If you’ve never been to Lapland in winter (or, better said, if you’ve never been above the Arctic Circle) and are visiting for the first time, everything will feel unique, and every activity will leave you in awe. Because most things to do in Lapland seem to be totally special!
However, out of all the places to visit in Northern Finland during winter and all the winter experiences, I want to share what I believe are the most unique ones. I had them all on different trips to Lapland, but you can easily squeeze them in one week if spending only about a week in the region.
Below are specific spots where to find unforgettable activities in Lapland and tips on how to prepare for them! I truly hope you get the chance to try at least a few experiences from this list!
Most Unique 3 Hotels in Lapland
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – best for ice room stays (only in winter!)
Polar Aurora Cabins – private log cabins in Northern Lapland (best for Northern Lights)
Aurora Hut Igloo – for total seclusion on the lake (best for couples!)
1. Go Hiking in the Snowy Forest At Night
Well, it’s hard to call it hiking, since walking on snowy trails in the dark is quite challenging, meaning you won’t get very far. But the experience itself is definitely amazing!
I’m an avid hiker, having trekked quite a bit around various mountains in Europe. I thought it would be hard to impress me with simple, easy trails through some forest. But I was wrong! These night walks (well, night walks, though it’s actually daytime, just that it gets dark around 2 PM in Lapland in winter) are truly an incredible experience!
You walk through a forested park area or even through the woods (near a settlement) on soft, squeaky snow, with the moon and stars shining in the sky (even if not very brightly). The snow reflects the light, creating a glowing path ahead of you.
It is possible to explore snowy forests at night in many places, but for safety reasons, it’s best to do this in designated areas. We hiked the trails in Santa Claus Village (there are signs pointing to them), in Ounasvaara forest (close to Riekko Chalet), and in this Arctic Center hiking area.
But you can do it anywhere in Lapland as far as there are well-marked and safe trails around (and they are indeed in many places, almost around each town or resort). And then if you get lucky, you can even spot northern lights while hiking!
NOTE: The only thing, depending on the amount of fallen snow, you may need to rent snowshoes.
2. Soak In a Jacuzzi With a Sauna by the River in Inari
Oh my, I never imagined that visiting a sauna with panoramic windows overlooking a winter river (and then warming up in a jacuzzi right by that very river) would become one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Honestly, I didn’t think my first real sauna experience would happen in the Arctic Circle, nor did I expect to feel this amazed afterward.
After this experience, I can confidently say that it’s truly one of the most unique things to do in Lapland in winter – just you (or you and your partner or friends), the silence, snowdrifts all around, lanterns, dimmed lights, crisp air, and a hot sauna with a jacuzzi entirely at your disposal. Magic and pure bliss!
I know there are plenty of places to visit a sauna in Lapland (especially in Finnish Lapland), but the sauna experience in Inari, at Wilderness Hotel Juutua, really stayed with me. I first heard about it from our hotel, Wilderness Inari (sister property), where we were staying.
And when I arrived there (initially just to scout it out) to see where the sauna was located, I was absolutely stunned. Just take a look at the photos to see the setting and incredible surroundings!
So, if you are looking for a unique, once-in-a-lifetime activity to have in the Finnish Arctic Circle in winter, consider getting to Inari for this sauna experience (but the whole place is quite remarkable too)!
It costs only €75 per person for 90 min and is available for outside guests. For a totally magical experience, choose Hotel Juutua as a place where to stay (we were considering it too, but eventually went to Wilderness Inari).
3. Spend a Day or Two in the Elves Village in Levi
Elves Village in Levi is a small, unique attraction in Finnish Lapland that combines elements of local folklore with fun winter activities. It’s a small snow-covered village, designed to evoke a sense of magic and wonder, drawing from the idea of elves as mystical beings who live in the wild, snowy landscapes of the Arctic.
This place feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale, with the magic of Lapland mixed in with real-life coziness. No, it’s not just a cute stop for a photo op (although, trust me, it’s Instagram gold). It’s actually an experience that feels authentic and cozy, with wooden cabins, snowy paths, and that quiet, peaceful vibe that’s so unique to this region.
Once visiting, you can meet elves, go to the elf homes, watch Santa performances, and engage in a variety of winter activities like husky sledding, snowshoeing, and reindeer rides. If you opt to have these experiences somewhere else, then come here for a Santa’s workshop, to shop for exclusive local crafts, or to learn about Lapland’s traditions through local storytelling.
If you don’t plan to be in Levi, then maybe it doesn’t make much sense to drive there just for this place. Otherwise, if you are anywhere in the area and looking for something that hits different, definitely make a detour to the Elves Village. It’s the kind of place that will leave you thinking: “This is exactly why I came to Lapland”!
NOTE: There is also an Elves Hotel in this village where many people choose to spend a couple of nights. But it is possible to come for a day just to visit! See what’s happening in Elves Village now.
4. Try Reindeer or Moose Meat
Another unique thing to do in Finnish Lapland is to taste reindeer or moose meat, which is deeply rooted in the local culture and traditions. These meats are not just a staple in Lapland’s cuisine but also a reflection of the region’s sustainable practices and deep connection to nature.
Reindeer meat, often referred to as “poro” in Finnish has a mild, earthy flavor with a slight sweetness, lean texture, and a clean, natural taste that’s tender and not overpowering.
It is a favorite in many Lappish restaurants, where it’s prepared in traditional dishes such as poronkäristys (sauteed reindeer), often served with mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and pickles.
Moose meat, on the other hand, has a deeper, gamier flavor. While it’s less commonly found on restaurant menus than reindeer, some places do serve moose burgers or slow-cooked moose stew, which are hearty and satisfying after a day in the Arctic cold.
However, eating both moose and reindeer meat at the restaurant is quite expensive. For a varied experience and when being on a budget-friendly trip to Lapland, my personal recommendation for you is to go to a grocery store to get canned, frozen and smoked meats there.
Many supermarkets in Lapland sell reindeer fillets, sausages, and even cold-smoked or dried reindeer meat, perfect for a snack or to bring home as a unique souvenir.
We liked shopping at K-Mart, their canned moose meat and pre-cooked frozen reindeer meats were so delish. Trying them was really a unique experience, do this too!
Going to Lapland? Your next adventure is closer than you think!
Driving in Lapland makes your trip effortless! Explore the Arctic wonders on your terms with Discover Cars. Rent a car and easily navigate through the region at your own pace!
Find beautiful hotels in Lapland with Booking.com! Choose from charming cabins and cozy lodges, all nestled near breathtaking sights like the Santa Claus Village and the magical Northern Lights.
Uncover the wonders of Lapland with Viator! Go through snow-covered forests, visit the Arctic Circle, and experience the thrill of a reindeer sleigh ride under the Northern Lights!
5. Go on a Backcountry skiing Adventure in Rovaniemi
Backcountry skiing as an activity offers a unique way to experience Lapland’s winter landscape, allowing you to reach areas you wouldn’t normally visit and appreciate snow-covered trees up close.
Besides that, it is an excellent choice for people who don’t know how to ski on slopes because it focuses more on exploring and enjoying the landscape than on mastering high-speed downhill techniques. Unlike regular skiing at resorts, backcountry skiing usually takes place on gentle, natural terrain, making it less intimidating for beginners. And Rovaniemi offers plenty of space for that.
Guided by skilled professionals, you’ll not only gain confidence in your skis but also learn about the unique Arctic environment while being relaxed and having fun.
With this activity (which I found to be offered only by a couple of companies in Rovaniemi and in Levi) you’ll head out into the snowy forests to get greater access to the wilds.
When going with Beyond Arctic company, you spend around 4 hours skiing with a photography guide and grill sausages in the forest. But with a small group ski trek from Rovaniemi, you’ll go to a frozen lake and have a snack in a traditional Lappish tent.
6. Visit Lappish Snow Village in Kittilä
This Snow Village is a relatively new seasonal attraction that is quite unique to the region. A similar one (smaller version built by the same business) is now open in Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi but Snow Village in Kittilä is a less-crowded and more authentic place.
It is open only during winter months (even until April if weather permits) when temperatures are below 0. And is built entirely from snow and ice and every project is done by hand (we met 2 guys who worked on this project and shared a few interesting details about the themes chosen for the year and how the ice and snow designs reflect those themes).
It’s a magical place that consists of an ice hotel (where you can stay or just go to for an excursion), ice restaurant & bar, ice chapel, different snow sculptures, and a small wintery village-like setting. Every year, the design and theme of the village change, making it a unique experience each time you visit.
The boldest ones (and those who have a budget) can stay in one of the ice rooms (which are quite expensive and sell out for the season in advance). However, if you’re not too keen on ice hotels, simply visit and marvel at the beauty created by human hands from ice and snow. You’ll have a great time!
Here are all the details about the village, hotel, reservations and excursions.
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