A Magical 7-Day Adventure in Finnish Lapland: Northern Lights, Huskies, Reindeer & More

I recently had the pleasure of spending a week inside the Arctic Circle, exploring the frozen beauty of Finnish Lapland.

Across the week, me and my wife 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 its 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 my week in Luosto, a peaceful village deep in the heart of Finnish Lapland, and share the full experience of the trip I joined with Travelbase, through their Lapland Travel trip.

 

The Trip and what was included

This adventure was the Lapland Travel experience organised by Travelbase, 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 travelled with my wife and we shared the accommodation with four others. Grace (@graces__adventures), a UK-based travel content creator, who was there with her friend Amy. We were also joined by Sophie, an American travel blogger behind The Wanderful Me, and her friend Claire. It was a fun and easy-going group which made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

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.

Northern Lights above snow-covered trees in Luosto, Finnish Lapland
 

The set up for the week

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 sleeps up to eight people and includes 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.

One of the great things about visiting Lapland in winter is how relaxed the pace feels. With limited daylight hours and most activities lasting just two or three hours, you have plenty of time to unwind. Whether it is lounging inside, soaking in the sauna, or standing outside watching the sky for northern lights, the slower rhythm is part of the magic. Sunrise is not until around 10 in the morning and many activities are scheduled for the afternoon, so you can even enjoy a proper lie in without missing out. This is where the accommodation shined, and made the long periods of darkness fly by.

We were also lucky to have Florian as our guide. He was Belgian, spoke excellent English and was always on hand to help with anything we needed. From answering questions to organising activity pick-ups and taking us snowshoeing, he made sure every part of the trip ran smoothly.

He even went out of his way to drive us to and from Pyhä on our rest day so we could make the most of the skiing. That level of support made a big difference and really added to the overall experience.

We flew into Rovaniemi (there are direct flights from Manchester and London Luton) and then had a 90 minute taxi to our accommodation.

Northern Lights above snow-covered trees in Luosto, Finnish Lapland
 

Day One: Snowmobiling and Northern Lights

Our first day kicked off with snowmobiling. The hub where the activities usually start from was located in the centre of the village and just a five-minute walk from our chalet.

The snowmobiling session lasted two hours and took us on a scenic loop around the village. We rode up into the fells, across frozen swamps, and through snow-covered forests that looked like something out of a winter fairy tale.

You ride 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 video.

Snowmobiling adventure across frozen landscapes in Luosto, Finnish Lapland
Snowmobiling adventure across frozen landscapes in Luosto, Finnish Lapland
Snowmobiling adventure across frozen landscapes in Luosto, Finnish Lapland

That evening, just as we were settling in at the chalet, we were treated to a spectacular show of the northern lights. The aurora was visible to the naked eye and we watched ribbons of green dancing across the sky from right outside of our accommodation. It was a surprise but not an uncommon sight in Luosto, and it set the tone for what would become an unforgettable week.

Northern Lights above snow-covered trees in Luosto, Finnish Lapland
Northern Lights above snow-covered trees in Luosto, Finnish Lapland
 

Day Two: Huskies

After waking up to some beautiful colours stretching across the sky, we caught a short bus ride to the husky farm just outside of Luosto.

The centre is 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.

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.

Husky sledding through snowy forests in Finnish Lapland
Husky sledding through snowy forests in Finnish Lapland

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)

Another fun fact we learned is that the dogs are so fit during winter, that they actually have to be de-trained in spring so they can fully relax during the off season. Otherwise, they would have too much energy and nowhere to channel it.

Husky sledding through snowy forests in Finnish Lapland
Husky sledding through snowy forests in Finnish Lapland
 

Day Three: Snowshoeing and Wilderness Dinner

On the third day, we set out 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 began by climbing through a beautiful snow-covered forest before reaching the summit. Up top, the radar station and small outbuildings were completely coated in rime ice, making it feel like a scene from the movie The Day After Tomorrow

We the began to descend, crossing the upper section of the ski slopes and passing through a magical stretch of forest where the snow was knee deep and the trees were thick with powder. My wife said it reminded her of the candy cane forest in the film Elf, and honestly, she was not wrong.

Partway down, we stopped at the Ukko-Luosto scenic hut. It had panoramic heated windows, a log fire and several interactive displays explaining the landscape and wildlife. After a short break, we continued back down into the village, completing about three hours of snowshoeing through some of the most enchanting terrain I have ever experienced.

That evening, we were treated to a traditional wilderness dinner inside a Finnish kota, a round timber hut with an open fire at its centre. The meal was hosted by kind and welcoming locals and featured three delicious courses.

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, all cooked over the fire right in front of us. It was cosy, authentic and absolutely delicious, a perfect end to an unforgettable day.

 

Day Four: E-Biking and Northern Light Experience

After another relaxed morning, we spent the afternoon on a fat-tyre, e-bike tour through the snowy forests and fells surrounding Luosto.

We were given e bikes with extra wide tyres for grip, along with helmets and balaclavas to help with the cold. We set off under the soft light of the setting sun, riding through quiet forest trails covered in fresh snow. It was one of the most fun activities of the week. Even my wife, who does not usually enjoy cycling and had not ridden in years, absolutely loved it.

The e-bikes have three power settings, so you barely have to pedal if you do not want to. That said, you might still take a tumble. My wife, Sophie, and Claire all did, but the snow was so deep and soft that no one was hurt.

The route is straightforward. We started on wide paths and quiet roads before following a narrow trail through the forest. Surrounded by snow-covered trees and skies glowing with pink and gold, it felt like riding through a fairytale.

Halfway through the ride we stopped at a small café for hot berry juice and warm doughnuts, before looping back to the village. Altogether we covered about fourteen kilometres in just under ninety minutes.

Later that evening we joined the Northern Light Experience. We were driven out of Luosto to escape the village lights and taken to a frozen river where a traditional Finnish kota had been set up. Inside, we sat around a wood fire, roasting sausages and marshmallows while waiting for the aurora to appear.Unfortunately, the clouds had other ideas and we did not get to see the lights. Even so, the experience was memorable and the food made up for it.

E-biking in a snow covered forest in Finnish Lapland
snow covered forest in Finnish Lapland
 

Day Five: Snowsports and a Night to Remember

This was meant to be a rest day, but we did not want to pass up the chance to ski in the Arctic Circle.

Instead of staying in Luosto, where the slopes were right outside our chalet, we opted to head half an hour down the road to the nearby resort village of Pyhä. As advanced skiers and snowboarders, we were after more variety and comfort for our one full day on the mountain.

Luosto has ten slopes, three drag lifts, and about nine kilometres of pistes, all running down the northern face of the fell. Pyhä offered a bit more. It has 15 slopes, 13 kilometres of pistes, and nine lifts, including three seated chairlifts. Rental and lift passes were slightly more expensive, but it was worth it to give our legs a break from drag lifts and enjoy the broader selection of terrain.

Both resprts run form 10am-5pm, allowing you to be on the slopes from sunrise through to sunset and into the night. On Fridays Pyha also offer night skiing from 5 to 8 pm

The public bus between the two villages takes about 35 minutes and costs nine euros, running four times daily. Luckily, our guide Florian generously offered to drop us off and pick us up, which saved time and made things easy. We picked up our gear and passes at the base of the mountain and were ready to go within 30 minutes.

Golden hour skiing at Pyhä ski resort in Finnish Lapland
Golden hour skiing at Pyhä ski resort in Finnish Lapland
Golden hour skiing at Pyhä ski resort in Finnish Lapland
Golden hour skiing at Pyhä ski resort in Finnish Lapland

Any doubts we had about travelling to Pyhä disappeared as soon as we got on the six-person chairlift. The sun was shining, there was zero wind, and the entire resort was glowing in the golden hour light.

The slopes 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.

Unfortunately only one of the chairlifts was working that day, but it served the better and sunnier side of the mountain, which included three black runs, two blues, one red and a full snow park. The opposite face of the fell is shaded, north facing and filled with easier blue runs, so sticking to the sunlit side was no loss.

As the sun dipped lower, the landscape turned surreal. We flew down the slopes bathed in the amber light of sunset, then continued into the night under bright floodlights. This was 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 from 11am to 5pm, taking a one-hour lunch break and covering 30 kilometres across 25 runs.

It is rare to be able to ride from sunrise to sunset and then into the night. If you are beginner I would stick with Luosto’s easily accessible slopes. However if you are an intermediate or advanced skier or snowboarder, Pyhä is absolutely worth the trip, with the seated lifts alone are reason enough.

Golden hour skiing at Pyhä ski resort in Finnish Lapland
Golden hour skiing at Pyhä ski resort in Finnish Lapland

We got back expecting a quiet evening, but the northern lights had other plans. A major aurora display kicked off shortly after dinner and we could not resist.

Becky and I hiked 1.5 kilometres above the village to the Ukko-Luosto scenic hut which we visited when snowshoeing. Here we witnessed one of the best aurora shows we have ever seen. The sky exploded in emerald green, with streaks of red and purple swirling above the treetops.

We were completely starstruck, spinning in every direction trying to take it all in. The lights danced across the sky for over 90 minutes, and we frantically worked to capture the moment in photos. No camera could really do it justice, but the images we did get should showcase how special it was.

Northern Lights above snow-covered trees in Luosto, Finnish Lapland
Northern Lights above snow-covered trees in Luosto, Finnish Lapland
Northern Lights above snow-covered trees in Luosto, Finnish Lapland
Northern Lights above snow-covered trees in Luosto, Finnish Lapland
 

 Day Six: Reindeer Farm

Sadly, this was our final full day in Lapland. Fortunately, we had one of the best experiences saved for last.

We headed to a local 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. T

he 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

Reindeer sleigh ride through winter forest in Finnish Lapland
Reindeer sleigh ride through winter forest in Finnish Lapland
Reindeer sleigh ride through winter forest in Finnish Lapland

 

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.

That evening, the northern lights made one final appearance. While not as dramatic as the previous night, the green waves dancing above the trees still left a lasting impression. I made a short walk, just 500 metres down to the frozen lake in the village, and stood beneath the open sky as it shimmered with aurora one last time. My wife decided not to join me so I had to improvise, getting some shots with a snowman.

It was the perfect closing scene to what had been a truly magical week.

 

 Final Thoughts

I’d heard that Lapland was beautiful, but I honestly didn’t expect it to be that beautiful.

The trip completely exceeded all expectations, delivering everything we hoped for and so much more. Everything about Luosto, Finnish Lapland, and the Travelbase experience was incredible. The scenery, the snow, the peaceful silence, the activities, the people, the food, the accommodation, and even the logistics were all faultless.

Our chalet was fantastic. It was in an ideal location, was warm and welcoming, and equipped with everything we needed. Everything in Luosto was within easy walking distance. The sauna quickly became part of our daily routine, and the smart TV meant we could wind down with some entertainment each night.

As Finland isn’t the cheapest place to eat out (pizzas were 20 euros, burgers 26, and main meals ranged from 30 to 50 euros), having a fully kitted-out kitchen gave us complete flexibility. We could cook when and what we liked and save a little bit of money. The local grocery store was well stocked and reasonably priced, which was a very welcome bonus.

We were lucky with both the weather and temperatures. It had been forecast to be cloudy nearly every day, but we ended up with three out of six days having clear skies and stunning colours. Temperatures were relatively mild most of the week, hovering around -10/12 degrees, with calm winds. Only on the last day it dropped to below -20, which was definitely uncomfortable at times and made us extra thankful for the milder conditions earlier on.

Even better, we had clear night skies and plenty of aurora activity. That alone made the trip feel extra special. Of course, none of these conditions are guaranteed. But unless you roll the dice and go, you’ll never know what you might get.

The Travelbase guides made sure everything ran smoothly. We had constant communication through WhatsApp, and Florian was always available to answer any questions. When one of the tour buses missed our pickup, the Travelbase team immediately stepped in and made sure we got to the activity

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.

 

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Northern Lights above snow-covered trees in Luosto, Finnish Lapland
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