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Lapland is one of those destinations that quietly changes you. At first, it feels like a winter wonderland you have seen a hundred times on social media. But once you are there, surrounded by snow, silence and dancing skies, it becomes something deeper.
This guide covers the best activities to do in Lapland, especially if you are visiting in winter, and why they are more than just bucket list experiences.
Lapland Holidays Uncovered: The Best of Rovaniemi
Sleep in a Glass Igloo Under the Northern Lights
Spending the night in a glass igloo is one of the most iconic Lapland experiences, and for good reason. Falling asleep while watching the sky above you is unforgettable. On clear nights, you might even see the Northern Lights without leaving your bed.
We stayed at Nova Galaxy Village, and I genuinely cannot recommend it enough. The igloos are modern, cosy and perfectly designed for Aurora watching, with large glass ceilings and a peaceful setting away from city lights. Waking up surrounded by snow and complete silence felt magical every single morning.
If you are looking for a special place to stay in Lapland that feels both comfortable and unforgettable, this is it.
You can check it out here.
Visit Santa’s Village at the Arctic Circle
Visiting Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi might sound touristy, but it is one of those places that completely surprises you. Standing right on the Arctic Circle, it feels festive, cosy and joyful without being overwhelming.
You can officially cross the Arctic Circle line, send postcards stamped from Santa’s post office, and soak up the Christmas atmosphere no matter the time of year. Even as adults, it is impossible not to smile here.
It is a lovely stop that adds a bit of magic and nostalgia to your Lapland itinerary.
Go Snowmobiling on a Frozen River
Snowmobiling in Lapland is not just about speed. Riding across a frozen river or through endless snowy forests makes you feel tiny in the best possible way.
The landscapes are vast, silent and almost unreal. Stopping in the middle of nowhere, turning off the engine and hearing absolutely nothing is one of those moments that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Most tours are beginner friendly and include safety instructions, so you do not need any prior experience.
BOOK IT HERE!
Watch the Northern Lights Night After Night
Seeing the Aurora Borealis once is special. Seeing it multiple nights in a row feels surreal.
Lapland offers some of the best chances in the world to see the Northern Lights thanks to its location above the Arctic Circle and low light pollution. Sometimes they appear as soft green waves, other times they explode across the sky in powerful movements that no photo or video can truly capture.
Standing outside in the cold, watching the sky move, puts everything else into perspective.
Experience Husky Sleigh Ride With Happy Dogs
A husky sleigh ride is one of the most joyful experiences you can have in Lapland when done responsibly. The dogs are energetic, excited and clearly love to run.
Before the ride, you will often see them jumping, barking and pulling, impatient to get going. Once the sleigh starts moving, everything becomes quiet apart from the sound of paws on snow.
Choose ethical operators who prioritise the dogs’ wellbeing, limit working hours and clearly love what they do.
We went for this one with Arctic Woods Huskies.
Ethical Husky Sleigh Ride in Lapland Finland – What to Look For Before Booking
Try Ice Floating in Freezing Temperatures
Ice floating might sound extreme, but it is surprisingly peaceful. Wearing a full thermal survival suit, you float effortlessly in icy water, often surrounded by snow and ice.
At first, your brain panics. Then it relaxes.
Floating still, looking up at the sky, teaches you that you are capable of more than you think. Even if you come out red faced and laughing, it is an experience that leaves you feeling strangely proud.
BOOK IT HERE!
Visit the Arctic SnowHotel and Ice Bar Experience
Visiting the Arctic SnowHotel is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Lapland. Every year, the entire hotel is rebuilt from snow and ice, which means no two visits are ever the same.
During the guided tour, you walk through intricately carved rooms, ice corridors and themed suites, each with detailed sculptures and soft lighting that makes the space feel almost unreal. It is freezing, yes, but also incredibly impressive to see how much artistry goes into creating something so temporary.
One of the highlights of the tour is stopping at the Ice Bar, where you are handed a drink served in a glass made entirely of ice. Standing there, wrapped in thermal layers, sipping a cold drink in a room carved from frozen water feels surreal in the best way.
And then comes the fun part.
After finishing your drink, you get to smash the ice glass against the wall. It is oddly satisfying and perfectly sums up Lapland for me. Beautiful moments that exist just for a second and then disappear, leaving only the memory.
If you are looking for an experience that feels playful, memorable and completely different from anything else, the Arctic SnowHotel is absolutely worth visiting.
Tip: Even if you are not staying overnight, the guided tour with a drink at the Ice Bar is a great way to experience it.
BOOK IT HERE!
Why Lapland Is More Than a Winter Destination
Lapland is not just about activities. It is about slowing down, reconnecting with nature and remembering how magical the world can still be.
Between the cold air, pink cheeks, deep silence and endless snow, something shifts. You stop rushing. You start noticing. And you leave feeling lighter, calmer and inspired.
Lapland does not just give you memories. It gives you perspective.
Relevant posts:
- Nova Galaxy Village Review: Glass Igloos, Northern Lights and a Magical Lapland Stay
- Ethical Husky Sleigh Ride in Lapland Finland – What to Look For Before Booking
- Lapland Holidays Uncovered: The Best of Rovaniemi
