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Finish Lapland

The land of the Northern Lights and Home of Santa Claus

Travel period: January

Barbeque Steakhouse & Bar

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Itinerary Finnish Lapland – Land of the Northern Lights and Home of Santa Claus

Imagine this:

-28 degrees Celsius, the air so dry and pure that every breath is visible, and the Northern Lights dancing right above you. At the end of January, we fulfilled our dream of visiting Lapland.

While many tourists stay in Rovaniemi, we headed further north to Enontekiö. There, where nature is wilder and the nights are darker, we experienced the authentic Finland. Here is our travel report including our route, accommodations, and real insider tips.

Key Travel Facts:

  • Weather: We experienced temperatures as low as -28°C. The dry cold is manageable if you get prepared with lots of layers.
  • A winter trip in late January means extreme cold but also the best chance to see the Aurora Borealis. The best period for sightings is from October to March.
  • Travel Style: Independent travel (DIY travel) with a rental car, booking accommodations via Airbnb and Booking.com.
  • Travel time: January

Rovaniemi

Enontekiö

Levi

Days 1–2: Arrival and Exploring the Magic of Enontekiö

After landing in Rovaniemi, we headed straight to north. On the drive we already spotted our first reindeer and rare Polar Stratospheric Clouds (nacreous clouds), which shimmered in the sky for about an hour.

  • Highlight: During our first night in Enontekiö, the Northern Lights danced over our cabin in the woods at -26°C. We used the Aurora App for precise forecasts. Our tip: Skip the guided tours; just head out yourself as soon as the app predicts activity.
  • Hiking: We recommend a hike up to Jyppyrä in Hetta. The mountain offers stunning views and a Kota (hut) at the peak where you can warm up by the fire with your own snacks. The low winter sun creates a light spectacle that lasts for hours. (Duration: approx. 3 hours in deep snow.)
A travel couple standing in a snowy forest in Lapland, looking at each other while green Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dance in the sky above.
A reindeer standing in a snowy forest in Lapland surrounded by snow-covered pine trees.
Golden sunbeams streaming through the trees of a dense forest in Lapland during golden hour.
Vibrant green Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dancing in the night sky above a lonely, snow-covered wooden cabin in the Lapland wilderness.
A woman standing in a snowy landscape in Lapland with rare, iridescent polar stratospheric clouds (nacreous clouds) glowing in the sky above her.
A snow-covered hiking trail leading up Jyppyrä hill in Lapland, Finland, with trees glowing in the golden arctic winter light.
Rare, iridescent polar stratospheric clouds (nacreous clouds) glowing in the sky above a cozy, snow-covered wooden cabin in a winter forest in Lapland.

Days 3–4: Snowmobile Adventure in Levi and Husky Love in Hetta

  • Snowmobile Tour: We rented a snowmobile from Vmax Rentals near Levi. Riding without a guide gave us a true sense of freedom at -28°C! They provide thermal suits, but it is still essential to wear a lot of layers.
  • Snow Village Levi: In the afternoon, we visited the Lapland Hotels Snow Village, featuring impressive new ice sculptures every year. Don’t forget to grab a drink at the Ice Bar!
  • Husky Safari: Our absolute highlight was Hetta Huskies. You can immediately tell how well the dogs are treated. After the ride, we had plenty of time for cuddles. We were initially skeptical about husky sledding, but seeing the dogs’ pure excitement was the point we started loosing all doubts. They love to run and we even loved being on the ride even more!
Husky team pulling a sled through the snowy forest landscape at Hetta Huskies in Lapland.
A woman petting sled dogs after a husky safari with Hetta Huskies in the snow of Lapland, Finland.
Close-up of ice glasses and an illuminated ice counter at Snow Village Finland.
Snowmobile tour with Vmax Rentals through the winter landscape of Levi, Lapland.
Man petting a husky after the sled ride at Hetta Huskies in Finland.
Impressive ice sculptures and architecture at Snow Village Levi in Lapland, Finland.
Drinks served in a bar made entirely of ice at Snow Village Levi, Lapland.
Modern snowmobile from Vmax Rentals in the deep snow in Finland.
Woman petting sled dogs during a husky safari with Hetta Huskies in the snow of Lapland, Finland.

Days 5–6: Authentic Sami Culture and Reindeer Safari

  • Reindeer Safari: The kind Sami breeders of Ketola Reindeer shared insights into their lives, and we got to feed the reindeer their favorite snack: Iceland moss. Insider Tip: Try the traditional cheese and orange cloudberries in the Lavvu (tent).
  • Slow Travel: We took time to explore the snowy forests and frozen lakes around Enontekiö. We also returned to Hetta Huskies for the “Oldies Walk” – a relaxed stroll with retired sled dogs.
Reindeer in an enclosure near Enontekiö in Lapland.
Top-down drone shot of a couple lying in deep snow in the middle of a snowy forest in Lapland.
Frozen lake in Lapland with snowy forest at sunset in January.
A man feeding Sami reindeer in an enclosure during a guided tour.
Close-up portrait of a reindeer at Ketola Reindeer in Lapland.
Traditional Sami food at Ketola Reindeer in Lapland: Squeaky cheese with cloudberries.
Two reindeer playfully fighting at Ketola Reindeer during the Sami Experience.
Drone photo of a wintry river in Lapland with partially open water and snowy banks.
A woman feeding reindeer in an enclosure during a Sami culture tour.
A single reindeer in front of its herd at Ketola Reindeer during the Sami Experience.
Drone shot of snowy Lapland landscape at sunset.
Aerial view of a wide, fully snow-covered river in the winter landscape of Lapland.

Photo Secret: The Boiling Water Experiment (Mpemba Effect)

A must-do in extreme temperatures! If it drops below -20°C (we had -28°C), you can witness the Mpemba Effect.
Throw boiling water into the air in a wide, circular motion. The water evaporates and freezes instantly, creating a giant cloud of glittering ice dust.

  • Pro Photo Tip: Do this during the “Golden Hour” at noon. The low sun makes the crystals shine like diamonds.
  • Safety: Always check the wind direction! Throw the water away from your body and with the wind. Use Burst Mode or Slow Motion on your phone to capture the perfect shot.
Spectacular ice crystal cloud during the boiling water challenge in wintery Lapland at -28 degree.
A person throwing boiling water into the air at minus 28 degrees, instantly turning into ice crystals.

Days 7–9: Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village

After enjoying the peaceful days in the north we went back to the “capital” of Christmas – Rovaniemi.

  • Ounasvaara Winter Trail: Highly recommended for an evening walk with a panoramic view of snowy Rovaniemi.
  • Santa Claus Village: Very touristy and crowded. A 2–3 hours visit is enough to see the souvenir shops and cross the Arctic Circle.
  • Reindeer Sledding: Honestly? We were disappointed by the sledding at the Christmas Village because it was mass tourism. We wouldn’t book it again.
  • A Reindeer Walk is the better alternative. Leading a tame, retired reindeer on a leash through the forest is much more personal and relaxing. We also were allowed to feed him some snacks.
  • The Aurora Igloo Experience: We booked a famous Aurora Igloo in Rovaniemi. Our recommendation: Do it for one night for the “feeling,” but be aware they are cramped, and kitchens/bathrooms are often shared. Due to high light pollution near the main roads, it’s not the best spot for Aurora spotting. A cabin outside the city offers better value.
A couple lying in the snow at night on Mount Ounasvaara, enjoying the city lights of Rovaniemi.
Panorama of the illuminated Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi at evening with festive decorations.
Tourists on a reindeer sleigh ride at Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
Exterior view of the illuminated Santa Claus Office at night in Rovaniemi.
Walking with a reindeer in Rovaniemi and feeding it Iceland moss.
A man sitting by a campfire in Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi with mulled wine and a grill.
Reindeer with Christmas decorations in Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle.
The large "Christmas Time" clock inside Santa Claus Office in Rovaniemi.
A woman standing in deep snow among snow-covered pine trees on Mount Ounasvaara in Rovaniemi.
Drone shot of a snowy glass igloo in the winter landscape of Rovaniemi.
A couple sitting on a bed inside an glass igloo in Rovaniemi.

Where We Stayed

  • Enontekiö (7 Nights): A dream Airbnb surrounded by nature. Perfect for seeing the Northern Lights right outside your door. [Link: Lonely Forest Cabin]
  • Rovaniemi (2 Nights): A central Glass- Igloo (Aurora hut) for exploring the Christmas Village & enjoying a special finland feeling before departure. [Link: Aurora Hut]

Final Thoughts

Lapland in January is a challenge for your wardrobe but a gift for your soul.

Go up to Enontekiö for true silence and support local, authentic providers like Ketola Reindeer or Hetta Huskies.