What to do in Lapland in winter?
Silence is often the first thing you notice when arriving in Lapland. An almost unreal silence, broken only by the wind whispering through snow-covered trees or the soft glide of a sled across the snow. All around you lie pristine forests, frozen lakes stretching to the horizon and a gentle winter light that seems reluctant to leave the sky. Then comes the adventure: following a team of huskies through the forest, crossing vast snowy landscapes by snowmobile, spotting reindeer in their natural habitat (or standing stubbornly in the middle of the road), and looking up as the Northern Lights dance across the Arctic sky.
In winter, Lapland is not simply a place you visit. It is a place you experience. A journey beyond time, where every day brings a new sense of wonder in the heart of the Far North. Discover our selection of the 10 best things to do in Lapland in winter!
Go on a Dog Sledding Safari
If there is one activity that truly symbolizes Lapland, it is a dog sledding safari. From the very first metres, the silence is striking. Once the dogs are moving, only the runners gliding over the snow and the steady rhythm of the huskies disturb the stillness of the forest. Kilometre after kilometre, the scenery unfolds before your eyes: snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and endless white landscapes. The sense of freedom is immediate. Driving your own sled offers a unique thrill and allows you to experience Lapland much like the early explorers of the Arctic. Just don’t be surprised if your dogs seem far more excited about the adventure than you are. They have been waiting all day for this moment.
Dog Sledding in lapland is an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers and families alike.
Ride a Snowmobile
For exploring Lapland’s immense wilderness, few activities can match the excitement of a snowmobile safari. The he trails weave through snowy forests, cross frozen lakes and sometimes climb to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Arctic landscape. Snowmobiles provide access to remote areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Fair warning: once you’ve raced across a frozen lake surrounded by Arctic wilderness, your daily commute may never feel quite as exciting again.
While the machines may look intimidating at first, guided excursions are suitable even for beginners.
Try Ice Fishing or Board an Icebreaker
During winter, Lapland’s countless lakes and northern waters transform into vast frozen landscapes. This is the perfect opportunity to discover two distinctly northern experiences and immerse yourself in this world of ice.
The more traditional option is to try your hand at ice fishing. After drilling a hole through the thick layer of ice covering a frozen lake, all that remains is to patiently wait for a fish to take the bait. More than just a fishing trip, it is an authentic introduction to Arctic traditions, where silence and contemplation are part of the experience. Patience is definitely part of the experience. Sometimes the fish cooperate. Sometimes they seem to have other plans.
For something a little more spectacular, several ports in northern Finland and Sweden offer cruises aboard genuine icebreakers. Standing on deck, you can feel the sheer power of the vessel as it crushes its way through the frozen sea with an impressive crackling sound. It is one of those rare moments when breaking the ice becomes a perfectly acceptable activity. And for the adventurous, the experience does not end there. Equipped with a thermal survival suit, you can safely float among drifting ice floes in the icy waters, an experience you are unlikely to forget anytime soon
Between tradition and adventure, these experiences offer a unique way to discover winter in Lapland from a different perspective.
Watch the Northern Lights
Watch the northern lights dance across the Arctic sky is a dream for many travellers. When conditions are right, green curtains of light, sometimes tinged with purple or red, gradually appear above frozen lakes and snow-covered forests. The display is mesmerizing. Every sighting is unique. Some evenings offer only a faint glow on the horizon, while others erupt into a spectacular celestial light show. And unlike most famous attractions, the Northern Lights absolutely refuse to perform on demand.
Lapland is undoubtedly one of the best places in Europe to witness this magical phenomenon.
Go Snowshoeing
Explore the Arctic wilderness on foot. Snowshoeing is probably one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to discover Lapland’s winter landscapes. Far from engines and crowds, it allows you to venture deep into nature, where animal tracks often outnumber human footprints. In some places, you may even feel like the only person left in the Arctic. Trails wind through snow-laden forests, alongside frozen rivers and sometimes lead to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the surrounding hills.
An activity accessible to all, perfect for fully immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the Far North.
Try Cross-Country Skiing
With thousands of kilometres of groomed trails, Lapland is a paradise for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. This iconic Nordic sport is deeply rooted in Finnish culture and remains one of the best ways to explore the snowy wilderness. Gliding across pristine landscapes offers both a rewarding workout and an unforgettable connection with nature.
Even beginners quickly discover why locals are so passionate about this elegant way of travelling through winter landscapes. A few kilometres later, you may also discover muscles you didn’t know existed.
Spend a Night in an Ice Hotel
Sleeping in an ice hotel built entirely from snow and ice is an experience unlike any other. Ice sculptures, beautifully illuminated rooms and intricate frozen decorations create a magical atmosphere straight out of a fairy tale. Wrapped in sleeping bags designed for Arctic temperatures, guests spend a night they will remember long after their journey has ended
A unique experience that adds an extra touch of magic to any Lapland adventure.
Observe Reindeer and Arctic Wildlife
It is almost impossible to visit Lapland without encountering a few reindeer. The true icons of the region, they roam freely across vast areas and can often be spotted along roads or wandering through the forest. But Lapland’s wildlife extends far beyond reindeer. With a little luck, you might also spot moose, ptarmigans, Arctic foxes or majestic eagles.
For wildlife and photography enthusiasts, Lapland is an extraordinary playground.
Discover Sámi Culture
Beyond its spectacular landscapes, Lapland is home to a rich cultural heritage shaped by the Sámi people. Through museums, cultural centres and encounters with reindeer herders, visitors gain insights into a way of life closely connected to nature and the rhythms of the Arctic seasons. It is a fascinating reminder that people have successfully adapted to Arctic life for centuries, long before heated car seats and weather apps existed. Discover Sámi culture, Traditional crafts, joik singing and centuries-old customs help tell the story of this fascinating region.
A cultural experience that perfectly complements Lapland’s outdoor adventures.
Relax in a Sauna
After a day spent in the cold, few experiences compare to a traditional Finnish sauna. This beloved national institution is an essential part of local life. The comforting warmth of the sauna provides the perfect contrast to the freezing temperatures outside. The brave may even take things a step further by rolling in the snow or taking a dip through a hole cut into the ice.
Trust us, it always looks easier when someone else is doing it.
Lapland in winter is far more than a snowy destination. Between thrilling outdoor adventures, encounters with Arctic wildlife, ancient traditions and extraordinary natural phenomena, every day brings new discoveries. Whether you are seeking excitement, adventure or simply the beauty of unspoiled wilderness, these ten experiences belong on every Lapland bucket list. Come for the dogs sledding, the Northern Lights and and the snow-covered landscapes. Leave with unforgettable memories, thousands of photos, and quite possibly a growing obsession with reindeer, saunas and Arctic sunsets. Because Lapland has a habit of staying with you long after the snow has melted.