Here are seven incredible destinations, complete with insider tips on what to do when you arrive. From ice floating to gold panning, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy year-round.
1. Ylläs – More Than Just Skiing
Located just 30 minutes from the Swedish border, Ylläs (or Yllästunturi) is home to Finland’s longest downhill ski slope. On clear days, the panoramic views from the top are breathtaking.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, there are plenty of winter activities, including guided snowmobile tours to the stunning SnowVillage hotel, where rooms are sculpted from ice and snow. For a more relaxed experience, try ice floating or snowshoeing through the winter wonderland.
In summer, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, just north of Ylläs, offers excellent hiking trails, cloudberry picking, and camping opportunities. The well-marked cross-country skiing tracks transform into magical hiking routes when the snow melts.
2. Korouoma Nature Reserve – A Frozen Wonderland
This 30km-long canyon in Lapland turns into a scene straight out of Narnia in winter, with around a dozen impressive frozen waterfalls.
Easily accessible from Rovaniemi, Korouoma is a haven for ice climbing. Adventurers can scale the near-vertical bluish-white ice formations (Bliss Adventure offers guided tours, but do your own research before booking).
For a less extreme experience, the Koronjää Trail is a 5km circular route offering stunning views, accessible year-round.
3. Kemi – Ice Floating and Snow Castles
Famous for its SnowCastle, Kemi is a small coastal town that attracts plenty of visitors. Even outside the main winter season (December to late March), you can experience icy attractions at SnowExperience365, where everything—from sculptures to slides—is made of ice.
For a truly unforgettable adventure, board Sampo, a retired icebreaker ship, and cruise through frozen waters. The highlight? Floating in the icy sea in a thermal survival suit.
4. Levi – Skiing, Snowmobiles, and Huskies
Levi is one of Finland’s top ski resorts, catering to all skill levels. Beyond the slopes, visitors can chase the northern lights on a snowmobile or dive into the lively après-ski scene.
No visit to Lapland is complete without a husky or reindeer safari, and Levi offers some of the best. Opt for a guided dog sledding tour where you control the sled—it’s an exhilarating way to experience the Arctic wilderness.
In summer, Levi transforms into a mountain biking hotspot, with the annual Levi Bike and Outdoor Fest taking place in July.
5. Urho Kekkonen National Park – Remote Wilderness
Stretching east from Saariselkä to the Russian border, Urho Kekkonen National Park is an untouched wilderness of ancient forests and rushing streams—perfect for those looking to disconnect.
Saariselkä is also one of the best places in Finland to splurge on unique accommodations. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers glass igloos, providing breathtaking views of the northern lights.
For a cultural experience, visit the Tankavaara Gold Museum to learn about the 19th-century gold rush—and even try gold panning yourself.
6. Rovaniemi – Santa’s Official Hometown
Rovaniemi’s street plan is shaped like a reindeer’s head—fitting for the official hometown of Santa Claus.
A visit to Santa Claus Village is a must, but Rovaniemi offers much more. Meet traditional reindeer herders and enjoy a sleigh ride through pristine snow, or explore the Arktikum Museum to learn about Sámi culture and the Arctic environment.
Food lovers can indulge in local delicacies like Arctic fish and reindeer at Rovaniemi’s top restaurants. And of course, northern lights tours are a major draw.
7. Tornio – A City on the Border
Tornio, sitting on the Finnish-Swedish border, offers a unique experience—you can literally golf in two countries at once at Tornio Golf, the world’s only cross-border golf course.
For nature lovers, the Alkunkari Bay Nature Trail (5.6 km) is ideal for birdwatching, while shopaholics can browse Rajalla På Gränsen, one of Lapland’s largest shopping malls.
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