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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Authentic Sámi Duodji Crafts
Genuine hand-crafted Sámi items including knives (puukko) with reindeer bone handles, beaded jewellery, leather pouches, and woven textiles. Look for the official Sámi Duodji trademark label to ensure authenticity.
Price: €30–500
Where: Siida Museum shop in Inari; Sámi Duodji certified shops in Inari and Rovaniemi
Reindeer Skin Products
Reindeer hides for home decoration, reindeer fur mittens and hats, and dried reindeer meat (jerky). Practical, high-quality souvenirs directly from Lapland's reindeer herding culture.
Price: €15–200
Where: Rovaniemi Market Hall, reindeer farms, artisan shops in resort towns
Wild Berry Preserves
Cloudberry (lakka), lingonberry, and bilberry jams and jellies from Lapland's wild harvest. Cloudberry is Finland's most prized preserve—golden and intensely flavoured.
Price: €6–15
Where: Supermarkets, market halls, and souvenir shops throughout Lapland
iittala and Arabian Ceramics
Classic Finnish design ceramics and glassware from iconic brands iittala and Arabia. Popular Moomin character items are universally beloved Finnish gifts.
Price: €15–150
Where: City shops in Rovaniemi; department stores; airport duty-free
Santa Claus Village Ornaments
Handmade Christmas ornaments, snow globes, personalised letters from Santa, and exclusive Santa Claus Village memorabilia. Unique to the world's only official Arctic Circle Santa post office.
Price: €5–80
Where: Santa Claus Village shops (Rovaniemi Arctic Circle)
Arctic Napue Gin
Arctic Napue is Finland's award-winning gin distilled in Isokyrö with botanicals including Finnish meadowsweet. A premium souvenir for spirits enthusiasts.
Price: €35–55
Where: Alko (state alcohol shops) throughout Lapland; duty-free shops
Finnish Wool Items
High-quality Finnish wool mittens, socks, hats, and blankets with traditional Nordic patterns. Practical and beautiful gifts from Finnish wool craft traditions.
Price: €20–120
Where: Artisan shops in Rovaniemi and resort towns; market halls
Lapland Photography Books
Stunning photography books featuring Northern Lights, fell landscapes, wildlife, and Lapland's four seasons by Finnish photographers.
Price: €25–60
Where: Arktikum museum shop, Siida Museum shop, bookshops in Rovaniemi
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Rovaniemi Market Hall (Kauppahalli)
The best market in Lapland for authentic local produce including fresh fish, smoked reindeer, wild berries, cheeses, and traditional Finnish breads from local vendors.
Where: Lordin aukio, Rovaniemi city centre
Hours: Mon–Fri 8AM–4PM, Sat 8AM–2PM
Rovaniemi Christmas Market
An enchanting outdoor Christmas market selling Lappish handicrafts, wooden decorations, mulled wine (glögi), and festive foods in a snowy winter setting.
Where: Lordi's Square (Lordin aukio), Rovaniemi
Hours: Early December, daily 10AM–8PM
Inari Village Market
A small but authentic weekly market in Inari selling Sámi handicrafts, smoked Lake Inari fish, and locally foraged wild products.
Where: Inari village centre
Hours: Fridays in summer 9AM–2PM
Sodankylä Outdoor Market
The central Lapland market town hosts a traditional Finnish market with local produce, second-hand goods, and occasional Lappish craft items.
Where: Sodankylä market square
Hours: Saturdays 8AM–2PM (summer months)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Rovaniemi City Centre
Rovaniemi's main shopping area along Koskikatu and Rovakatu has the best concentration of shops in Lapland including Finnish fashion brands, outdoor equipment, souvenirs, and the Alko alcohol shop.
Best for: General shopping, souvenirs, Finnish brands, outdoor gear
Santa Claus Village Shops
The cluster of shops within Santa Claus Village sells Christmas-themed souvenirs, official Santa Village merchandise, and Lappish gifts. Prices are higher than city centre but the atmosphere is unique.
Best for: Christmas souvenirs, unique Santa Village items, gifts for children
Levi Resort Village
Levi's resort village has a good selection of ski equipment shops, outdoor gear retailers, souvenir shops, and convenience stores catering to the ski resort crowd.
Best for: Ski equipment, outdoor gear, resort souvenirs
Saariselkä Village
Small but well-stocked shopping area at Saariselkä offering outdoor equipment, Lappish souvenirs, and a supermarket for self-catering supplies.
Best for: Outdoor gear, Lappish souvenirs, self-catering supplies
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Koskikeskus Shopping Centre
Rovaniemi's main indoor shopping centre with Finnish chain stores, a supermarket, cafés, and services—the best all-weather shopping option in Lapland.
Hours: Mon–Fri 10AM–8PM, Sat 10AM–6PM, Sun 12PM–5PM
Sampokeskus
Another central Rovaniemi shopping centre with a mix of retail and services including a pharmacy, electronics, and clothing stores.
Hours: Mon–Fri 10AM–8PM, Sat 10AM–6PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not practiced in Finnish shops or markets—prices are fixed
Check for sales (alennusmyynti) in January and July when Finnish retailers discount heavily
Sámi artisans at markets may negotiate slightly on larger purchases, but respect their pricing
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Finland follows EU customs rules. Antiques and significant cultural artefacts require export permits. Genuine Sámi Duodji crafts can be freely exported.
Tax Refund: VAT refund (Tax Free shopping) available for non-EU visitors on single purchases over €40 at participating shops. Look for Tax Free shopping signs.
Duty Free: EU allowances apply. Non-EU visitors: 1L spirits or 2L wine, 200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco
Shipping: International shipping available at Rovaniemi post office and most larger gift shops. Finland Post (Posti) is reliable and covers remote Arctic destinations.