Take a lap around the north and discover the best Lapland offers in this extended edition of Women Who Wonder. Included are curated must-see picks from Finland and Norway you don’t want to miss.
Lapland has long been a popular tourist attraction that has pulled the attention of travellers around the globe. And while Finland as a whole is often met with false expectations that might leave visitors puzzled after witnessing the complete absence of polar bears waiting patiently by the traffic lights, Lapland actually does fit the grandiose expectations of a winter wonderland tourists often expect. Everything you see in travel brochures does match this frosty region of Finland. While the world-famous northern lights are often the most popular attraction of Lapland, they are hardly the only ones worth seeing. Lapland is filled with unique experiences unlike anywhere else in the world. We got the opportunity to tour Lapland together with Lapland North, and here are our top picks for the lap around the north.
Tourist like a local
The obvious selling points of Lapland are the natural forests coated in a snowy atmosphere that brings alive the idea of a Christmas-perfect region. And while one way to explore these beautiful surroundings is to strap on a pair of skis and head for the slopes, you cover more ground with snowmobiles. Snowmobile safaris are a fun way of seeing more of the area in a unique way that feels native to the destination. Trust the seasoned guide from Luontolomat to show you the ins and outs of Lapland while adding a little excitement to your trip by opting for snowmobiles instead of outdated tour buses. Another more localized “”transportation”” experience is the ever-so-popular dog sledging. Yes, it is a tad more touristy, but it’s a popular choice for a reason. After all, who could resist a line of husky puppies? It’sIt’s no wonder it draws a crowd. Visit Inari organization is a great choice that offers dog sledging amongst other local activities, including reindeer rides. If you want a less touristy option, we recommend the reindeer ride. Reindeer are native to Lapland, so if you are looking for an experience only in Lapland, anything reindeer-related is your best bet! The good thing is that even if you skip the reindeer ride, you will run into them regardless sooner or later since in Lapland, the reindeer population is about 200,000, outranking people by 20,000! So, while you might not find polar bears in Helsinki, you can find reindeer in Lapland. And let’slet’s face it, no matter how cuddly those white bears might look, reindeer are probably the safer option.
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Image from Kota Collective
Image from Kota Collective
Slumber sleep
Regarding the accommodations in Lapland, you are showered with various choices, from more standard Nordic log cabins to glass-coated igloos and even hotels sculpted from ice. One of the most popular choices is the Wilderness Hotels & Safari Nangu, which offers a mix of genuinely remote arctic wilderness and warm Lappish hospitality (not to be mistaken for ordinary Finnish hospitality that usually consists of a stiff drink and a grunt). Instead, Wilderness Hotel Nangu specializes in high-quality hospitality equipped with exclusive landscapes and a cosy atmosphere. Another fantastic option to spend the night is the Aurora Queen Resort glass Igloos. This new family-owned resort offers igloos equipped with a glass ceiling, perfect for those hoping to see a glimpse of the famous northern lights. A picture-perfect spot for a couple looking for a romantic getaway or for an ADHD-riddled soul to hyper-fixate on the starry night view.
Norway – Only a drive away
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Image from Kota Collective
Image from Kota Collective
If you catch the travel bug while in Lapland, the border to Norway is only a short drive away. In just a few hours in the car, the scenery changes drastically as you cross into Norway. Little red houses contrasting against the blue Arctic Ocean is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Still, if you are willing, nothing beats a wild sprint to the ocean to dip your toes into the freezing water. If you plan on spending the night, you would be amiss if you didn’t stop by Bugøynes or “Little Finland”, as it is affectionately called. While you are there, take in the gorgeous scenery and try the Arctic sauna that overlooks the ocean. This small fishing village is a beautiful mix of small-town charm wrapped in a Stephen King-like atmosphere as the sun goes down. It’s enough to make you want to buy a typewriter and put a hold on your travel itinerary to soak in the peacefulness for a moment longer. The culinary experience in Norway is also worth a mention, as you can venture into a restaurant in a small village and find whales on the menu.
King grabs safaris are another popular attraction in Norway that motivates people to travel across the Lapland border. This experience allows you to witness the capture of the king grabs straight from the frozen lake, after which the guide will cook them for supper. This activity can be found at Snowhotel Kirkenes and like any good activity, it is only made better with a good tour guide, and this they have! If you are looking for a guide with years of experience and an arsenal full of jokes, Mike from Kirkenes is your guy. He makes the overall fishing process feel very human and makes you admire the way that local people treat their surroundings. It is not every day that you are able to watch the circle of life take place and find deep-felt respect for the process.