10 must do Winter activities in Finnish Lapland
I recently had the pleasure of spending a week inside the Arctic Circle, exploring the frozen beauty of Finnish Lapland.
We were based in the village of Luosto and across the week, my wife and I took part in a variety of unforgettable winter activities including husky sledding, reindeer rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, e-biking, skiing, and Northern Lights hunting.
It was a relaxing and rewarding week surrounded by breathtaking scenery and packed with adventure. Everything about the trip left a lasting impression. From the powder-covered forests and welcoming locals to the incredible weather conditions and the array of unique experiences we undertook, it was easily one of the most magical weeks of our lives.
After spending a week there, it was easy to see why so many people speak so highly about Lapland and why Finland is often ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the 10 activities I would recommend doing if you are visiting Finnish Lapland. I did 9 of the 10 myself, so I have first-hand experience. At the end of the article, I’ve also included an FAQ section to help answer any questions.
Activities at a Glance
Snowmobiling
Huskies
Snowshoeing
Northern Lights
Wilderness Dinner
Reindeer Farm
E-Biking
Skiing or Snowboarding
Sauna (Cold Dip)
Fishing
The Trip I Did and What Was Included
I did 9 of the 10 of these activities in one week while Lapland Travel experience organised by Travelbase in January 2026.
Travelbase are a Belgian travel company known for curating brilliant adventure holidays in scenic corners of the world. They focus on active, experience-led travel with a personal feel, and this was actually my second trip with them. I previously took on their Dolomiti Trail in August 2025,.
I went with my wife and we were based in Luosto, a small village located 90 minutes' drive from Rovaniemi Airport and nestled in the heart of Pyhä-Luosto National Park.
For the duration of the week, we stayed in a beautiful chalet located at the top of the village, right next to the ski slopes. It was a traditional wooden cabin, decorated with a warm and cosy feel, which was well equipped and incredibly comfortable. The chalet slept up to eight people (we shared it with four others) and included a spacious lounge area, a fully fitted kitchen, and a private sauna. It had everything we needed and was the perfect base for a week of exploring Luosto.
Travelbase currently offers two trips to Finnish Lapland. One is based in Luosto, where we stayed, and the other in Rovaniemi, the main city and airport you typically fly into. The Luosto trip is the more nature focused of the two, costing from £1,140 per person and running from December to March. For that price you get;
Return flights and airport transfers
Seven nights in charming local accommodation, often traditional log cabins
Four winter activities: Husky safari & farm visit / Northern Lights safari / Snowmobile tour / Snowshoe hike
The option to add extras depending on your interests
English-speaking guides who help organise, support and guide you throughout the trip
Access to the Lapland Travel App, with weather updates, local recommendations and activity details
This trip will be available to book for the 2026 to 2027 winter season. If you pre-register on the Travelbase website (free and commitment-free), you’ll get:
Priority booking access seven days before the trip is publicly released
Early bird pricing
Flexible booking terms and conditions
The first 100 bookings include a free flight worth £425 from London Luton Airport (LTN) or Manchester Airport (MAN), when booked with Lapland Travel so it would be beneficial to pre-register so you know when the bookings go-live.
The prices listed for each activity are taken from Lapland Safaris, the company which ran most of the tours in Luosto
Snowmobiling
Price: €120+ per person
Duration: 2 - 7 hours depending on the tour
Suitable for families: Yes (children ride as passengers in sleds pulled by guides)
Snowmobiling can be done as a standalone activity, or combined with another as part of a longer day. The length of the trip depends on the specific tour you book. It can be done over 3 hours or as a full day, with tours operating both day and night.
We did a two-hour snowmobiling tour on our first day in Lapland and it was magical.The session took us on a scenic loop around the village of Luosto. We rode up into the fells, across frozen swamps, and through snow-covered forests that looked like something out of a winter fairy tale.
We did the activity in pairs, with one person driving and the other seated behind. Halfway through the tour, you get the chance to switch roles so both of you can experience driving. We set off at 1:30 in the afternoon and with sunset just before 2:30, the timing could not have been better. The golden light painted the landscape in warm tones as we glided through the icy wilderness. We stopped a few times to take in the views and enjoy a short break.
One thing to keep in mind is that the snowmobile seats are not heated. I recommend wearing the full thermal suit provided, especially since you will be mostly stationary for two hours. The snowmobiles do have heated handles, which was a lifesaver for me as I kept removing my gloves to take photos and videos.
It was a magical experience that requires no prior experience. The guides lead the way and the route is straightforward and safe for beginners.
Northern Lights
Price: Free – €100 per person depending on the tour
Duration: 2–3 hours
Suitable for families: Yes
Now this can be done as part of an organised tour or by yourself.
What you see will be dictated by the the weather, season and time of year you visit. Seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, as they are a natural phenomenon caused by solar activity. The lights occur when the sun emits charged particles that interact with Earth’s magnetic field, particularly near the poles.
This solar activity follows an 11-year cycle. In 2025 and 2026, we are reaching what's known as the solar maximum, a peak in the sun’s activity. This significantly increases the chances of witnessing stronger and more frequent aurora displays. After the peak, activity will gradually decline over the next five years before building up again.
That said, Finnish Lapland already offers some of the best conditions for viewing the aurora. It lies within the Arctic Circle, has minimal light pollution, and many clear, dark night (especially when the moon is low or absent). With just a bit of luck and the right conditions, your odds of seeing the Northern Lights here are among the highest in Europe. We visited in January 2026 and it coincided with a huge period of solar activity, we saw the northern lights every evening it was cloud frere (5/7 nights).
If the tour isn’t included in the trip you booked and you are comfortable in the cold, I would download the aurora alert app and try hunting them yourselves. Being based in Luosto meant we could see them directly outside our chalet, and only had to walk a short distance to find an open space away from the village. You are also further north than Rovaniemi and there is less light pollution again increasing the chances.
Unfortunately the night the that we had a Northern lights tour planned with Travelbase it was cloudy, We did still head out to a kota next to a frozen river and cooked sausages and marshmallows over the fire, which was a lovely experience in itself.
Husky sledding and Farm Visit
Price: €170 + per person
Duration: 2–3 hours
Suitable for families: Yes (minimum age usually 4–6 years old)
Again this can be done in several different ways, usually you visit a farm where you can combine a ride with a tour, with the length of the ride (10-15km) dictating the costs. You can also go on longer adventure rides (30km) away from the farm and even go on overnight tours.
Personally i think a farm visit with a the shortest ride is enough, as you get the husky ride combined with the chance to interact and learn about he huskies.
We did a 10km ride with a farm visit just outside Luosto.
The Husky farm was home to 250 Alaskan huskies, which we were told are more people friendly than Siberian huskies. After a short safety briefing on how to handle the sleds and a few do’s and don’ts, we were introduced to the dogs. At this point we were asked not to interact with them. They were full of energy and excitement, especially since it was their first run of the day, and they would be too excited to be approached.
Each pair of guests shares one sled. One person sits comfortably in front (I happily claimed the passenger-princess role) while the other controls the brake and helps manage the speed. Once loaded up, we set off on a peaceful ten-kilometre loop through snow-covered forests.
What struck me most was how calming the experience was. There was no engine noise, just the sound of paws moving through the snow, the soft hiss of the sled runners and the steady rhythm of the huskies breathing. It was genuinely mesmerising.
After about an hour of winding through the forest, we returned to the base and finally got the chance to interact with the dogs. They were incredibly affectionate; loving the attention and scratches they were deservedly showered with after their run. We also had a quick tour through the kennels and even got to see a few baby huskies, which was so cute.
We were then welcomed into a warm hut with a fire and hot drinks, where we learned more about the dogs and how the centre works.
The husky season runs from November to March
The dogs typically run between twenty and thirty kilometres per day, usually split across two or three loops
Most start working from around one year of age and continue as long as they are healthy, often up to twelve or thirteen years old
The oldest dog they ever had pulling a sled was sixteen
Each dog has its own personality, so the handlers are careful about how they are matched:
Each sled is pulled by a team of six huskies, arranged in three rows of two
The front pair are the leaders, chosen for their intelligence and ability to follow commands
The back two are the biggest and strongest, as they take on most of the weight
The middle two are there to run and enjoy themselves (Pure energetic vibes)
Snowshoeing
Price: €18–€90 per person
Duration: 3 hours +
Suitable for families: Yes, for children 10+ with moderate fitness
Snowshoeing is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Lapland’s wilderness. It can be done solo or as part of a guided tour, with trails available in every town and resort. You can rent Snowshoes and poles from Luosto for €18 euros for 3 hours, €24 for one day and explore the local area. Alternatively you can book a tour which will have them included.
We did this as part of the Travelbase tour where our guide for the week took us on a six kilometre snowshoeing adventure up and over Ukko-Luosto fell. At 514 metres, it is the highest peak of the Luosto Fells and offers panoramic views over the surrounding plains and the Pyhä Luosto National Park.
Fortunately, the weather was kind to us. It was a calm and mild day (it was still minus ten degrees) with no wind, so we did not need to wear heavy layers and stayed warm and comfortable throughout the hike. We completed the 6km in around three hours (with plenty of breaks) after snowshoeing through some of the most enchanting terrain I have ever experienced.
Wilderness Dinner
Price: €100+ per person
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suitable for families: Yes
This social and authentic dining experience takes place in a traditional Finnish kota, a round wooden hut with a central open fire.
The activity was not private, although these can be organised, and in total there were 20 people on the activity. However it did not feel crowded or busy and was a great social activity.
The meal was hosted by kind and welcoming locals, and featured three delicious courses. The menu will depend on what’s available and the season, but should usually include reindeer. They also catered for vegetarians and vegans.
We started with a spread of bread, cheese, smoked salmon, reindeer, and house-made sauces. For the main, we had flame grilled reindeer rump served with potatoes in a creamy mushroom sauce. Dessert was flambéed apples with crumble and ice cream.
E-Biking
Price: €59-89 rental / €102 + tour
Duration: 2 hours +
Suitable for families: Yes, for older children
Perfect for those wanting a slightly faster-paced exploration, e-biking lets you cover more ground while enjoying the snowy surroundings. Like snowshoeing this can be done as part of an organised tour, or you can rent the equipment and give it a go yourself,
We did a two hour organised tour, starting and finishing in Luosto. E-Bikes with extra-wide tyres, helmets, balaclavas, and thermal suits were provided and We spent the afternoon exploring the forests and fells surrounding Luosto.
We set off under the glow of the setting sun, following quiet trails lined with snow-covered trees. Even my wife, who doesn’t usually enjoy cycling, absolutely loved it. The e-bikes had three power settings, making it easy to ride with minimal effort. A few tumbles happened along the way, but the soft snow cushioned the falls.
Halfway through, we stopped at a café for hot berry juice and warm doughnuts before looping back to the village. In total, we rode 14 km and it was one of the most fun and scenic activities of the week.
SKiing and snowboarding
Price: €30–€58 for a pass + €30–€70 rental
Duration: 3 hours to a full day
Suitable for families: Yes
Skiing in the Arctic Circle is a must-do activity for visitors to Lapland.
Personally I think three hours to one day is enough,. However this will be determined by your ability, the weather, where you are based and how many other activities you have planned.
The lift times will be dependant on the time of year you visit, when we went in January it was 10am-5pm, allowing you to be on the slopes from sunrise through to sunset and into the night. Some resorts also offer night skiing from 5 to 8 pm on certain days of the week, In Pyha it was Friday
There are several ski resorts in Finnish Lapland, with Levi being the largest and most well-known. We were based in Luosto, which has ten slopes and three drag lifts. As me and my wife are more experienced, we travelled 30 minutes to Pyhä for more variety and the comfort of a seated chairlift. Pyhä has 15 slopes, nine lifts (three of them seated), and 13 km of pistes.
We lucked out on the day we went. The sun was shining, there was zero wind, and the entire resort was glowing in the golden hour light.
The slopes at Pyha were wide, immaculately groomed,and almost empty. We rarely shared the slopes with other people and never had to queue at the lifts. Although most runs were short (between one and two kilometres), they were smooth, fun and fast. They also had a very well built funpark which could have taken up a few hours of your time.
After the sunset, it was also my first time snowboarding at night, as I discount the sketchy post-apres descents in France and Austria. I found the experience completely surreal and much more enjoyable as the floodlight slopes were much easier to see.
Skiing in the Arctic Circle is something I would recommend to anyone. We skied in Pyha from 11am to 5pm, taking a one-hour lunch break and covering 30 kilometres across 25 runs. It cost me and my wife around €250 total for full ski equipment hire, including board, boots, poles, helmet, goggles, plus a one day lift pass. This is not cheap, but it was a unique experience. Skiing was cheaper in Luosto, but we chose Pyhä for the better slopes and lift system.
Reindeer Farm and Sleigh ride
Price: €128-160 per person
Duration: 2 hours
Suitable for families: Yes
Visiting a reindeer farm was one of the most peaceful and unique activities of our trip. We headed to Jaakola reindeer farm where the day began with a short sleigh ride through a magical snow-covered forest. The activity was done in pairs, each sled pulled by a reindeer just a few feet ahead of us.
Although it was bitterly cold, the atmosphere was peaceful and surreal. Gliding quietly through the forest behind and next to one of Lapland’s most iconic animals was something we will never forget.
After the ride, we headed indoors to warm up and learn more about the farm and reindeer culture in Finland. The hosts shared stories about the animals and their importance to Sámi heritage and daily life in the region. It was genuinely fascinating. Here are some of the things we learned:
There are over 200,000 reindeer in Finnish Lapland, more than the population of people.
All reindeer are privately owned, even those that roam freely.
Herders recognise each animal by unique ear markings, which are registered online so ownership can be traced.
Reindeer are comfortable in temperatures down to minus 50 degrees.
They have strong circulation and special bone marrow in their legs, which helps them move through deep snow.
Both males and females grow and shed antlers every year, always in the same shape which makes them easier to identify
Antlers can grow up to 2 cm a day, making them the fastest growing bone in the animal kingdom.
Antlers are shed annually. Males lose theirs in winter, females in spring
Once we were warm and refuelled, we had the chance to head back outside to feed the reindeer. This turned out to be my wife’s favourite part of the trip. Each of us was given their favourite food, a lichen that grows on trees and is nicknamed "reindeer chocolate."
We entered a snowy paddock where two dozen reindeer waited. Some were bold and cheeky, others more reserved, but all of them were incredibly gentle and friendly. The reindeer ate the lichen straight from our hands, which was a unique and wholesome moment that perfectly captured the magic of the entire trip.
Sauna and Cold Dip
Price: Included with most accommodation
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Suitable for families: Yes (supervised)
Many Finnish cabins and accomodations come with their own private sauna, and using it daily quickly became a relaxing part of our routine. After a long day in the snow, nothing feels better than stepping into the warmth of a traditional sauna.
For the full Finnish experience, follow it up with a cold dip, either a roll in the snow or a quick plunge . It may sound extreme, but it’s surprisingly refreshing and leaves you feeling energised. It’s said to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance recovery after active days. If you do a cold plunge make sure it is in a safe and controlled environment
Whether you do it once or make it part of your daily ritual, it’s a truly authentic way to end your day in Lapland.
Ice Fishing
Price: €50–€70 per person (guided tour)
Duration: 2–3 hours
Suitable for families: Yes
Although I didn’t try this myself, ice fishing is a traditional Finnish pastime and a favourite winter activity for locals and visitors alike.
A typical guided trip involves heading out onto a frozen lake with a local expert. After drilling a hole through the thick ice, you’ll drop a line and wait patiently for a bite, usually while sitting on a reindeer-skin mat and sipping on something warm.
The pace is slow and peaceful, making it ideal for those who want a more tranquil experience surrounded by arctic wilderness. Trips include transport, equipment, snacks, and some even the option to cook your catch over a fire. Some trips you can also combine with a snowmobile tour.
Final Thoughts
I’d heard that Lapland was beautiful, but I honestly didn’t expect it to be that beautiful.
Finnish Lapland completely exceeded all expectations, delivering everything we hoped for and so much more. Everything about Luosto was incredible. The scenery, the snow, the peaceful silence, the activities, the people, the food, the accommodation, and even the logistics were all faultless.
I genuinely loved all the activities and would recommend doing as many as you can fit in. It's hard to choose a favourite, but the huskies and reindeer experiences were extra special and felt so unique to Lapland.
We were lucky with the weather and temperatures. It had been forecast to be cloudy nearly every day, but three out of six days gave us clear skies and stunning colours. Most of the week was relatively mild, with temperatures around -10 to -12°C and calm winds. Only on the last day did it drop to below -20°C, which was definitely uncomfortable at times and made us appreciate the earlier conditions even more.
We were also fortunate to have clear night skies and plenty of aurora activity. That alone made the trip feel extra magical. Of course, none of these conditions are guaranteed, but unless you roll the dice and go, you’ll never know what you might experience.
I booked my trip through Travelbase and would 100% recommend them. They took care of all the planning and logistics so we could simply turn up and enjoy our winter wonderland adventure.
Our chalet was fantastic, ideally located, warm, welcoming, and equipped with everything we needed. The village of Luosto was compact and walkable. The sauna quickly became part of our daily routine, and the smart TV was great for winding down in the evenings.
As Finland isn’t the cheapest place to eat out (pizzas were €20, burgers €26, and main meals between €30 and €50), having a fully equipped kitchen gave us full flexibility to cook when and what we wanted. The local grocery store was well stocked and reasonably priced, which was a welcome bonus.
If the photos and stories in this blog haven’t convinced you to visit Lapland and do this trip already, I’ll end by simply saying: pre-register. It costs nothing and is commitment free.
Lapland FAQs
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The best time is between December and March for snowy landscapes, winter activities, and high chances of seeing the Northern Lights. December is magical with Christmas vibes, while January to March offers more daylight and stable weather.
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That is dependant on what part you visit, the time of year and the forecast. In Luosto winter temperatures are consistently below freezing, with the coldest conditions typically occurring in January and February. . Average daily temperatures are below however it can easily drop below -20 and sometimes even as low as – 40 degrees.
December: High –7 °C, Low –14 °C
January: High –11 °C, Low –17 °C
February: High –9 °C, Low –16 °C
March: High –4 °C, Low –12 °C
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That depends on what time of year you visit, and how far north you venture. The further north you go, the less hours of light you will get in Winter.
The least hours of daylight fall around the winter solstice on the 21/22nd of December.
December: Roughly 2–3 hours of direct sunlight, with some periods experiencing only polar twilight (no direct sun). While direct sun is limited a "grey light" (4–5 hours of daylight) provides enough light for daytime activities.
January: Days begin to lengthen, ranging from around 3 hours in the beginning to 4.5–5.5 hours by the end of the month.
February: Light returns significantly, with approximately 6 to 8 hours of daylight by the end of the month.
March: Daylight increases rapidly, returning to almost full-length days of 10–12+ hours by late March.
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Layering is essential. You’ll be provided with a thermal suit, boots, and mittens for most activities, but personal gear is still important. Here’s a suggested packing list:
2x Thermal base layers (top & bottom, synthetic or merino wool)
Fleece or wool mid-layers
Down or insulated outer jacket
Waterproof outer shell
Soft-shell trousers or ski pants
Beanie, balaclava or buff
Thin liner gloves & insulated mittens
Merino wool socks (thin + thick pair for layering)
Waterproof snow boots (or rent locally)
Hand & foot warmers
Headlamp or flashlight
Power bank (cold drains batteries)
Microspikes (optional for icy paths)
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Seeing the Northern Lights is never guaranteed, as they are a natural phenomenon caused by solar activity. The lights occur when the sun emits charged particles that interact with Earth’s magnetic field, particularly near the poles.
This solar activity follows an 11-year cycle. In 2025 and 2026, we are reaching what's known as the solar maximum, a peak in the sun’s activity. This significantly increases the chances of witnessing stronger and more frequent aurora displays. After the peak, activity will gradually decline over the next five years before building up again.
If you're hoping to maximise your chances, 2026 and 2027 are excellent years to visit Lapland. Statistically, sightings will be more likely and more vivid during this phase of the cycle.
That said, Finnish Lapland already offers some of the best conditions for viewing the aurora. It lies within the Arctic Circle, has minimal light pollution, and many clear, dark night (especially when the moon is low or absent). With just a bit of luck and the right conditions, your odds of seeing the Northern Lights here are among the highest in Europe.
Being based in Luosto meant we could see them directly outside our chalet, and only had to walk a short distance to find an open space away from the village. You are also father north than Rovaniemi and there is less light pollution again increasing the chances.
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Yes, Luosto is quiet, safe, and family-friendly. Many activities are appropriate for children, such as reindeer rides, short husky sleds, and gentle snowshoeing. It's ideal for couples, families, and small groups looking for a relaxed but active trip.
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No prior experience is needed for most activities like husky sledding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing. All excursions include a safety briefing and are suitable for beginners.
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Most activities like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and visiting reindeer farms require little physical effort. Adventures like snowshoeing and fat e-biking need a basic level of fitness but are beginner-friendly. Guides provide all equipment, instruction, and support.
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Yes, the village has a handful of restaurants, cafés, and a well-stocked grocery store. While small, it has everything you need for a week-long stay.
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In our chalet in Luosto we had high speed internet, also I had 5G signal everywhere I went (I use the 3 network for signal).
Most accommodation, including chalets and hotels, offer free Wi-Fi. Mobile data coverage is strong with local SIM cards or EU roaming
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No, I would say you don’t. Especially when driving in winter comes with added risk and danger.
I was based in Luosto which can be reached by bus or taxi from Rovaniemi. Once there, all activities were within walking distance or transport was provided.
If you wanted to explore further you can again uses buses or taxis.
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Eating out can be pricey, with main meals often costing €25 to €50. However, most locations including Luosto have a has a well-stocked grocery store, and accommodations with kitchens make it easy to cook your own meals and save money.
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It depends on what you're looking for but I would say yes. Rovaniemi is larger and more commercial, known for Santa tourism and museums. Luosto is more quiet, remote, and nature-focused, offering a more authentic Arctic escape.
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If you're an English-speaking traveler, you can pre-register for early access to the 2026–2027 season via laplandtravel.com. Pre-registration is free and non-binding and comes with perks like early-bird pricing and flexible booking terms.
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The answer depends on how many excursions you choose and what type of experiences you are looking for, but the examples below should help you plan.
If you book activities independently with Lapland Safaris, typical Arctic experiences such as snowmobile tours or guided nature safaris often cost around €150 per person for a multi hour activity. Shorter taster experiences can be cheaper, while longer or more specialised excursions can cost more.
At Pyhä Ski Resort in Finnish Lapland, downhill skiing and snowboarding are priced by lift ticket, per hour (1-3), per day or across multiple days. Adult lift passes usually start at around €52 to €58 for one day, with multi day passes approximately €99 for 2 days, €142 for 3 days, €179 for 4 days, and €210 for 5 days. Equipment rental is extra and will add to the overall cost.
For context, it cost me and my wife around €250 total for full ski equipment hire, including board, boots, poles, helmet, goggles, plus a one day lift pass. This is not cheap, but it was a unique experience. Skiing was cheaper in Luosto, but we chose Pyhä for the better slopes and lift system.
If you are joining the Lapland trip package organised through the site, four key activities are already included in your itinerary, which removes the need to pay separately for each experience. This makes budgeting much simpler compared to booking everything independently.
Overall, activities in Lapland can add significantly to the cost of a trip, but booking in advance and choosing a package that includes multiple experiences often makes the trip more predictable and better value.
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