MY Photography & Travel Guide to Lapland, Finland
Nestled in the northernmost reaches of Finland, Lapland is a magical destination where dreamy landscapes meet the Northern Lights. Famous for its sweeping arctic tundra, glistening snow-draped forests, and the dance of the Northern Lights, Lapland is a paradise for photographers and travelers alike. Whether you’re capturing the vibrant hues of the aurora or the serene beauty of reindeer-dotted plains, Lapland offers an unforgettable experience.
Outside of Javri Lodge
Our trip to Lapland was a spur-of-the-moment idea. On Monday, we noticed the Northern Lights activity would be particularly strong over the weekend. So we jumped on a flight to Finland.
Why Lapland Is Special
Seeing the Northern lights for the first time was a bucket list experience we had dreamed of seeing. Standing under a star-studded sky, watching green and purple ribbons of light ripple overhead, was just incredible. Lapland’s pristine wilderness provides the perfect backdrop for such awe-inspiring moments. Beyond its natural wonders, Lapland boasts a unique Sami culture, cozy accommodations, and thrilling winter activities like husky sledding and snowmobiling. Lapland has something extraordinary to offer and I highly recommend visiting during the winter.
Where to Stay in Lapland
Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is a fantastic base for exploring the region. It offers a blend of modern comforts, cultural experiences, and easy access to natural wonders. We ended up going much further north into the Arctic
Luxury Accommodations
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel – Unique, stylish suites with panoramic views of the Arctic wilderness.
Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle – Glass-roofed igloos ideal for aurora viewing.
Jävri Lodge – A boutique retreat offering luxurious comfort and exclusive Arctic experiences.
We stayed at the Jávri Lodge, which is located in Saariselkä, less than 30 minutes from Ivalo Airport (IVL) and approximately 250km north of the Arctic Circle in the heart of Finnish Lapland.
The lodge is surrounded by fells, vast forests, lakes and rivers with crystal clear water and idyllic small villages. The Urho Kekkonen National Park, the second-largest protected natural park in Finland, is just minutes away from the property.
Mid-Level Options
Scandic Rovaniemi City – Comfortable rooms in the heart of Rovaniemi.
Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets – Cozy cabins with easy access to outdoor activities.
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna – A reliable and welcoming option for travelers.
How Long to Stay and When to Visit
Plan for at least 4-5 days to fully immerse yourself in Lapland’s beauty. This gives you ample time to explore Rovaniemi, chase the Northern Lights, and enjoy winter sports.
Best Time to Visit
Winter (December to March): Perfect for snow activities and Northern Lights photography.
Autumn (September to October): Experience ruska (autumn foliage) and the first glimpses of the aurora.
Getting Around
Rovaniemi is well-connected with public buses, taxis, and rental cars. For exploring remote areas, renting a car is recommended. Uber and Bolt are not available, but local taxi services like Lapitaksi are reliable.
Where to Eat
Restaurants
The food in Finland, and specifically in Lapland, was simply delicious. We really loved Fish Soup (Lohikeitto): A creamy salmon soup with potatoes, leeks, and dill. The Arctic Char (Rautu): was also excellent. Many people seemed to love Reindeer meat which is a staple in Lapland and a cultural symbol of the region.
Do not miss trying the berry Juices: Lingonberry, blueberry, and sea buckthorn juices are found everywhere.
Ravintola Nili – A cozy spot for traditional Lappish cuisine.
Restaurant Aitta – Savor fresh, local ingredients in a charming setting.
Santa’s Salmon Place – Famous for its delicious open-fire grilled salmon.
Monte Rosa – Elegant dining with a European flair.
Gaissa – A culinary gem offering Nordic-inspired dishes.
Coffee Shops
Cafe & Bar 21 – Known for its waffles and cozy atmosphere.
Konditoria Antell – A delightful bakery with artisanal treats.
Photography Gear to Bring
We primarily wanted to photograph the Northern Lights.
Camera: Full-frame models like the Sony A7 IV or Canon EOS R6 are excellent for low-light conditions.
Lenses:
Wide-angle (16-35mm) for landscapes and auroras.
Telephoto (70-200mm) for wildlife and capturing distant details.
Tripod: Essential for steady long-exposure shots and photos of the Northern Lights.
Extra Batteries: Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly.
Filters: Polarizers and ND filters for daytime photography.
Best Photography Locations
Lapland is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, and that was our main interest. Snow-covered landscapes and Frosted forests are gorgeous. Lapland’s Arctic wildlife, such as Reindeer. Elk, and Birds. Finally, The Indigenous Sami people and their traditions are a rich subject for cultural photography
Santa Claus Village (Link) – Capture the festive charm and glowing lights.
Ounasvaara Hill (Link) – Perfect for panoramic shots of Rovaniemi.
Korouoma Canyon (Link) – Famous for its frozen waterfalls.
Ranua Wildlife Park (Link) – Great for photographing Arctic animals.
Northern Lights Spots: Guided tours (Link) help you find the best locations.
Special Festivals and Holidays
Christmas Season (December): Rovaniemi transforms into the official hometown of Santa Claus.
Sami National Day (February 6): Celebrate Sami culture with music and dance.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Lapland is a dream destination for photographers and travelers looking to experience the magic of the Arctic. With its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and countless photo opportunities, you’re sure to leave with memories and images to treasure forever.
If you enjoyed this guide to Lapland in Finland, you can check out my other Photography and Travel Guides at this link. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more travel inspiration and photography tips!