A trip to Lapland is about experiences you can't have at home: gliding through a silent forest behind a team of huskies, a reindeer sleigh under the northern lights, a sauna followed by a dip in a frozen lake, and a plate of sautéed reindeer by the fire. This guide covers the most popular activities, what Lapland food to try, and how to plan everything when you travel with children.
Husky safaris
A husky safari is the activity most visitors remember best. The dogs are excited, noisy and incredibly fast, and once you set off the forest goes quiet apart from the sound of the runners.
How it works: usually two people share a sled. One drives, standing on the runners, and one sits in the sled. You can swap halfway. A short instruction is given first, and no experience is needed.
Length: from short 15-minute rides to half-day and multi-day trips with overnight stays in wilderness cabins.
Tip: choose a farm that lets you meet the dogs and learn how they are cared for. Ask about group sizes and what clothing is provided.
Reindeer safaris and farm visits
Reindeer sleigh rides are slower and calmer than husky rides, so they suit small children and anyone who wants a gentle experience. Many trips include a visit to a reindeer farm, where the herders explain their year and the reindeer's place in northern culture, often including Sámi traditions. A night-time sleigh ride is a lovely way to look for the northern lights.
Snowmobile safaris
Snowmobiles let you cover long distances across frozen lakes and fells. To drive one you need a valid driving licence, and passengers ride behind the driver. Guided safaris follow marked routes. Expect noise, speed and cold wind, so dress warmly and use the balaclava and helmet provided.
More winter activities
Skiing: Levi and Ylläs are Finland's largest ski resorts. Both have long cross-country trail networks as well as downhill slopes.
Snowshoeing: easy to learn and perfect for reaching viewpoints in deep snow.
Ice fishing: drill a hole through the lake ice, wait in the silence, and cook your catch over a fire.
Northern lights hunting: see our northern lights guide.
Sauna and ice swimming
The sauna is at the heart of Finnish life. There are millions of them in a country of 5.6 million people, and almost every hotel and cabin in Lapland has one. The traditional winter ritual is to warm up in the sauna, cool off with a quick dip in a hole cut in the lake ice (avanto) or a roll in the snow, and then go back to the heat.
Try ice swimming at a place with a proper ladder and someone supervising. Go in slowly and stay only a few seconds the first time.
Don't dive in head first, and don't ice swim after drinking alcohol.
Wear wool socks or sauna slippers on the walk between the sauna and the water, because the ground is icy.
If you have heart or blood pressure problems, check with a doctor first.
For sauna etiquette, see our packing, safety and etiquette guide.
Lapland food to try
Sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys): thin slices of reindeer meat cooked slowly with butter, served with mashed potatoes, lingonberries and pickled cucumber. It is the classic Lapland dish.
Salmon soup (lohikeitto): creamy soup with salmon, potatoes and dill. It is perfect after a cold day outside.
Arctic char and whitefish: fresh from the northern lakes, often smoked or fried.
Bread cheese (leipäjuusto): a mild, squeaky baked cheese, traditionally eaten warm with cloudberry jam, or dipped in coffee.
Cloudberries, lingonberries and blueberries: picked wild and used in desserts, jams and juices.
Coffee by the campfire: on many safaris the guide brews coffee or berry juice over an open fire, often with sausages grilled on a stick.
Vegetarian and vegan options are easy to find in Rovaniemi and the big resorts, but more limited in remote places. Mention dietary needs when you book safaris that include meals.
Lapland with children
Pick activities by age. Reindeer rides, short husky rides, sledding and meeting Santa work for small children. Long snowmobile trips usually have a minimum age.
Keep days short. One main activity a day, plus time to play in the snow, is plenty in the cold.
Choose accommodation near your activities to cut down travel time, and book family-friendly cabins with a kitchen and a sauna.
Warm clothing matters even more for children. They lose heat faster. Check fingers and cheeks often, and take warming breaks indoors.
Book early for Christmas and February holidays. Family activities sell out first.
Frequently asked questions
Is a husky safari suitable for children?
Yes. Children ride in the sled while an adult drives. Age limits for driving vary by operator.
Do I need experience for snowmobiling?
No experience is needed on a guided safari, but you need a valid driving licence to drive.
Plan your trip
Put it all together with our Lapland trip planner and 5-day itinerary. Aura Rides is launching transfers in Lapland soon. Until then, we can drive you to the airport from Turku.
