All Lapland travelers agree on one thing: they have entered a completely different world during their trip. Lapland is a winter wonderland of ice and snow come true. The northern lights, the indescribable feeling of solitude, and the crisp, pure air are just some of the things that make this destination truly special.
Those planning a trip to Lapland should familiarize themselves with the best tips for their upcoming adventure in the north beforehand. The following article reveals what those are.
The Temperatures
Winter in Lapland is very cold — bitterly cold. The cold often causes the snow to squeak under your shoes, hot water to turn into snow while still in the air, and hair to freeze solid.
However, how low the temperatures drop in winter in Lapland depends on the month of travel and the exact location. The north is even colder than the south, and January — the coldest month — features significantly lower temperatures than March.
On average, daytime temperatures in Lapland range between minus ten and minus 20 degrees Celsius. However, the cold is very dry, making it more bearable. The right clothing also ensures that the cold hardly has a chance to reach the skin.
If longer outdoor activities are planned, it is essential to wear the right clothing. Many Lapland visitors want to explore the landscape on a traditional dog sled, for example. Booking a dog sled tour, e.g. with the German tour operator RAUSSTIEG, is also possible before the trip.
The Northern Lights
Those who travel to Lapland naturally hope to see the legendary northern lights in the sky. When the aurora borealis appears, it creates a truly magical and unique moment.
Generally, the chances of seeing the northern lights in Lapland during winter are very good. However, it is entirely possible not to see them even once during a week-long vacation. The prerequisite is not only a clear sky but also sufficient northern lights activity.
Therefore, there is never a guarantee of seeing the legendary northern lights on a trip to Lapland. Expectations should be adjusted accordingly. Lapland has plenty of other wonderful things to offer besides the northern lights, so their absence should not cause too much disappointment.
Daylight Hours
It is a widespread misconception that total darkness prevails throughout the entire winter in Lapland. In fact, the length of each day varies greatly — even within just a few weeks.
In southeastern Finnish Lapland, for example, there are only 2.5 hours of daylight at the beginning of January. By the end of February, however, it is already nearly nine hours. Many travelers want to visit Lapland especially during the so-called polar nights, when the sun does not appear in the sky at all. However, this phenomenon only occurs in the northernmost regions, between December and January.
Numerous activities can be enjoyed in Lapland even in the dark, such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
