Holiday in Lapland

What makes Lapland special as a destination?

Lapland is Europe's last great wilderness – an endless expanse of snowy forests, frozen lakes, and dancing northern lights that stretches across the northernmost parts of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. For German travelers, Finnish Lapland is the gateway to a world that seems to have sprung from a winter fairy tale: Here, the Sami, Europe's only indigenous people, live with their reindeer herds according to centuries-old traditions, while the Aurora Borealis bathes the sky in green, purple, and pink veils on clear winter nights. The region around Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is the most popular entry point for German travelers. The Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle may be touristy, but beyond that, the real magic begins: husky safaris through quiet snowy landscapes, reindeer sleigh rides with Sami herders, snowshoe hikes through the Arctic primeval forest, and nights in glass igloos from which one can observe the northern lights from bed. Saariselkä, Levi, and Inari are other hotspots that showcase different facets of Lapland. In summer, Lapland transforms under the midnight sun into a green paradise: the tundra blooms, rivers invite fishing and canoeing, and the hiking trails through Urho Kekkonen National Park and Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park are among the most beautiful in Scandinavia. The Ruska season in September, when the Arctic vegetation turns vibrant red and gold, is a hidden gem among nature photographers. For German travelers, Lapland is accessible by direct flight to Rovaniemi or Ivalo in about three hours. Prices are high – Scandinavia is expensive – but the experiences are unique and unforgettable. Families with children particularly enjoy December when Santa Claus personally welcomes visitors at the Santa Claus Village.