Whether it’s the magic of the Northern Lights, or the still, snow-covered landscape that stretches into empty wilderness for miles around, Lapland is an environment rife with bucket list experiences for travellers to tick off.
This region of northern Finland is the biggest official wilderness area in Europe, which means whether you’re crashing over vast fells on a snowmobile or hissing through pristine-white pine forest on a husky drawn sled, you can achieve a real sense of adventure.
In this article, we’ll outline some of our favourite bucket list experiences in Lapland, to inspire your next trip to this magical Arctic landscape.
1. Snowmobile Safari
There are few more exhilarating adventures through Lapland than taking command of a snowmobile, racing through the pristine landscape for a truly white-knuckle experience. After a comprehensive tutorial on snowmobile handling, you venture into the breathtaking wilderness. Crash through snowdrifts, creating powdery clouds in the still, pure air, immersing yourself in the Laplander way of life.
In the midst of the polar night, spanning forty days, the sun remains hidden, casting a mesmerizing morning dusk that transitions into a deep blue twilight. Traverse the captivating terrain of fells, deep snowdrifts, and snow-hooded trees, escaping civilisation completely.
Capture photographs of the otherworldly scenery and, with Not In The Guidebooks, enjoy a light meal and coffee amidst nature’s grandeur.
2. Reindeer Ride
This is your chance to enjoy a one-of-a-kind journey through the enchanting Lapland landscape, as you gracefully glide in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, immersing yourself in the beauty of the snow-covered surroundings. In a nostalgic nod to a bygone era before the birth of internal combustion engines, surrender to the charm of a wooden sleigh, guided by the gentle cloven hooves of your reindeer.
With Not In The Guidebooks, this exclusive Lapland adventure offers a rare glimpse into the ancient transportation methods of the Laplanders, a serene and authentic experience before the advent of snowmobiles. Relax in your sleigh, signal your reindeer companion, and traverse the pristine white snow, discovering the tranquility of silent pine forests and the majesty of the fells.
Visit a reindeer farm to forge a personal connection with these gentle giants. Delve into their symbiotic relationship with the Sámi people, try your hand at feeding them, and absorb the unique bond that defines Lapland’s cultural heritage.
3. Searching for Santa
When in the official home of Santa Claus, it would almost seem rude not to go and seek him out on a magical Christmas holiday in Lapland. Tailored for both the young and the young at heart, embark on a whimsical journey guided by Santa’s cheerful little helper Elf.
With Not In The Guidebooks, this adventure begins with a delightful gingerbread-making session at the Kammi-kitchen, where families come together for festive baking. After this, the Elf leads you to meet Santa’s majestic flying reindeer. While they rest from their airborne duties until Christmas night, you still get the joy of a sleigh ride, drawn by these enchanting creatures, across the pristine white snow.
The excitement peaks as the Snowmobile-Elf takes your family on a heated sled ride into the enchanting forest in search of Santa’s secret cabin. If you successfully locate the hidden abode, Santa himself may welcome your family for a chat and perhaps even share small gifts with the children.
Popular Lapland Experiences
Lapland
10km Husky Safari
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Lapland
Snowmobile Safari Experience
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Lapland
Reindeer Half Day
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Lapland
Searching For Santa
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4. Northern Lights by Heated Sleigh
Considering witnessing the Northern Lights takes its place on bucket lists around the world, and what with Lapland being one of the best places on earth for viewing them, it would be odd if a Northern Lights activity didn’t make it onto our list of Lapland bucket list experiences.
With Not In The Guidebooks, you can head out on a heated sleigh to escape any light pollution in your resort, and witness the spectacle from complete comfort as you hiss through the wilderness, and the ethereal glow of the lights starts to appear above you. Find a campfire at the top of the fells, where hot drinks and traditional tales of the long-inhabited land await you.
Now your imagination is the only limit: the northern lights rippling in enormous waves across the sky, the constellations, snowy trees, and the shimmering snow-covered fells…
5. Husky Safari
Embark on an unmissable adventure as you skim across the pristine white snow, slicing through the crisp, pure Lappish air, tethered to a team of magnificent huskies. Driving these beautiful dogs over the glistening white fells, with silent snow-dusted trees adorning the trail, becomes an essential experience during your Lapland sojourn.
The vibrant energy of the huskies propels the sled seamlessly over deep snowdrifts, their paws softly skidding, creating the only sound in the serene wilderness. Seize control of your sled, navigating your team through twists and turns, and, of course, punctuate the experience with obligatory shouts of “Mush!”
With Not In The Guidebooks, our adventure offers not just an exhilarating ride but also an opportunity to spend time with these remarkable dogs, possibly even cuddling adorable husky puppies – a dream for dog enthusiasts. This Lapland escapade promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of winter wonder, leaving indelible memories of husky-powered exhilaration and canine companionship.
6. Ice Fishing Experience
Far from the trappings of civilization, immerse yourself in an ancient Lappish tradition practiced for generations – ice fishing for your own perch.
Traverse the remote, uninhabited forests of Saariselkä, capturing breathtaking moments through your lens as you speed across the snow-laden terrain. Arriving at a quaint lake surrounded by a fairytale-like Narnian scene of snow-clad pine trees, set up your fishing spot amidst the tranquility of this hidden gem.
Drill through the thick ice, bait your hook, and try your hand at catching your own perch from the icy depths of the lake. Regardless of your fishing fortune, relish the captivating Lappish scenery, and gather around a crackling fire to savor a delightful meal. Your feast includes a heartwarming soup paired with rye bread, providing comfort against the cold, followed by the soothing warmth of berry juice and sweet cookies. This unique Lapland experience promises not just the thrill of snowmobiling but also the serenity of ice fishing in a pristine winter wonderland.
Here at Not In The Guidebooks, we work hard to bring you unique experiences and unforgettable travel adventures from around the world. Whether it’s a family holiday in Lapland or a wildlife holiday in Costa Rica, what’s common of any NITGB adventure is that it is designed by those in the know – the locals. This means that wherever you travel, you know you are getting a truly authentic, offbeat experience, and going beyond your standard tourist trip.
07/11/2023 
