Normally when you think of Lapland you imagine snowy landscapes, fireplaces keeping you cosy and warm, skiers taking on the slopes, furry reindeers and fluffy huskies, and if you are lucky, a sighting of the Northern Lights! This is on my wish list for the winter season but I am so grateful to have experienced the Midnight Sun in Finnish Lapland as well as ticking something big off my bucket list – meeting Santa Claus!
We experienced so much across Rovaniemi and Ylläs, and here’s everything you need to know if you are planning a trip there. If you aren’t yet planning a trip, I hope this inspires you to add it to your radar!
Where is Lapland?
What is the Midnight Sun?
The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon that takes place on and above the Arctic Circle in the summer months. On the Arctic Circle, where Rovaniemi lies, the sun officially stays above the horizon for a full 24 hours on summer solstice, 21st or 22nd June. However, the Midnight Sun period in Rovaniemi lasts for a month, from 6th June to 7th July; this is due to the Earth’s slightly tilted axis and refraction of sunlight.
Getting to Lapland
There are five airports in Lapland, and some of them offer international flights. I flew in via Helsinki with Finn Air and it was a smooth sailing journey.
Alternatively, you can also take the train from Helsinki.
Things to do in Rovaniemi
The best part about the Midnight Sun is that there’s 24 hours a day for various activities! This means you can go for midnight hikes, saunas and even golf!
As the official capital of Lapland and unofficial gateway to the Arctic, Rovaniemi is the best place to start your trip.
Here’s what we got up to in Rovaniemi:
Santa Claus Village
This is what I was most excited about and unmissable, in my opinion. Be sure to visit Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village (Official Hometown of Santa Claus or joulupukki in Finnish) where you can get your photo taken with him and get to chat a little, more importantly to establish whether you are on the naughty or nice list. I was relieved to find out that I am on the nice list this year!
Something to note is that you can’t take photos with your own phone/camera inside when meeting Santa but you can purchase your photo that’s taken by the elves after the experience.
Whilst at Santa Claus Village you can visit the main Post Office, where all the letters that are written to Santa Claus from around the world get delivered.
It was amazing to find some letters sent to him from Kenya there!
You can also send postcards from this post office with the official Santa Claus Stamp and choose whether you want to send it by normal post or the Christmas post, which means it will arrive just in time for the festivities. I was impatient and sent mine by normal post and was so excited to received it a few days later!
At the Santa Claus Village you can also cross the Arctic Circle! This was another tick off the bucket list!
It did feel a little strange doing it with 30 degrees heat though and in shorts!
Visit The Arktikum Science Museum
A visit to the Arktikum Science Museum would be my absolute top recommendation for a way to spend a day or half a day.
Focussed on Arctic Science and the history of Finnish Lapland in particular, there is a lot to take in here, and I liked the emphasis on climate change.
There is also an awesome video room giving you the experience of the Northern Lights, even in the middle of summer, and exhibitions showcasing the everyday life and stories of Lapland.
Visit the Angry Birds Park
A world phenomenon Angry Birds, a playful video game franchise focussed on adorable coloured birds who try to save their eggs from coloured pigs – this is possibly one of the best-known contemporary Finnish brands.
Unleash your inner child (or bring your own) as you enjoy this fun and frivolous park located on the riverbank, within an easy walking distance from the city centre. There is also a ropewalk, slides, swings and climbing frames, all with designs inspired by the hit video game characters. And don’t forget the super-cute little mini-soccer field and running track!
Indulge in waffles and ice cream from Sugar
If you have a sweet tooth, a visit to Sugar is a must! I loved their bubble waffle cones which come with scoops of ice cream, crumbled Oreos and smarties and drizzles of chocolate sauce. They did lots of other flavour combinations too!
Midnight Golf at Santa Claus Golf Club
Take advantage of the Midnight Sun and play golf at Santa Claus Golf, which is an 18-hole golf course situated at the Arctic Circle in northern Finland.
We took a few shots at the driving range but you can play 18 holes if you like, and in more professional attire than me!
You may even run into the man himself! By playing golf here you are crossing the Arctic Circle too.
Explore Lapland’s stunning scenery by Canoe
Finland is known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, is indeed covered by more than 188 000 lakes. A significant amount of them is located in Lapland and offer, with the fells and forests, beautiful harmonious landscapes.
We took a tour with Wild About Lapland and enjoyed the summer scenery from a different perspective. I highly recommend it!
Take a walk along the River bank
Take a walk along the river bank – it is so peaceful and tranquil! I did this on my last day as my hotel was just nearby and rewarded myself with a coffee after!
Tasting Menu at Nabo Restaurant
I highly recommend dining at Nabo restaurant, which offers 3 set menus: Fauna, which honors the locally produced fish and meat, as well as the seasons best vegetable, Flora, which is a vegan tribute to the North and the Nabo menu, where you enjoy a combination of both menus.
Things to do in Ylläs
Ylläs is known during the winter season for having the highest skiing fell in Finland with a great variety of slopes. However, whilst in Lapland you can visit during the summer months too. We travelled by car from Rovaniemi and it took approximately 2 and a half hours.
It is a destination geared more at adventure travel so if you like active aspects such as hiking, biking and rowing/kayaking it is perfect for you! If you just want to relax and take in the stunning landscapes, there are wonderful viewpoints, saunas and lakes to relax at.
Hikes & Bikes
A popular activity is a hike in the evening during the Midnight Sun, up to one of the fells for a view. It does require you to be fairly fit as it is uphill, but if you do make it all the way to the top you will be rewarded with amazing views!
Gondola Ride to the top of the fell
Traditional Sauna
After you’ve relaxed for about 15-20 minutes in the sauna and sweated all those toxins out you can go cool off with a swim in Lake Luosujärvi.
Rowing
Taking in the stunning scenery at Lake Kesänkijärvi, which is nestled in the heart of the magnificent Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in Ylläs, Lapland.
Did you know Finland is amongst the top ten countries with the cleanest air in the world?
You can also go rowing or canoeing/kayaking on the lake too.
Swing at Lake Äkäslompolojärvi
Giant swing unlike any other! Not only is the swing large, it is located on its own mini-island with Magnificent views over Lake Äkäslompolojärvi and the Fells that surround it on all sides. Try out the swing free of charge!
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