Winter Travel in Lapland

Lapland in Winter is cold, snowy, and fabulous! It is also one of the most popular winter travel destinations.

The temperatures in December–February are usually -5°C to -30°C (23°F to -22°F), but they can sometimes drop to -40°C (-40°F) in extreme conditions, especially in Finnish and Swedish Lapland.

Coastal areas (like Tromsø, Norway, and Murmansk, Russia) are warmer due to the Gulf Stream, with temps around -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F).

Heavy snowfall starts in November and lasts until April.

Lakes and rivers freeze over, making them perfect for ice fishing and snowmobiling. By December, the icehotel in Sweden and snow villages in Finland will be fully built.

Many travelers are attracted by polar nights and the Northern Lights. The sun doesn’t rise in the far north in December and January, but a beautiful “blue twilight” lasts a few hours. February and March offer longer days with amazing golden sunrises and sunsets.

Winter is peak season for the Aurora Borealis, especially from September to March. The best chances are on clear, cold nights away from city lights.

Packaging thermal layers, a warm jacket, waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat are essential. Hand warmers and a balaclava are needed for extreme cold. And don’t forget your sunglasses (yes, really!), as the reflection from the snow can be super bright.

Winter in Lapland is a dreamland for Arctic adventures! Here are some of the best activities to try:

❄ Classic Lapland Experiences

• • Northern Lights Hunting – Lapland is one of the best places in the world to see the Aurora Borealis. You can watch them from a glass igloo, on a snowmobile, or even from a frozen lake.
  • Stay in an Ice Hotel  – Sweden’s Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi is the most famous, but Finland also has some amazing ones, like Snow Castle in Kemi.

🛷 Outdoor Adventures

• • Husky Sledding – Ride through snowy forests with a team of energetic huskies! You can even try driving the sled yourself.
  • Reindeer Sleigh Rides  – A slower, peaceful ride, often combined with visits to Sámi villages.
  • Snowmobiling  – Race across frozen lakes and deep into the Arctic wilderness. Some tours even go to the Russian border!
  • Ice Fishing – Drill a hole in a frozen lake and try your luck catching Arctic fish.

⛷ Winter Sports

• • Skiing & Snowboarding – Lapland has excellent ski resorts, like Levi (Finland) and Riksgränsen (Sweden).
  • Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking  – Explore the untouched snowy landscapes at your own pace.

🎅 Festive & Cultural Activities

• • Santa Claus Village (Rovaniemi, Finland) – Meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, and send Christmas postcards from the official Santa Post Office.
  • Sámi Culture Experiences – Visit a traditional Sámi reindeer farm, learn about their nomadic lifestyle, and listen to join singing.
  • Arctic Sauna & Ice Swimming  – Warm up in a wood-fired sauna, then jump into an icy lake (if you’re brave enough!).

Lapland in Winter is magical, adventurous, and unforgettable!