Lapland or
Lapland – the word itself may cast some images of colourful Laplanders, known as the Sámi peoples, roaming reindeer, the home of Santa Claus, the Aurora Borealis, and the midnight sun. But, there is a lot more to Lapland than you ever imagined.
We travelled around Lapland to bring you our top 10 coolest experiences in this part of the world.
1. Svalbard Islands – Norway
While technically not part of Lapland, Svalbard is the cool neighbour to the north and a must-do when you are in the area.
Formerly known by the Dutch name of Spitzbergen, the group of Svalbard islands (Spitzbergen being the largest), is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean.
Situated about 1,000 km from the North Pole, and technically not part of Lapland, Svalbard was historically infamous for walrus and whale hunting, and lots of coal mining. Fortunately, nowadays it is best known for scientific research, polar bear spotting, North Pole expeditions, and a few tourists who want to be close to the top of the world.
Because polar bears are a real danger all year round, your guide will take his shotgun with him when taking you dog-
2. Lofoten Islands – Norway
Draped across the turbulent deep blue waters of the Norwegian Sea, far above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are a rare wilderness outpost with an untrammelled landscape of jagged mountains, majestic fjords, squawking seabird colonies and quaint red-roofed villages. No less than 2½ million nesting birds make Lofoten Islands a bird watcher’s and photographer’s paradise.
Visit in summer for the midnight sun or in winter for the endless darkness! Most adventurers travel around by long-distance bicycle!
3. The Ice Hotel – Sweden
Kiruna town, 145 km north of the Arctic Circle, is the gateway to Sweden’s famous ICEHOTEL. Made from ice and snow each year, the hotel is located in the beautiful village of Jukkasjärvi.
Guests sleep in polar-tested sleeping bags on ice beds covered with reindeer furs. The hotel features a bar, chapel, main hall, restaurant, reception area, plus about 70 rooms and suites for over 100 guests. Enjoy the Absolute Vodka Ice Bar!
4. Train journey Lulea (Sweden) to Narvik (Norway)
The Arctic Circle Train from the university town of Luleå in northern Sweden takes about 7½ hours to the town of Narvik in northern Norway.
This very pleasant train journey goes past rural Arctic terrain and a few tiny villages such as Kiruna, Abisko Östra, and Vassijaure before arriving in the beautiful town of Narvik on the shores of the Ofotfjorden.
This train journey can be done all-year-round, but winter creates a beautiful snowy winter wonderland.
5. SnowCastle – Finland
Just about 500 km southeast of Sweden’s ICEHOTEL, the Finnish SnowCastle lies on the outskirts of Kemi, along the northern shores of the Gulf of Bothnia.
The SnowCastle offers the SnowHotel with 21 rooms, the SnowRestaurant, and the SnowChapel.
Every year it is reconstructed entirely out of snow and ice made from the surrounding sea water. It is normally open from the end of January until the beginning of April.
6. University town of Luleå – Sweden
Located almost 100 km south of the Arctic Circle, the town of Luleå is the capital of Norrbotten County. It is home to Luleå University of Technology, the northernmost university in Sweden.
Whether you visit during the warm summer months or the brutally cold winters, Luleå has plenty of adventures to keep you busy. The town has its fair share of churches and museums, but the adventures start outside of town, especially in winter when you can ski or skate on the frozen bay or enjoy dog sledding.
7. Train journey Kemi to Rovaniemi – Finland
After you have enjoyed a meal at the SnowCastle at Kemi, get on the train, which takes a very scenic 1½ hour journey to the northern town of Rovaniemi.
The journey hugs the banks of the Kemijoki, the longest (550 km) river in Finland, which flows through Rovaniemi before reaching the Gulf of Bothnia at Kemi some 120 km to the south. Be on the lookout for the Santa Claus Express train which travels 900 km from Helsinki to Kemijärvi via Rovaniemi (official home of Santa Claus).
8. Tromsø – Norway
At about 400 km north of the Arctic Circle, the town of Tromsø is Norway’s gateway to the Arctic. From here, fly further north to the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard for your dog sledding and polar bear excursions.
Surrounded by chilly fjords and craggy snow-capped peaks, the town has a history of seal hunting, trapping and fishing. These days it is becoming more popular among adventurers as a base for Arctic expeditions and to spot the elusive Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), but come in winter!
9. Rovaniemi – Finland
Known as the official home of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is also the capital of Finnish Lapland. The town has been aptly called “An urban oasis amidst the Arctic wilderness, where culture, adventure and fairy tales come together”.
Check out the Santa Claus Village, just 8 km north of the town. The Arktikum Science Museum doesn’t allow photography, so it does not deserve a visit!
Visit in winter to experience the brutally cold weather and hopefully see a pair of sundogs!
10. Gammelstad – Sweden
Gammelstad Church Town, known in Swedish as Gammelstads Kyrkstad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 10 km northwest of the university town of Luleå. Described as a “Church Village”, this is one of the best-preserved examples of a church town which was once common across Lapland.
Wooden houses with a 15th-century Nederluleå Lutheran Church at its centre, were used to accommodate worshipers from far away. This church is decorated with intricate frescos!
☛ Read more: Lapland – Arctic Norway, Sweden, Finland
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.