The term 'Lapland' often conjures up images of Finland. We picture snow-covered forests, husky sleds racing across frozen lakes, friendly reindeer grazing peacefully and the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. It’s easy to assume that this winter wonderland exists solely within Finland’s borders. However, this perception overlooks the fact that Lapland is a vast region that extends into both Sweden and Norway. And, while a family trip to meet Santa Claus is almost exclusively Finland-based, there's plenty of reason to broaden your horizons when it comes to your next Lapland holiday.
Typical scenery in Finnish Lapland
That being said, choosing where to experience the magic of the arctic can be a tough decision. Each of Finland, Sweden and Norway offer unique accommodations, activities and experiences which can appeal to different types of travellers. So, to help guide you on your journey to finding your ideal Lapland adventure, we've broken down the differences between the destinations below, offering a comparative guide between all three countries.
Finnish Lapland
Finnish Lapland, a vast wonderland spanning the northern third of Finland, is a magical place of snow-draped forests, sweeping fells, and countless frozen lakes. Renowned as the official home of Santa Claus, it's the perfect destination for families seeking a festive escape and the unforgettable experience of meeting Father Christmas himself. And, with convenient flights to three main airports in Rovaniemi, Ivalo, and Kittilä, a variety of enchanting Santa-themed holidays are easily accessible, each offering a unique and breathtaking setting.
Santa Village in Rovaniemi is great for festive family holidays (Credit: Visit Rovaniemi)
With perhaps the most diverse range of accommodations and experiences to suit a variety of budgets, Rovaniemi shines as a premier destination for a Santa-themed holiday in Finnish Lapland. This is because it offers the choice of being in city-based accommodation such as Arctic Light, more characterful hotels on the outskirts – such as hidden treehouses at the Arctic Treehouse Hotel and tiber cabins at Ounasvaaran – and also the chance to head out into the wilderness, staying in glass igloos at Apukka Resort. While you can expect resorts to be busier here than in the rest of Finnish Lapland, the magic of choosing Rovaniemi is your close proximity to Santa Claus Village, a fantastic choice of excursions, plenty of choice for accommodation (particularly with family friendly room categories) and usually more budget-friendly options compared to other Lapland destinations. If you're looking for a more secluded and remote atmosphere, consider the options below.
Finnish Lapland is the best place for staying in a glass igloo
Elsewhere, Kittilä airport serves a region of great diversity. Here you'll find the town of Levi, – Finland’s premier ski resort – plenty of unique accommodation experiences – such as premium glass igloos at Levin Iglut or the impressive Snow Village – and even exclusive departures on our best-selling Santa program at Harriniva, with its rustic lodge setting and exceptional personalised Santa experience. This region of Finnish Lapland is great for combining various accommodation experiences such as a night in a snow hotel with a few nights in a glass igloo. It is also great for visiting throughout the winter season.
Husky sledding at Harriniva (Photo credit: Harriniva Hotels & Safaris)
Further north, fly into Inari and you'll be experiencing Lapland’s wilderness at a slower pace. Here, resorts are more spread out and remote. Surrounded by pristine scenery, the Wilderness Hotels of Nellim, Muotka, Inari and Nangu are perfect for the adventure-seeker. You'll find an endless choice of snow-based activities, from snowshoeing through pine-draped forests to dog sledding or snowmobiling under the aurora-lit sky. Nellim, Inari and Muotka are ideal for families and couples of all ages, and accommodation comes in the shape of aurora huts, log cabins and hotel rooms in the main lodge. Over in adults-only Nangu, premium cabins such as the Panorama Log Cabin offer a level of indulgence, including a private outdoor Jacuzzi.
For adults-only relaxation, consider a Panorama Log Cabin at Nangu Wilderness hotel
Swedish Lapland
Less developed than it's Finnish neighbour, Swedish Lapland is a land of striking contrasts, with rugged mountains, vast open tundra and never-ending pine forests. While you won't find Santa here, there is a vast wilderness to explore, along with a small smattering of villages and quaint little towns. Aside from Luleå – where it's possible to enjoy short city breaks – the great variety of unique, stand-out hotel concepts really take centre stage here. With a well-connected rail network and reasonable distances between different hotels, Swedish Lapland is best suited for those who wish to combine a number of different themes and experiences into their holiday.
ICEHOTEL in Swedish Lapland
Combine the likes of the renowned ICEHOTEL with any one of the the eight unique treehouses at Treehotel, or even the exclusive wilds of Logger's Lodge – where a cosy cabin boasts an outdoor hot tub and dining area, and a private chef prepares exquisite meals. The recent addition of Arctic Bath offers yet another option. Dramatically suspended in the icy waters of Sweden’s Lule River, its striking design is complemented by a world-class spa complete with treatment rooms and a wellness restaurant encircling a central cold bath.
Mirrorcube at Treehotel
Elsewhere, Abisko National Park is a major draw, with opportunities to trek the King’s Trail, track the resident reindeer population and peer into Abikojokk Canyon. Thanks to its frequent cloudless skies, Abisko is also one of the world's best places to hunt for the elusive Northern Lights, which can frequently be seen dancing across the sky here.
Arctic Norway
Sometimes referred to as Norwegian Lapland (although more commonly called Arctic Norway) this northernmost region of Norway covers a vast area of dramatic coastal fjords, towering cliffs and snowy plateaus. While the region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice fishing, it is best known for its access to the sea, opening up the possibility for the likes of whale watching and coastal cruises through the rugged coastline and narrow fjords.
Traditional cabins at Malangen Resort
And, though the region's greatest draw is perhaps it's awe-inspiring wild scenery, Arctic Norway is also home to a number of coastal towns. The most popular of these - Tromsø - is often called the ’Gateway to the Arctic,’ and is great for a first-timer to the Arctic, with a choice of city-based accommodation such as Scandic Ishavshotel combined with remote wilderness retreats like Malangen Resort and Lyngen Lodge. The town itself is a destination in its own right, balancing a cosmopolitan character with a deep-rooted arctic identity, home to quaint cafes, interesting museums and popular festivals celebrating life in the north.
Northern Lights as seen from a Havila Voyage
Connecting Arctic Norway with the rest of the country are regularly departing Havila Voyages, with numerous cruises tracing the western coast of the country, linking Tromsø with the likes of Kirkenes, - home to the famous Kirkenes Snowhotel - Alta, Svolvær in the majestic Lofoten Islands and coastal cities further south. This makes it the perfect destination for those who wish to pack in a variety of experiences in a short space of time as they hop from one location to another, whether you're whale watching in Andenes, – one of Europe’s best whale watching grounds – spending a night in a snow hotel in Kirkenes, learning about Sami history in Alta or enjoying open fjords and winter activities in Malangen.
