English · 05. September 2025

A beginner’s guide with complete infos for a once-in-a-lifetime Lapland holiday for visitors from all around the world

Planning your dream Lapland holiday is a wonderful mix of excitement and questions. You picture it already: snow falling silently on pine forests, the crisp Arctic air filling your lungs, and maybe a ribbon of green light flickering across the dark sky. That dream is Lapland. But turning it into reality? That requires decisions: When is the best time to go? Where should you stay? What should you do once you are there? Where should I stay? Which activities are truly worth it?

A team of huskies pulling a sled through snowy forest trails in Lapland, with the musher steering and the winter sun shining low on the horizon. — Husky sledding in Finnish Lapland – authentic husky safari adventure near Ranua

Getting there: flights, trains and driving

The Arctic is closer than you think. From most European cities, you can reach Lapland in just a few hours.

Flying – the quickest route

Airlines offer direct winter flights from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, Zürich and many more hubs. You can have breakfast at home and dinner by a log fire in Lapland.

Main airports:

Rovaniemi (RVN): the best option for Ranua and Lake Simojärvi (about 1 hour drive).
Kittilä (KTT): perfect if you also plan skiing in Levi or Ylläs.
Ivalo (IVL): further north, strong Northern Lights chances, longer transfer.
Kuusamo (KAO) / Kemi-Tornio (KEM): smaller, sometimes cheaper, ~2–3 hours’ drive to Ranua.

The scenic option – the Santa Claus Express

If you want the journey to be part of the adventure, arrive in Helsinki and board the overnight train to Rovaniemi. Known as the Santa Claus Express, it offers private sleeping cabins, on-board dining, Wi-Fi, and the unique joy of waking up to Arctic forests passing by your window.

By car

From Rovaniemi Airport to Ranua: ~82 km / ~1 hour. To Lake Simojärv/Koirajärvii: ~1h15. Roads are cleared daily, but winter driving is slow. Reindeer crossings are common. Rental cars come with winter tyres by law.

When to visit: choose your season wisely

Each season in Lapland feels like a different world.

December – the festive fairytale

Temperatures: –5 to –20 °C
Daylight: 3–4 hours per day
What to expect: fairy lights everywhere, Santa Claus Village at its busiest, snowy forests, Christmas atmosphere.
For whom: families, travellers chasing the postcard Christmas.
Downside: busiest and most expensive period.

January–March – auroras and deep winter

Temperatures: –15 to –30 °C
Daylight: 4 h in January → 10 h in March
What to expect: peak Northern Lights chances, perfect snow for huskies, reindeer, snowmobiles and ice-fishing. Long dark nights, cold but dry air.
For whom: adventurers, photographers, travellers seeking silence.

September–November – Ruska and the first lights

Temperatures: +5 to –10 °C
Daylight: 8–12 h in September → 5 h in November
What to expect: forests glowing red and gold, first snow often in late October, early auroras already visible from August.
For whom: hikers, birdwatchers, photographers, those avoiding crowds.

April–June – spring light

Snow often lasts until April. By May, lakes begin to melt, daylight grows fast. Prices are lower, crowds are gone.

June–August – summer and midnight sun

Long days, up to 24 h of daylight. Temperatures between 15–25 °C. Ideal for fishing, canoeing, berry picking, hiking.

Activities: the true highlights of Lapland

Lapland is not only Santa. Here is a wide range of authentic things to do:

Arctic classics

Husky safari: drive your own sled; half-day tours ~150–200 € pp.
Reindeer sleigh ride: traditional, slow-paced, ~80–120 € pp.
Snowmobile safari: 2 h ~120–180 €, fast way to explore frozen lakes.
Snowmobile for children: contact us, No one else offers this.
Snowmobile and ATV rental for private trips, contact us, no one else offers this.
Aurora: guided , ~90–120 € tours. or from your own cabin lakeshore Mökki Tikka, you will find Aurora right in front on our lake.

Nature & wilderness

Ice fishing: perch and pike under frozen lakes; guided trips ~60–100 €.
Snowshoe hiking: through marshes and silent forests.
Cross-country skiing: many local tracks, equipment for rent.
Wildlife Park Ranua: see polar bears, owls, lynx, wolves; ~25 €.
Birdwatching: owls in winter, migrating geese in autumn, woodpeckers and grouse year-round.

Culture & lifestyle

Sauna: the heart of Finnish life. Heat, then snow roll or icy dip.
Local food: reindeer stew, salmon soup, berry desserts.
Caterin: contact us
Museums in Rovaniemi: Arktikum for Sámi culture and Arctic science.
Handicrafts: reindeer antler carvings, Sámi textiles and jewellery.

Unique extras

Glass igloo overnight: sleep under the Northern Lights.
Photography tours: with guides for auroras or wildlife.
Private Santa visits: in Rovaniemi, bookable for families.

💡 On tikkawildernesslodges.com

you can browse more ideas. I help guests pick activities that truly fit them—because a family with children, a birdwatcher, and a couple looking for peace do not need the same program.

Budget: what to expect

Lapland is a premium destination, but you can plan smart.

Flights:

EU to Rovaniemi return: 250–500 € (December peak up to 700 €).

Accommodation:

Cabin with sauna: 150–250 €/night
Premium lodge/glass igloo: 400–800 €/night

Activities per person:

Husky safari (2–3h): 150–200 €
Reindeer sleigh: 80–120 €
Snowmobile (2h, 2 people per vehicle): 120–180 €
Aurora tour: 90–120 €
Wildlife Park Ranua: 25 €
Ice fishing guided: 60–100 €

Food:

Self-catering: ~60–100 €/week per person
Restaurant: 20–40 € per meal
Special dinners: 60–100 €

Transport:

Rental car: 60–80 €/day
Petrol: ~2 €/litre

Seasonal differences:

December: most expensive
January–March: lower rates, still snow & auroras
Autumn/spring: cheapest, fewer tours available

Packing: how to stay warm and comfortable

The secret is layering. One giant jacket is not enough—you need a system.

The three-layer rule:

Base layer: merino wool or synthetic, never cotton.
Mid layer: fleece or down, keeps your heat in.
Outer layer: windproof, waterproof shell.

Essential extras:

Warm hat covering ears
Wool socks (3–4 pairs)
Mittens (better than gloves) + liner gloves
Sunglasses (snow glare is extreme)
Lip balm, moisturiser (air is very dry)
Thermos, hand warmers, power bank
Headlamp (short daylight in winter)
Camera batteries (keep spares warm in inside pockets)

For kids: same system, plus thermal sleeping bag for naps, waterproof mittens, and spare sets of clothes.

Good to know: Most tour operators supply thermal overalls, boots and mittens for husky, snowmobile and aurora tours. Confirm when booking, so you don’t overpack.

Good to know too: you can hire clothing in Ranua. We will be happy to help you.

A sample 6-day itinerary around Ranua & Lake Simojärvi

Day 1: Arrival Rovaniemi, drive to Ranua. Evening sauna & Northern Lights watch from lakeshore.
Day 2: Husky safari in the morning, relax by the fire, guided aurora tour at night.
Day 3: Snowmobile adventure across frozen lakes, evening sauna.
Day 4: Visit Ranua Wildlife Park, local dinner with reindeer stew.
Day 5: Day trip to Santa Claus Village and Arktikum museum in Rovaniemi.
Day 6: Ice fishing & snowshoe hike, check-out.

FAQs – your key questions answered

Do I need a car?
Yes. Public transport is limited, especially in the evenings. A car gives you freedom for aurora chasing, shopping, and reaching quiet cabins. Winter driving is safe with patience: use winter tyres, drive slower, and watch for reindeer.

Can I see the Northern Lights every night?
No. The aurora depends on solar activity and clear skies. If you stay 5–7 nights in January–March, you have a good chance. On average, 2–3 clear nights per week will show activity. Guides and apps can improve your odds.

Do I need a fishing licence?

Ice fishing with one rod: free.
Spinning or multiple rods: national licence required (ages 18–64).
If you stay at a private lake with local hosts, you may get extended rights.

How cold does it get?

–20 °C is common in January and February.
–30 °C is possible, but the air is dry, which makes it easier than damp cold.
With proper layering and thermal suits from tour operators, you will be fine.

Is English spoken?
Yes, widely. Finnish and Swedish are the official languages, but in tourism almost everyone speaks English fluently.

Is Lapland safe?
Yes. Very low crime, friendly locals. The only risks are nature: thin ice, extreme cold, and long distances. Always follow guide instructions.

Are there supermarkets in Ranua?
Yes, Ranua town has grocery stores where you can buy everything from food to winter gear. For remote cabins, stock up before arrival.

What about internet?
4G coverage is reliable in Ranua and most cabins, weaker in deep forest. Enough for navigation, emails and social media.

What exactly should I pack for clothing?

2–3 merino base layer sets
2 fleece jackets or wool sweaters
1 down jacket
1 windproof/waterproof shell jacket + trousers
3–4 pairs of wool socks
Warm hat + spare
Mittens + liners
Winter boots (if not provided by tour operator)

Final thoughts

Lapland is not just about Santa or huskies. It is about silence, light, and the feeling of being in untouched nature. A walk on a frozen lake, the glow of the aurora, the warmth of a sauna at night—these are the moments you will remember.

By staying in Ranua and the Lake Simojärvi area (or Koirajärvi nearby), you get the balance: access to Santa and Rovaniemi’s highlights by day, but peaceful wilderness at night.

On tikkawildernesslodges.comyou can explore activity ideas and get personal advice. I help travellers cut through the noise, choose what really fits them, and build a holiday that is truly once in a lifetime.