Top 5: Things to See and Do in Lapland

Lapland, or Sápmi, includes a swath of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia that represents the traditional inhabited area of the indigenous Sami people. The region lies above the Arctic Circle and is sparsely populated, but full of opportunities for adventure.

Among the top 5 experiences in Lapland are:

See the Northern Lights

The area’s latitude make it extremely conducive to viewing the famed Northern Lights, a bucket list item for many people. There are tours conducted throughout the area and they typically run in the spring, when the weather warmed a bit from the brutal winter but there is not yet enough sunlight to interfere with the viewing.

Enjoy a Winter Wonderland

When the light returns in spring, winter recreation opportunities abound in Lapland. You can visit an ice hotel or take to cross-country ski or snowmobile trails. There are downhill skiing opportunities, too.

Go Hiking

In summer, long days — including, at the peak, 24 hours of daylight — and a network of backcountry huts make the area prime hiking territory. The scenery includes alpine lakes and mountain glaciers.

Learn About Sami History and Culture

This unique region has a fascinating history you can tap into via museums and cultural opportunities.

Experience the Midnight Sun

At the height of summer, Lapland experiences bright sunshine at midnight, a unique experience that can add a fun element to any trip.