The trails weave through frosted woodlands, snowy plains, and across frozen lakes. Please note that this is a chain (but far better than any Starbucks I have ever had). Address: Teollisuustie 14 B, 96320 Rovaniemi. I booked through their Facebook page but you can also book through their website. >> Click here for snowmobiling rates and availability. 7 Reasons to Visit Lapland in Winter : Nordic Visitor But all I can say is hold on tight. A vast region in fact that covers northern Sweden, Finland, Norway and even part of Russias Kola Peninsula. They relocated to Rovaniemi, and the rest is history. Lapland Hotels SnowVillage. You can order a shot from the Ice Bar for an additional charge. Its breathable, lightweight, and fits perfectly snug under your normal clothes. 13 AWESOME Things To Do In Lapland In Winter - Greta's Travels If youre on a budget or just want to taste something a little different, head to Kauppayhtio for a burger! Im not a very good driver but I couldnt pass on the opportunity to drive a snowmobile through a snowy forest or across a huge frozen lake. Best Things to Do in December in Los Angeles - USA TODAY 10Best The airport is about 8 kilometers outside of the city, and getting from one place to another is easy. While the experience is a bit gimmicky, it is worth venturing to for a bit if you are in Rovaniemi. We have listed for you our 10 recommended attractions and things to do when visiting Rovaniemi in winter. Waking up to sweeping vistas of the majestic winter landscapes is an experience unlike no other. A unique experience I had in Rovaniemi was when I went ice floating! All things considered, Id say this Lapland winter activity is perfect for families with small children or those seeking a more comfortable safari experience. You will need to book a table in advance (via their website or by stopping in) and please note that Gustavs is closed on Sundays and Mondays. As an Airbnb Associate, we earn when you book through our links. Privacy Policy | Sitemap | Stories, Armenia travel blog | Virginia travel blog | Hawaii travel blog, Learning how to photograph the lights on this tour, Outside of the lavvu (you get to go there! Short answer, yes. Youll spend most of your time skimming through forests and lakes that provide some of the most jaw-dropping views in all of the region. This is a very easy place to visit independently, but it is also a good idea to book a tour if you dont want to navigate the facilities yourself or worry about transportation from downtown Rovaniemi. >> Click here for ice floating rates and availability. So Im not sure which tree resort came first, but out of the 2, I think this one is my favourite. You can book an individual tour (minimum 4 people) at a different hour for 25/pp. December and January tend to be the peak months, especially among families with little ones who are hoping to visit Santa in Lapland. Watch the northern lights dance First, the bad news: the northern lights, also called aurora borealis, never show up on demand. Anyhow, I digress. Getting there is fairly easy by taxi (will be around 23-28 one-way), public bus (Bus 8 goes there hourly for about 3.60), or tour. Of course, a significant part of the local culture is the cuisine. The Levi Ice Gallery is an ice hotel that has it all: ice sculpture, a restaurant, an ice bar, and wood-heated saunas. During the cruise, youll get to experience the tremendous power of the vessel, as it effortlessly cuts through the ice. Snowshoes allow you to manoeuvre through the landscape without falling deep into the snow. Ask your hotel about the Santa experience closest to you, and prepare to make magical memories that will last a lifetime. Next up we have another of our favourite winter activities in Lapland, and thats a Snowmobile Tour Book yours here. After all, this is likely to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of you. You will also get to have a local lunch in Kukkolaforsen fishing village (in Sweden). Open 7 days a week, the restaurant has an intimate setting that only fits 25 patrons at a time. Its quickly catching on in other parts of the world, with advocates like Wim Hof The Iceman praising its help benefits. Unfortunately, like most natural phenomena, the Aurora is unpredictable. A question that a lot of people have asked me in the past is what kind of daylight hours you have during the winter months in Rovaniemi. Another winter activity fit for animal lovers, horse riding tours allow a peaceful and romantic journey through the rugged wilderness of Lapland. Finland in December: Travel Tips, Weather & More | kimkim Gretas Travels is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets and any other online reservation that are made without having fully read the terms and conditions of any third party provider. The long dark nights in the north are perfect for adventures by . Elevated on stilts overlooking the Lappish wilderness, the luxury cabin accommodation is designed to allow a nest-like view. The body-shocking process is said to relieve pain, improve moods, and strengthen the immune system. An outdoors ice bath in Lapland you can swim in after doing a sauna. The snowmobiles are relatively easy to handle, but if you dont fancy driving, you can ask for a guide to drive you instead. This is such a fun activity that takes you over frozen lakes and through frosted forests. It lasts 2 hours and you will get to enjoy biscuits and hot drinks afterward! Granted, it was just flurries, but it was kind of exciting. If I am going to be honest, I loved the experience but ended up having a little bit of claustrophobia, so my experience ended a bit prematurely, but I had a blast while I was out there doing it until that set in! You will get to sail through icy waters and watch the ship break up the ice as it cruises along. Huskies love to run. Finnish Lapland is the most visited part of the region and is where we stayed during our recent trip. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor . The cabins of Santa Claus Holiday Village offer you the softest beds to land on after a day-well-spend. Good times shopping with an American debit card. We both agreed he seemed like a useful man to have around the house. Go ice-fishing. 11. The menu changes, but the one thing that does not change is the Knut bread, which was named after Gustavs grandfather. If youre opting for the train, it runs daily even during the winter months. Planning where to stay in Lapland will probably be the most exciting yet challenging part of organising your winter holiday to Lapland. Its a must-see European winter destination that offers so much for outdoor enthusiasts. If we miss anything you are curious about for a winter trip to Rovaniemi, let us know in the comments! Experience the Arctic atmosphere and truly northern products. Unfortunately, the aurora failed to make an appearance for the four nights we were in Lapland. For many, it's a form a meditation. You will be going on plenty of adventures on this road trip but first how about capturing some memories for a lifetime. And, the landscapes are seriously perfect for doing this! In winter, in the same place, be amazed by the colorful show of northern lights that dance through the glass roof. If you purchase a product through these links, we will earn a small commissionat no extra cost to you. Welcome to our blog! Another fantastic place I had dinner at one night was the Roka Street Bistro in the city center of Rovaniemi. The Finnish call this a winter safari, and its easy to figure out why. It was a dream trip of mine come true and Im sure it will be the same for you. Unique to this part of the region are the fantastic skiing opportunities in Narvik. I visited Rovaniemi during autumn and I actually saw snow on October 8 one year! But, barely! We know we will catch them next time we find ourselves somewhere near the Arctic Circle. . After spending 4 nights at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in March, I can confidently say its one of the most magical resorts in the world. Known for its snowy landscapes, endless arctic activities, and clusters of small villages, this region is an enchanting holiday destination. The best way to get there is to fly, however. As an Airbnb Associate, we earn when you book through our links., Click here to book your northern lights tour, Click here to check Santa Claus Village rates and availability, Click here for dog sledding rates and availability, This tour will guide you to the Posio forest, Click here for Korouoma day trip rates and availability. Sadly, I went there on my last day in Rovaniemi on my second trip, so I am waiting to get back for another experience. If youre visiting Lapland in winter, this list of highlights and useful information will guarantee you have the perfect trip. All skill levels are welcome, as long as you can ride a bike. This tour is wheelchair accessible. My guide was super knowledgeable and literally taught me everything I ever wanted to know about the northern lights. I have actually been to this forest during the autumn months (ruska as the Finns call it) but havent had a chance to explore it during the winter. Tickets are 18 for adults. Things to Do in Lapland Popular things to do Winter Sports Night Tours Ski & Snowboard Areas 4WD Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours National Parks Fishing Charters Safaris Hiking Tours Half-day Tours Photography Tours City Tours Private Day Trips Zoo Tickets Sporting Events Airport & Hotel Transfers Walking Tours Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions You can also check out many other accommodation options here. Jacket: A good quality, warm winter jacket is a must. It is free to visit, but it costs money to get your photo taken with him. Needless to say its a pretty thrilling experience! I went with Safartica, and they took me out to an area where you put on a thick, waterproof suit and let us head out into the frigid waters to float. In Lapland, anything is possible. It will take you deep into the Arctic Circle, give you the chance to sleep in a glass igloo, and even have you meeting Santa himself. Click here to book a husky dog sledding excursion! These months are the darkest, coldest, and snowiest. There is actually endless amount of things to do under the Midnight Sun, have a look at our list of must do things under the Midnight Sun of Lapland. This guide covers the best winter activities in Rovaniemi as well as things to do for the not-so-adventurous traveler! Snow Village. There is also a reindeer farm out back where you can feed and pet them. And, of course, if youre visiting Lapland for Christmas, its your chance to get up close and personal with the big man himself. Choose between Swedish or Finnish short breaks to Lapland in December. Seeing the northern lights is never guaranteed, but the weather conditions in Lapland are about as perfect as you could wish for. All beef is local and they have plenty of veggie options on the menu. Some Swedish Lapland experiences even include a homestay with a local Sami family a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter one of the last remaining aboriginal groups in Europe. So if the auroras are to make an appearance, you can watch the spectacle from the comfort of your bed. This is when you can enjoy magical white scenery, northern lights, and excursions in the snow. Finland winters produce ample snowfall and Lapland supplies endless kilometres of well-groomed skiing paths. Its the Christmassy destination we all dream about as little kids. But, here are some things that I think are essential to bring in winter (take mind, these are pretty obvious things to pack! First of all, yes. 21 EPIC Things to do in Lapland (Finland) in Winter 2023 Weather What to expect when you visit Lapland, Finland, Enjoy ultimate relaxation while Ice Floating, Try a fun Finnish combo: Sauna and Ice Bath, Traverse the landscape by Cross Country Skiing, Speed down the slopes Skiing and Snowboarding. ). An important part of exploring a new destination is learning about its culture. Be sure to bring your passport! To put its size into perspective, if Lapland were a country, it would be in the top 20 biggest countries in Europe, which is pretty staggering. Whiz through the wild as you cover kilometres of ground in a short period of time. You can even go snowshoe hiking at night. | READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE LAPLAND PACKING LIST |, Getting to know my sledding tour husky dogs in full Lapland winter gear. Each year a team of international artists skillfully sculpt the hotel using ice from the Tornio River, only for it to melt away months later. Sweden In December: Best Places To See And Things To Do In 2022 With Lapland seeing snow anywhere from 175 225 days per year, cross-country skiing plays a considerable part in the local culture. The customer service was exceptional, the food was incredible, and everything about it just left me craving another trip. Winter thrill-seekers can have a go at snowboarding, skiing, or dog sledding. Disclosure:Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. On my latest trip, I headed back for lunch and had their reindeer sandwich that came with pickles, lingonberries, and fries. If you found the content helpful and are kind enough to use our affiliates you are awesome, and we thank you! 1. . Live theatre is a wonderful thing to enjoy while traveling. My friends trying ice floating for the first time in Lapland. Did we miss any of the best things to do in Rovaniemi in winter on this guide? Pretty much all of the activities listed above are offered in the different regions, so theres no need to travel loads. I had their roasted salmon and ginger lemon risotto (which is still on the menu!) Long answer: the weather in Lapland largely depends on where and when you visit. On December 22, 2023, the sunrise will be at 1108 and the sunset will be at 1322. It's a whole village made out of snow - igloos, ice bars and everything. Coffee is free with your food! On the opposite end of the spectrum, a Reindeer Safari is an almost tranquilising experience. See all the wonderful things you can do in Sweden in the month of December. We spent 3-hours driving through the wilderness, and it felt like freedom. It isnt a cheap stay by any means, but if your budget permits, its a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed. However, he does seem to have several houses all over the region. This institution focuses on the history and culture of the Smi people. To keep your things dry and secure, make sure to bring a lightweight water-resistant backpack. . However its also a lot tougher than normal skiing. Is it a country? It has a small-village feel, with traditional handicraft shops and Smi-run companies. Stretching deep into the Arctic Circle, travellers benefit from exceptional snowy weather. No Lapland winter activities were out of bounds, and even Santa allowed us to visit him. Get discounts & updates in our monthly newsletter, Get discounts & updates in our monthly newsletter, 2022 Our Taste For Life Blog All Rights Reserved. But, what really blew me away were their salsas and guacamole. Also in December, is the LA Bowl, which takes place in 2022 on December 17th. If youre heading to Rovaniemi and not into active tourism, then a visit to the Arctic Snow Hotel is a must! This is where you find the Lapland Chamber Orchestra and the Rovaniemi Art Museum, among many other things! Understandably, the lead-up to Christmas is the most popular time to visit Finnish Lapland, which means you need to get started with your planning early. Not only is it home to untouched wilderness, majestic nature, magical hotels, and Santa Clause, its the home of 8 seasons as well. Or, for adventure enthusiasts, you can drive race cars on the ice of frozen lakes. The Ultimate 7 Day Finland Itinerary for Winter - Finding the Universe Alcoholic drinks are not included. I couldnt help but envy the locals who get to travel this way on a daily basis. Let us know your winter in Rovaniemi tips in the comments. Skiing across forests and lakes to get to work or school was not unusual, and I cant help but feel like I was cheated by having to take the bus. A popular Lapland winter activity is dog sledding, and there are plenty of places in Rovaniemi (and nearby) to go on a husky adventure! Experienced riders have the option to ride on horseback. Because of its natural scenery, its especially popular for cross country skiing. In fact, Finlands longest ski slopes are found in Ylls. That way, if it doesnt happen, you arent left too disappointed. 20 Northern Lights from $164.69 per adult Private transfer from Levi to Rovaniemi 1 Transportation Services from $442.82 per group (up to 3) Cocooning in the HaliPuu forest: The ultimate Arctic hammock relaxation 3 Coffee & Tea Tours from $114.43 per adult Queenstown Hill Walk All You Need to Know, Kayaking In El Nido: Everything You Need To Know. Beyond Arctic offer short 2-4 hour photoshoots for couples and families. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out! THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Lapland - Tripadvisor Forget about using the torch in your phone. With this in mind, here are 16 of the best things to do in Lapland in Winter: Im kicking off the list with our favourite winter activity in Lapland, and that is a Husky Sled Safari. Admiring the Northern Lights photo by Photo by Oren Cohen on Scopio. Followed by cosy evenings by the fire or in a glass igloo beneath the Northern Lights. Newcastle to Lapland - direct flights launched to meet demand for I hope you find this useful in planning your winter trip to Lapland! Although its more touristy, its still within easy reach of the more isolated and rugged areas of Lapland. The Central Texas State Fair is canceled in 2020 and returns September 2-5, 2021. >> Click here for the snow hotel tour rates and availability. Treehotel in Swedish Lapland provides a real treehouse experience, with extraordinary accommodation such as a UFO, birds nest and mirror cube cabin, set way up high among the tall trees of a Pine Forest. Just be prepared! ), take a train, or fly. To be honest, not much! Youre welcome! However, as always all thoughts and opinions are our own. They are also famous for their cocktails so be sure to try their Fernanda with tequila, passion fruit, chili, and lime! Its a place where Christmas cheer rings out all year long and the mystical northern lights dance across the dark winter sky. Posted on Last updated: December 12, 2020. See tours Doing a snowmobile tour on the frozen lakes of Inari, Lapland, Driving a snowmobile through the snowy forests in Inari, Finland. >> Click here for ice fishing rates and availability. For a slightly modern twist on the glass igloo, Arctic Treehouse hotel provide another extraordinary hotel experience in Finnish Lapland. This tour operates in all weather conditions so bundle up! Lapland travel guide - 10 things to do in Finland in winter Me during my Lapland trip enjoying a sunrise / sunset sky at noon and -13C. And you do get a Lappish BBQ (with premium quality sausages or vegan/veggie ones if you request). 9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lapland in Autumn (Not Winter!) Opt for Merino Wool thermal top and leggings. Rovaniemi is getting easier and easier to reach! When you first hear someone pitch the idea of floating in a freezing lake, it might not sound too appealing. Not only that, their impressive fleet of vehicles which includes Porsche, Maserati, and Ferrari, is guaranteed to make any sports car fanatic drool. The trip lasts for 3 hours and you need to be at least 120cm / 39 to be able to do it. It is around 12-15 Euros one-way but there is a group taxi from Hotel Santa Claus each Friday that is only 3/pp). If youre visiting Lapland in winter, there are tons of exciting things to do and look forward to. Tip I go into more detail regarding this topic in our guide to dog sledding in Lapland, so be sure to check that out for more info. Weather. Q. Some of my tours left from the area, as well, so it was a good excuse to pop in and grab something sweet. Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center. Reindeer herding is a tradition in Lapland, making reindeer farms very common. They also have a kitchen and cafe on site offering up a variety of different dishes. A snowmobile is a bit like a jet ski on snow. If you are at a cafe and planning to order multiple coffees. The landscapes adorned a thick blanket of white snow but the days were longer than the earlier winter months, and temperatures were far more endurable -5 to -10C. Here's what you shouldn't overlook. #mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; }/* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Down jackets or parkas are perfect as they are both lightweight and keep you very warm. A trip to Lapland at Christmas has all the fairy tale magic of the year's best holiday amidst true Arctic wilderness. Quite honestly, Im not usually a fan of winter getaways, but Lapland was an exception. Husky dog sledding is a great adventure. If you prefer slow-paced activities, relax in a sauna, tour the Santa Claus Village or take a reindeer sleigh ride. It has two different exhibits inside permanently, as well as some temporary ones. >> Click here for icebreaker cruise rates and availability. Its made with high-quality material that covers your whole body and keeps you dry. Cross country skiing with Dario Cologna in Davos, Switzerland, photo by Best of the Alps. Its also the hometown of Santa Claus. Seeing the magical Aurora Borealis is a bucket list event, and Lapland is one of the best places to do so. You can also easily rent a car and drive yourself. You can also take an overnight train from Stockholm. You can discover the breathtaking Smi homeland, join in the colourful festivals and activities of the locals, and discover their history. These options can be the most convenient mode of transport, especially for the more harsh winter conditions. If youre a beer lover, one brewery you will find ubiquitously around Lapland is Lapin Panimo (or Lapland Brewery). You may also find the story behind Kakslauttanen Resort to be pretty interesting I know we certainly did! Swedish Lapland takes up an entire quarter of the country, so its equally vast and just as enchanting as Finland. When visiting Lapland in Winter, another once-in-a-lifetime experience is to take the Polar Explorer Ice Breaker Cruise. If youre feeling brave enough, theres a deeply rooted Finnish tradition called cold therapy, where you take an ice plunge followed by a hot sauna. head out into the frigid waters to float. As I mentioned earlier, the concept of the glass igloo was born in Finnish Lapland, created by Jussi Eiramo founder and owner of Kakslauttanen Resort. Book online here with GetYourGuide. These are some of my top recommendations of the places I have stayed and the places I vow to stay at one of these days! Adventures & Experiences in Lapland | Visit Finnish Lapland While the wintertime is the best time to visit Lapland for the Northern Lights, the conditions need to be perfect for them to appear. Artikum is closed on Mondays all year except in December when it is open 7 days a week (except Christmas Eve). 7 Things To Do In Sweden In December. If youve always wanted to visit Finland in winter, Lapland is the ideal place to go. Do make sure you book ahead as they fill up quickly. Lapland FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions | Visit Finnish Lapland The holiday spirit in Santa's hometown reaches a fever pitch. The museum has been open since 1992. Today, the teepees are dotted all over Lapland. Another popular activity during winter in Finland is snowshoeing. The Smi people have inhabited northern Scandinavia for thousands of years; living off the land as reindeer farmers. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is a year-round Christmas amusement park. Nevertheless, crawling through the wilderness and enjoying the scenery from the panorama cabin was an enjoyable experience. If youre visiting Finland in December this will definitely get you into the holiday spirit. Here we've put together some of your possible adventures and unforgettable experiences. Because I feel like the actual winter starts in November and goes through March, you can see the average temperatures for all months below: Again, these are just averages and winter can start earlier or later! It is more than just a hostel (I had a rather luxurious private room there! It was delicious! It is a place where all of your Christmas and winter dreams can come true (as lame as that sounds! What's The Weather Like in December in Lapland? This tour will pick you up and drive through Sweden where it will depart from Axelsvik. Website Designed by us via Fresh Creatives, If you enjoyed our free guide, you could support us by, Visit Lapland in Winter An Ultimate Guide, Helsinki in Winter - The Ultimate Travel Guide, One Day in Helsinki - The Best 1 Day Helsinki Itinerary, 20 Winter City Breaks in Europe to Escape the Winter Blues, Visit Lake Bled in Winter 14 Lake Bled Winter Activities. >> Click here to book your northern lights tour. I strongly recommend you give it a try. Santa Clause takes visitors all year round in this part of the world. Get ready, ladies and gentlemen, for the virtual ride of a lifetime. Home EUROPE FINLAND Visit Lapland in Winter An Ultimate Guide. With a variety of tours to choose from, you could spend anywhere from 1-hour up to an entire day whizzing through forests, lakes, and mountains. Travel through the frosted forest at top speed on what is sure to be an unforgettable journey. Although the natural landscape of Finland is quite flat, the ski resorts have slopes. On my last trip to Rovaniemi, I decided to book a tour that didnt throw Lappish BBQ into its name to see what would happen. Planning a trip to Finland? The sourdough was exceptional, and the butter was to die for. Once at the snow village we took in the husky ride, reindeer ride, snowmobile to visit the big man, visit the ice hot. Snowshoes are included, and so is lunch. The village of Hetta also has a Smi cultural centre. Best things to do in Lapland Whether you go for Santa, snow, midnight sun or northern lights, Lapland is the Arctic of your wildest childhood dreams. For more things to do at night, check the section down below. To help you prepare, you can check out our complete Lapland winter packing list here. Narvikfjellet is a jaw-dropping ski resort surrounded by majestic mountains and deep fjords, offering some of the best alpine skiing in all of Norway. Another one of my favorite places to eat in Rovaniemi is Cafe & Bar 21 (which just so happens to have the same owners as Gustav and Yuca, so it is no surprise that I was impressed by this place)! The Ultimate Guide to visiting Finnish Lapland in winter: 12 INCREDIBLE ), Hanging with the man at Santa Claus Village.

Sec 8-game Permanent Opponents, How To Bill Government Payers, Condos For Rent West Springfield, Ma, Articles T