Finnish Lapland: Discover the Magical North of Finland

What is Finnish Lapland, really?

Many people assume Lapland is a country, or that it’s simply part of Finland. In reality, Lapland is a cultural and geographical region that stretches across four countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. You can read more about that here: Where is Lapland?

The most visited part of Lapland lies in the far north of Finland: Finnish Lapland, entirely above the Arctic Circle. It’s a world of endless forests, snow-covered plains, frozen lakes and deep, resonant silence. A place where nature still sets the pace.

The people of the North: the Sámi

Finnish Lapland is not just about landscapes, it’s also home to a unique indigenous people: the Sámi. They have lived here for thousands of years, in balance with the Arctic environment. Their culture is deeply rooted in reindeer herding, traditional craftsmanship, and storytelling.

In villages like Inari, Hetta, and Utsjoki, you can explore their traditions and worldview. A visit to the Siida Museum in Inari is a must if you want to understand the depth and richness of Sámi heritage. The Sámi are not part of a frozen past, they are a living culture worthy of respect and attention.

Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village

Most travelers arrive in Finnish Lapland via Rovaniemi, a city right on the Arctic Circle. For many, this is where the journey begins and where Santa Claus officially lives. At the Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa year-round, cross the Arctic Circle, and send a postcard from his official post office.

But Rovaniemi is more than a Christmas postcard. It is a hub for wilderness trips, northern lights excursions and a visit to the outstanding Arktikum Museum, where you’ll learn all about life in the far north.

What can you do in Finnish Lapland?

Whether you visit in winter or summer, Finnish Lapland offers unforgettable outdoor experiences. Here are some highlights:

• Watch the northern lights, from September to March
• Go snowshoeing or ski touring across untouched landscapes
• Take a husky safari or glide on a reindeer sleigh
• Try ice fishing, winter bivouacs, or a sauna in the snow
• In summer: hiking or packrafting on the wild rivers of Oulanka

Wildhartt offers expeditions for every season, guided by professionals and designed for small groups, with nights in wilderness huts or tents and strong local connections.

The most beautiful places in Finnish Lapland

Beyond Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland is full of wild and quiet gems:

• Inari: cultural heart of the Sámi
• Hetta: starting point for ski expeditions and wilderness treks
• Saariselkä: gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park
• Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park: hilly and panoramic
• Kilpisjärvi: remote, rugged, and ideal for hiking

Each place has its own atmosphere, rhythm, and terrain. Exploring beyond the obvious brings the richest rewards.

How to get to Finnish Lapland?

You can fly to Rovaniemi, Kittilä, or Ivalo, but a more sustainable and immersive option is to take the night train via Helsinki. It’s comfortable, peaceful, and allows you to ease into the Arctic experience.

→ Wildhartt can help you plan a flight-free route if you prefer to travel slow.

Lapland with Wildhartt

At Wildhartt, we believe in travel that is small, slow and powerful. No tourist buses or rushed itineraries, just small groups, expert guides and deep immersion in nature. Our expeditions in Finnish Lapland blend physical challenge, simplicity, and wonder.

We offer:

• Snowshoe and ski expeditions with pulkas
• Husky adventures and nights in wood-heated huts
• Winter bivouacs under the stars
• Packraft trips in Arctic summer

→ Explore our Lapland journeys & expeditions

Ready to discover the North?

A journey to Finnish Lapland is not just another holiday. It is an experience that lingers, a reconnection with something slower, wilder, and more essential.

→ Get in touch with us if you have questions or would like to book a private expedition. We’d be happy to guide you north.