Magical Lapland

Well, what can I say about our trip to Lapland? My wife and I had a fantastic time, even though it was March. There was plenty of snow on the ground, and staying at Santa Claus’ Village for a couple of nights was magical. The price was magical too versus the peak November and December costs.

It was a four-night trip and we started our adventure with a night in Rovaniemi. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting the place to be so small! I’m glad we only stayed in the centre of the city for one night as we’d pretty ticked off everything to do there in a couple of hours. If you’re coming to Lapland and choose Rovaniemi as your base, please consider some hotels out of the centre as you will get bored fairly quickly otherwise.

We chose one night at Hostel Café Koti, which was great. The breakfast was solid enough and the room was exactly what we needed for the night. We arrived in Rovaniemi in the evening and ventured out to find somewhere for dinner once we’d checked in. Something I must recommend you do here – book somewhere to eat in advance. Everyone loves to eat out here and the restaurants are packed. After wandering around trying to find somewhere, we managed to grab a spot for dinner at 9pm at Restaurant Nili, which serves up amazing local food. Great food, great décor, great service. I won’t spoil it by telling you what we had to eat, but we chose the surprise menu. I can’t recommend it highly enough if you want to sample some local delicacies.

Day two saw us get picked up by the guys over at the Arctic SnowHotel, which was where we were staying for our second night out of four. It’s 20 Euros per person to have them pick you up from the centre of Rovaniemi. We didn’t hire a car, so it was our only option. You can’t get a local bus there. It’s about a 30-minute drive north of the city. We arrived at the snow hotel just after lunch and were greeted by a stunning masterpiece. They build this place in three weeks and it is truly stunning. And cold. You can either pay to stay in a glass igloo or take the authentic route and stay in a room made of snow and ice. We chose the latter, and what an experience it was. We were given a free tour of the place when we arrived so that we knew where everything was – from your room and the toilers to the sauna and the restaurants, the guide covered everything quickly and was on hand to answer any questions.

If you want to see the Northern Lights, this is the place to stay, it really is. It’s in the middle of nowhere, which is perfect for Aurora as there’s no light pollution. We were treated to the lights dancing in the sky for hours! We were very lucky. We’ve seen some fantastic Northern Light activity in Tromso in the past, but this night blew our experience there out of the water. Greens and pinks were everywhere above us in the night sky. It was such an amazing experience.

The rooms are all unique, with different ice sculptures in each one. There’s even an 18+ only room. You can guess what the ice sculptures in there are all about. Before you go to bed, you need to grab a sleeping bag and a blanket from the locker room, which is where you put all of your other stuff. If you took any of it in with you to the room, it could get very damp and wet. I did leave my phone in the room, which was fine, but I also left my watch on the side and the battery died. So only take things to your room that you absolutely can’t do without until the morning. If you haven’t seen the Northern Lights by the time you go to bed, you can choose to receive an Aurora alarm. This is where someone wakes you up if they spot the lights in the sky overnight. You can also get an early wake-up call for a hot drink. Hot berries essentially. It was lovely.

Once we’d survived a night in the freezing cold, we enjoyed the morning wandering around, which was so nice and peaceful. There’s a huge frozen lake where you can walk for miles. Well, not miles, a couple of miles. But it’s completely safe and you and the sound of just your footsteps is so relaxing. It’s a must-do when you’re there. Although we went out of peak season - it might not be as peaceful and relaxing if you went in November or December.

Our final two nights of the holiday were at Santa Claus Village, which is just outside the city centre and not far from the airport. A taxi back to the airport from there was less than 10 Euros. Bargain. We stayed in one of the cottages, which came with its own sauna! Wonderful. Our time was spent doing lots of walking, meeting Santa, visiting his post office, crossing the Arctic Circle and much more. It felt like a mini Disneyland, so you have an idea of the cost. It’s not cheap, but then again Lapland isn’t meant to be a cheap trip abroad. If you’re going to do this, you need to go all in and do it properly. Enjoy everything about it and don’t worry about the cost. If you’re on a budget though, I probably wouldn’t recommend Lapland. You can absolutely do it on a budget, but I don’t think you’d enjoy it.

One thing that stood out for me about the trip happened on our final night. We chose to do an excursion where we were floating in a river for an hour. Honestly, it was one of the best things we’ve ever done. You might be wondering what’s so great about floating in a freezing river. Everything. You get kitted up in a waterproof suit and you just float for as long as you want and look up at the stars. It’s incredibly tranquil and I could have stayed there all night if I could. If you’re a fan of adventurous activities, stick this on your list. It’s a must.

I wanted to keep these blogs short and sweet. Mainly because I don’t have the time to write 10,000 words on every adventure I go on. I could do though, believe me. I wish I did have the time. This is why the blog is just a side thing and not a full travel blog website. Anyway, go to Lapland! Why pay silly money for Lapland UK when you go to the real place for a similar price? Do it, you won’t regret it. But I would say that it’s probably a place to do as a one-off. It is for me anyway. There are far too many places in the world to explore. Lapland isn’t just Rovaniemi and the surrounding area either. There’s so much more of it that I didn’t see. I will be back to Lapland, just not Rovaniemi. Unless I have kids, which I don’t have. Yet. So maybe one day I’ll be back.

It took me long enough to write this, so apologies if you wanted more. I did call on my friend ChatGPT to write some extra bits for me. Here’s what he/she said, starting with a guide on how to plan your trip to Rovaniemi:

Step 1: Choosing the right time to visit

Rovaniemi is a popular destination throughout the year, but the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do. If you're interested in winter sports and seeing the Northern Lights, then the winter months (December to February) are the best time to visit. However, if you want to experience the midnight sun and go hiking, then the summer months (June to August) are ideal.

Step 2: Finding a place to stay

There are plenty of accommodation options in Rovaniemi, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels. If you're on a budget, consider staying in a hostel or an Airbnb. If you're looking for something more luxurious, there are several high-end hotels to choose from.

Step 3: Planning your activities

Rovaniemi is known for its winter sports and outdoor activities, so make sure to plan ahead and book your activities in advance. Some popular activities include dog sledging, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. You can also visit Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa and his reindeer, as well as do some souvenir shopping.

Step 4: Dressing for the weather

The weather in Rovaniemi can be quite cold, especially during the winter months. Make sure to dress in warm layers, including a warm jacket, gloves, hat, and boots. It's also a good idea to bring sunglasses, as the snow can be quite bright.

Step 5: Getting around

The best way to get around Rovaniemi is by car. If you don't have your own car, you can rent one at the airport or in the city centre. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or use the local bus system.

Step 6: Enjoying the local cuisine

Rovaniemi has a unique cuisine that's influenced by its northern location. Make sure to try some of the local specialities, such as reindeer stew, smoked salmon, and cloudberries.

Step 7: Capturing the moment

Finally, make sure to bring a camera with you to capture all of the beautiful scenery and unforgettable moments. Whether you're seeing the Northern Lights, playing in the snow, or meeting Santa Claus, there will be plenty of photo opportunities in Rovaniemi.

Overall, Rovaniemi is a magical destination that's perfect for anyone who loves outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. With a little planning and preparation, you can have an unforgettable trip to this winter wonderland.

What about places to stay and places to eat in Rovaniemi?

Hotels:

Arctic Light Hotel - This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Rovaniemi and features a modern, Scandinavian-inspired design. It also has a rooftop sauna and hot tub for guests to enjoy.

Santa's Hotel Santa Claus - Located next to Santa Claus Village, this hotel is perfect for families or anyone looking for a festive experience. It features comfortable rooms and suites, as well as a restaurant serving local cuisine.

Arctic Treehouse Hotel - This unique hotel offers guests the chance to stay in a luxurious treehouse with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for stunning views of the surrounding forest. It's located just a short drive from Rovaniemi city centre.

Restaurants:

Rakas Kitchen & Bar - This restaurant in the Arctic Treehouse Hotel features a menu of local, seasonal ingredients and a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.

Nili - This restaurant specializes in modern Lappish cuisine, featuring dishes made with reindeer, salmon, and other local ingredients. It's located in the city centre, making it a convenient option for lunch or dinner.

Cafe & Bar 21 - This cosy cafe is known for its excellent coffee and homemade pastries. It's a great place to warm up and relax after a day of outdoor activities.

Just going to Santa Claus’ Village?

Santa Claus Village is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Rovaniemi. Here, you can meet Santa Claus himself, visit his official post office, and even cross the Arctic Circle. Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:

Plan your visit for the right time - Santa Claus Village is open year-round, but the experience can be quite different depending on the season. For example, during the winter months, you can enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling, while in the summer, you can enjoy the midnight sun and go hiking. Consider what activities you'd like to do and plan accordingly.

Meet Santa Claus - Meeting Santa Claus is the highlight of any visit to Santa Claus Village. You can take a photo with him, tell him your Christmas wishes, and even receive a certificate proving that you've crossed the Arctic Circle. Be sure to book your meeting with Santa in advance to avoid long wait times.

Visit the post office - Santa Claus Village is also home to Santa's official post office, where you can send letters and postcards to loved ones back home. The post office is open year-round and even offers a special Christmas stamp.

Shop for souvenirs - Santa Claus Village is filled with souvenir shops selling everything from traditional Finnish handicrafts to Christmas decorations. It's a great place to pick up unique gifts for friends and family back home.

Enjoy local cuisine - There are several restaurants and cafes in Santa Claus Village where you can enjoy traditional Lappish cuisine. Be sure to try some local specialities, such as reindeer stew and smoked salmon.

Overall, a visit to Santa Claus Village is a magical experience that's sure to leave you feeling festive and full of holiday cheer. Whether you're travelling with family or friends, it's an unforgettable destination that's sure to create lasting memories.

Want to stay at the Arctic SnowHotel as we did?

The Arctic SnowHotel is a unique and unforgettable experience located in Sinettä, just a short drive from Rovaniemi. This hotel is made entirely out of snow and ice and is rebuilt each year with a new theme. Here are a few tips to make the most of your stay:

Book a snow room - The SnowHotel features unique snow rooms that are kept at a constant temperature of -5 degrees Celsius. These rooms are equipped with warm sleeping bags and are decorated with beautiful ice sculptures. It's an unforgettable experience to spend a night in a room made entirely of snow.

Try ice sculpting - The SnowHotel offers ice sculpting workshops where you can learn how to carve your own ice sculpture. It's a fun and unique activity that's sure to be a highlight of your stay.

Go on a snowmobile safari - The SnowHotel is located in the middle of a beautiful snowy landscape, and a snowmobile safari is a great way to explore the area. You can book a guided tour through the hotel and experience the beauty of Lapland in a unique and exciting way.

Visit the ice bar - The SnowHotel also features an ice bar where you can enjoy drinks served in glasses made entirely of ice. It's a fun and memorable experience that's sure to be a highlight of your stay.

Warm up in the sauna - After a day of outdoor activities, the SnowHotel's traditional Finnish sauna is the perfect place to relax and warm up. The sauna is located in a separate building and is heated by a wood-burning stove.

Overall, a stay at the Arctic SnowHotel is a unique and unforgettable experience that's sure to be the highlight of your trip to Rovaniemi. Whether you're travelling with family or friends, it's an opportunity to experience the beauty and magic of Lapland in a truly unforgettable way.