Northern Norway & Lapland
Finnish Lapland
Huskies, reindeer, snowmobiles and the northern lights, from Rovaniemi and beyond
Finnish Lapland is snow, forest and frozen lakes, with real winter cold. It is the place for husky safaris, reindeer farms, snowmobiles and the northern lights, and for families, it’s where Santa Claus lives. Inland weather is colder than on the Norwegian coast, but often clearer, which helps with the aurora.
Most visitors base themselves in Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle, which has the most tours by far. The ski resorts further north, such as Levi and Saariselkä, are quieter and darker. The tours below are sorted by rating and number of reviews. Booking happens on Viator.
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is Lapland’s capital and the easiest place to start: an airport a short drive from town, plenty of hotels, and tours that pick you up from them. Santa Claus Village sits on the Arctic Circle just outside town, and many family tours combine it with reindeer and huskies.
Because Rovaniemi is so popular, its tours are busier and the light pollution from town means aurora tours drive out into the forest. If you want darker skies and quieter trails, look at Levi or Saariselkä.
Northern lights tours
Lapland’s aurora season runs from about late August to early April. Rovaniemi is near the southern edge of the auroral oval, so the lights are frequent but not nightly. Tours take many forms: minibus chases, snowmobile or reindeer-sled trips into the forest, and evenings by a campfire waiting for the sky to open.
Many Rovaniemi aurora tours promise a refund or a free second night if you see nothing. These are among the most-reviewed tours in Lapland. The conditions differ, so read them on Viator before you choose.
Huskies, reindeer and snowmobiles
- Husky safaris range from a short ride at a kennel to a full day driving your own team. Short rides suit young children.
- Reindeer farms offer a calmer sled ride, feeding the herd and a warm drink in a hut. Some are run by Sámi families.
- Snowmobile safaris cover the most ground. You usually need a valid driving licence to drive one; passengers ride behind.
When to go
- December: Christmas season, short days and the busiest weeks of the year. Book early.
- January and February: the coldest months and the most reliable snow. Temperatures well below −20 °C are normal.
- March: longer days, still plenty of snow, and good aurora nights.
- Autumn (late August to October): aurora over lakes before the snow, and the forest in autumn colours.
Before you book
- Thermal clothing is usually included on winter safaris: overalls, boots, mittens and a balaclava. The tour page says so.
- Check the pickup. Most Rovaniemi tours collect you from central hotels. Tours from other resorts may need you to get to the meeting point.
- Cancellation rules differ by tour. Many offer free cancellation up to a day before, but not all.
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