Itineraries for Your Trip to Lapland
3 Days in Lapland for First Timers
Confession time—despite growing up with cousins in Finland, I actually never made it to Lapland until I was an adult. It was worth the wait: Lapland’s snow-smothered landscapes are every bit as magical as I’d imagined as a child, and while it might be best known as the home of Santa Claus, the northern wilderness is equally an outdoor playground for adventurous adults. With three days in Lapland, there’s time to venture out into the Arctic wilderness, discover the Sámi culture of the far north, and plan some truly memorable activities. Here’s how to spend three days in Lapland.
Lapland has eight seasons throughout the year, so layered, all-weather clothing is key.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a northern lights tour.
Your 3-day Lapland itinerary begins right on the Arctic Circle, in the Lappish capital of Rovaniemi. Start with a festive visit to Santa Claus Village, where you can meet the reindeer, try a husky-sled ride, and, of course, visit the Santa Claus Office.
There’s no better way to soothe post-sightseeing fatigue than a traditional Finnish sauna. For the ultimate experience, head out of the city to a lakefront sauna and alternate your steam session with an icy plunge in the lake. If you’re lucky, you might have a chance to spot the northern lights in winter (late September through March).
Many first-time visitors miss out on Pyhä-Luosto National Park, but it’s home to some of the most spectacular natural scenery in Lapland. On day two, admire the snow-covered forests and frozen rivers on a guided winter hike or explore the wildflower valleys in summer, then visit the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine, the only one of its kind in Europe.
If it’s your first time in Lapland, seeing the northern lights is likely high on your bucket list, and three days means multiple opportunities for a sighting. This time, hop aboard a snowmobile for a thrilling moonlight excursion and follow your guide to some of the best viewing spots.
One of the must-see attractions in Lapland for intrepid travelers is Lake Inari in the northern Inari-Saariselkä region. Spend day three exploring the lakeside scenery on a guided hike, walk the suspension bridge over the Jäniskoski Rapids, and visit the lakefront town of Inari, known as a center of Finland’s Sámi culture.
Deep in the Arctic and far from the light pollution of the cities, Lake Inari is also a popular destination for spotting the northern lights, which look even more dazzling when reflecting off the lake. Ride a snowmobile-pulled sleigh to a lakeside viewing spot and celebrate your final evening in the wilderness with a hearty reindeer soup.
