Ever wondered where is Lapland? In this article, we will explain it all to you!
Lapland is a region in northern Europe that spans several countries: northern Norway, northern Sweden, northern Finland, and the Kola Peninsula in Russia.
The majority of the land is located beyond the Arctic Circle. It is also and above all the territory of the Sami, the last indigenous people of Europe.
Lapland makes you dream with its wide-open spaces. In winter, you can experience the polar night – the kaamos with days when the sun does not rise.
In summer, it’s the opposite with endless days with the midnight sun.
Lapland is large and depending on the area, the landscapes are really different.
Lapland map – Location in each countries
Finnish Lapland
Finnish Lapland is a dream destination because of Santa Claus’ village, which makes it quite a tourist destination.
But globally, even if you find places full of tourists, it is often enough to go a few kilometers to find yourself in the middle of nature.
On the Finnish side, the landscape is particularly flat.
Almost all of the relief is in the northwest (close to the Norwegian mountains) on the territory of Enontekiö, in the tongue of land wedged between Norway and Sweden.
During the winter the temperature is on average -10°c. The territory is dotted with thousands of lakes.
During the winter, they are frozen and allow the tracing of many trails: for cross-country skiing, snowmobiles, dog sledding, hiking, ephemeral car circuits, etc.
It is also possible to break through the ice to fish. You will come across reindeer (many), foxes, rock ptarmigan, and elk.
Popular cities
- Rovaniemi : if you want to visit Santa Claus in his village. It is a very touristy destination, it is a good option for a first trip and if you don’t want to rent a car. There is absolutely everything on the spot and the activities are well developed here.
You can learn more about Rovaniemi in our article: https://nomadeveryday.com/travel/things-to-do-in-rovaniemi/ - Levi: This is the popular ski resort in Finnish Lapland. Finns like to come here for the weekend. If you are looking for a nature vacation but also want to enjoy the nightlife, Levi is the place for you.
- Inari / Ivalo: If you want to go north, Inari and Ivalo are good options. It is an area that I recommend very often especially for the observation of the Northern Lights.
Norwegian Lapland
Norway has something magical with its many fjords. You will find in Norwegian Lapland landscapes very different from Finnish or Swedish Lapland.
Here, you won’t really find the big fir trees full of snow like on the postcards but fjords, the sea, and milder temperatures along the coast.
Inland, it is colder. The landscapes are white, with few trees in some places. We are in the heart of the tundra.
On the Norwegian side, the relief is uneven: mountains, glaciers, and fjords draw the coast and go up along the country.
Temperatures are surprisingly ″soft″ for these latitudes: the gulf-stream that runs along the coast is the reason.
During the winter, temperatures do not go below -9°c.
Popular cities
- Tromsø and its islands: Tromso is a city quite famous for the observation of the northern lights. And it is true that its privileged location allows to have a clear sky very often.
- The Lofoten Islands: The Lofoten Islands is a rather exceptional place. For the lovers of photography, it is an ideal destination because the landscapes are diversified. There are nice spots to photograph the Northern Lights too, which makes it a very nice place if you want to make interesting pictures.
Swedish Lapland
Contrary to its Finnish neighbor, Swedish Lapland is less popular at the moment.
Not that it is less good but simply because the region has not launched major communication campaigns to attract tourists.
In Swedish Lapland, there are large white forests, wide-open spaces for winter activities -sled dogs, snowmobiles, etc.
Popular cities
- Kiruna: There are plenty of places to stay and activities to do around Kiruna. It is a convenient destination that combines nature and cultural activities. You can also visit the famous Ice Hotel
- Abisko and its national park: You can find all the classic activities here. Abisko is known for its observatory to see the northern lights – aurora sky station
Is Lapland part of Sweden or Finland?
Lapland is a region located in both countries, Sweden and Finland.
In the broadest sense, Lapland refers to the country of the Sami people.
It is then a European boreal region, located north of the Scandinavian peninsula – in the north of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and north of the Kola peninsula in Russia.
What country is Santa’s Lapland in?
Rovaniemi is the official town of Santa Claus it is located in Finland.
Santa’s Village is located at the Arctic Circle, 8 km north of the center of Rovaniemi, Santa’s Official City.
Now that you know where Lapland is and is ready to prepare your next trip, we’ve prepared for you a list of what to pack for your winter trip in our article: https://nomadeveryday.com/travel/what-to-pack-for-lapland/
Is it possible to visit Lapland?
Yes, it is possible to visit Lapland. Lapland is a region that spans across Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, and each country has its own entry requirements for tourists.
Visitors must have a valid passport and may need to obtain a visa depending on their country of origin.
It’s important to check the visa requirements for each country you plan to visit in Lapland before booking your trip.
Additionally, travelers should research the current COVID-19 restrictions in each country to ensure that they can enter and travel safely.
With proper planning and research, a visit to Lapland can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers stunning natural beauty and unique cultural experiences.
What is Lapland most famous for?
Lapland, also known as Sápmi, is most famous for its stunning natural beauty, including the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, which are visible during the winter months.
Lapland is also renowned for its unique indigenous culture, which has been preserved for thousands of years by the Sami people.
Visitors can experience traditional Sami food, crafts, and even reindeer herding, which is still an important way of life for many Sami families.
Additionally, Lapland offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowmobiling in the winter to hiking and fishing in the summer, making it a popular year-round destination.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Lapland has something for everyone.
What is the best time to visit Lapland?
The best time to visit Lapland depends on what you want to experience during your trip.
If you’re looking to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights, then the winter months from November to March are the best time to visit.
During this time, the days are shorter, and the nights are longer, providing ample opportunity to see the spectacular light show.
However, if you want to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing, then the summer months from June to August are the best time to visit.
The weather is milder, and the days are longer, providing plenty of daylight for outdoor adventures.
The autumn months from September to October are also a great time to visit Lapland, as the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and gold, and the temperatures are cool but comfortable.
Keep in mind that Lapland can be crowded during peak seasons, so it’s important to book accommodations and activities in advance.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Lapland depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trip.
