Finland is funland!

It’s no surprise that the most Christmassy place in the world has an abundance of gifts to offer those who visit. The forests and fells of the country’s northernmost province, capped with snow, are truly stunning, and the breathtaking scenery alone would be reason enough to come to the Arctic Circle. But there’s also much else to do in this mystical place, which is on the edge of Europe's last wilderness, and of course home of the real Santa himself. 

Perhaps most notably, Finnish Lapland is one of the best places to spot the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Every year, many travellers flock to this beautiful area to tick the experience of seeing this world-famous phenomenon – which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world – off their bucket list. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling and husky sledding are traditional ways that you can have a fun adventure, while also getting to see the alluring Aurora Borealis. Our expert guides at Transun will give you the best chance of seeing the lights, dancing and swirling across the sky, as well as keeping you well looked after on all the thrilling excursions we offer. 

Due to the location of the accommodation we feature, you may not have to go far to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon – the villages are small and remote with limited light pollution. The air here is believed to be the cleanest in the world and is perfectly clear for star spotting (and that includes the biggest star, Santa)! Simply step out of your hotel and gaze up at the dark sky for a chance to view this mesmerising light display. 

Witnessing the Northern Lights, nature's most fascinating spectacle, will make your holiday extra memorable. However, there is of course no guarantee which is one of the reasons why our tours also feature exhilarating activities to ensure you make the most of your time in Finnish Lapland. Enjoy reindeer sleigh rides or driving your own snowmobile across the Arctic tundra (don’t forget to bring your driving license). Go ice fishing at a spot popular with locals, try your hand at cross-country skiing or explore your surroundings further by 'mushing' your very own team of huskies – an incredible way to see Lapland.

There’s more to do here than outdoor adventures as well, when you want to be warm and comfortable in doors. Discover the Finnish tradition of a sauna or dine on regional specialties from hearty stews to reindeer steaks. Meet reindeer hustlers and Sami tribespeople, learning their unique way of life as you travel. Or opt to spend a night in a real igloo, made of snow and ice. We also offer glass cabins for an even more fabulous way to take in your surroundings. 

Of course, in the run-up to Christmas there’s a festive fever in Father Christmas’ hometown. Enjoy a private family meeting with Santa on one of our day trips or short breaks in Finnish Lapland. He knows if you’ve been bad or good but has presents for every child regardless. 

Whatever you want from your wintry holiday, you’ll find it in Finnish Lapland. With magnificent lakes, frozen rivers and dense forests, the landscapes here are set to impress. Finnish Lapland is not to be missed on your holiday wish list.

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, click here

Want more? You may also be interested in our holidays to Swedish Lapland.

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Tours available in Finnish Lapland

Best time to go – November to March

November

  • -10° C
  • 26 cm
  • 6 hours

87% Northern Lights

December

  • -15° C
  • 37 cm
  • 1 hour

75% Northern Lights

January

  • -18° C
  • 56 cm
  • 3 hours

60% Northern Lights

February

  • -18° C
  • 61 cm
  • 7 hours

62% Northern Lights

March

  • -7° C
  • 68 cm
  • 11 hours

84% Northern Lights

How the Arctic winter unfolds

Winter in True Lapland spans almost half of the year and as the season unfolds there are different reasons to experience a winter break deep inside the Arctic Circle.

November

This month marks the true beginning of an Arctic winter, with the year's first falls of virgin snow once more blanketing the landscape.


Local insight: November is the beginning of the best period each year to see the Northern Lights as it becomes colder and darker.
Trees heavy with snow

December

You do not need to visit Santa to enjoy an Arctic Spirit break in December. But the increased number of flights this month means there is a wide choice of departures available. If your break takes in the Christmas or New Year holidays, special celebrations will be included to mark the occasions. Now is the time to really experience the long polar nights, with 22 hours of darkness and the sun never quite managing to rise above the horizon.

Local insight: The Sami farmers are hard at work this month corralling their reindeer herds to see them through the winder.

Santa in a snow-covered forest with a bag of gifts

January

The vast Arctic wilderness makes a perfect antidote to the rush and crowds of the Christmas period. If the weather is kind, you can experience polar blue skies amid the intense cold, while the Northern Lights still blaze frequently overhead. 

Local insight: This is the month that Tromso, Norway's cool capital of the North, stages its annual international film festival.

People near a kota and fire amid the Northern Lights

February

The snow remains deep and the days icy cold. For families wanting to experience an Arctic Spirit winter break, the half-term holiday provides a perfect opportunity. For hopeless romantics, why not give your loved one the perfect Valentine's Day, perhaps even experiencing the Northern Lights beneath the Arctic skies. No moment could more eloquently say 'I love you'.

Local insight: Finland's Sami national day also falls in this month.
The Northern Lights swirling above a snowy landscape

March

Many people consider March to be the best month for spotting the Northern Lights. It's a wonderful month for an Arctic Spirit break, thanks to the deepest snows of the winter, combined with longer daylight hours and more moderate temperatures.

March is also the best month for the healthy and exhilarating sport of cross-country skiing. Indeed, people from all around Scandinavia flock to the region to take to their skis amid the cleanest air in the world. This is the best month too for those who would like to try an overnight Arctic adventure, thanks to the long days and warmer temperatures.

 Local insight: Each year in March, a Sami Festival is staged in the nearby village of Hetta.
A pair of skis and poles on snow

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