Lapland is a true winter paradise.
Low temperatures, snow and unique nature are unmatched by the landscape of anywhere else on earth. So if the cold never bothered you, here are some tips and general knowledge to help you plan your trip.
Lapland is a unique Arctic experience.
If you are looking for the cold bite of a reindeer sled ride or the soft heat of a traditional sauna, you may be ready. If you want to explore the wilderness on a white summer night and meet Santa at any time of year, you are probably ready.
A trip often starts at the airport.
In Finland, the main airline operating Finnair. So I suggest you look at the rates directly on the company website to get the best price according to your departure dates. Airport Rovaniemi is the right one choose If you want to meet Santa. You will also take your first steps north of the Arctic Circle. Further north, the airport Kittilä Don't stop receiving more and more tourists! The airport is a few kilometers from Levi, one of the main ski resorts very popular with Finns.
Lapland
Lapland is a transnational region on Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish and Russian territory, whose indigenous people are the Sami.
The temperature in Lapland may vary from -40 °C in winter to +27 °C in summer. Local vegetation consists mainly of taiga and tundra. Lapland is home to several species of predatory mammals, such as brown bears and glutton, but the most emblematic animal in this area is certainly reindeer. The total number can be estimated at at least 40,000.
Apartments and guest rooms
Apartments are a great way for families or large groups to stay together in Lapland. They often include saunas, kitchens and amenities not found in most hotel rooms. Bed & breakfasts are also less formal ways to enjoy your stay in Lapland, whether you are in the city centre, near the slopes or in the north.
Unusual Accommodation
Lapland is not only at the end of the world; It is also at the cutting edge of accommodation. There are opportunities and experiences in Lapland that you will not find anywhere else in the world. There are rooms in ice igloos and glass igloos. Here are some of the most unique winter accommodations!
Airbnb is also a popular way to stay in Lapland.
Lapland has over 100,000 square kilometres to explore.
First of all
You must know that Lapland is not its own sovereign country. It is a region of Scandinavia and is governed by Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia, depending on the specific location in the region. The most touristic part of Lapland is that under Finnish jurisdiction, with the capital city of Rovaniemi. This city also houses the regional university, which means that the place is populated by many young people and meeting places. It's also where Santa Claus lives!
Weather
Lapland is cold. We know that. But there is actually more than that. As it is so close to the North Pole, the winter peak shows temperatures well below zero. -30° is common and it can be difficult to cope with people not used to these temperatures. Winter lasts between five months (in the South) and seven months (in the North). The high winter season begins in February, cross-country and hiking skiers invade frozen forests and lakes until the end of March in the South and late April in the North. Then the sun comes back. In Lapland, you can ski (in swimsuit...) until mid-May.
However, when January arrives, things become a little brighter, the air becomes drier and the sun begins to point on the horizon. This is the best time to visit, from January to early April. It is also the time when you have the most chance of attending the famous enchanting aurora boreales.
midnight sun
Hereinafter I give you as an indication (this varies from one day or two, from one year to the next) the dates on which the midnight sun is visible in Lapland, with the corresponding north latitude:
- From 17 May to 27 July
- From 22 May to 21 July
- Sodankylä 67° 25
- Rovaniemi 66° 30
- Kuusamo 65° 59
- From 18 to 25 June
Conversely, the sun disappears entirely in Utsjoki for more than 7 weeks, usually from 26 November to 17 January. It is the polar night period (kaamos).
However, when January arrives, things become a little brighter, the air becomes drier and the sun begins to point on the horizon. This is the best time to visit, from January to early April. It is also the time when you have the most chance of attending the famous enchanting aurora boreales.
Northern lights in Lapland
The most notable natural phenomenon in the region is that of the northern lights. You will hear them call northern lights in English and Revontuli in Finnish, which translates into... « the fire of the fox ».
This phenomenon is caused by very powerful solar eruptions, during which large amounts of particles escape and form the solar wind. Our planet's natural magnetic field provides protection, but it is weakened at both magnetic poles. Under certain conditions of particle density, this has the effect of generating these narcotics burning. They occur at any time of year, but are only visible at night and, of course, provided it is cloudless.
The best time to observe the northern aurora extends from February to April, when the nights are cold, long and the sky is often clear.
Boreal aurore first has a short dynamic phase. A huge green and orange stripe continues to expand into a fugitally turquoise and blood red colouring. It is only after a few minutes that the clutch will install and you can pick up your device with its tripod and preferably a wide angle lens.
The premises
The local population of Lapland is called Sami and leads a fairly traditional life. Progress and technology took time to reach this cold and distant region, so that the local economy was mainly established on hunting and fishing. In recent decades, tourism has contributed to the development of the place. Today, it is also a significant part of the regional economy. That said, the inhabitants maintain an authentic lifestyle, including traditional clothes and customs.
Equipment
The only way to make sure you have all the necessary equipment for a trip to Lapland is to have everything there. No other country will have this kind of resistant clothing to help you fight the cold. The city of Rovaniemi is the ideal place to get everything you need: gloves, snow suits, thermal clothing, snow boots, etc. After wearing all these layers, you can experience the rental of a snowmobile, which is the most effective way to explore snow-covered landscapes.
Puukkos & Sami
The puukko is, depending on the model, a hunting knife, an art piece or a utility knife with a robust blade and a wooden handle.
The puukko is, depending on the model, a hunting knife, an art piece or a utility knife with a robust blade and a wooden handle.
The common characteristic of the original forms is the absence of a finger protector and the presence of a sheath who receives and locks the knife like a quiver. Some precious puukkos have a handle very elaborate. Usually, simple constructions are preferred. Historical puukkos were mainly made by users or their blacksmiths.
Conclusion:
Normally, after reading this article about Lapland, you should have a big desire to leave! It's quite normal. Start preparing the suitcases and especially, when you are in Rovaniemi, do not miss the visit at factory shop Marttiini. If you're like me, you'll leave with about ten puukkos!
It was the first article in this new blog. Thanks for walking through it. I tell you very soon and think about signing up for the newsletter to be informed about the next releases.
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Articles on puukkos, Scandinavia, nature and large spaces.
