Lapland Vacations, Finland

Lapland is the name of a region in north Europe that belongs to Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia and it is traditionally inhabited by the Sami people. Today the northernmost province of Finland officially carries the name Lapland. Similarly, the northernmost province in Sweden, although administratively subdivided between two counties, carries the name Lapland. Lapland is located in Northern Europe and includes the northern parts of Scandinavia and the Kola Peninsula in Russia.

The Swedish Lapland is known as Europe's "Last Great Wilderness" and it is situated close to the Arctic Circle having stunning views and beautiful un-spoilt countryside. It's one of the most un-spoilt areas on earth with high mountains, open plateaus, forests, rivers and waterfalls. Most rivers till run free from the mountains to the sea, following channels cut ten thousand years ago by the melting inland ice. The enormous forest areas are sparsely populated, but there are plenty of wild animals such as moose, bear, Reindeer, wolf and land birds. Sea and river fisheries abound in the region. Steamers are operated on some of the lakes, and a few ports are ice-free throughout the year.

The coastline of Lapland is very attractive with its bays, long sandy beaches and picturesque villages. It is impossible not to be fascinated by the 300 km seacoast and the archipelago of hundreds of islands. When the surface of the sea is covered in ice an exciting new landscape is created.

If you are looking for a natural peaceful and beautiful place to spend your holiday you can explore this land of legends and nature in whichever way you choose.

The tourists can enjoy a sub artic climate with extreme temperature variations. It is mild in the summer with temperatures reaching 20C and a snowland in winter with -30C in the coldest months. The natural phenomena and culture are an attraction during all the seasons.

In the summer the sun does not set and doesn't rise in mid-winter and that's why Lapland is called the Land of the Midnight Sun. The winter starts in November when the sun barely rises over the horizon and the first blanket of snow covers the land. One of the most interesting phenomena during winter is the Aurora Borealis - the Northern Lights which is nature's most beautiful light show, with quickly changing colours, power and changing form. It is said that the strongest and brightest of the Northern Lights will give as much light as the moon.

The spring comes with melting ice. In spring the sun hangs low over the horizon, casting light day and night and the elongated days make it the perfect place for al-fresco activities. Between June and the first half of July the sun does not actually set.

As a tourist you can enjoy in Lapland different activities such as mountain climbing, hiking, and alpine skiing, some by fishing by a quiet woodland pool. You can snuggle under reindeer skins in a dogsled and watch the magical dance of the Northern Lights across the heavens. For the ones with a passion for fishing, ice fishing or Nordic touring are good options. The coast offers you great options like a secret cove with a shallow water beach. You can paddle a kayak silently from one island to another or enjoy a swim under the Midnight Sun.

If you are looking for a special Christmas Holiday you can try the famous Santa Claus village, near the town of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. It is an enchanting winter wonderland where you and your family can go in search of Santa Claus. Enjoy husky and reindeer sleigh rides and enjoy all the sparkle of an old-fashioned Christmas.

Another special attraction is the village made of ice: Jukkasjarvi with its Ice Hotel has been re-built every year since 1989. As the hotel melts in the summer and is rebuilt in the winter, it is never more than six months old. Inside the hotel you will find an art gallery, ice bar, cinema and chapel. The Ice Church is a consecrated room of snow and ice in which church services, weddings and christenings take place. Naturally Lapland is famous for dog-sleigh and snowmobile safaris, amazing adventures in the arctic wilderness.

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Things To Do and See in Lapland

Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, Lapland
Attraction type: Amusement/theme park

SantaPark, Rovaniemi, Lapland
Attraction type: Amusement/theme park

Arctic Centre and Regional Museum of Lapland, Rovaniemi, Lapland
Attraction type: History museum; Architectural building

Santa Claus Offices, Rovaniemi, Lapland
Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest

Pyha, Pelkosenniemi, Lapland
Attraction type: Ski area