What do David & Victoria Beckham, Lionel Messi, Andrea Pirlo, Gordon Ramsay and Kourtney Kardashian have in common? Not much — except that all of them have swapped the tropics, paparazzi, and five-star spas for frozen forests, reindeer sleighs, and thermals in Lapland, Finland.
Yes, Lapland is more than Santa Claus’ postal address. It’s an otherworldly Arctic wonderland that combines icy thrills with hushed wilderness, gourmet dining with fire-lit log cabins, and yes — a decent chance of catching the northern lights while you’re at it.
Getting There: The Long Road (and Sky) North
You’ve got options:
- Direct flights in winter connect Lapland to many UK cities (London, Manchester, Bristol), as well as European capitals like Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and more. Airports such as Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Ivalo, and Kemi are the main entry points.
- Alternatively, fly into Helsinki and take the legendary overnight Santa Claus Express train to Rovaniemi or further north. The trip takes 12–15 hours, depending on destination, and is more romantic than it sounds — think sleeper cabins and coffee with snowy pine views. (Finnish trains)
Do You Want to Freeze on Your Holiday?
Lapland is cold. Really cold. The all-time record low is –51°C, a number that will make your eyelashes frost just thinking about it. Average winter temperatures hover around –6 to –15°C, but January and February nights can dip below –30°C.
The good news: you’ll be layered up in Arctic-grade gear, and the cold is part of the fun. Snow crunches louder, stars seem sharper, and saunas feel like salvation. Besides, as the locals say: “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.”
Where to Base Yourself
Lapland isn’t one town — it’s a vast region scattered with villages, ski resorts, and cultural hubs.
- Rovaniemi: Official hometown of Santa Claus. Great for families, first-timers, and northern lights seekers.
- Levi & Sirkka (Kittilä): The largest ski resort in Finland, with downhill runs, après-ski, and a party scene.
- Inari & Ivalo: Cultural capital of the indigenous Sámi, with wilderness lakes, northern lights tours, and rich traditions.
- Saariselkä: Cross-country skiing heaven and home to glass igloos for aurora viewing.
- Kemi: Famous for its Icebreaker cruise and the SnowCastle — a hotel carved entirely from ice.
- Ruka: A lively ski area in Kuusamo with great slopes and winter festivals.
What To Do (Besides Admire Snow)
Aurora Borealis
Lapland offers one of the highest probabilities in the world to see the northern lights — up to 200 nights per year in northern parts like Inari and Saariselkä. Book at least three nights and your odds are good.
Husky Safaris
Steer your own sled team of enthusiastic huskies. They run faster than your average Uber and will make you grin like a child.
Reindeer & Sleigh Rides
Gentler than huskies, reindeer are the backbone of Sámi culture. Yes, you can ride in a sleigh. Yes, you can later taste reindeer steak. (We’ll get to that.)
Snowmobile Adventures
Zoom across frozen lakes and forests on snowmobiles. Speeds can get thrillingly high, but guides keep things safe.
Ice Karting & Ice Floating
Try drifting a go-kart on an ice track, or don a survival suit and bob in a frozen lake. Bragging rights included.
Icebreaker Arctic Cruise (Kemi)
Plough through sea ice on a massive ship, then jump into the Arctic waters in a floating suit. It’s surreal and oddly calming.
Skiing & Snow Sports
- Downhill skiing: Levi, Ruka and Ylläs offer Finland’s best slopes.
- Cross-country skiing: Endless groomed tracks, especially around Saariselkä and Inari.
Wildlife note: Don’t worry, bears are hibernating. Your biggest encounter risk is a curious reindeer in the road.
Dining: From Rudolph on a Plate to Fine Dining
Yes, you can eat Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Reindeer meat is lean, traditional, and appears in stews, sausages and steaks. It’s not offensive to locals; it’s culture.
For upscale dining, Lapland surprises with gems:
- Restaurant Aanaar (Inari): Sámi-inspired fine dining.
- Nili (Rovaniemi): Lapland ingredients with polish.
- Panorama (Levi): Dinner with slopeside views.
Pair with local cloudberries or Arctic char for a true Lapland menu.
Famous Faces Who’ve Been Here
Lapland’s Arctic magic attracts celebrities:
- David & Victoria Beckham vacationed here with their kids.
- Lionel Messi has embraced the snow.
- Andrea Pirlo swapped football boots for snowshoes.
- Gordon Ramsay has sampled Lapland cuisine.
- Kourtney Kardashian even braved the cold.
What unites them? The irresistible draw of snow, silence, and maybe a sleigh ride.
The Romance of Wilderness
Imagine standing in silence, snowflakes catching aurora-green light, pine trees heavy with snow, and the nearest town hours away. Lapland is one of Europe’s last true wildernesses. And unlike some wild places, it’s safe — wolves and bears keep to themselves in winter, and humans are equipped with saunas.
The Verdict
Lapland isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience, half Arctic fairy tale, half adrenaline park. You’ll ride huskies, meet reindeer, drift on ice, sail through frozen seas, and watch the sky light up in curtains of green and purple.
You’ll also eat reindeer, drink warm glögi (mulled wine), and discover that –20°C isn’t scary if you’ve got a sauna waiting. Whether you’re in Rovaniemi with Santa, Levi with skiers, Inari with Sámi heritage, or Kemi on an icebreaker, Lapland serves up the kind of winter holiday that makes even superstars swap their tropics for Arctic boots.
Check also: Lapland bucket list
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