Lapland holidays 

1. Winter is undeniably special because it’s the official place to visit Santa in Lapland. You’ll find the magical Santa Claus Village in the capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi.  From here you can send a postmarked card and straddle the Artic Circle with one foot on either side. Of course, you’ll meet the big man himself, and there’s a host of other activities from ice skating and snow discos to ice bars (for the adults). 
2. Along the river around Rovaniemi, you’ll also find some 70 shelters that can be used for roasting snacks over an open fire – the firewood is even provided. Around Finland, there’s some 450 wilderness huts – and they look like they’re straight from an architectural magazine. While it won’t offer the comforts of a hotel, for a free overnight stay, it’s a great wilderness experience. 
3. Fancy upgrading your wild swimming experience? Then you could go all out and try a spot of ice swimming.  Hopping into a man-made hole in a frozen lake or river may not sound like ‘wellness’ but it’s a big thing here. Usually preceded by a sauna, it gives you that extra surge of blood in your veins that Finns swear by.  
4. If you’re not quite ready for full-body immersion, ice floating could be your thing. Experience a surreal lightness as you float while you float with your back to the icy water and face to the sky. Don’t worry, you’ll be fully clothed in a rescue suit to stay warm and dry throughout.
5. Skiing in Lapland should include Levi with its extensive runs and uncrowded, snow-sure slopes. Throw in some spectacular scenery, cute bars and cosy restaurants, and you’ll get the vibe. Another reassuringly good option is Ruka – it might be a bit of a budget-busting resort, but its extensive slopes favour all levels of skiers. 
6. Fancy taking in the spectacular views while getting the old heart rate pumping? If you’re an adrenaline lover, Ruka’s ice climbing is for you. Don’t worry if you’re a novice, beginners are well catered for with expert guides showing you the ropes (available from the end of December to April, with a minimum age of 12). 
7. Of course, a visit to Lapland wouldn’t be complete without trying to capture nature’s light show. The best time to visit Lapland to see the Northern Lights starts as early as the end of August when the nights get darker.
8. Fancy finding out about local culture? Why not head to Muonio and dine at the Reindeer Herder’s Cabin? You’ll have a three-course slap-up meal by an open fire in an authentic reindeer cabin while learning about reindeer and related husbandry. You’ll also learn what local food and natural products are used to make your meal. 
9. You don’t need an excuse to try Korvapuusti – this Finnish cinnamon roll is scented with cardamom and filled with buttery cinnamon sugar. But if you feel like you do, do as the Finns do and have it with a late afternoon coffee to keep you energised for a possible evening of Northern Lights spotting. 

• Head for northern Lapland and you could catch them just about every other night if you know where to go. 
• Head north anywhere near and above the Arctic Circle, and if the night sky looks clear and starry, you’re in a decent chance. 
• Remember to get far away from bright lights and buildings. Hilltops and lakeshores make good vantage points.
• For a wonderful wilderness spot, why not check out Urho Kekkonen National Park and find your way to a wildnerness hut for the night? The whole experience is a magical way to spot the Aurora Borealis in winter. 
• Catch the Northern Lights between December to March. This is when the skies are at their darkest for the longest time. 
• The Finnish metrological service has a Northern Lights weather updates to help you judge the best spots. 
• Between 10.00 to 02.00 is your best bet – even better is to take an excursion. 
• For those of you who like precision: Lapland’s ‘aurora zone’ encircles the earth at latitudes of 65 to 72 degrees north. 

• Rovaniemi, the magical capital of Finnish Lapland, close to the Arctic Circle is where you’ll find Santa Claus Village. For those of you who can’t wait – there’s even a Santa’s Express Bus that runs from the airport to here. Rovaniemi itself is an entirely walkable city, and with it you’ll find cafes, restaurants and bars. 
• The longest-running river in Finland is the Ounasjoki, and take in the spellbinding views of Jatkankynttila Bridge, especially when illuminated at night. 
• The Pilke Science Centre gives you an insight into forests, with an interactive exhibition that gives you the chance to perform karaoke songs about the woods, climb into the birdhouse and hunt a virtual moose while learning about the sustainable use of forests. 
• It’s the sort of thing you never knew you wanted until you heard about it. For a sauna in the sky, head to Yllastunturi, in Westen Lapland. It’s more than 500 metres above its immediate surroundings and gives you views of miles away. It’s here you can also take the longest gondola ascent in Finland. By special request, the gondola can also function as a sauna.
• For a peaceful surrender to your surroundings, head to the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park and get to those parts of the forest walkers can’t reach by snowshoeing. Lapland in December only gets about four days of daylight, so get your skates (shoes) on! 

Lapland is in Scandinavia, within the Arctic Circle. It’s the term often given to the northern part of Finland, though to be correct, it also covers northern parts of Sweden, Norway and even Russia. 

The word itself is derived from ‘Lapp’. Scandinavians used this word to refer to the indigenous Sami people who have been here since ancient times. The word ‘Lapland’ is offensive to Sami people who prefer to use the word they have for this region, Sapmi.

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