The 6 must-see activities to do winter in Finnish Lapland

Enjoy a fairytale world where reality has faded in extreme latitudes. Here are 7 must-see activities to do winter in Finnish Lapland!

Visiting Lapland sounds like a child’s dream. Earth of magic, mysteries and breathtaking phenomena, this distant territory has a quasi mystical aura. Here, the torpor of winter lives in the peace and silence of an untouched nature. The elusive expanses provide a rare feeling of freedom. The landscape is confused with the firmament, the air is pure as ever. It is an enchanting summer destination like winter, hiking shoes and snowshoes, under the sun of midnight or noon. Nevertheless, it is above all an enchanting destination during a winter trip. Do not fear the cold, despite its northernmost territory of Finland, Lapland is swept by a dry cold and the equipment is sized against the -20 degrees.

Although the incredible Northern Lights are often at the heart of motivations, winter experiences in Lapland are much more numerous. Become a musher or a reindeer driver, discover the winter rally, drive a karting on ice, slip on skis or a snowboard are all activities in Lapland that make the stays unforgettable. Zoom in on these experiences in Lapland.

1. Leaving to hunt for Northern Lights

Imagine: the glazed breath, the solar wind. Then, suddenly, dancing ribbons that wave into the stars. Their light is bright, green, sometimes red and violet. This particle ballet on the dark veil of the night gives time another ladder. Suspended. There is no doubt: these are the boreal lights that explode in the cosmos, just above your bahish heads. Few phenomena can compete with the beauty of boreal lights. Let's confess, their trawl arrives in the first place in Lapland.

How to put all your chances on your side to admire them? Already, you must visit Lapland between September and March, when nights are long enough. In fact, the aurora of the Boreals spread throughout the year but are visible only in the dark. In addition, the night sky must be cleared and the weather is mild. The absence of a moon is more conducive to observation.

There are also several applications dedicated to tracking tracking tracking tracking tracking Boreal lights. But your greatest strengths will be your patience and tenacity: from nightfall, stay outside and scroll through the sky. These voluptuous lights can appear and disappear in a fraction of a second. Finally, don’t forget to get well equipped against the cold.

2. Make a dog sled safari

The experience of the train dog in Lapland will probably be one of the most memorable moments of your stay. Smoothing in the wild and figurative white landscapes provides an indescribable feeling. With their eyes of a deep blue and their silky fur, those who are usually Huskies will make you fear for sure. Quick question, they're unbeatable! These animals were born to run. Moreover, their unbridled barking means they want to be part of the race. So hang on, because no Arctic condition can refrehend their desire to tract you.

There are many breeds of sled dogs, from a handful to several hundred animals. The smaller the livestock, the more likely you will fall on real dogs enthusiasts, attentive to the well-being of their animals. The tours are varied: two-hour hikes on a week’s trip across the North.

3. Make a sled safari

What other country than Santa Claus to discover the reindeer and a sleigh ride? Moreover, you can even visit this good old beard man pulled by his reindeer! Even more, this activity in Lapland, respectful of the environment and authentic, plunges you into the lapland culture. You will discover the ancestral mode of displacement of Sami: people from the north of Lapland.

On a walk, between the velvet wooden horns, the landscape of an immaculate splendour defies and the seconds suspend their flight. Take the time to exchange with reindeer breeders to discover their way of life and learn about these fairy-tale animals. Moreover, you will find many reindeer woods for sale in Lapland, a souvenir of the most authentic and original!

4. Skiing Lapland or snow

Visit Lapland while enjoying the joys and sensations of slipping? It is possible. Lapland offers a wide range of ski trails and snow parks, accessible to children as well as to the bits of black trails. One thing in common: the family character and the rest of the lapone stations.

The variety of land is available in 75 different stations. Most of them rise up above the hills, near the Lapland towns and villages. The best known are those of Levi, Ylläs, Pyhä-Luosto and Ruka. In November, the first one also hosts several races of the Ski World Cup and descent of the International Ski Federation. The sliding season starts from October and lasts until early April. This winter paradise enjoys exceptional sunshine conditions and an incomparable sparkling light.

5. Explore Lapland in cross-country skiing or snowshoeing

If the activities offered in Lapland are to delight the skiers and surfers who are addicted to speed, fans of more moderate activities are not left behind. For example, you can indulge yourself in the joys of snowshoes or cross-country skiing, softer and meditative. The trails take place in the splendid winter landscapes, at a rhythm conducive to contemplation and encounter with the discreet fauna.

Open the eye because, behind a powdery mott, a squirrel, rabbits or reindeer could well observe you. In addition to being a unique experience in Lapland, cross-country skiing is a great way to move between villages. For the Sami it was even, like the reindeer sleds for long distances, an essential means of transport.

As for snowshoes, it is also an excellent way to get out of the beaten paths and go on the snowshoes, far too bold on foot. To you the forests and hills still virgin in all human traces.

6. Try the snowmobile

The Arctic winter also gives the weight to be done for pilots in the soul! The last of our activities to do during your visit to Lapland is the snowmobile. The program? Strong sensations, discovery of immaculate landscapes and intense feeling of freedom. Cover your special combination large cold, Activate the trigger on the right hand grip and make a long stretch in the deserted and snowy lapland forest. The gear can climb up to 90 km/h! But even without going so fast, the sensations are very quickly there.

Lapland offers many snowmobile trails and hikes are sometimes coupled to other activities such as frozen lake fishing or tasting a traditional meal, accompanied by a good glass of Glögi. This famous hot wine with spices, traditional from Finland, is also a must To get back to his suitcase. And if you are really addicted to driving, you can even discover the karting on ice or the winter rally. In this case, forget everything you know about driving. On the snow or on the ice, you will spend more time upside down than right on the road.