Finnish Lapland
Finnish Lapland is where UK families go to meet Santa and couples go to chase the northern lights: husky and reindeer sledding, snowmobile safaris, glass-roofed cabins and dependable snow from late November to early April. December is peak season; February and March bring longer days, deep snow and good aurora odds. Midwinter nights average around -14°C in Rovaniemi and can drop below -30°C.
Overview
Most trips are three to seven nights in one base. Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle, has the most flights, Santa Claus Village and plenty of hotels; Saariselkä, near Ivalo airport, is smaller and darker, better for the aurora; Levi and Ylläs, reached via Kittilä, add downhill and cross-country skiing. Activities are sold as half-day safaris with thermal suits provided, and they make up much of the cost. December delights children but is short on daylight, and in the far north the sun doesn't rise for weeks; February and March are brighter, with deep snow. September's autumn colours and first auroras suit hikers.
Map of Finnish Lapland
Highlights
- 1Culture
Santa Claus Village
Straddling the Arctic Circle just north of Rovaniemi, with Santa's office, his official post office and reindeer rides. Entry and meeting Santa are free but the photos are not; go early on a weekday in December to dodge the longest queues.
- 2Adventure
Husky safaris
Driving your own team of huskies through snow-laden forest is the experience most visitors remember. Half-day safaris run from every resort and start with a short lesson; multi-day trips with overnight stays in wilderness cabins go much deeper.
- 3Nature
Northern lights around Saariselkä
Above about 68°N the aurora appears on most clear, dark nights between late August and early April. Saariselkä's glass igloos made the idea famous; an aurora alert app and a guided chase by minibus to find clear skies raise your odds.
- 4Nature
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
A chain of rounded fells running north from Ylläs past Pallas to Hetta, just west of Levi, with marked ski and snowshoe trails in winter and the Hetta–Pallas hiking route in summer and autumn. The bare fell tops give wide views over snow-loaded forest.
- 5Culture
Siida, Inari
Inari is the heart of Sámi culture in Finland, and Siida, its Sámi museum and nature centre in Inari village beside Lake Inari, explains reindeer herding, Sámi crafts and life through the Arctic seasons. It's an easy trip from Saariselkä.
Where to stay
Rovaniemi
Families on short trips: the most flights, Santa Claus Village, a range of hotels and every activity, though it feels more town than wilderness.
Saariselkä
Compact fell village about 30 minutes from Ivalo airport, with dark skies and Urho Kekkonen National Park on the doorstep; best for aurora hunters.
Levi
One of Finland's two biggest ski resorts, about 15 minutes from Kittilä airport, with lifts, bars and restaurants in the village; suits groups and keen skiers.
Ylläs
Two quiet villages either side of a big fell, with long pistes and vast cross-country trail networks; good for active couples wanting space.
When to go to Finnish Lapland
Best time: Dec–Mar.
Average climate in Rovaniemi
How much does Finnish Lapland cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £280 off-peak and £750 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Finnish Lapland
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Finland, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Finland are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Bat LyssavirusTick-borne encephalitis
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Finland
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sat 31 Oct 2026 | All Saints' Day |
| Sun 6 Dec 2026 | Independence Day |
| Thu 24 Dec 2026 | Christmas Eve |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Second Day of Christmas |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 6 Jan 2027 | Epiphany |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | May Day |
| Thu 6 May 2027 | Ascension Day |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Pentecost |
| Fri 25 Jun 2027 | Midsummer Eve |
| Sat 26 Jun 2027 | Midsummer Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Operators lend thermal suits, boots and mittens for activities, but bring merino base layers, a warm hat and spare phone batteries, as the cold drains them fast.
- Book December Santa trips and glass-igloo nights months ahead. For the northern lights, choose a base north of Rovaniemi, stay at least four nights, and watch cloud forecasts as well as aurora forecasts.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Finland guide.
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