Lapland
Five days in the Arctic between Rovaniemi, Levi and Ivalo: Northern Lights, husky safaris, glass igloos and endless snowy silence.
“Witnessing the Northern Lights dance across the Lappish sky is a breathtaking magic you will carry with you forever”
A five-day Arctic journey from festive Rovaniemi to the fells of Levi and the wild, starry skies around Ivalo, with Northern Lights, husky sledding and nights in glass-roofed cabins.
— Gaby
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How to chase the Northern Lights
You need three things: darkness, clear skies and solar activity. These are the spots where I’d wait for them.
Tuikku, top of Levi Fell
A 360° view above the treeline. Windy, but with incredibly clear skies.
Lake Immeljärvi
A short walk from the centre, with a wide-open northern view and icy reflections.
Lake Inari
About 20 minutes from Ivalo: a huge, unobstructed horizon.
Ounasvaara Fell
A forest hike up to the observation tower, above the city lights.
Pro tips for the chase
- Use an aurora app like My Aurora Forecast or Aurora Alert Realtime to get alerts.
- Look north: the aurora often starts as a faint arc on the horizon.
- Check cloud cover on Ventusky or Yr.no before heading out.
- Keep your phone in an inner pocket: the cold drains batteries fast.
Smartphone photo tips
- Night mode: tap to focus and lower the brightness slightly to avoid overexposure.
- Keep it still: use a mini tripod, or rest the phone on a rock or fence and use the self-timer.
- Flash off: it doesn’t help and it disturbs everyone around you.
Arctic experiences
Santa Claus Village
Cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa, ride with reindeer and send a card from the Main Post Office.
See tours →
Snowmobile safari
Speed across frozen lakes and silent forests, by day or under the night sky.
See safaris →
Husky & reindeer safaris
The most traditional way to glide through the snowy forests of the north.
See safaris →
Skiing & alpine vibes
Finland’s top ski resort, with après-ski and cosy boutiques.
See activities →
Icekarting
Ice karting is a dynamic winter activity that offers the perfect combination of speed, agility, and winter fun
Get tickets →
Sami culture
Discover Sami heritage and reindeer herding, and visit the Siida Museum in Inari.
See experiences →
Lapland in winter is where nature shows its most magical side. A silent, snowy wonderland you will never forget
Five days in Lapland
- Morning
Santa Claus Village
Cross the Arctic Circle line and visit Santa’s post office.
- Afternoon
Arktikum Museum or design shops
Arctic science and culture, or a stroll through the city’s Finnish design stores.
- Evening
Dinner at Savotta
Traditional Finnish dishes in a cosy, rustic setting.
- Morning
Drive to Levi
About two hours through snowy forests.
- Afternoon
Hotel Levi Panorama & Samiland
Check in high on the fell, then visit the Sami museum.
- Evening
Aurora from the lounge
Dinner at the hotel and Northern Lights watching with a view.
- Morning
Move to Northern Lights Village
A short transfer to your glass-roofed Aurora Cabin.
- Afternoon
Explore & sauna
Wander the snowy surroundings, then warm up in a Finnish sauna.
- Evening
Aurora from your bed
Watch the sky through the glass roof, wrapped in warm blankets.
- Morning
Snowmobile safari
Across frozen lakes and forests.
- Afternoon
Husky safari
Let the dogs pull you through the silent snow.
- Evening
Drive north to Ivalo
About two and a half hours, then check in.
- Morning
Reindeer farm or ice fishing
Meet the herders, or try ice fishing on Lake Inari.
- Afternoon
Souvenir shopping
Sami crafts and local design to take home.
- Evening
Transfer to Ivalo Airport
Finland’s northernmost airport, for your flight home.
Sleep under the Arctic sky
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Forest “nest” suites with huge windows on the sky and the trees.
Check availability
Northern Lights Village
Aurora Cabins with heated glass roofs, to watch the sky from bed.
Check availability
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
The famous glass igloos and log cabins in the wilderness.
Check availabilityWhat to taste
Where to eat
Savotta
Restaurant Nili
Kota Restaurant at Snowman World
King Crab House
Restaurant Tuikku
Saamen Kammi
Laanilan Kievari
Restaurant Aanaar
Bistro Inari
Good to know
The 3-layer rule: a merino base layer, a fleece or wool mid-layer and a windproof, waterproof shell. Tour operators often provide snowsuits, boots and mittens: bring good socks and a warm hat.
Respect the silence of nature, leave no trace in the national parks and always follow your guides’ advice on ice and cold safety.
Frequent flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Kittilä and Ivalo. Hotels often offer airport transfers. Rent a car only if you’re used to winter driving, and book early.
Take Lapland home
From the festive lights of Rovaniemi to the starry wilderness of Ivalo, Lapland is pure Arctic magic. The prints from this trip are available as Fine Art editions