through airports in cities like Kemi, Enontekiö, Rovaniemi, Kittilä and Ivalo.
- By Rail: A good network of railways connects Lapland to various other parts of Finland like Helsinki. Kemijärvi, Kemi, Rovaniemi and Kolari are some of the places in Finland that have well-connected railway stations.
- By Road: Lapland is an easy destination to reach, even by road. Buses to Lapland can be taken from almost any region of Finland. However, if you decide to rent your own car and are coming from Helsinki, the route takes you through Lahti, Jyväskylä and Oulu and further to Rovaniemi.
What to eat
Tasting the Lapp cuisine in Lapland will further add to the beautiful experience of being in this Finnish land. Salmiakki Koskenkorva, cinnamon rice pudding, Karelian tartlets, herring and sweet potato casserole are some of the things you must try here.
If you are looking for the best places to eat, then – Kaamasen Kivari, Levin Paanimo & Pub, Xiang Long and Ravintola Aanaar and Restaurant Pirkon Piratti.
The best time to visit Lapland
Finnish Lapland has sub-arctic to continental climatic conditions. This means that the summers here are very mild and the winters are full of snow. Bathed by the northern lights in winters and the midnight sun in summers, Lapland, or rather Finland, is a place worth visiting all year round. Keep reading for detailed information about every season in Lapland!
Winters (December-March): Being a winter wonderland adorned with the northern lights at this time of the year, it is the best season for tourists. In this season, the snow and ice hotels reopen and husky and snowmobile tours also operate on a daily basis. Hence, it is a lovely time to visit Lapland.
Summers (June-July): Summers in Lapland are worth witnessing the midnight sun – a phenomenon where the sun never sinks below the horizon. Also, since the temperature is comparatively higher (10-15°C), it is the perfect time to indulge in various activities like hiking and river cruises.
Finnish Lapland is a magical destination that offers breathtaking experiences all year round. From the fascinating northern lights in winter to the unique midnight sun in summer, the region has something for everyone. Whether exploring vibrant towns like Rovaniemi, skiing in Levi or hiking in Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, the beauty of Lapland never disappoints. With easily accessible travel options, diverse outdoor adventures and delicious Lapp cuisine, Finnish Lapland is a must-visit for nature lovers, thrill seekers and anyone seeking an unforgettable escape in the Arctic wilderness.