Lapland is Finland's vast, mystical northern wilderness, stretching above the Arctic Circle and home to the Northern Lights, endless fells, pristine national parks, and the legendary Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. This subarctic region offers extraordinary experiences year-round, from dogsled adventures and snowmobile safaris in winter to midnight sun hiking and wild berry picking in summer. Lapland is also the ancestral homeland of the indigenous Sámi people, whose rich culture and reindeer-herding traditions add a unique dimension to any visit.
Top adventure experiences
The most exciting activities Lapland has to offer.
-
1
Dog Sled Safari (Husky)
Mush your own team of Alaskan and Siberian huskies across frozen lakes and through snowy forests—one of Lapland's most iconic and thrilling adventures. Available from 1-hour circuits to multi-day wilderness expeditions.
Best season: November–April
-
2
Snowmobile Safari
Ride powerful snowmobiles across the vast Lapland wilderness, crossing frozen lakes, tackling fell slopes, and exploring deep boreal forests. Routes range from 1-hour beginner circuits to multi-day cross-border adventures into Norway.
Best season: December–April
-
3
Multi-Day Wilderness Trekking (UKK Trail)
Multi-day trekking through Urho Kekkonen National Park's 2,550 km² of pristine Arctic wilderness, staying in wilderness huts. Truly remote and challenging with extraordinary rewards.
Best season: June–September (summer); March–April (ski touring)
-
4
Ice Climbing
Lapland's frozen waterfalls and ice formations provide excellent ice climbing opportunities for beginners and experienced climbers. Guided courses are available near Pyhä-Luosto and Saariselkä.
Best season: December–March
-
5
Karhunkierros Trek (Bear Trail)
Finland's most celebrated long-distance trail follows dramatic river gorges and canyon scenery in Oulanka National Park. The 82 km route takes 5–7 days; the 12 km short version is excellent for day hikers.
Best season: June–October
-
6
Arctic White Water Rafting
White water rafting on Lapland's wild rivers including the Kitkajoki near Kuusamo offers Grade II–IV rapids through spectacular canyon scenery during the high-water spring season.
Best season: May–July (spring melt and early summer)
-
7
Fell Cycling (Summer)
Mountain bike trails on the fells around Levi, Ylläs, and Ounasvaara offer some of Finland's best cycling terrain—panoramic views, challenging trails, and the unique experience of cycling above the Arctic treeline.
Best season: June–September
-
8
Ski Touring in National Parks
Backcountry ski touring through Pallas-Yllästunturi, Urho Kekkonen, and Lemmenjoki national parks offers genuine Arctic wilderness adventure with pristine powder snow and extreme solitude.
Best season: February–April
-
9
Ice Swimming (Avantouinti)
The Finnish tradition of cutting a hole in frozen lake ice and plunging in after a hot sauna is one of the world's most unusual adrenaline experiences. Cold shock followed by euphoric endorphin rush.
Best season: December–March (when lakes are frozen)
-
10
Midnight Sun Hiking
Hiking at midnight under the 24-hour Arctic sun in June–July is a surreal and unique adventure—fell summits glowing gold, reflections in still lakes, and a complete absence of darkness creates an otherworldly experience.
Best season: June–July
Activities by type
Find adventures that match your interests.
Land adventures
Dog sledding, Snowmobiling, Multi-day wilderness trekking, Mountain biking, Fell hiking, Ski touring, Ice climbing, Gold panning
Water adventures
Arctic white water rafting, Ice fishing, Lake kayaking and canoeing (summer), River paddling, Ice swimming
Air adventures
Aurora helicopter tours, Scenic light aircraft flights over Lapland, Paragliding (limited)
Expedition treks
Multi-day husky expeditions, UKK National Park wilderness trek (5-10 days), Cross-border snowmobile to Norway, Lemmenjoki River expedition
Difficulty levels
No experience needed. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Basic fitness required. Some prior experience helpful.
Good fitness and some experience required.
Significant experience and high fitness essential.
Recommended operators
Vetted companies for safe adventures.
Harriniva Adventures (Muonio)
One of Lapland's oldest and most respected adventure companies, specialising in husky expeditions, snowmobile safaris, and wilderness adventures.
Safartica (Rovaniemi)
Award-winning adventure operator based in Rovaniemi offering Northern Lights safaris, snowmobile tours, husky rides, and summer Arctic adventures.
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort (Saariselkä)
The glass igloo resort also operates world-class husky, reindeer, and snowmobile safaris in some of Lapland's most pristine wilderness.
Levi Activities (Kittilä)
Levi ski resort's activities centre coordinates all winter and summer adventures including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and midnight sun experiences.
Wild Nordic Finland (Oulanka)
Specialist Oulanka National Park guide company offering Karhunkierros trekking, river rafting, and bear watching tours.
Adventure safety
Stay safe while pushing your limits.
Never go on adventures alone in remote areas. Always use reputable guides for challenging activities.
Get comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers adventure activities and emergency evacuation.
Check weather conditions and be prepared to cancel or postpone. Mountain weather changes rapidly.
Know your limits. Choose activities appropriate for your fitness and experience level.
Acclimatize properly before high-altitude activities. Altitude sickness is serious.
Preparation & gear
Get ready for your adventure.
Essential gear
- Quality hiking boots (broken in)
- Layered clothing system
- Rain gear and sun protection
- First aid kit
- Headlamp and batteries
- Water purification
Physical preparation
- Start training 6-8 weeks before
- Build cardio endurance
- Include strength training
- Practice with loaded backpack
- Get medical clearance if needed