Flights and hotels
Lapland holidays: Rovaniemi, Saariselkä or Levi?
Blue light at noon, reindeer by the road and a glass roof for watching the sky. Where to go in Finnish Lapland, how to book flight and hotel, and seven places to stay.
At two in the afternoon the light turns blue. The snow on the spruce trees goes from white to violet, a reindeer steps out of the forest and crosses the road as if it owns it, and somewhere ahead a row of cabins is lit up from inside like lanterns. This is Finnish Lapland in winter, and it does not look like anywhere else.
Most people start with Rovaniemi, the town on the Arctic Circle and the home of Santa Claus Village. But Lapland is big. Further north, Saariselkä sits among fells and forest with some of the best known glass igloos, while Levi is a ski resort with a lively village. Here is how to choose, whether a day trip makes sense, and the hotels we would book.
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Rovaniemi, Saariselkä or Levi?
Rovaniemi suits families and first timers. Santa Claus Village, husky and reindeer farms and plenty of hotels are all close to the airport.
Saariselkä suits northern lights hunters and couples. It is quieter, further north and darker, with glass igloos and wilderness lodges.
Levi suits skiers and anyone who wants restaurants and après ski within walking distance, with snowmobiles and huskies as well.
Package, flight and hotel, or a day trip?
In winter there are seasonal direct flights to Rovaniemi from several UK airports, and many holidays to Lapland are sold as packages with flights, hotel, transfers and sometimes warm clothing included. That is the easy way to do it, especially at Christmas when everything books up. Flight inclusive packages sold in the UK are ATOL protected.
Lapland day trips, flying out in the morning and home the same night, are popular before Christmas. They work if time is short, but you spend much of the day travelling and see Lapland mostly in the dark. Three or four nights gives you time for a husky ride, a sauna and a few evenings watching the sky.
Flight and hotel together: See Rovaniemi flight and hotel packages
Book experiences: Things to do in Rovaniemi
Santa Claus Holiday Village
Stay right by Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Where to stay in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is a small town with a big winter. The centre has shops and restaurants along the river, while most of the experiences, from Santa Claus Village to the husky farms, are a short drive out of town.
Santa Claus Holiday Village: next door to Santa
These cosy cabins sit in Santa Claus Village itself, on the Arctic Circle. You walk to Santa’s office, the post office and the shops in a few minutes.
The obvious choice for a family Christmas trip.
Book your stay: See rooms at Santa Claus Holiday Village
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel: a window on the forest
The Arctic TreeHouse suites sit on a hillside above Santa Claus Village, with a whole wall of glass facing the forest.
Lie in bed and watch the snow fall, and with luck the northern lights.
Book your stay: See rooms at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Apukka Resort
Apukka lies by a lake just outside Rovaniemi. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Apukka Resort: cabins by the lake
Apukka lies by a frozen lake a short drive from town, with glass roofed cabins and its own winter activities.
A good base if you want snowmobiles and huskies on the doorstep.
Book your stay: See rooms at Apukka Resort
Arctic SnowHotel
A snow hotel and glass igloos on the same site outside Rovaniemi.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos: a night on the ice
Arctic SnowHotel rebuilds its rooms of snow and ice every winter, with glass igloos alongside for a warmer night. Breakfast is included.
Do one night in the snow hotel for the story, then move to an igloo.
Book your stay: See rooms at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
The glass igloos at Kakslauttanen made Saariselkä famous. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Where to stay in Saariselkä and Inari
Saariselkä lies a few hours’ drive north of Rovaniemi, with its own airport at Ivalo. It is quieter and darker than Rovaniemi, with fells and forest right outside the door, which makes it one of the best places in Finland for the northern lights.
Book experiences: Things to do in Saariselkä
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: the glass igloo original
Kakslauttanen is famous for its glass igloos, where you fall asleep under the open sky. There are log cabins too, and a smoke sauna.
Book early: the igloos are some of the most sought after rooms in Lapland.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Wilderness Hotel Muotka
Log cabins, saunas and silence in the far north. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Wilderness Hotel Muotka: deep in the forest
Muotka is a wilderness lodge with cabins, saunas and guided trips into the forest, far from the street lights.
For anyone who wants Lapland as quiet as it gets.
Book your stay: See rooms at Wilderness Hotel Muotka
Levi Nordic Star Igloos
Each igloo in Levi has its own hot tub. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Where to stay in Levi
Levi is Finland’s best known ski resort, with Kittilä airport nearby. The village has restaurants, bars and shops, and the slopes are a short walk from many hotels.
Levi Nordic Star Igloos: a hot tub under the sky
These igloos sit near the Levi ski area, each with a private hot tub, a kitchenette and a terrace.
Ski in the day, soak under the stars at night.
Book your stay: See rooms at Levi Nordic Star Igloos
When is the best time to go to Lapland?
December brings the Christmas magic and the shortest days. January and February are colder and quieter, with more daylight and good snow, while March has long, bright days for skiing and still dark enough nights for the northern lights. The aurora season runs roughly from late August to April.
When should you book?
Christmas and the weeks before: book six to twelve months ahead. Family packages and glass igloos sell out first.
January to March: three to four months ahead is usually enough, and prices are often lower.
Glass igloos and treehouses: book these as early as you can, whatever the month.
Read more about Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village and the best places to see the northern lights.
Frequently asked questions about Lapland holidays
Is Rovaniemi or Saariselkä better for a Lapland holiday?
Rovaniemi is better for families, Santa Claus Village and a short transfer from the airport. Saariselkä is better for the northern lights and a quiet stay in the wilderness, with glass igloos at Kakslauttanen.
Is a Lapland day trip worth it?
A Lapland day trip can work if you only have one day, but you spend much of it travelling and see Lapland mostly in the dark. Three or four nights give you time for husky rides, saunas and evenings looking for the northern lights.
When is the best time to visit Lapland?
December is best for Christmas and Santa Claus Village. January to March is best for snow, the northern lights and lower prices, with March giving the longest days.
How many nights do you need in Lapland?
Three to four nights is a good length. It gives you time for two or three activities and several evenings to see the northern lights, which depend on clear skies.
How cold is Lapland in winter?
Lapland can be very cold in winter, especially in January and February. Dress in layers with wool closest to the skin, and look for a hotel or package that lends out thermal suits and boots.