If you’ve always dreamed of exploring the snowy expanses of Lapland, experiencing huskies and reindeer up close and sleeping in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, then this road trip is just the thing for you! In February, I made this dream come true and am now taking you with me on my journey through Lapland.
Travelling to Lapland & getting around on site
Travelling to Finland is straightforward. I flew from Switzerland via Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the gateway to the Finnish Arctic. The airport has good international connections. A hire car is recommended in Rovaniemi so that you can explore the impressive landscapes flexibly. Especially in winter, you should make sure you have a winter-proof vehicle with spikes, as the roads are often covered in snow. Alternatively, there are also good bus connections between the larger towns. However, we really appreciated the flexibility of the hire car.
Rovaniemi – Magic in the Arctic Circle (Day 1-2)
My adventure began in Rovaniemi, the official home of Father Christmas. This charming town is located right on the Arctic Circle and is an absolute must-see for anyone travelling to Finland, especially in winter. The snow-covered streets, the cosily lit houses and the ever-present Christmas spirit make this place a magical introduction to any Lapland adventure. Whether you’re into outdoor activities or just want to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, Rovaniemi has something for everyone. The combination of unspoilt nature and vibrant culture is particularly fascinating. Here, the rugged wilderness of the north meets an inviting city that welcomes travellers with open arms.
Santa Claus Village – A visit to Father Christmas
One of the absolute highlights in Rovaniemi is the world-famous Santa Claus Village. This enchanting village attracts numerous visitors from all over the world every year and offers a very special magic that is particularly noticeable in winter. Here you can not only meet Father Christmas in person, but also send a letter from Santa’s famous post office. It is a unique experience to send a letter with Santa’s special stamp – this stamp is known worldwide and gives every card a very special touch.
Santa Claus Village is located exactly on the magic line of the Arctic Circle, which means that you can actually cross the Arctic Circle here. The symbolic crossing of this line is a highlight for many visitors, especially when they immortalise themselves with a photo in front of the striking Arctic Circle marker. Whether you do it for a great souvenir or as a special memory to take home, it will definitely be an unforgettable moment. Reindeer sleigh rides are also available at Santa Clause Village and of course meeting Mrs Santa.
It is a magical place that not only makes children’s hearts beat faster, but also transports adults into a wintry fairytale world.
For all those who would like to experience this experience live, the official Santa Claus Village website has all the information about the activities, events and how to visit the Christmas village itself.
👉 You can book your tour to the Village here: Santa Claus Village
Snowman World – Winter fun at its best
Snowman World is located directly in Santa Claus Village – a true winter wonderland that takes you into a fascinating, frosty world. Snowman World is an absolute highlight, especially during the winter months. Here you can look forward to an impressive collection of ice sculptures that reflect the winter landscape in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The sculptures are true works of art, created with great attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Another highlight is the snow bar, where you can enjoy a glass of ice. You can also enjoy lunch or dinner in the restaurant. The entire room, including the furniture, is made of ice – a magical experience that you won’t forget in a hurry. And for the more adventurous, there is an ice slide that not only offers you fun and thrills, but also a great view of the wintry village and the surrounding area. There is also an ice skating rink and a snow maze.
You can find more information about Snowman World, the opening times and the activities available on the official website.
👉 Click here for the Snowman World ticket: Snowman World
Raitola husky and reindeer farm – sleigh rides in a class of their own
Another highlight in Rovaniemi was a visit to the Raitola husky and reindeer farm. Here I was able to go on an exciting husky sled ride – an indescribable experience being pulled through the snowy landscape by the energetic dogs.
Next on the programme was a reindeer sleigh ride, a traditional Sámi method of transport, which took me quietly and peacefully through the winter landscape.
The animals on the farm were well cared for and seemed really happy. Winter overalls were provided on site, so you don’t need your own equipment. I decided to spend the day with a delicious lunch consisting of typical Nordic dishes – a perfect refreshment after the sleigh rides.
The Raitola Husky and Reindeer Farm is an unforgettable experience for anyone who wants to experience Lapland’s winter nature up close. For more information, visit the farm’s official website: Raitola Husky.
👉 Book your husky farm tour here: Huskyfarm
👉 Book a reindeer sleigh ride: Rentiersafari
Restaurants in Rovaniemi
After all the exciting experiences in Rovaniemi, the culinary experience was of course not to be neglected. Two places I can particularly recommend are Café & Bar 21 and Ravintola Roka.
Café & Bar 21 is the perfect place for a cosy break. Not only does it serve the best waffles in town, it also has a fantastic selection of delicious cocktails. It’s a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, especially in winter. Tip: Be sure to try the waffles with salmon – a real treat!
For a savoury dinner, I can recommend Ravintola Roka. A charming, cosy restaurant that stands out for its fantastic sandwiches and local specialities.
Here are 5 restaurant recommendations in Rovaniemi:
- Café & Bar 21 – The best waffles in town and delicious cocktails. Perfect for a cosy break.
- Ravintola Roka – A cosy restaurant with fantastic burgers and local specialities.
- Restaurant Nili – Traditional Finnish cuisine in a rustic ambience, ideal for a hearty dinner.
- Arctic Boulevard – A modern restaurant with a large selection of Scandinavian and international dishes.
- Ravintola Aita – A charming restaurant known for its delicious regional dishes that perfectly reflect the local culture.
These restaurants not only offer delicious food, but also a great Finnish ambience that will make your stay in Rovaniemi unforgettable!
Ruka – Log cabin feeling & action on a snowmobile (Day 3)
After two eventful days in Rovaniemi, my journey took me on to Ruka, one of Finland’s most beautiful and best-known ski resorts. Ruka is located in the middle of a breathtaking winter landscape, surrounded by dense forests and snow-covered hills – a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Snowmobiling – adrenalin on snow
An absolute highlight of my trip was the snowmobile tour in Ruka – and this is definitely an experience not to be missed if you want to discover the Finnish winter wilderness in a particularly exciting way. The tour took me deep into the snow-covered forests and across the frozen lakes of Ruka, and after the first few minutes on the snowmobile I was completely mesmerised.
👉 Book your snowmobile tour here: Snowmobile
Overnight stay in a log cabin
There are numerous cosy log cabins in Ruka that are perfect for a relaxing stay in nature. These cabins are the epitome of cosiness and offer a unique charm. With a crackling fireplace, a private sauna and rustic wooden furniture, I immediately felt at home. It was especially nice to relax in front of the fireplace in the evening after a long day in the snow and enjoy the cold winter air. The perfect place to unwind after an adventure in the great outdoors.
Culinary recommendations in Ruka
After an exciting day in Ruka, there are some great places to refuel. Here are three quick recommendations:
- Ruok Burger
Delicious, juicy burgers for a quick bite after a long day in the snow. - Ravintola Ruka Peak
Enjoy traditional Finnish cuisine with a fantastic view of the winter landscape. - Kitchentown Ruka
Modern, international food in a stylish ambience – ideal for a relaxed dinner.
These restaurants offer everything you need for a cosy evening after your adventures in Ruka!
Ranua – Arctic Zoo & overnight stay in the Glass Igloo (day 4-5)
After my exciting stay in Ruka, I travelled on to Ranua, an idyllic place in the Finnish wilderness that is particularly famous for its Arctic Zoo. Ranua is a place famous for its unspoilt nature and the opportunity to experience Arctic animals up close. The place is much quieter and more authentic than the previous two, with hardly any tourists.
Arctic Zoo – A unique animal experience
Ranua Arctic Zoo is the northernmost zoo in Europe and is home to an impressive collection of Arctic animals that live in natural enclosures. Here I was able to observe polar bears, Arctic foxes, wolves and many other animals from the region. The opportunity to see the animals in their natural environment was particularly impressive, making the visit an unforgettable experience. It is a place that is a paradise for animal lovers and families alike.
👉 Click here to go to the Arctic Zoo: Arctic Zoo
Spend the night at Glass Igloo in Ranua
The crowning glory of my Finland road trip was a night in a Glass Igloo. This unique accommodation offers a spectacular view of the night sky, and if you’re lucky, you can even see the Northern Lights. I spent a night in one of these glass igloos and enjoyed the silence and magic of the Arctic landscape. There are numerous providers of glass igloos, this is a smaller igloo at a reasonable price.
👉 You can book your glass igloo here: Glass Igloo in Lappland
Conclusion: Why Finland is worth travelling to in winter
My road trip through Finland was one of the most magical journeys I’ve ever made. The unspoilt nature, exceptional accommodation and unique experiences make the far north a perfect destination for winter fans. Whether you want to go husky sledding, marvel at the Northern Lights or relax in a log cabin – Finland has something for everyone! But please don’t reduce Finland to the Northern Lights, because you don’t always see them.
Have you ever been to Finland? Which experiences impressed you the most? Let us know in the comments!
