Lapland

Key Details about Lapland

1. Rovaniemi (Capital of Lapland)

• Location: Situated on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland.

• Famous for:

  • The official "hometown" of Santa Claus, with Santa Claus Village being a major tourist attraction.

  • The Arktikum Museum, showcasing the history and culture of the Arctic region.

  • The Northern Lights are visible here during the winter months.

  • Winter activities like husky sledding, reindeer safaris, and snowmobiling.

2. Kemi

• Location: Situated on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia.

• Famous for:

  • The SnowCastle, a massive structure made entirely of snow and ice that is rebuilt every year.

  • The icebreaker cruise experience, where you can board a real icebreaker ship and sail through icy waters.

3. Inari

• Location: In the far northern part of Finland, close to the border with Norway and Sweden.

• Famous for:

  • The Sámi culture, which is indigenous to the area. You can visit the Siida Museum to learn more about the Sámi people and their traditions.

  • The beautiful Lake Inari, ideal for fishing, boating, and enjoying the serene nature.

4. Levi

• Location: One of Finland's largest ski resorts, located in the far north.

• Famous for:

  • Skiing and snowboarding.

  • The resort is a year-round destination for outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.

5. Sodankylä

• Location: In central Lapland.

• Famous for:

  • The Sodankylä film festival, one of the most important in Finland.

  • Its stunning natural beauty, ideal for those looking to experience the Arctic wilderness.

Natural Highlights of Lapland

• Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Lapland is one of the best places in the world to witness this natural phenomenon, especially in winter.

• Midnight Sun: In summer, the sun doesn’t set for several weeks in Lapland, creating the “Midnight Sun” experience.

• Winter Sports: Skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, and snowmobiling are popular activities.

Lapland’s Culture

• Sámi People: The indigenous people of Lapland, known for their unique language, customs, and way of life.

• Santa Claus: Santa Claus is a major figure in Lapland, especially in Rovaniemi, where the Santa Claus Village attracts tourists year-round.

• Local Cuisine: Lapland is known for its traditional foods such as reindeer, salmon, cloudberries, and Lapland cheese.