Lapland is a region in northern Finland known for its natural beauty, including the Northern Lights, arctic forests, and frozen lakes, as well as winter activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. It is also home to Santa Claus Village, which is a popular tourist destination. The indigenous Sami people have a rich cultural heritage in Lapland, and their traditions and way of life are an important part of the region’s identity. Lapland is a must-visit destination for your Finland travel with kids. Now, while it may seem like all these Lapland villages and ski resorts look the same, think again. Some of the best places in Lapland, Finland include:
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and is one of the most popular places to visit in Lapland. It is home to Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa Claus and visit his office. This is a great place for families, especially during the Christmas season. Rovaniemi is also home to the Arktikum Science Center, which offers exhibits on the Arctic region and the Sámi people, the indigenous people of Lapland.
You should make Rovaniemi your base for exploring Lapland with kids. It’s the starting point for many excursions and activities in the region, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and reindeer safaris. While Rovaniemi is one of the top places to visit in Finland with kids, you should go farther north to the Lapland wilderness.
Top reasons to go to Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village and Arktikum
Read about our experience at Santa Claus Village with kids.
Levi
Lapland is not just Rovaniemi. You should go farther north and visit some of the best places in Lapland. Most ski resorts in Lapland are small local hills next to cities and villages. The “Big Four” of Lapland’s ski resorts – Levi, Ylläs, Pyhä-Luosto, and Ruka – are in the fells of Lapland, making them the most popular ski resorts in Finland.
And Levi should be at the top of your list. Levi is a popular ski resort town in Lapland and is known for its beautiful winter landscapes. It offers two snow parks with various slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, as well as other winter activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, and reindeer and husky sledding. It is also a great place to see the Northern Lights. Plus, its compact and lively Alpine village center is home to plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Top reasons to go to Levi: it’s one of the most developed and popular ski resorts, and its compact village makes it easy to get around
We stayed in Levi as part of our 14-day Finland itinerary with kids, and we can say it’s one of the best decisions we made.
Ylläs
Ylläs is a ski resort and holiday village known for its scenic beauty, including the rolling hills of the Finnish fells and the surrounding forests. It’s a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, with its well-maintained slopes and modern facilities. It’s one of the oldest Finnish ski resorts with its ski lift running since 1957.
Ylläs is home to Pallas-Yllästunturi, Finland’s most visited national park, known for having the world’s cleanest air. Ylläs is made up of two villages, Ylläsjärvi to the south and Äkäslompolo in the north. The latter is also known as the Village of Seven Fells, named for the stunning seven fells that define the region’s landscape.
Top reasons to go to Ylläs: visiting Pallas-Yllästunturi and the seven fells
Pyhä-Luosto
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big ski resorts, consider the twin resorts of Pyhä-Luosto in this quiet village located in the age-old pine forests of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park. It’s smaller and quieter than other villages and ski resorts, making it appealing to certain people. Pyhä is also famous for its picturesque backcountry, attracting not only tourists but also permanent residents.
Top reasons to go to Pyhä-Luosto: more peace and quiet and its beautiful backcountry
Ruka
Ruka is a ski resort and holiday destination located in the municipality of Kuusamo. It is known for its pristine natural beauty and its well-maintained slopes for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Ruka has more ski runs open during December, and the ski lifts are better suited to snowboarders. And it has over 310 miles of cross-country skiing tracks.
The resort has various accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and traditional Finnish cabins, making it a popular destination for families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Top reasons to go to Ruka: more ski runs and cross-country skiing tracks
Saariselkä
Saariselkä is the farthest north in Lapland, -290 km. north of the Arctic Circle in the wilderness. While it’s a smaller ski resort, visitors say it has the amenities of Levi and the charm of Ylläs. Saariselkä is also close to several natural attractions, including the Urho Kekkonen National Park and the Siida Sami Museum, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a unique Finnish experience.
Top reasons to go to Saariselkä: farthest, coldest, truest wilderness
