Finland in Winter: A Magical Lapland Guide

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? If so, Finland should be your next calling. Imagine snow-dusted forests, dancing Northern Lights and meeting Santa in his Hometown. Finland in winter is every bit as magical as it looks in the photos. From cozy log cabins and husky safaris to Arctic saunas and reindeer rides, Finnish Lapland is one of the best winter destinations in the world for couples and families.

In this guide, we’ll highlight why Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and “official hometown of Santa Claus”, is the perfect base, how to get there by plane, train and ferry, and the best winter activities to add to your bucket list.

Contents

• Rovaniemi: Gateway to Finnish Lapland
• What Winter in Lapland Is Really Like
• How to Get to Rovaniemi (Flights, Trains & Ferries)
• Top Winter Experiences in Lapland
• More Things to Do in Finland in Winter
• Practical Tips for Your Finland Winter Holiday

Rovaniemi: Gateway to Finnish Lapland

Rovaniemi is the lively capital of Finland’s northernmost region, Lapland. Home to around 60,000 people, it's situated just a few kilometres south of the Arctic Circle and serves as the primary base for Lapland winter holidays. You’ll find modern hotels, restaurants and shops here, as well as easy access to the surrounding wilderness.

The city is famous around the world as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Just outside the centre you’ll find Santa Claus Village, a magical place where you can actually cross the Arctic Circle line, meet Santa 365 days a year and send postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office.

To understand Lapland’s culture and nature more deeply, be sure to visit the Arktikum Museum, which delves into Arctic life, Sámi heritage and the fragile northern environment.

What Winter in Lapland Is Really Like

Winter in Finnish Lapland might be long and cold, but it makes for a memorable holiday. From roughly October to April, temperatures often stay below freezing, and from December to February it’s common to see -10°C to -30°C (14°F to -22°F) on the thermometer. This is exactly what makes Lapland so magical: deep snow, frozen lakes and an almost otherworldly light.

Because Rovaniemi is located so close to the Arctic Circle, you’ll experience the phenomenon of the polar night in mid-winter, when the sun barely rises above the horizon. Instead of bright daylight, you get a soft, blue twilight with pink and golden tones reflecting on the snow.

Climate Snapshot for Winter in Rovaniemi

How to Get to Rovaniemi (Flights, Trains & Ferries)

Even though Lapland feels remote, getting to Rovaniemi is surprisingly easy thanks to good air, rail and ferry connections. Whether you’re traveling from elsewhere in Europe, the UK, North America or Asia, you’ll usually go via Helsinki. You could even visit the Helsinki Christmas Markets before you embark on your trip.

By Air

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is one of Finland’s busiest airports in winter. In peak season there are direct flights from several European cities, and frequent daily flights from Helsinki. Many long-haul travellers fly into Helsinki and connect onward to Rovaniemi in about one hour.

By Train

Travelling by train is a scenic and more sustainable way to reach Lapland. Helsinki to Rovaniemi trains run year-round, typically several times per day, with journey times of around 8 to 9 hours. Overnight sleeper trains are especially popular, allowing you to wake up in Lapland ready for adventure.

By Ferry and Train

If you prefer to avoid flying, you can combine a ferry to Finland with a train journey north:

• Travel by ferry from Travemünde (Germany) to Helsinki, then connect by train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi.
• Arrive by ferry into Western Finland – for example, via Vaasa Port, which connects to Sweden – and continue by train or car towards Lapland.

Ferries are a great option if you’re on a longer Europe road trip or simply want a more relaxed way to start your Finland winter holiday.

Top Winter Experiences in Finnish Lapland

Lapland is one of the best places in the world for winter and Christmas experiences. From meeting Santa to chasing the Northern Lights, here are the highlights you won’t want to miss.

1. Visit Santa Claus Village

In Santa Claus Village, Christmas is celebrated every day of the year. The village sits right on the Arctic Circle and feels like stepping into a festive movie set – log cabins, fairy lights, snowy trees and Christmas music drifting through the air.

• Meet Santa in his office and take a photo together.
• Cross the Arctic Circle line and receive a certificate.
• Send postcards from the official Santa Claus Post Office.
• Browse Lapland souvenirs, local crafts and winter clothing.

Santa Claus Village is easy to reach by local bus or taxi from downtown Rovaniemi and is fun for both kids and grown-ups.

2. Reindeer Encounters & Sleigh Rides

Lapland has more reindeer than people, and visiting a traditional reindeer farm is a must. You can learn about Sámi culture and reindeer herding, feed these calm animals and, in winter, join a magical reindeer sleigh ride through the forest.

Short rides are perfect for families with young children, while longer excursions can take you deep into the snow-covered landscape, often under a starry Arctic sky.

3. Chase the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

One of the biggest reasons people travel to Finland in winter is to see the Northern Lights. In Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland, the aurora season typically runs from late August to April, with peak viewing between about November and March when nights are darkest.

While you can sometimes see the lights right from town, your chances are better on a guided tour that takes you away from light pollution. Popular options include:

• Minibus aurora tours to remote viewpoints.
• Snowshoe or cross-country ski tours under the night sky.
• Aurora camps with traditional Finnish meals and warm shelters.

Remember, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so there are never guarantees – but staying a few nights greatly increases your odds.

4. Husky Safaris & Dog Sledding

Energetic huskies are the heart and soul of many Lapland adventures. On a husky safari, a team of dogs pull your sled through snow-covered forests and frozen rivers while an experienced guide (called a “musher”) leads the way.

Most tours include:

• Safety briefing and basic sled-driving lesson.
• Time to cuddle and photograph the huskies.
• Hot drinks and snacks in a warm hut after the ride.

Short 5 to 10 km rides are great introductions, while full-day expeditions are perfect for adventure-seekers.

5. SantaPark – An Underground Christmas Theme Park

Open during the festive season, SantaPark is an underground Christmas theme park built right under the Arctic Circle. Inside you’ll find:

• Elf school and craft workshops.
• Gingerbread decorating and seasonal shows.
• Ice gallery and wintry photo spots.

It’s a fantastic addition to any Lapland trip with children, especially in November, December and early January when the Christmas spirit is at its peak.

More Things to Do in Finland in Winter

Aside from the classic Christmas experiences, Finnish Lapland offers a wide variety of winter activities and cultural experiences to keep you occupied.

Wildlife Parks & Arctic Animals

Visit a wildlife park to see Arctic animals such as polar bears, lynx, wolverines and owls in spacious enclosures that imitate their natural habitats. These parks are great for learning everything there is to know about northern ecosystems and conservation.

Snow Sports & Snowmobiles

Lapland is a paradise for winter sports. Many resorts around Rovaniemi and beyond offer:

• Skiing and snowboarding for all levels.
• Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails.
• Snowmobile safaris for an adrenaline-filled adventure.

If you want to find out more about skiing in Finland, check out the best ski holidays in Europe and how to get there by ferry.

Horseback Riding & Sleigh Rides

Explore the Arctic Circle on horseback or enjoy a cozy horse-drawn sleigh ride through the forest. In summer, similar routes are used for midnight sun rides; in winter, the snow turns them into a sparkling wonderland.

Finnish Sauna & Ice Dipping

You can't say you've been to Finland without first experiencing an authentic Finnish sauna. Sauna culture is so important here that it’s recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. In Lapland, you’ll find saunas in hotels, cabins and lakeside cottages.

If you're brave enough, try the traditional combo of heating up in the sauna and then taking a quick dip in an ice hole or rolling in the snow.

Practical Tips for a Finland Winter Trip

• Clothing: Dress in layers – thermal base layers, a warm mid-layer and a windproof, waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget insulated boots, hat, scarf and gloves.
• Daylight: In mid-winter, daylight is limited. Plan outdoor activities for the brightest hours and enjoy saunas, museums and cosy dinners in the dark evenings.
• Booking: December to March is peak season in Lapland. Make sure that you book flights, ferries, trains, accommodation and popular tours as early as possible.
• Costs: Finland is not a budget destination, but you can save by travelling a little outside Christmas week, cooking some meals and choosing shared tours instead of private ones.
• Getting around: In and around Rovaniemi you can use local buses, taxis and organised transfers. For more freedom, consider renting a car – but always check winter driving conditions.

Book Your Ferry to Finland

However you choose to travel, a winter holiday in Finnish Lapland is an experience that will live long in the memory. From meeting Santa in his village to husky safaris, Northern Lights tours and traditional Finnish saunas, Finland in winter truly captures the magic of the Arctic. Start your Lapland adventure the easy way — book your ferry tickets to Finland with Direct Ferries today and make your dream winter getaway a reality.