Breathtaking Natural beauty
Finnish Lapland is truly a natural winter wonderland. We stayed in the small village of Akaslompolo in Lapland and managed to do many adventurous things – most for the first time ever in our lives – which was thrilling and beyond magical. There is something for every type of traveller from the straight-up thrill-seekers to the quite book worms. There is so much to see and do that picking a list of Top 10 is quite tough. But here are my top recommendations.
Experience Magic – see the Aurora Borealis
To be perfectly honest I planned this entire trip for two solid reasons, I wanted to chase the Northern Lights and second – I wanted to escape to a place which was remote, beautiful and experience thick snow and winter in Lapland. Though unfortunately, we didn’t catch the elusive Aurora Borealis we managed to have many wonderful experiences which really fuelled our sense of adventure.
Go Snowshoeing through Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
Even if you are not the adventurous sort, snowshoeing through the national park is not to be missed. We had the most sublime experience as we walked in pitch darkness in a small group, two local Finnish guides and just the light from their headlamps through the pristine white snow. Highlights of this trek being an introduction to Sami culture, an unforgettable meal of reindeer meat cooked on-site in a wilderness hut and our first ever snowshoeing trek.
Relax in a Hot Sauna
Finland is famous for its hot saunas and no trip to Finland is complete with a trip to one. Our eco-friendly hostel has a beautiful sauna which we were lucky enough to have all to ourselves. We literally were the only people in the sauna at the time and it was the most relaxing evening ever. After our snowshoeing adventure through the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park it was a well-earned treat
Stay in Log Cabin
The charm of waking up to see snow all-around your log cabin is something that needs to be experienced. We stayed in a beautiful private log cabin fully equipped with its own kitchenette and en-suite. I can never forget how amazing it was to sit by the window and sip a hot cup of tea while watching the snowfall softly outside – like being inside a snow globe – pure bliss! Curling by a roaring fireplace after sunset and sipping on hot chocolate with a good book for company, soft music playing in the background, its what the holidays are for 🙂
Read my detailed review post about my stay at 7 fells hostel by clicking here
Hop onto a Husky Safari
This is one thing I really wish we had done. But with so many options available this will probably have to wait for our next trip to Lapland. Imagine admiring the breathtaking beauty of Finnish Lapland as you ride a sledge through snow pulled by huskies. You can pick and choose from the many tour companies in Ylläs who offer husky safaris and even combine it with a snowmobile adventure ride.
Hop onto a Reindeer sleigh
Love Christmas? Then the Reindeer Safari is for you! Pretend you riding with Santa while Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer takes you through a magical winter wonderland on a sleigh
Dare to book a ride on a Snowmobile
We saw several groups of tourists who signed up for this activity and watched with envy as they practiced right outside the 7 fells Eco-friendly backpackers hostel. We stayed in a private log cabin at the hostel and spent some time in the lounge chatting with many of the enthusiastic folks who loved their adventure.
Get Adventurous with Winter Biking
Imagine biking through Finnish wilderness under the night sky and stopping to gaze at the Northern Lights if you are lucky. Feel at one with the universe as you listen to the Arctic silence – a very humbling experience. You can book a tour with a local guide who will take you into the winter forest or have the most unforgettable bike ride through the magical Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
Hit the slopes at Ylläs, or Yllästunturi
Ylläs, or Yllästunturi is the highest fell in Lapland with skiing lifts. They have stunning slopes and are extremely popular with tourists. Cross-country skiing is also a very popular option. There are many ski resorts located in close proximity and the local bus from the closest airport at Kitila airport has a regular route passing by within walking distance from the resorts. Closest rail station is at Kolari.
Experience Sami culture
During our snowshoeing hike through Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, our local Finnish guide gave us an introduction to Sami culture. Though it was a very basic peek into this beautiful culture, we really hope someday to meet the Sami and explore their traditions. Maybe visit a reindeer farm, pick berries and enjoy a Sami dinner. Fingers crossed to a visit to Inari village.
* I planned my Finnish Lapland adventure entirely on my own and have paid in full everywhere I have stayed at and eaten at, also for all activities. As always all opinions expressed are as always my own.
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