An incredibly vast and varied destination, working out the best areas to stay in Lapland is essential if you want to have the type of vacation you have always dreamed of.
From a magical, winter wonderland adventure in search of Santa, to a Summer break soaking in the midnight sun, Lapland has it all to offer. That’s why, in today’s article, I am going to take you through some of the best destinations, based on a range of different needs.
So, if you plan to visit Lapland but aren’t sure where to stay, I highly recommend reading on.
Lapland: At A Glance
Lapland covers large sections of the northern parts of Finland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden, although the most iconic area is that found in Finnish Lapland. It covers almost 39,000 square miles and is the largest region in all of Finland.
The traditional home of the Sami people, Lapland features a population of just 177,000, despite its immense size.
Working out at less than 5 people per square mile, it is one of the least densely populated places you will find anywhere on Earth, making it a wonderfully rural, natural location.
Known as the land of a thousand lakes, the landscape is dominated by lakes, forests, and fells, a Scandinavian term for a mountain. With a large portion of the region located within the Arctic circle, it is a place well-known as a winter wonderland.
This is only furthered as it is recognised as the official home of Santa Claus. This makes it a magical destination for families with small children, as you even have the chance for them to meet the big man in person, before they are too old.
Best Time To Visit Lapland
There is no one best time to visit Lapland, as it has such incredibly distinctive seasons. This means people will favour different times, depending on what they are looking for.
In the Summer months, Lapland earns its nickname as “the land of the midnight sun”. Between June and mid-August, the sun never fully dips beyond the horizon, allowing you to plan your days without any sense of time.
With beautiful warm weather and an abundance of lakes and forests, this is the perfect time for people who love hiking, fishing, or just staying up late into the “night”.
From mid-august to the end of September, Lapland enters its Autumn or Fall period, locally known as Ruska.
This is when the leaves begin to change colour and the scenery begins to alter. Considered one of the most stunning experiences on Earth, this is a great time to visit for any fans of nature and natural beauty.
Perhaps the most popular time to visit Lapland though is during Winter.
With the first snows usually arriving at the start of November and lasting till the end of April, this is a perfect time for anyone looking to participate in winter sports or enjoy the cosy feel of their own winter wonderland, wrapped up in the magical festive atmosphere.
The only times that I wouldn’t recommend going to Lapland are the months of May and October.
The former is when the snow and ice are melting away which, while interesting to watch, limits the activities available and brings with it swarms of mosquitos. Meanwhile, the latter is Lapland’s rainy season, which again means you will be limited with what you can do during your stay.
Best Areas To Stay In Lapland
As we move on to our list of the best areas to stay in Lapland, I am now going to suggest a few options. Each will be ideal for some of the most common needs people have when travelling here.
Rovaniemi (Best Area To Stay In Lapland At Christmas & Best Area To Stay In Lapland To Visit Santa)
Rovaniemi is the capital and second largest city in Lapland, located directly on the border of the Arctic Circle.
While Lapland is largely known for smaller villages than cities, this is a great place to experience some of the delights of the region, in a more built-up area, surrounded by conveniences.
Large hotels, popular restaurants and bars, as well as famous attractions like the Lordi Restaurant, can be found throughout the city, making it the best area to stay in Lapland for tourists without any real agenda.
As a result, it annually draws around 500,00 visitors per year, almost 3 times the entire population of Finnish Lapland. However, the main reason the majority of visitors choose to stay in Rovaniemi is because it is the official home of Santa Claus.
This makes it possibly the best area to stay in Lapland at Christmas, especially if you have children, and unquestionably the best area to stay in Lapland to visit Santa.
The Santa Claus Village is located just across the river from the main section of the city and, despite its name, is a place that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike.
This is where you’ll find attractions such as Santa’s Post Office, where children’s letters from all over the world are delivered. Combined with the nearby Santa Claus’s Office, you can take the opportunity to let your kids see how everything works and even get a photo with the big man himself.
For older guests, the village is also bisected by the Arctic Circle. With a line painted across the ground denoting its location, as well as signs telling you the direction and distance to many of the world’s major cities, it is an opportunity for a truly unique photo.
Other attractions in the village include Santa’s House Of Snowmobiles, where you can learn about the history and evolution of Arctic snowmobiles, as well as viewing areas that are considered some of the best spots to see the northern lights, which can be seen here on roughly 150 nights between mid-August and early April.
Attached to the village, you also have a fabulous attraction known as SantaPark. Located in a cavern that leads down into the mountain on the outskirts of the city, SantaPark is a theme park that features rides and shows, as well as educational attractions.
Kids can attend Elf School and learn to make Christmas decorations, before enjoying rides on the Magic Train and watching shows on the main stage. There are also shops, a café, and Mrs. Gingerbread’s Gingerbread Bakery, to keep the adults well-fed and occupied throughout the day.
While you will have plenty of opportunities to meet Santa around the village, those looking for a more intimate experience can also book themselves on a search for Santa tour.
This magical attraction will see you taken by snowmobile drawn sledges through the forests, for a private audience with Father Christmas in a traditional log cabin.
As someone who did this as a small boy myself, it is something every child should experience, and the memories will stay with you forever.
Stay In Rovaniemi If:
You want to go on a search for Santa
You want to visit the Santa Claus Village or SantaPark
You are travelling with small children
You want to stay in the largest city in Lapland
You don’t want to rent a car
You want a great range of hotels, bars, restaurants, and attractions nearby
Best Hotel To Stay In Rovaniemi – Santa Claus Holiday Village
Santa Claus Holiday Village is located right in the heart of the Santa Claus Village, making it the ideal choice for anyone coming in search of Santa or for Christmas in general.
With all the top attractions within walking distance, it will keep you in the festive spirit for the duration of your stay.
The hotel features heated cabins that all have their own private sauna, kitchenette, terrace, and bathroom, beautifully styled with comfortable modern furniture.
Amenities like LCD TVs will keep you entertained, while a free airport shuttle makes getting to and from the property quick and easy.
The on-site restaurant serves both Lappish and international cuisine, while souvenir and coffee shops are also available.
With friendly staff that can help you arrange excursions like snowmobiling, ice fishing, and husky and reindeer sledding, you can tick off everything on your Lapland itinerary with a stay here.
Yllastunturi (Best Area To Stay In Lapland For A Traditional Experience)
Yllastunturi is a beautiful fell, located half-way between the region’s two major transport hubs of Kittila and Kolari. It is the highest fell in Finland to feature ski lifts and has two wonderful, traditional Lappish villages at its base.
Surrounding the fell are more than 200 miles of cross-country ski tracks, as well as 61 ski slopes and 29 ski lifts, giving skiers plenty of ways to enjoy their time in the area.
The village on its northern side is Akaslompolo, named after the lake which is sits beside. This is the more popular part of the area for tourists, with a great selection of traditionally styled hotels and private log cabins available for rent.
During the summer months, hikers and anglers can make the most of the beautiful lake and woods, while in the winter cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are common activities.
In the town itself, you will find a wonderful selection of local restaurants, serving both Lappish and international cuisine. There is also a selection of bars, where you can drink with the locals and get to know more about their way of life.
For those looking for a slightly more energetic form of nightlife, karaoke is a popular pastime, while the hotels feature bars playing music late into the night. During the summer months, when the sun never sets, this entertainment can even continue running around the clock.
The village on the other side of the mountain is Yllasjarvi, again named after the lake upon which it sits. This village is even more traditional than Akaslompolo, featuring barely any of the tourist amenities you will find around the mountain.
What you will find instead is a collection of small, local businesses, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in your location. A restaurant serving rarities like bear and wild boar is complimented by small shops and excursions with local tour guides.
With the whole Yllastunturi region being able to offer adventures like snowmobiling, husky and reindeer sledding, and tobogganing, it is easily the best place to stay in Lapland for a traditional experience, without having to miss out on any of the attractions.
Stay In Yllastunturi If:
You want a traditional, local experience
You want to try unique foods
You are a fan of both downhill and cross-country skiing
You plan to rent a car
Best Hotel To Stay In Yllastunturi– Arctic Dreams
A family owned, traditional log cabin in the woods, Arctic Dreams is the ideal choice for those seeking an authentic stay in Lapland.
Located near the lake in the village of Akaslompolo, this homely cabin is the perfect combination of classical style and modern convenience.
On the outside, thick Kelo logs create a picturesque façade, while luxuries like a private sauna, open log fire, gaming console, karaoke machine, TVs, and iPod docks await you inside.
Your own personal terrace at the rear with a BBQ and seating area also gives you places to enjoy some time outside.
With two bedrooms, a mezzanine, and a double sofa bed, the cabin can comfortably sleep 8 people. Each room is beautifully designed and offers comfortable furniture, ensuring you are well-rested and relaxed throughout your stay.
Ski tracks surround the property, and you have access to a ski waxing room and private ski storage, so avid skiers will have everything they need. There is also a log store attached, where you can obtain free firewood for the duration of your stay.
With the main village just a short walk away through picturesque scenery, this is the ideal place for anyone wanting a magical stay in Lapland.
Levi (Best Area To Stay In Lapland For Skiing)
Located an hour to the northeast of Yllasjarvi, Levi is the largest ski resort in Finland, making it easily the best place to stay in Lapland for skiing. It is also one of only two locations in the country to feature gondola lifts and has been voted the best skiing resort in Finland 4 times.
Throughout the resort there are 43 slopes, of which 17 are floodlight, with the peak of the fell reaching 1,742 feet above sea level. A total of 27 ski lifts, 14 T-bar lifts, 5 stick lifts, 4 rope tows, 2 gondolas, and 1 magic carpet give you plenty of ways to get up and down.
Most of the slopes are suitable for skiers of a beginner and intermediate level, while 3 expert level “black” slopes are also available, with heights over 1,000 feet and lengths up to 1.3 miles.
They also have a selection of children’s slopes, snow parks, and streets, as well as a halfpipe and superpipe, to ensure everyone is catered to.
Beginners will find the ski school particularly helpful, providing lessons on downhill, cross-country, and telemark skiing, as well as snowboarding. The school is open throughout the season, which usually runs from mid-October to early May.
Due to its range of slopes and facilities, Levi also plays host to numerous prestigious winter sport competitions, such as the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. This makes it the best place to stay in Lapland for skiing, even if you would rather watch than participate yourself.
For those who don’t want to spend their entire trip skiing, there are also plenty of facilities for you to enjoy in between sessions.
The resort features numerous bars, shops, and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy a drink or meal in the warm while soaking in the picturesque views.
There are even 7 restaurants on the slopes themselves, giving you the chance to grab a quick bite between runs. It is also a great place for nightlife, as many of the bars often host live music or offer karaoke.
Another popular pastime in Levi, much like most of Lapland, is snowmobiling, with 550 miles of tracks in the area. You can use these to either enjoy the scenery or reach other attractions in the surrounding area.
These attractions include things such as the Levi Ice Hotel & Galley, or the Lainio Snow Village. Both of these unique destinations give you options like seeing a village built purely from ice, eating and drinking in ice restaurants, or even spending the night in an ice hotel.
Stay In Levi If:
You plan to spend a lot of time skiing
You want to learn how to ski
You want to watch the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup
Staying in an ice hotel sounds exciting
You want to see a village made out of nothing but ice
Nightlife is important
Best Hotel To Stay In Levi – Karhunkieppi Chalets
The Karhunkieppi Chalets features a beautiful collection of traditional, 5-star ski chalets. Located just 150 yards from the closest ski lift, it is perfect for those planning to spend the bulk of their trip on the slopes.
Every chalet comes with its own sauna, kitchen, and fireplace, as well as a terrace or balcony to enjoy the views from. Each room in the chalet boasts high-quality, designer Finnish furnishings, as well as luxuries like DVD players and karaoke machines.
With all the attractions and amenities of Levi town centre less than 10 minutes away, it makes the property a prime choice for those wanting to make the most of everything a thriving ski resort has to offer.
Saariselka (Best Area To Stay In Lapland To See The Northern Lights)
Saariselka is located in the mountainous north-eastern section of Finland, near the border with Russia. Due to its incredibly northern position, some 160 miles inside the arctic circle, is has gained a reputation as the best area to stay in Lapland to see the northern lights.
The incredible phenomenon, also known as the Aurora Borealis, sees the skies filled with beautiful lights.
While most frequently appearing in green, they can present in all the colours of the rainbow and become stronger and more frequent the closer you are to the Earth’s magnetic north.
As one of the best places to see the aurora, Saariselka has begun constructing properties with glass roofs, including hotel rooms, ensuring visitors can see them, no matter when or where they appear.
Besides the lights themselves, the village also features numerous skiing and hiking trails, as well as a spa, ensuring you have plenty of ways to relax and keep yourself occupied.
Another of its popular attractions is the Magnetic Hill Road Museum.
Located on a section of disused road with a steep gradient, local villagers used to believe there was a magnetic force at work which killed the engines of trucks, as even the most powerful at the time were often unable to climb it.
The museum pays homage to this belief and explains a little more about what was once among the most important routes in northern Finland.
Saariselka is also visited by many each year who are hoping to partake in its “white weddings”. The bride and groom are transported through a snow-covered wonderland on a sleigh pulled by either huskies or reindeer.
The ceremony then takes place in locations like reindeer farms or small wooden chapels in the woods, for a truly unique and memorable occasion.
Stay In Saariselka If:
Seeing the Northern Lights is your priority
You want to tie the knot with a white wedding
You want to stay in a hotel with a glass roof
You want a less touristy location
Best Hotel To Stay In Saariselka – Northern Lights Village
With Saariselka being a prime destination for those wanting to see the northern lights, Northern Lights Village gives you the best chance to do just that.
Its glass-roofed cabins maximise the chances of you seeing the beauty of the aurora, no matter what time they appear.
Each cabin contains a mini-bar and kettle, to ensure you are well fed and hydrated throughout your stay. Meanwhile, the comfortable furnishings will help you relax while you wait for the lights to appear.
The property also boasts its own reindeer paddock, where guests can spend time petting a reindeer, while other excursions like snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoe trekking, and husky safaris are all available.
The on-site restaurant is designed in the style of a traditional Kota, with a cosy fireplace and a menu comprised largely of Lappish food.
Conclusion
Lapland is a truly wonderful destination, for children and big kids alike. Whether you are looking to make the most of the midnight sun or go on a magical search for Santa, this article will hopefully have helped you decide on the best area to stay in Lapland to meet your needs.
All you have to do now is start getting everything from your accommodation to the excursions you want to go on booked. That way, you won’t miss a single thing on your wish list when you finally go on this incredible adventure.
