Looking for the best things to do in Lapland? In winter, Finnish Lapland is one of the most rewarding destinations in the Arctic: snow-laden forests, the Northern Lights, saunas, sleds and a culture unlike anywhere else. We have rounded up 14 unmissable experiences around Kittilä and Levi, and we flag which ones you will enjoy on our trip to Lapland, which you can add as extras and which are nearby.
14 Things to Do in Finnish Lapland in Winter
1. Hunt for the Northern Lights
For many travellers this is the reason to come. Away from light pollution and under clear skies, the aurora can appear on any night from late August to early April. What helps most is spending several nights in the area and heading out with someone who knows how to read the sky. Everything on when and how to see them is in our guide to the Northern Lights in Finland.
2. Snowshoe Through the Arctic Forest
This is the most authentic, peaceful way to explore the Lapland forest: no engine noise, just snow-laden spruces and stops for a hot drink by the fire. No previous experience is needed and the effort is moderate.
3. Relax in a Finnish Sauna
Sauna is at the heart of Finnish identity, and after a day in the snow nothing beats it. The bravest alternate the heat with a roll in the snow or a dip in a hole cut in the ice (avanto).
4. Share a Meal by the Fire in a Kota
A kota is Lapland’s traditional wooden shelter, with an open fire in the middle. Sharing a hot meal inside, surrounded by forest and snow, is one of those simple moments guests remember most.
5. Visit a Reindeer Farm
The reindeer is Lapland’s emblematic animal and central to Sámi culture. At a farm you can learn how they live, feed them and, often, ride in a reindeer-drawn sleigh.
6. Discover Sámi Culture
The Sámi are the only Indigenous people in the European Union. Learning about their traditions, their bond with reindeer and their way of living in the Arctic adds real depth to your trip.
7. Ride a Snowmobile
If you want more adrenaline, a snowmobile route lets you cover long distances across frozen lakes and forests in a short time.
8. Go Skiing in Levi
Levi is one of Finland’s best-known ski resorts, with downhill slopes and an extensive network of cross-country trails. Perfect if you want to spend a day on skis during your trip.
9. Try Cross-Country Skiing
This is Finland’s quintessential winter sport. Marked trails wind through forests and open fells and are a wonderful way to move through the landscape.
10. Meet Santa Claus
Lapland is Santa’s home, and at Christmas the experience makes perfect sense: a sleigh ride through the forest and a visit to his cabin. Especially magical if you travel with family in December.
11. Go on a Husky Safari
Driving your own husky-drawn sled through the forest is one of the most exciting things to do in Lapland. Several farms around Kittilä and Levi run safaris of different lengths.
12. Visit a Snow Hotel
About 30 km from Kittilä, Lainio Snow Village is rebuilt from snow and ice every winter and is open roughly from December to early April. You can visit or even spend a night in one of its frozen rooms.
13. Explore Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
One of Finland’s most visited national parks, with rounded fells (tunturi), forests and trails for hiking or skiing. Picture-perfect Arctic scenery a short drive from Kittilä.
14. Try Ice Fishing and Lappish Food
Drilling through a frozen lake and waiting for a bite is an experience in itself. To round off the day, try poronkäristys, the traditional sautéed reindeer served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries.
What About Summer?
If you travel between June and August, Lapland changes completely: midnight sun, hiking, canoeing and lakes, but no snow and no auroras. If you are still choosing dates, see our guide to the best time to visit Lapland.
Experience Lapland on Our Guided Trip
Our guided trip to Finnish Lapland brings together the most authentic Arctic winter experiences: snowshoeing through the forest, traditional sauna, meals in a kota and aurora hunting every night, staying in private Finnish villas near Kittilä with a specialist guide. Want more? Add skiing in Levi, reindeer, snowmobiling, Sámi culture or a visit to Santa.
The True Winter Spirit · Finnish Lapland
- 5 to 7 days, small groups of 6 to 12 people
- 13 – 17 December 2026 · from €2,450
- 28 December 2026 – 3 January 2027 (New Year) · from €2,995
- Includes accommodation, breakfasts and dinners, Kittilä airport transfers, guide and activities. Flights not included (land-only tour).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lapland best known for?
In winter, Lapland is best known for the Northern Lights, Finnish sauna, snowshoeing, reindeer farms and husky safaris, as well as being the home of Santa Claus.
Which Lapland activities need no experience?
Almost all of them: snowshoeing, sauna, reindeer farm visits, guided husky safaris and aurora hunting require no previous experience or special fitness.
How many days do you need in Lapland?
Five to seven days lets you combine the main activities with several nights of aurora hunting, which makes up for any cloudy evenings.
Where should you stay for activities in Finnish Lapland?
The Kittilä and Levi area is one of the best bases: it has its own airport, the Levi ski resort, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and many husky and reindeer farms close by.
