There are so many things that you can only do when it’s really, truly cold outside, and Finnish Lapland is the perfect place to do them all. From playing in the snow to all of the adrenaline activities and cool things that you can do either solo or with friends, I was really impressed by the offerings there and found myself fantasizing about renting a little cottage there next winter, just so that I can ski on those uncrowded slopes and stare up at the sky hoping for aurora borealis. 

You can visit two ice hotels while you are in Finnish Lapland Snowman World in Rovaniemi or Snow Village in Kittilä. What’s really cool about these is they change every year with new designs and ice sculptures. It takes a big team of  people about two weeks to build them, and each was so big that it had at least a dozen or so themed rooms, plus an ice bar, restaurant, and snow art. Really amazing experience during your visit to the wonderful Finland.

 

Rovaniemi is a city in Finland and the Provincial Center of Lapland, located near the Arctic Circle at the confluence of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers in Lapland. It is a provincial center, a university city and a center of commerce, administration and education, as well as a sports and cultural city.

It has plenty of husky farms that would benefit of having visitors coming through the year. As you may know that sportsmen exercise no matter what season it is, and that would be the best lifestyle also for all the sled dogs that we have here.

Light conditions dominate lives of Rovaniemi locals. There’s hardly daylight during the polar nights in November-December, but the days start to get longer in January. Think about this: On 24th December, the length of day is 2 hours 16 minutes, but on 24th of January it’s already 5 hours and ten minutes. A month later, on 24th of February, day lasts almost the double being 9 hours 16 minutes.

The day gets longer until Midsummer celebration 22nd of June, when the length of day is 24 hours meaning that the sun will shine around the clock. Thus, the later you come, the more daylight you have to experience the arctic lifestyle and activities of ours.

Top Finland's largest ski resorts in Lapland

The largest and most popular ski resorts in Finland are Ylläs, Levi, Ruka, Tahko and Himos. The fells of the north, Ylläs, Levi and Ruka, form a clear top three, with the southern ones Tahko and Himos competing for fourth and fifth place.

RUKA

Every visit to Ruka and Kuusamo is the beginning of a new adventure, where unique experiences come to life to the rhythm of the changing seasons. Many who have experienced the magic of one winter or summer holiday here are already planning their next escape into Kuusamo’s thrilling wilderness!

TAHKO

Tahko is one of Finland’s most well-known and popular tourist centers, with plenty to do all year round. Well-maintained slopes, quality accommodation and program services, as well as fun and varied events ensure that families, groups of friends and business guests can enjoy Tahko. It is easily accessible from anywhere in Finland.

VUOKATTI

The Aateli Island is an island in the middle of Vuokatti’s most spectacular lake and danger scenery. The island is located in Vuokatti on Lake Nuasjärvi, 30 m from the cottage to the beach, 7.2 km by boat from the island to the mainland. On a private island of approximately 1.5 ha is a luxury villa called Frigate. 

 

LEVI

Levi is a fell in Sirkka village in Kittilä municipality. Levi’s peak is 530.3 meters above sea level. Levi is known for its Levi Tourism Center, which is Finland’s largest winter sports center. Levi has 43 ski slopes of varying length and difficulty and is the largest ski school in Finland.

YLLÄS

Yllästunturi on 719,3 metriä korkea tunturi Länsi-Lapissa Kolarin kunnassa. Tunturin kupeessa sijaitsee kaksi kylää – pohjoispuolella Äkäslompolo ja eteläpuolella Ylläsjärvi – jotka molemmat saavat tulonsa pääosin matkailusta

Saariselkä ( the northernmost of Europe )

Saariselkä Outdoor Center is located 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, yet well within reach of even the southernmost of Finland. On the island of Saariselkä you are right at the cove of Urho Kekkonen National Park, enjoying the high-quality and varied services of the center, as well as hiking and cycling trails through the mountains and through the woods.

Saariselkä Sport Resort is the northernmost ski resort in Finland and it is said that there is more sky in the area than elsewhere. You will discover this at the latest while admiring the Northern Lights or the endless dark blue starry sky above.

The Saariselkä snow-covered area has about 200 kilometers of well-maintained trails and 15 slopes on two fells. There are numerous winter activities, both guided and self-guided, such as biking and husky rides.

In summer, the well-marked Hiking Trails of Urho Kekkonen National Park invite you to hike – as well as for a few hours as well as a few weeks. Saariselkä is a popular outdoor destination thanks to its easy access to the fells, unspoilt nature and dense network of cabins. Famous Sights are :

Urho Kekkonen National Park, Kaunispää, Kiilopää, Laanila Gold Route and Ivalojoki Kultala.