The only danger of a family break in Lapland, is that after all that snowy beauty and proximity to Santa, subsequent winters at home just won’t cut the cranberry sauce.
Lapland is vast and whether you want a log cabin retreat, a shopping extravaganza or more winter sports than you can shake a ski at, there’s sure to be something for you and the rest of the family.
Where: Lapland covers 150,000 square miles north of the Arctic Circle and spans Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Kola Peninsula of Russia. Budget airlines fly to Helsinki, Oulu, Stockholm, Oslo and Tromso, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deals.
Why: Go there to explore the most remote and stunningly beautiful landscapes you’re ever likely to see, to try your hand at a staggering array of sports and outdoor pursuits, to see the northern lights from some of the best vantage points in the world, and, of course to visit Santa Claus at any time of year.
When: There’s something to see and do all year round. October, February and March are the best times to see the northern lights. February and March are great for dog sledding, whale watching and snow mobiling. Father Christmas makes appearances all year round.
Who: Lapland is home to the Sami people, who have mostly now given up their traditional nomadic lifestyles and live in permanent homes. Some still herd reindeer (there are more reindeer than people) and make a living from fishing. To learn more about them visit the Saamelaismuseo at Inari in Finland, or take a boat to the ancient Sami site of Ukko Island.
Eat: Traditional Lappish fares include reindeer, crayfish, salmon, herring, fish soups and berries. Sour milk pastries are a great accompaniment to coffee.
Buy: Splash out on traditional Sami wares including thick knit jumpers, wooden jewellery and unusual arts and crafts.
holidays by type
Visiting Santa: Make your own way to the Santa Claus village near Rovaniemi, Lapland’s main town. The post office there gets around a million letters a year. Alternatively, various tour operators offer Santa-themed family winter breaks. Santa Trips Online organise day and short breaks with free child places on certain types of bookings. First Choice also have a range of Lapland deals, with whirlwind day trips to meet Santa and five day breaks over Christmas day, including various activities like becoming one of Santa’s little helpers.
The Ice Hotel: Built from scratch each winter from hundreds of tonnes of ice and snow, the captivating Ice Hotel is located in Swedish Lapland’s dense forestry, and includes an ice cinema, and ice chapel, an ice bar and ice sculptures and chandeliers every way you look.
Snow sports: Artic Discovery offers tailor made activity holidays for ski, sled and snow mobile enthusiasts. Breaks can also be combined with visiting Santa and sauna.
Other activities: In case you don't spot them in the wild, visit the Ranua Wildlife Park, 52 miles south of Rovaniemi which has 30 mammal and 30 bird species in natural enclosures, including the shy Finnish moose. Visit the Kalevala Village Theme Park, near Kuhmo, (near the Russian border), which has demonstrations of traditional fishing, tar making and woodcarving. Go on a husky or reindeer safari. Get more inspiration from the various tourist board websites including www.laplandfinland.com and www.scandinavica.com.
If Scandinavia in summer is more your bag, see our feature on the summer solstice.
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites. Images © Lapland Marketing Ltd and www.laplandfinland.com.
