15 Magical Things to Do in Lapland, Finland This Winter

If winter has a home, it’s Lapland. Far above the Arctic Circle, this northern Finnish wonderland feels like a fairytale made real where pine forests glow under fresh snow, reindeer roam freely, and the Northern Lights dance across the sky.

Lapland isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience. It’s sipping hot chocolate by a crackling fire, gliding across frozen lakes, and feeling a kind of quiet you can’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re chasing adventure or peace, here are 15 unforgettable things to do in Lapland this winter.

Highlights of Visiting Lap

1. Chase the Northern Lights

Let’s start with the magic. From September to April, Lapland offers some of the best aurora borealis displays in the world. Head to Saariselkä, Ylläs, or Levi for dark skies and panoramic views. Bundle up, step outside, and let nature put on its show.

2. Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

Yes, Santa really does have an address and it’s in Rovaniemi. The Santa Claus Village sits right on the Arctic Circle, complete with post offices, reindeer rides, and twinkling Christmas lights that glow all season long. It’s pure joy for kids and adults alike.

3. Go Dog Sledding Through the Snow

Few experiences feel as freeing as steering a husky sled across a frozen landscape. Join a guided husky safari in Levi, Inari, or Ruka, where eager dogs pull you through forests and over icy plains. It’s fast, fun, and surprisingly peaceful once you find your rhythm.

4. Stay in a Glass Igloo

If you’ve ever dreamed of watching the Northern Lights from bed, Lapland makes it possible. Glass igloos and domed cabins across the region especially near Kakslauttanen and Rovaniemi offer a front-row seat to the aurora, all while you stay warm under soft blankets.

5. Try Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing

With endless trails weaving through forests and hills, Lapland is paradise for snowshoeing and skiing. Many resorts rent gear and offer guided routes, from short scenic loops to day-long treks where you might spot a reindeer or two.

6. Visit a Reindeer Farm

Reindeer are part of Lapland’s story and life. Visit a local Sami reindeer herder to learn about their traditions, feed the animals, and even take a short sleigh ride. It’s a gentle, authentic way to connect with the region’s indigenous culture.

7. Sleep in an Ice Hotel

Ever slept on a bed of ice? At the SnowVillage in Kittilä or Arctic SnowHotel near Rovaniemi, every room is carved from ice and snow complete with ice sculptures, glowing lights, and a surprisingly cozy sleeping bag to keep you warm.

8. Relax in a Finnish Sauna

After a day in the cold, step into a traditional Finnish sauna and feel your muscles melt. In Lapland, saunas are everywhere in hotels, cabins, even beside frozen lakes where the brave (and slightly wild) locals jump straight into the icy water afterward.

9. Ride a Snowmobile Through the Arctic

For a rush of adrenaline, take a snowmobile safari across Lapland’s vast white wilderness. Guided tours range from short scenic rides to full-day adventures through frozen rivers, forests, and open tundra. Don’t forget your camera the views are unreal.

10. Visit Inari and Learn About Sami Culture

In the far north, Inari is the cultural heart of the Sami people Lapland’s indigenous population. Visit the Siida Museum to learn about their history, language, and connection to the land. It’s one of the most meaningful stops in the region.

11. Explore Levi: Lapland’s Winter Playground

Levi is Finland’s most popular ski resort, but it’s more than just slopes. You’ll find lively restaurants, ice bars, spas, and even reindeer and husky safaris right from town. It’s ideal for anyone who wants a mix of comfort and adventure.

12. Discover the Quiet Beauty of Ylläs

For something more serene, head to Ylläs, where snow-covered trails and cozy wooden lodges create the perfect winter retreat. The Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park nearby is breathtaking especially at sunrise when the snow glows pink and gold.

13. Go Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake

Join locals for a classic Lapland pastime: ice fishing. Drill a hole, drop your line, and enjoy the stillness of a frozen world around you. Even if you don’t catch anything, the quiet solitude is reward enough.

14. Try Lappish Cuisine

Warm up with hearty local dishes like sautéed reindeer, creamy salmon soup, or leipäjuusto a mild Finnish cheese served with cloudberry jam. Pair it with a hot berry drink or glögi (mulled wine) and you’ll forget the cold outside.

15. Watch the Sun Rise (Even If It’s 11 AM)

In deep winter, the sun doesn’t rise until late morning and it glows like soft pink watercolor across the horizon. Step outside during this “blue hour,” when daylight feels dreamlike, and see why Lapland’s winters are unlike anywhere else on earth.

Experience Lapland’s Magic With HomeExchange

Lapland is all about slowing down feeling the crunch of snow beneath your boots, the warmth of a fire after a long day, and the joy of a sky lit by the Northern Lights. With HomeExchange, you can live that magic like a local.

Swap homes for a cozy log cabin near Levi, a glass-roofed retreat in Saariselkä, or a rustic family home in Rovaniemi. You’ll wake up surrounded by silence, cook in your own kitchen, and experience Finnish life at its most peaceful.

Because in Lapland, home isn’t just where you stay it’s part of the adventure.