Top 7 Bucket List Experiences in Lapland, Finland 2025
Image by Vincent Guth
Dreaming of ticking Lapland, Finland off your bucket list? Most people imagine Santa’s Village, husky rides, and snowy postcards, but there’s so much more waiting beyond the clichés. Lapland is where Arctic wilderness meets once-in-a-lifetime experiences: think floating in a frozen lake under the Northern Lights, warming up in a smoke sauna before diving into ice-cold water, or sleeping in a glass igloo as the sky dances above you.
This isn’t just another list of things to do in Lapland, it’s a guide to 7 bucket list experiences in Lapland, Finland 2025 that will leave you with stories you can’t find anywhere else. From cultural traditions to adrenaline-pumping adventures, these are the moments that make a trip to the Arctic unforgettable.
And to make planning easier, I’ll share trusted links to book tours, unique stays, and even the essential gear you’ll need, so you can turn your dream Lapland adventure into reality.
-
1. Spend a Night in a Glass Igloo Under the Northern Lights
2. Go Ice Floating in a Frozen Lake
3. Try a Traditional Finnish Smoke Sauna & Ice Dip
4. Reindeer Sleigh Ride at Night (Silent Arctic Forests)
5. Snowshoe Hiking in Pyhä-Luosto National Park
6. Aurora Photography Workshop with a Local Guide
7. Drive Your Own Snowmobile Across Frozen Lakes
Plan Your Trip to Lapland: When to visit, where to stay & what to pack?
1. Spend a Night in a Glass Igloo Under the Northern Lights
Imagine lying in bed while the sky above you erupts in green and purple light. In Lapland, this isn’t just a dream, it’s reality. Staying in a glass igloo or Arctic dome is one of the most magical ways to experience the Northern Lights, and it’s something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Unlike a standard hotel, these transparent-roofed cabins are built for stargazing and Aurora hunting without ever leaving your blanket. Many also come with cozy fireplaces, saunas, or even hot tubs overlooking the frozen wilderness, so you’re comfortable even on the coldest Arctic nights.
Image by Illia Panasenko
These are three of our favourite and most romantic glass igloo’s:
Nova Galaxy Village - Just outside Rovaniemi. Ideal for couples hoping for an unforgettable romantic stay near Santa Claus.
Levi Aurora Igloo - Located in the north of Finland, this beautiful property can host 4 people, making it ideal for the perfect family getaway.
Aurora Village Ivalo - This is the furthest north out of the three stays. This increases your chances to see Northern Lights.
Tip: Try to book as far in advance as possible. These stays are extremely popular and often sell out in the blink of an eye. 🫣. If you are planning on visiting a different region of Finland, you can find the best hotel deals on Agoda or Booking.com
2. Go Ice Floating in a Frozen Lake
Drifting weightlessly in the middle of an Arctic lake, surrounded by silence and snow, it sounds impossible, but it’s one of Lapland’s most surreal bucket list experiences. With the help of a thick thermal survival suit, you can safely float in icy waters while watching the sky fade into pink Arctic twilight or, if you’re lucky, glow with Northern Lights.
Ice floating isn’t just thrilling, it’s surprisingly peaceful. Locals describe it as a form of meditation, a way to connect with Lapland’s wild nature in complete stillness. The best part? You don’t need any experience. Guides provide all the equipment and keep the session safe and unforgettable.
These are some ice floating activities you can book across Finland, but be sure to check GetYourGuide for an even greater range of experiences.
Kemi: Icebreaker Arktis Cruise with Ice Floating - Not only do you get to try ice floating, but you can also join a cruise called: Icebreaker Arktis. What a remarkable experience!
3. Try a Traditional Finnish Smoke Sauna & Ice Dip
Few experiences capture the essence of Lapland like a traditional Finnish smoke sauna followed by a plunge into icy water. It’s intense, invigorating, and unforgettable. A perfect mix of culture, wellness, and adrenaline.
Smoke saunas, or savusaunas, are heated with wood, filling the room with a rich, smoky aroma. Unlike modern saunas, they have no chimney, giving the experience an earthy, authentic feel. After warming up, the boldest adventurers take a dip in a frozen lake or roll in the snow, an exhilarating ritual that locals swear by for health and vitality.
4. Reindeer Sleigh Ride at Night (Silent Arctic Forests)
Gliding through snow-dusted forests on a reindeer sleigh is magical by day, but at night, it transforms into a truly enchanting Arctic adventure. The only sounds are the soft crunch of snow and the gentle bells around the reindeer’s necks, while the sky above shimmers with Northern Lights.
Unlike the crowded tourist rides during the day, a night-time reindeer sleigh ride offers an intimate, almost spiritual experience. You’ll learn about Sami culture, the traditions behind reindeer herding, and how these iconic animals have shaped life in Lapland for centuries.
Rovaniemi: Apukka Reindeer Sleigh Ride at Night - Admire the arctic sky lit by millions of stars and take a break to enjoy a hot drink by the bonfire.
Levi: 3km Reindeer Sleigh Ride in the forest at night - In the noiseless sleigh ride you will get into Lappish forest, hear melody of winter and experience magical light of snow and colours of polar night.
5. Snowshoe Hiking in Pyhä-Luosto National Park
If you want to experience Lapland beyond the usual tours, strap on a pair of snowshoes and step into the untouched wilderness of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Far from the crowds, this ancient landscape of frozen forests, rolling fells, and deep ravines feels like stepping into another world.
Snowshoeing is surprisingly beginner-friendly, you don’t need any special skills, just a good pair of boots and a willingness to explore. The silence of the Arctic is incredible here: no engines, no crowds, just the sound of snow crunching beneath your feet. On clear nights, you might even catch the Northern Lights dancing above the pines.
6. Aurora Photography Workshop with a Local Guide
Seeing the Northern Lights is magical, but capturing them on camera is another challenge altogether. That’s why joining an Aurora photography workshop in Lapland is one of the most rewarding experiences for travellers who want to take home more than just memories.
With the help of a local guide, you’ll learn how to set up your camera, adjust your exposure, and frame the perfect shot. Many workshops take place deep in the wilderness, far from light pollution, giving you the best chance to witness the Aurora in full colour. Even if you’re a complete beginner, guides often provide tripods or even spare cameras, so you can go home with your own bucket-list shot of the Arctic sky.
Rovaniemi: Discover the Northern Lights Photography Tour - Small groups, expert planning, private locations, and pro photographers give you the best chance to witness and capture the magic.
Aurora hunting photography tour - Visit the best spots to experience the Northern Lights.
7. Drive Your Own Snowmobile Across Frozen Lakes
Nothing says Arctic adventure quite like taking the wheel of your own snowmobile and speeding across frozen lakes surrounded by endless snowy wilderness. It’s one of the most exhilarating ways to explore Lapland, giving you access to remote trails and landscapes that you simply can’t reach by car or on foot.
Unlike a guided sleigh ride, driving your own snowmobile puts you in control. You’ll feel the crunch of snow beneath you as you glide past frozen forests, open tundra, and shimmering ice fields. Many tours even stop at wilderness huts along the way for hot drinks by the fire, or combine the ride with ice fishing or Northern Lights hunting for the ultimate Arctic day out.
Levi: Snowmobile Safari with Ice Fishing and Outdoor Lunch - Drive along the frozen waters to a winter fishing spot in the wilderness. Learn the secrets of ice-fishing and enjoy a delicious soup lunch cooked over an open fire.
From Rovaniemi: Guided Lapland Snowmobile Adventure - Explore the beautiful Southern Lapland wilderness with a guide. Glide through the landscape on a snowmobile and take a break to savour a warm drink.
Rovaniemi: Snowmobile and Ice Fishing Adventure with Lunch - Enjoy a snowmobiling adventure in the wilderness surrounding Rovaniemi and try your hand at ice-fishing. Enjoy a traditional lunch of soup and anything that you can catch from the frozen lake.
Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Snowmobile Hunt - Ride across the snow on a snowmobile tour from Rovaniemi, before relaxing at a campfire in anticipation of the Northern Lights appearing.
Plan Your Trip to Lapland: When to visit, where to stay & what to pack?
When to visit?
Northern Lights season: The best chance to see the Aurora borealis is September to March, when the nights are longest and skies are darkest.
Snow activities: For guaranteed snow, plan your visit between December and early April, perfect for snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and husky sledding.
Summer magic: From June to August, you’ll experience the midnight sun, endless daylight, and stunning hiking trails.
Where to Stay in Lapland?
Accommodation in Lapland is an adventure in itself. For a truly bucket-list stay, book one of these:
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort - Iconic glass igloos with panoramic sky views.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos - Unique stays carved from ice with a matching ice restaurant and bar.
Northern Lights Village, Saariselkä – Luxury glass cabins set deep in the wilderness for prime Aurora spotting.
Tip: Book early if you’re visiting in peak winter months, unique stays like igloos and wilderness lodges sell out months in advance.
What to Pack for Lapland?
Lapland’s Arctic climate means you’ll need to dress smart and pack the right gear. A few essentials include:
Thermal base layers – the foundation of staying warm in -20°C.
Rechargeable hand warmers – lifesavers during long Aurora hunts outside. If not, one-use hand warmers are also ideal.
GoPro action camera – to capture adventures like snowmobiling and ice floating.
Portable power bank – cold weather drains batteries fast; always carry a backup.
Waterproof snow boots – for hiking, snowshoeing, and exploring frozen landscapes.
FAQS
Is Lapland worth visiting in winter vs summer?
Absolutely, Lapland offers two completely different experiences depending on the season. Winter (December–March) is best for snow activities like husky sledding, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights hunting. Summer (June–August) brings the midnight sun, endless daylight, and excellent hiking opportunities in national parks.
What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Lapland?
The best time to see the Aurora borealis in Lapland is from September to March, when the nights are longest and skies are darkest. For the highest chances, stay at least 3–4 nights in the Arctic Circle and head away from city lights.
How many days do you need in Lapland?
For a full experience, plan at least 4–5 days in Lapland. This gives you enough time to try multiple activities (like ice floating, snowshoeing, and Aurora hunting) while allowing for flexible nights to catch the Northern Lights. If you’re short on time, a 3-day itinerary is possible, but a week gives you the most relaxed pace.
Conclusion: Why Lapland Belongs on Your Bucket List
Lapland isn’t just a trip, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventure. From surreal nights under the Northern Lights to heart-racing snowmobile rides and peaceful moments in frozen wilderness, every experience here feels magical and unforgettable.
✨ Book your dream Lapland experiences now through the trusted links above and make your bucket list a reality.
Our Finland Videos
This is How We Spent 7 Days in Finland During Winter (-30°C)
