A Dreamy Winter Escape in Lapland
Lapland had always been on my bucket list but this trip honestly felt even more magical than I imagined.
I spent 8 days in Lapland, Finland, splitting my time between Rovaniemi and Levi, and experienced every winter activity I had dreamed of: Northern lights tours, husky rides, reindeer experiences, snowmobiling, snowboarding, snowshoeing… and of course, a dreamy stay in a glass cabin.
Every single moment felt special. It’s one of those trips where you genuinely don’t want to leave.
Rovaniemi: Santa Claus, Sauna & First Winter Adventures
Santa Claus Village – A Childhood Dream
Of course, the highlight in Rovaniemi is Santa Claus Village.
Even though I visited in March, it still felt like stepping into Christmas.
Meeting Santa is actually free, but if you want photos, they’re around €37 (yes… expensive, but worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime memory).
I also sent postcards from here. You can choose to have them delivered this Christmas, which is such a cute idea.
Quick tip:
There are actually two Santas.
- One at the “Meet Santa” area
- Another at the official Santa Claus Office (this one had about a 1-hour queue!)
👉 If you want the full experience, go to the Santa Claus Office first.
I also tried a reindeer sleigh ride (a more budget-friendly option from €30).
The reindeer gently pulled the sleigh, and it felt really cute and peaceful. It was a short ride, but you can still experience what it’s like to be pulled on a sleigh.
That said, it honestly felt more like a theme park experience rather than visiting reindeer in nature. If you’re looking to see reindeer in a more natural setting, this might not be the place.
I also had open-fire salmon at “All About Salmon.”
There’s usually a long queue, but I went just before 4pm and there was no line.
The salmon is grilled over an open fire, and it was amazing! Thick, rich, and full of flavour. The place itself was also really cozy, which made the whole experience even better.
Sauna & Ice Swimming at WNTR
One of my favourite experiences in Rovaniemi was the WNTR sauna.
- €36 for 1.5 hours
- Includes towel & slippers
- About 10 minutes from the centre by car
The sauna itself was calm, dimly lit, and super relaxing.
But the real highlight… was the cold plunge in the frozen lake.
The water was around 0°C. My feet went numb instantly, and I could only stay in for about 5 seconds. But I did it 5 times, and afterwards I felt so refreshed.
Outside, there’s also a tent area with a campfire where you can relax between sauna sessions. You can order drinks and light snacks, and even grill sausages or marshmallows over the fire, which felt like such a Finnish experience.
Honestly, it was one of the best saunas I’ve ever had in my life.
Snowmobiling Through the Forest
I tried snowmobiling for the first time here, and it was honestly such a thrill.
Riding through snowy forest paths felt like a proper adventure.
If it’s your first time, don’t worry. It’s easy to get used to and so much fun.
I booked this experience through GetYourGuide, which I actually used for a few activities during my trip in Finland. It was really easy to book and convenient, especially as a solo traveller.
For this tour, you usually ride with another person on one snowmobile.
I was travelling solo, but luckily I met a German girl at my hostel, and we decided to join the tour together, which made the whole experience even more fun. (Some tours require a minimum of 2 people to book, but this one allowed me to book as a solo traveller, which was really helpful.)
I chose a shorter, 1-hour ride, and we took turns driving along the way. Even in that short time, it was full of thrills. Speeding through the forest, feeling the cold air, and just enjoying the moment.
👉 If you’re deciding which activity to try in Lapland, I’d definitely recommend adding this to your list.
Where I Stayed in Rovaniemi : Hostel Koti
I stayed at Hostel Café Koti, and it was one of the best hostels I’ve experienced.
- Clean and modern
- Friendly atmosphere
- Quiet enough to sleep well
I stayed in a women’s dorm and even met a German girl and we ended up joining activities together, which made the trip even more fun.
Although it’s called a hostel, it actually felt more like a mix between a hotel and a hostel. They offer not only dorm rooms, but also private rooms and even family rooms, so it works for different types of travellers.
What I especially loved was the café restaurant inside. The space was cozy, and it was a really nice place to relax after a day of activities.
Breakfast was only €9 and included eggs, salad, bread, yogurt, fruits… I loved their homemade bread and jam.
Levi: Winter Activities & a Dreamy Stay in a Glass Cabin
After Rovaniemi, I took a 2.5-hour bus to Levi, which became my favourite part of the trip.
Tip:
I highly recommend booking your bus in advance, especially during the winter season when it can get busy. Prices vary depending on the time, but I used Onnibus and paid around €30, which felt very reasonable.
I stayed 5 nights in total:
- Apartment (3 nights)
- Northern Lights Village (glass cabin) (1 night)
- Levi Spa Hotel (1 night)
Snowboarding in Levi
Let me start with snowboarding at Levi Ski Resort.
Honestly, I felt I came slightly late in the season. March was warmer than usual, and some trees were already green (not quite the snowy landscape I had imagined). But still, it was beautiful.
One evening, after days of clouds, I caught the most amazing sunset on the slopes. That moment alone made everything worth it.
There was also a stormy day when visibility was almost zero, and the gondola stopped running due to strong winds… but I ended up finding a cosy gondola restaurant instead.
Snowboard Rental & Ski Pass Tips
I booked both my snowboard rental and ski pass online in advance, which made everything really smooth.
I used Hill Ski Rent for my snowboard set. It’s located right in front of the slopes, which was super convenient. They also offer 20% off if you book online beforehand, and they have a good selection of boards, including options for more advanced snowboarders.
For the ski pass, I also booked online and simply picked it up at a ticket machine. No waiting, super easy.
Gondola Restaurant – A Hidden Gem on the Slopes
When the weather turned bad, I ended up at the Gondola Restaurant, and it was such a good find. The menu changes daily, but there’s a great variety from salads to main dishes, plus desserts and coffee.
When I visited, the buffet included a huge trout, spare ribs, and baby potatoes. Everything was really good, and even the salads had plenty of options, not just simple lettuce.
👉 For €16, it felt like great value.
On the second floor, there’s also a café where I tried their cardamom donuts. Soft, warm, and perfectly spiced.
One thing I loved in Finland: cappuccino often comes with a small piece of chocolate. Such a nice little touch.
Lift Experience (A Bit Tricky for Snowboarders!)
One thing I struggled with at first was the lift system.
Many lifts weren’t the typical seated ones, but more like drag lifts, which are more common for skiers. As a snowboarder, I wasn’t used to it, and it was honestly a bit tricky at the beginning.
But the staff were really helpful, and after a few tries, I got used to it and ended up using them many times.
Husky Ride – My Favourite Winter Activity in Lapland
Out of all the winter activities I did in Lapland, this was easily my favourite.
I had been looking forward to the husky ride the most, and somehow it still exceeded my expectations.
The huskies were so excited before the ride, barking and jumping around, eager to run. But as soon as we set off, they became completely focused and surprisingly fast!
In fact, our huskies were so fast that we had to use the brakes several times.
The route through the snowy forest was absolutely beautiful. Surrounded by snow-covered trails and peaceful nature, it felt like I was in a dream.
What I loved most was seeing how much the huskies enjoyed running. I couldn’t stop smiling while watching them race through the forest.
If I had to pick just one activity from this trip, it would probably be the husky ride.
👉 I highly recommend doing this at Northern Lights Village Husky Farm.
NorthNorthern Lights Tour – A Magical Night
Seeing the Northern Lights was one of the main reasons I came to Lapland, so joining a Northern Lights tour was a must for me.
I highly recommend joining a tour rather than trying to find them on your own. The guides know where the conditions are best and can take you to places you wouldn’t be able to reach easily without a car.
Sometimes people end up driving for hours to chase clear skies, but we were lucky.
We spotted the Northern Lights for the first time about 30 minutes from Levi Centre, around 10:30pm. At our first stop, we sat around a campfire, ate sausages, and waited under the stars. It was such a cozy way to wait, especially as it was freezing outside.
Later, we moved to another location and were lucky enough to see an even stronger aurora around midnight.
It wasn’t the strongest Northern Lights display, but it was still magical. Just seeing them with my own eyes felt unreal.
I booked my Northern Lights tour through GetYourGuide, which made it really easy as a solo traveller.
Dreamy Stay in a Glass Cabin
Staying in a glass cabin had been a dream of mine for years, so spending a night at Northern Lights Village was one of the highlights of my trip.
The cabin was even more beautiful than I had imagined. Cozy, romantic, and surrounded by nature, it felt like something out of a dream.
It was exactly the kind of place I imagined when I dreamed about visiting Lapland.
My favourite part was lying in bed and looking up at the star-filled sky through the glass roof. It felt so peaceful, and I honestly didn’t want to leave.
One thing I loved was the aurora alarm system. Around 11pm, I received a notification and was able to see the Northern Lights right from my cabin. It wasn’t a strong display, but watching the aurora and thousands of stars from my bed felt incredibly special.
The property itself was also lovely. Located away from Levi Centre, it felt quiet and relaxing. I enjoyed walking around the snowy grounds and seeing the reindeer.
Dinner and breakfast were included, and the buffet was excellent – especially the slow-cooked lamb and trout.
I also loved that checkout was at 12pm, which meant I could enjoy a slow morning before leaving.
There is also a shuttle bus connecting the hotel with Levi Centre, which is useful if you don’t have a car.
Spa & Final Moments in Lapland
For my final night in Lapland, I stayed at Levi Hotel Spa Resort and spent some time at the spa.
The spa had a pool, hot tubs, and several saunas. I especially liked the sauna next to the changing rooms, which was the hottest one. The outdoor hot tubs were nice too, although I personally would have preferred them a little warmer.
By the end of the trip, I had completely fallen in love with Finnish sauna culture. After days filled with winter activities, it was the perfect place to relax and unwind.
For my last dinner in Lapland, I visited Nili-Poro Restaurant and finally tried reindeer meat. It was delicious, and I was glad I got to end the day with such a good meal.
Levi Centre had a lovely atmosphere in the evenings too. The bars and restaurants were always busy with skiers and snowboarders enjoying a drink after a day on the slopes.
Snowshoe Adventure – The Perfect Ending
My final activity in Lapland was a snowshoe adventure, and it turned out to be the perfect way to end the trip.
Compared to the other activities I did, this one felt much slower and more peaceful. Walking through the snowy forest gave me a chance to truly appreciate the nature around me.
There was something special about simply walking through the snow, surrounded by trees and silence. It felt like the closest I got to experiencing the real beauty of Lapland.
We finished with a campfire and grilled sausages, which felt very Finnish and was the perfect ending to my winter adventure.
I joined this experience through GetYourGuide as part of a sponsored collaboration. If you’re planning your own Lapland trip, I’ve linked the experience below for reference.
Tips for Planning Your Lapland Winter Trip
Best Time to Visit Lapland
Based on my experience, February seems to be the sweet spot if you want both great snow conditions and a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
I visited in March and still had an amazing time, but some of the snow had already started melting, especially around Levi.
Northern Lights Tips
- Join a guided tour – the guides know where the conditions are best.
- Be flexible and patient. The weather plays a huge role in whether you’ll see the aurora.
Where to Stay
- Glass cabin → perfect for a dreamy Northern Lights experience
- Apartment with a sauna → great for a longer stay
- Countryside cottage → ideal if you’re looking for a quiet escape surrounded by nature
Final Thoughts: A Trip I’ll Never Forget
This trip felt unreal.
I usually move around a lot when I travel, but in Lapland, I genuinely enjoyed staying longer in one place – especially Levi, with its beautiful nature and endless winter activities.
Even though it was a solo trip, I never felt lonely. Every activity brought new conversations and connections, which made the experience even more memorable.
And honestly… I didn’t want to leave.
I’d love to come back one day – maybe in February next time, with better snow conditions and hopefully even stronger Northern Lights.
If there’s one thing I learned from this trip, it’s that Lapland is so much more than just chasing the aurora. From husky rides and snowboarding to saunas and glass cabins, every day felt special in its own way.
If you’re dreaming of a winter escape filled with adventure, nature, and a little bit of magic, Lapland is truly something special.
Planning Your Own Lapland Adventure?
I’ve linked the tours I personally used during this trip below. I hope they help if you’re planning your own Lapland adventure.
Activities
- Levi: Best & Original Northern Lights Hunting & photography
- Rovaniemi: Snowmobile Safari Adventure
- Levi: Snowshoe Adventure in the Wilderness
- Husky Ride (Northern Lights Village)
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