Prepare to have your mind blown, fellow adventurers! We’ve revealed the most surprising and amazing reasons why Lapland should be at the top of your summer travel list. Get ready to take a wild ride through a fairytale-inspired land where delicious cuisine awaits, mythical creatures roam, and the sun shines brightly at night.
Are you ready? Let's dive into the magical wonderland called Finnish Lapland!
40+ days of sunshine
The Arctic Circle is a fascinating place where the sun neither rises on the winter solstice nor sets on the summer solstice, creating stunning visual displays during the polar night and midnight sun. In Finnish Lapland, towns like Levi and Willas see 45 days of sunlight in the summer, providing endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and great lighting to capture the perfect moment.
Forests and more forests
Finland has the largest forest area in Europe, with trees covering more than 75% of the country. Visitors and residents alike have the privilege of enjoying Finland's natural beauty, thanks to the legal concept of the “right of every human being” that allows freedom to roam, as long as nature, people and property are respected and protected. This unique experience promotes preservation and respect for the outdoors, ensuring future generations can enjoy the pristine wonders.
The cleanest air on earth
Finland has the cleanest air in the world, according to the World Health Organization. With the most forests in Europe, the air is crisp and fresh, perfect after a long day of outdoor activities. The scent of summer wildflowers and pine forests can always be found. Finnish Lapland must be even more amazing with air this good.
Reindeer more than people
There are 20,000 more reindeer than there are people in Finnish Lapland, which is a lot! These reindeer are well equipped to survive in the Arctic due to their unique ability to digest lichens and their thick winter coats. Originally bred from European reindeer, they are now semi-domesticated, and you will see them roaming freely through forests and even walking through cities during the summer.
Bright happy people
According to the World Happiness Report 2022, Finland is home to the happiest people in the world. While happiness takes different forms, the Finnish version of it is often described as contentment with a touch of joy. This is probably due to the concept of “friluftsliv”, which means “outdoor living” in Norwegian. Whether it's hiking under the midnight sun or just enjoying the fresh air, Finnish Lapland is sure to bring joy to those who love life outdoors.
Ski resorts in Lapland in summer
Lapland has 14 ski resorts, two of which are exceptional – Levi, the top-rated resort, and Willas, the longest gondola in the country. During the summer, Levi operates two gondolas providing access to the Alpine Slide, Samiland Gallery, Santa's Cabin Disc Golf, the hike to Santa's Cabin, and several bike parks, while Ylläs operates one lift serving the Ylläs Bike Park and a pizzeria. Cafe. With just one day's lift ticket, enjoy the excitement of summer activities at both resorts.
mountain biking
Mountain biking is a sport that features thrilling, fast descents. Riders use sturdy bikes, protective gear and full-face helmets as they navigate the twists and turns on the advanced trails. Levi Bike Park and Yallas Bike Park offer unbeatable experiences, with trails suitable for both beginners and experts. The impressive vertical drop, high-quality equipment rental options and stunning views make these parks a must-visit destination for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Hiking trails for miles
Lapland's hiking trails offer more variety than expected, with easy walks like the wheelchair-accessible Huippupolku Peak Trail or long-distance options under the midnight sun in one of Finland's ten national parks. Explore the six best national parks for hiking, from the expansive Urho Kekkonen to the swamp-filled slopes of Riisitunturi, for an unforgettable adventure. Come and explore the beauty of Lapland and discover your new favorite hiking trail.
Lapland lakes
Minnesota may have lost its basketball team to Los Angeles, but it still boasts 10,000 lakes. Meanwhile, Finland’s aptly named Lakeland region boasts 187,888 lakes. Paddlers will find plenty of adventure in Lapland, whether it’s a fun raft trip with Sisu Outdoors or a peaceful paddleboarding experience that launches from Lake Immeljärvi. For the more adventurous types, the epic multi-day water trails on Lake Inarijärvi offer the chance to paddle from hut to hut. There’s no shortage of action to be found in Lapland’s lakes.
Summer saunas
Lapland’s summer saunas are some of the best in the world. With 2 million saunas for a population of 5.5 million, the Finns know how to sweat it out and cool down. Soak in a 175°F sauna, then jump into a lake for a dip in the middle of the sauna. It’s an unforgettable Finnish experience with views of the midnight sun. Browse photos from the Arctic Skylight Lodge in Ylläs to see the excellence for yourself!
Food is glorious food
Eating out in Lapland is a gastronomic adventure not to be missed. Sample famous dishes such as fried reindeer meat buroncaristes and blueberry pie mustikapiraka in traditional restaurants. Are you ready to try something new?
Indulge in Mexican cuisine and a signature lingonberry margarita at Lost Tacos in Levi or sample smoked reindeer and lingonberries in a white wine cream sauce at Jolie Lounge & Café in Ylläs. With endless options ranging from traditional to innovative, Lapland’s cuisine will never leave you bored.
Unique accommodations
Lapland offers a range of accommodation for every type of traveller. Boutique hotels, such as Levi Design and Lapland Hotels Saaga, offer a charming atmosphere, Finnish breakfasts, and sometimes a sauna. For a unique experience, check out small huts, like the Arctic Skylight Lodge, with glass walls and ceilings, next to lakes or forests for the perfect view of the northern lights in winter or the midnight sun in summer.
Winter Stars in Lapland
The beauty of Lapland lies not only in its stunning nature, but also in the wonderful people, both real and fictional, who call it home. Laplanders have a special relationship with the outdoors and the seasons, and welcome visitors to their unique corner of the world with open arms. They care for a variety of animals, from reindeer to wolf dogs, which are well adapted to living north of the Arctic Circle. Lapland is also home to magical creatures such as elves, including Santa Claus himself. Explore Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi or Tonttula – Elves Village in Köngäs for an unforgettable experience filled with mystical creatures, elf houses and more.
Midsummer Festival
Midsummer in Lapland is like a combination of spring ritual, wedding season and harvest festival all rolled into one. It’s the time of year when Finland experiences warm weather and celebrates festivals, bonfires, saunas and midnight sun rituals, such as the tradition of placing seven flowers under your pillow to dream of your future spouse. With the summer season fleeting, Lapland knows how to shine at Midsummer like no other place.
Lapland – The Perfect Summer Holiday
In summer, Lapland is a unique blend of people, places and nature that come together to celebrate the endless hours of daylight. It is a place where time stands still, fleeting moments stretch beyond the horizon and the dazzling glow of nature creates memories that last a lifetime.
Hello! We are Jen and Ed Coleman, also known as Coleman Concierge. In short, we are a 10th generation Huntsville couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative, experiential, activity-based travel.
