Things to Do in Lapland in Winter
With snow covering the landscape for much of the year, long Arctic nights, and some of Europe’s best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights, Finnish Lapland is an unforgettable winter destination.
Whether you’re chasing the aurora, riding through snowy forests with a team of huskies, or warming up in a traditional Finnish sauna after a day outdoors, there’s something for every kind of traveler. From popular attractions and classic Lapland experiences to peaceful moments in the wilderness, this guide covers the best things to do in Lapland in winter.
Snowmobiling Through the Arctic Wilderness
Few things to do in Lapland in winter beat the thrill of driving a snowmobile across a frozen landscape. It’s one of the fastest ways to cover ground in the Arctic wilderness, taking you through snow-draped boreal forests, across frozen lakes, and onto open fells with panoramic views.
In Finnish Lapland, snowmobile drivers needs to be at least 18 years old and hold a type B driving license, and all participants must be over 15.
Muonio and the area around Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park are known for reliable snow conditions, with winter arriving early and often lasting well into spring. Guided snowmobile safaris are available throughout the region, ranging from shorter excursions to longer trips into the wilderness.
Many accommodation providers and local tour operators offer easy access to snowmobile trails, making it convenient to combine a stay in the Lapland wilderness with a day on the trails. No previous experience is usually required, as guides provide instructions and lead the way.
Snowmobiling works equally well as a daytime adventure or, with headlamps lighting the trail, as part of an evening aurora excursion.
Husky Safaris and Reindeer Sleigh Rides
If snowmobiling is about speed, dog sledding is about connection. Mushing your own team of huskies through a silent, snow-covered forest is one of the most memorable things to do in Lapland in winter.
The energy of the dogs combined with the stillness of the landscape makes for an experience that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere.
Tours range from short introductory rides to multi-hour excursions, with the Muonio and Levi areas offering particularly dramatic fell scenery for longer trips. Many operators also give visitors a chance to learn more about the dogs and how they are trained and cared for.
You can experience the magic of Lapland with Kelo Resort’s husky safaris. Meet friendly sled dogs, learn about life at a husky farm and enjoy an exhilarating ride through the snowy wilderness. Choose between a longer husky farm experience or a 6 km safari for a memorable Arctic adventure. Read more about our Husky Safaris
Reindeer sleigh rides offer a gentler alternative. Often hosted by local families and reindeer herders, these rides move at a slower pace and may include an opportunity to meet and feed the reindeer afterwards. They’re also a good way to learn more about the long-standing role of reindeer herding in northern Finland and Sámi culture.
Chasing the Northern Lights
The aurora borealis is, for many visitors, the main reason to visit Lapland in winter. The region’s location well above the Arctic Circle, combined with long, dark nights and relatively low light pollution, creates excellent conditions for viewing the Northern Lights from late August through early April.
February and March often offer a particularly good balance of daylight, winter conditions, and aurora opportunities, although sightings are never guaranteed. Clear skies and solar activity are both essential, so allowing several nights for aurora hunting can significantly improve your chances.
There are plenty of ways to combine aurora hunting with other winter activities. You might head out on an evening snowmobile safari, wait for the lights while ice fishing on a frozen lake, or take a heated sleigh ride into the wilderness.
Choosing a location away from towns and artificial light can make a noticeable difference, particularly in the more remote parts of Lapland.
Read more about the Northern Lights
Skiing and Snowshoeing and Fat-Biking
Lapland is also a serious destination for winter sports. Levi and Ylläs are two of the country’s best-known ski resorts. Levi has a livelier atmosphere, with plenty of après-ski options and family-friendly slopes, while Ylläs is known for its long runs and extensive ski area. Quieter alternatives such as Pyhä-Luosto and Saariselkä appeal to skiers looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
For a slower pace, snowshoeing opens up national parks such as Pallas-Yllästunturi and Riisitunturi. Snow-covered forests and heavily laden trees create some of the most striking winter scenery in Finland, while marked trails make it possible to explore areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach on foot.
Fatbiking is a fun and unique way to explore Lapland in winter. With their wide tyres, fatbikes are designed to handle snowy trails and soft surfaces, making it possible to cycle through beautiful winter landscapes.
Electric fatbikes make the experience even more accessible, providing extra assistance on hills and longer routes while allowing you to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. In Lapland, winter fatbiking offers an active way to experience the peaceful Arctic wilderness, far from the busiest tourist routes. Read more about E-Biking
Ice Fishing, Sauna, and Slower Days
Not every great Lapland winter experience involves adrenaline. Ice fishing on a frozen lake is a peaceful way to spend an afternoon and offers a chance to experience the quiet side of Arctic life.
It also pairs naturally with the Finnish sauna tradition. After a day outdoors, warming up in a wood-fired sauna is a quintessential part of the Finnish winter experience.
For those looking for something more adventurous, the sauna can be combined with a quick dip in an ice hole — an invigorating tradition that has become one of the most talked-about Finnish experiences among international visitors.
Many accommodation providers and tour operators also offer slower experiences, such as private sauna sessions, lakeside campfires, and heated sleigh rides into the wilderness. These quieter moments can be just as memorable as the more active adventures.
Planning Your Trip
For the most reliable snow cover, January through March is generally the safest window, with snow depth often reaching its seasonal peak around March. December brings the festive atmosphere associated with Christmas in Lapland, but it is also one of the busiest and most expensive periods.
February and March tend to offer a good combination of winter conditions, somewhat longer daylight hours, and strong opportunities for seeing the Northern Lights.
The best choice of destination depends largely on the kind of trip you’re looking for: Rovaniemi is convenient and activity-packed, Levi and Ylläs are ideal for skiing, while areas around Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park offer a quieter wilderness setting and darker skies.
Wherever you choose to stay, winter in Finnish Lapland offers a rare combination of snow-covered forests, open fells, Arctic skies, and long stretches of silence — making it an unforgettable destination for both adventure and simply slowing down.
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