Snow-covered forests, reindeer, long nights and the northern lights: that is the picture most people have of Lapland. Before you book, though, it helps to know that Lapland is not a country, and that its regions suit very different kinds of trips. Choosing between Rovaniemi, Levi and Saariselkä decides which airport you fly into, where you sleep, what you do and how much time you spend on the road. This Lapland travel guide focuses on Finnish Lapland and explains how to build a holiday around the season, the people travelling and the budget.
Direct flights from Israel to Lapland in winter 2027: according to information given to Flight Hunter, the flights will operate to Rovaniemi (RVN) only, from late January to the end of March 2027. That makes Rovaniemi the arrival point and the main base for the winter itinerary suggested below. Exact dates and availability are listed on the direct flights to Lapland page. Book through Flight Hunter.
Lapland at a glance
| Question | Short answer for planning |
|---|---|
| Which country is Lapland in? | This guide covers the region of Lapland in northern Finland. The Sámi cultural area also stretches across Norway, Sweden and Russia. |
| Where should first-timers stay? | Rovaniemi for a mix of attractions and services; Levi for a ski holiday; Saariselkä and Inari for nature and local culture. |
| When to come for snow? | Winter is the relevant season. When activities actually start depends on real snow conditions. |
| When can you see the northern lights? | From late August until spring, on dark, clear nights. Nobody can promise a sighting on a given trip. |
| How many days? | A suggestion: 5-7 days for a first visit with a single base. A multi-region route needs more. |
| Which currency? | Finnish Lapland uses the euro. |
In this guide: Where is Lapland | When to go | Where to stay | Getting there | Things to do | Northern lights | With kids | Budget | Suggested itinerary | FAQ
Where is Lapland, and is it a country?
Lapland is not an independent country. In Finland it is the northernmost region, with Rovaniemi as its best-known urban centre. The name is also used more loosely when people talk about northern Europe. Sápmi, the homeland of the Sámi people, runs across northern Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia, and those cultural boundaries do not match the borders of the Finnish region.
For travellers the takeaway is simple: when a package says “Lapland”, check which country and which town it actually means. Rovaniemi and Levi are not the same place, and a trip to northern Norway is not a Finnish Lapland itinerary. The differences affect currency, airports and transfer times.
Lapland is not the North Pole either. Parts of it lie on and above the Arctic Circle, which is why day length swings so sharply between summer and winter. The further north you go, the longer the stretches of light and darkness last.
When is the best time to visit Lapland?
Pick the experience first and the month second. A holiday built around sleds and snow needs different conditions from a summer hiking trip or an autumn aurora hunt. Weather also varies between Rovaniemi and the far north, so a general seasons chart is no substitute for checking your exact destination.
| Period | What people come for | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| September and October | Autumn colours, nature and nights dark enough to look for the northern lights | Do not count on a snow sled safari. Check which tours run in the shoulder season. |
| November and December | Early winter and a wintry atmosphere in Rovaniemi | Snow and opening dates are not guaranteed on a fixed day; daylight hours are short. |
| January and February | Winter activities, skiing and long nights | Serious cold, the right gear and how long children spend outdoors. |
| March and early April | Longer days combined with snow activities, conditions permitting | End-of-season dates differ between areas and operators. |
| Summer | Hiking, lakes, cycling and bright nights | A different experience from a winter holiday; the light nights are no good for aurora viewing. |
Polar night and midnight sun, explained
In winter, in the northern areas, the sun can stay below the horizon for a period. That does not mean pitch-black darkness around the clock, because twilight can still light up the landscape. In summer the picture flips, and in the right areas the sun does not set for a while. You cannot apply one number of dark or light days to the whole of Lapland.
If you want plenty of time for outdoor activities, compare daylight hours for your travel dates. If you are coming mainly for the aurora, darkness is necessary but does not guarantee a sighting on its own.
Where to stay in Lapland: comparing the areas
| Area | Best for | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Rovaniemi | First visits, families, and combining attractions with city services | Choose between the centre and somewhere out of town depending on how much you want to rely on transfers. |
| Levi | Skiing and a winter holiday with a resort centre and services | Check the distance to the slopes, equipment rental and lessons. |
| Ylläs | Skiing, trails and nature in western Lapland | The exact village and access to the trails matter more than the general name of the area. |
| Saariselkä | Outdoor activities and the landscapes of northern Lapland | Check tour pick-ups and transport from the hotel. |
| Inari | Sámi culture, lakes and northern nature | A good base if you want to include the Siida museum and slow the pace down. |
Rovaniemi: an easy base for a first trip
Rovaniemi lets you combine a city centre, museums and tours out of town. Staying there saves you from planning a long route just to sample a few winter experiences. One caveat: accommodation marketed as “Rovaniemi” can be a long way from the centre. Check the address, driving times and pick-up costs before you book.
Levi and Ylläs: when skiing is a big part of the holiday
Both are solid options for a ski trip. Beginners should plan lessons and equipment together with the accommodation, and check in advance which slopes and services suit their level. If only some of the family ski, find out what the others can do nearby in the meantime.
Saariselkä and Inari: nature and culture in the north
Here you can build a trip with nature and local culture at its heart. Saariselkä is a base for outdoor activities, while Inari is closely associated with Sámi culture. The distances call for planning, so do not tack this area on as an automatic day trip from a short stay in Rovaniemi.
Getting to Lapland: which airport to choose
There is no single airport called “Lapland”. You choose one according to where you are staying. A flight that looks like a bargain can lead to a long, expensive transfer if you land far from your accommodation.
| Airport | Code | Areas it serves |
|---|---|---|
| Rovaniemi | RVN | Rovaniemi and surroundings |
| Kittilä | KTT | Levi and Ylläs |
| Ivalo | IVL | Saariselkä and Inari |
For travellers from Israel in winter 2027: the planned direct flights go to Rovaniemi only, from late January to the end of March 2027, according to information given to Flight Hunter. Kittilä and Ivalo appear here as general planning information and are not destinations of the direct flights from Israel in this programme. If you want to continue to Levi, Ylläs, Saariselkä or Inari, plan the transfer from Rovaniemi and the driving time separately. On the direct flights to Lapland page you can check departure and return dates, prices, baggage and fare conditions. Do not read the general seasons table in this guide as meaning that direct flights from Israel run in every month of the year.
If you are combining the trip with Helsinki, you can also continue north on a domestic flight or by train. VR runs night trains to Rovaniemi, Kolari and Kemijärvi. The train works well for a combined itinerary, but remember to check the transfer from the destination station to your hotel too.
Things to do in Lapland: the main attractions and experiences
Husky sledding
A husky tour can mean a farm visit, a short ride or a longer trail. Compare the time actually spent on the sled, not just the total length of the activity. Ask whether a guide drives or participants get to try it themselves, what the age limits are and how children are seated. It is also worth asking about how the dogs are cared for, the breaks they get and how tours are adapted to the weather.
Meeting the reindeer
Reindeer are a familiar part of the landscape and the culture here. At an organised farm you can learn about them and sometimes join a sleigh ride, depending on the season and the operator. It suits anyone looking for a gentler pace, though you should still check how long you will be outside. Do not feed or approach free-roaming reindeer without guidance.
Snowmobiles
Before booking a safari, ask about driving licence requirements, the minimum age for drivers, the excess you pay in case of damage and how children are carried. Conditions vary between routes and operators. Do not assume that everyone in the group can drive, or that a child will necessarily sit behind a parent. Check whether the price includes winter gear and transfers.
Skiing, snowshoeing and playing in the snow
You do not have to be a skier to enjoy a Lapland winter. A taster lesson, a guided snowshoe walk or simply time playing near your accommodation, where it is allowed and safe, all count. When choosing a trail, make sure it is meant for winter walking. A summer path is not necessarily suitable once the snow arrives, and you should not walk on groomed ski tracks without checking the rules.
Santa Claus Village and crossing the Arctic Circle
Santa Claus Village is a well-known tourist site near Rovaniemi, with visitor areas, shops and photo spots. It fits easily into a day out even if it is not the focus of your holiday. Check separately what is included in a visit and what costs extra; nearby snow attractions run according to their own seasons and conditions.
Arktikum, Pilke and local culture
Arktikum, a museum and science centre in Rovaniemi, deals with the north and life in the Arctic. Pilke focuses on forests. Both are good for an indoor day or a break from outdoor activities. Further north, the Siida museum in Inari presents Sámi culture and the relationship between people and their environment. Where you can, choose visits that present the culture through local institutions and makers.
Ranua Wildlife Park
Ranua shows Arctic animals and makes a possible day trip out of Rovaniemi. The visit involves walking outdoors, so plan around the cold, the state of the paths and what the children can manage. Check which animals and activities are available at the time of your visit and how to get there.
Korouoma and Riisitunturi: nature beyond the city circuit
Korouoma canyon is known, among other things, for waterfalls that freeze in winter. In Riisitunturi National Park, in the right season, you can see trees weighed down with snow and frost. These are nature destinations that require gear and planning, not casual photo stops. Check trail conditions, parking, daylight hours and access. If you have no experience of winter hiking, a guided tour is worth considering.
The northern lights in Lapland: when and how to look for them
The viewing season usually runs from late August until spring, as long as the nights are dark enough. Seeing the aurora takes a combination of solar activity, clear skies and darkness. Staying far north or booking a tour does not guarantee it will appear.
Keep a few evenings free and look for a spot with little artificial light and an open horizon, somewhere safe and permitted. Local cloud cover matters as much as the aurora forecast. Do not rely on a single index in an app, and do not set off on a long drive without checking the roads and the weather. For a sense of what a good night can look like, see nature photographer Miki Shpitzer’s northern lights photos from Iceland.
Is a northern lights tour worth booking?
A tour can help with choosing a viewing point and with transport, especially if you are not driving in winter. Compare group size, time on location, how far the tour travels, the winter gear provided and the policy if it is cloudy. A commercial “aurora guarantee” calls for reading the small print: it may refer to a second tour or a photo, not a full refund.
Photographing the aurora versus what the eye sees
A camera can bring out colours through a long exposure, so a photo does not always reflect the intensity you will see with your own eyes. Start in night mode, stabilise the device and keep the flash off. Bring a spare battery or a power bank and keep them protected from the cold. And try not to spend the whole evening staring at a screen.
Hotel, cabin or glass igloo: how to choose accommodation
A central hotel suits anyone who wants easy access to restaurants and pick-up points. An apartment or a cabin with a kitchen lets you cook and stay together in a family space. Remote accommodation means checking transport, shopping and how you get to tours, however impressive the view looks in the photos.
A glass igloo or a cabin with a panoramic window can be a special part of the trip. Before you pay, check privacy, toilet and shower, bedrooms, heating and location. A transparent roof does not guarantee northern lights. One way to save: compare a single special night combined with regular accommodation for the rest of the trip, instead of booking the whole week in the same type of room.
Lapland with kids: planning a comfortable holiday
Build each day around one main activity, with breaks somewhere warm. A day that looks short on paper can include a transfer, gear fitting, a briefing and waiting outside. With toddlers, give priority to flexibility and being close to the hotel over a schedule of several long tours in a row.
- Check age and height limits for every activity, and how children are driven or seated.
- Ask whether suits and boots are available in the right size, and whether gear is included in the price.
- Mix short snow play and an indoor visit between longer activities.
- Check real-world stroller access: snow and ice can make things hard even where there is a path.
- Do not build the whole holiday around a late-night aurora tour. Look at a short tour, an early slot or splitting supervision between the adults.
Rovaniemi can make it easier to combine experiences and services on a first visit. A family coming mainly to ski might look at a base in the Levi area. These are planning suggestions; the right choice depends on your children’s habits and the activities you book.
What to wear in Lapland in winter
Dressing in layers lets you adjust between being outside and being somewhere heated: a base layer that manages moisture, an insulating layer and an outer layer suited to cold and wind. Add proper trousers, something to cover your head and ears, gloves and insulated boots. Clothes and shoes that are too tight make it harder to stay comfortable.
Ask the tour company what gear it provides and whether it is available only during the activity. Safari gear is not necessarily the answer for an evening walk in town. You can also look into renting winter clothing instead of buying expensive items for one-off use.
Pack spare socks and gloves, sunglasses for bright days and a small bag you can handle with gloves on. Before heading out, check the forecast for your own town and the operator’s instructions. Deep cold is possible in winter, so the length of the activity and the wind matter no less than the number on the thermometer.
Getting around Lapland: do you need a car?
You can plan a trip without a car if you choose accessible accommodation and tours that include pick-up, and cover the airport run with a suitable transfer. Check pick-up from your exact address, not just from the town. At the end of the trip, make sure the transfer back fits your flight time.
A car gives flexibility, but driving on snow and ice means adapting to the conditions. Anyone without that experience should compare transfers and tours too. If you do rent, ask about winter equipment, insurance, starting and parking instructions and road conditions. Do not plan driving times at dry-road pace.
How much does a Lapland trip cost, and where can you save?
No single price describes this destination. The budget is set by the season, the number of travellers, the type of accommodation and, above all, the activities. To compare a package with an independent trip, work out the total price for the same number of nights and the same experiences.
| Budget item | What to include in the comparison |
|---|---|
| Flight | Baggage, seat selection, a connection if there is one, and getting to the right airport |
| Accommodation | Room configuration, meals, kitchen and transfers from the location |
| Activities | Time of the activity itself, gear, pick-up and child rates |
| Transport | Airport transfers, rides to tours, or a car and parking |
| Gear and food | Clothing rental, groceries and meals that are not included |
To keep costs down, compare several dates, pick a handful of key experiences and leave time for nature and snow play. Look at accommodation with a kitchen, and check carefully whether a remote hotel really saves money once transfers are added. There is no need to pre-book two similar versions of the same activity just because they are described differently.
Food and practical information
In the resort centres you can combine restaurants and shopping, but in a remote cabin it pays to stock up in advance. Make sure the kitchen is equipped for cooking and not just for making drinks. The currency in Finnish Lapland is the euro; check card fees and payment options at your accommodation and on tours.
If you need kosher food, do not assume that a restaurant or a meal on a tour is suitable. Arrange it in advance and verify it with a competent authority as needed. Shabbat-observant travellers should choose accommodation where they can comfortably stay put, and ask ahead about room entry, meals and other arrangements. When booking flights, make sure the times do not involve departing or landing on Shabbat.
Before you travel, check the current entry requirements for Finland and your travel documents. If you plan to ski or join a motorised activity, ask the operator and your insurer directly about participation terms and the right cover.
A suggested 6-day Lapland itinerary based in Rovaniemi
This is a framework for a winter holiday, not a rigid package. Swap the days around according to the forecast, snow conditions and flight times, and leave room for changes, especially with children.
- Day 1 – arrival and settling in: transfer to the hotel, picking up gear and shopping. Avoid an expensive activity that depends on arriving without delays.
- Day 2 – getting to know Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village for those who want it, or a museum and a walk around town. In the evening, try for the aurora if conditions allow.
- Day 3 – husky experience: a tour sized to suit your group, followed by rest time with nothing else booked straight after.
- Day 4 – nature or wildlife: choose between Ranua and a planned nature outing. Do not string distant places together just to fit more in.
- Day 5 – a winter activity of your choice: reindeer, a ski lesson or a suitable safari. Keep the evening flexible for another go at the northern lights.
- Day 6 – loose ends and home: a short activity near the hotel if flight times allow, returning gear and the transfer to the airport.
With four days, stick to one base and two or three experiences. With a week or more you can consider moving to a second area, but only after working out the transfer times. An independent trip suits people who want to set their own pace and activities; an organised package can bundle accommodation, transport and guiding. Either way, compare what is actually included. For more cold-season ideas closer to home, see our piece on European cities that are better in winter.
Mistakes to avoid when booking a Lapland holiday
- Booking a flight before choosing where to stay.
- Assuming the whole of Lapland has the same snow conditions and daylight hours.
- Comparing tours by their headline without checking time on the sled, gear and pick-up.
- Planning three tours in a day with no time to warm up and change clothes.
- Booking remote accommodation without checking how you will get to food and activities.
- Relying on a single evening for the northern lights, or on a vague promise.
- Buying gear before finding out what can be rented and what a tour includes.
Lapland FAQ
Is Lapland in Finland or Sweden?
The Finnish region of Lapland is in northern Finland. The name is also used in broader contexts across northern Europe. This guide is about Finnish Lapland.
When is there snow in Lapland?
Winter is the season for snow activities. The point at which enough snow has built up changes by area and by year, so check conditions at your destination and for your activity before booking.
Can you see the northern lights in summer?
Lapland’s bright summer nights are not dark enough for normal viewing. For an aurora holiday, aim for the season when nights are dark, from late summer to spring.
Do you need a car in Lapland?
Not necessarily. You can choose an accessible hotel and tours with transfers. Remote accommodation or a multi-region route requires more detailed transport planning.
Is Lapland suitable for young children?
A family holiday is perfectly doable with adapted activities, the right clothing and breaks. Check the participation terms for each child on each tour separately.
How many days do you need in Lapland?
For a first visit, 5-7 days is a good suggestion, mostly in one area. If you are coming only for a weekend, cut down the number of experiences and journeys.
When and where will direct flights from Israel to Lapland operate in 2027?
According to information given to Flight Hunter, the flights will go to Rovaniemi only, from late January to the end of March 2027. For exact dates and booking options, go to the direct flights to Lapland page on Flight Hunter. Availability and prices change.
Sources for planning and checking before you travel
The information was checked in October 2026 against official tourism sources. The itinerary and suggestions in this guide are editorial recommendations by Flight Hunter. Opening hours, prices and activity conditions should be checked for your travel dates.
- Visit Finland – Finnish Lapland and information on Sámi culture.
- Visit Rovaniemi – seasons, northern lights and attractions in the area.
- Finavia – airports in northern Finland and VR – trains to Lapland.
- Destination sites for Levi, Ylläs and Lapland North, and the Siida museum.
- What to wear in Finland in winter and official winter hiking information.
Photo credits: Pixabay. Illustrative images.
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