Some destinations you visit, and some destinations stay with you forever. Finnish Lapland in winter belongs firmly to the latter. As a travel professional, I’ve planned countless trips to Finland—but experiencing it myself was something truly extraordinary. From the refined charm of Helsinki to the snow-laden silence of the Arctic north, this journey felt like stepping into a living winter fairytale.
My Finnish winter adventure began in Helsinki, a city that wears snow with effortless elegance. Despite the cold, the city feels warm thanks to its cafés, friendly locals, and beautiful Nordic design.
I explored Senate Square and admired the majestic Helsinki Cathedral, glowing softly against the pale winter sky. Shopping along Esplanadi was a delight Scandinavian fashion, Finnish design brands, and cozy winter accessories everywhere. One evening, I experienced my first traditional Finnish sauna, followed by a quick dash into the cold air. It was invigorating, surreal, and absolutely addictive. I instantly understood why saunas are such an essential part of Finnish life.
A short flight north took me to Rovaniemi, the heart of Finnish Lapland and the official gateway to the Arctic Circle. The moment I stepped outside, I was greeted by thick snow, pine forests, and a magical stillness.
My first night was dedicated to aurora hunting. Wrapped in thermal gear, I ventured into the wilderness with expert guides. And then it happened. Green waves of light danced across the sky. No photograph does justice to seeing the Northern Lights in person. It was emotional, humbling, and unforgettable.
The next day was pure joy. I visited Santa Claus Village, crossed the Arctic Circle line, and met Santa himself. It didn’t matter that I’m an adult there was something genuinely heartwarming about the experience. Sending postcards from the Arctic Post Office and shopping for Lapland souvenirs added to the charm.
Lapland adventures are incomplete without meeting its iconic animals. I went on a thrilling husky sled ride, gliding through frozen forests as the huskies ran with boundless energy. The silence, broken only by their paws on snow, was magical.
Equally memorable was the reindeer sleigh ride, led by Sámi herders who shared stories about their traditions and Arctic life. It felt timeless like stepping into an ancient way of living.
From Rovaniemi, I traveled further north to Sariselka, a peaceful winter retreat surrounded by untouched wilderness. This is where one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life awaited a glass igloo stay.
Lying in bed, wrapped in warmth, I watched the Arctic sky. That night, the Northern Lights appeared again, visible right from my igloo. Watching auroras dance above you while lying comfortably indoors is something I recommend to every traveler it’s pure magic.
Days here were slow and soulful. Snow-covered trails, crisp air, and the feeling of being far away from the world made Sariselka incredibly special.
My final stop was Ivalo, a charming Arctic village that felt authentic and untouched. Life here moves at a gentler pace. I explored local shops, picked up handmade souvenirs, and enjoyed another Finnish sauna experience, this time followed by a brave walk in the snow.
Evenings were reserved for quiet reflection and one last attempt at aurora spotting. Standing under a star-filled Arctic sky in absolute silence is an experience I’ll always cherish.
Winter transforms Finland into something magical. From vibrant city life in Helsinki to the serene Arctic wilderness of Lapland, every place had its own story to tell. Aurora hunting, husky and reindeer rides, glass igloos, saunas, shopping, and meeting Santa Claus each experience felt authentic and deeply moving.
As a travel agent who has now lived this journey, I can confidently say: Finnish Lapland in winter isn’t just a holiday it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And once you’ve seen the Northern Lights dance above the Arctic Circle, a part of your heart will always remain in Finland.