Things to do in Lapland

Activities, attractions and tours
Rovaniemi showing a river or creek, landscape views and a sunset

Top places to visit

1. Santa Claus Village

Spend some time with everyone’s favorite festive figure in Santa Claus Village. The magical attraction is in Rovaniemi, the self-proclaimed home of Father Christmas. Here, it’s December 25 year-round and you can meet Santa on any day. This multifaceted attraction also features snow rides, restaurants and accommodations for anyone wanting to get into the Christmas spirit, even in July.
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Rovaniemi which includes a square or plaza

2. Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park

Get ready for outdoor adventures amid the pristine and inspiring landscapes of Pallas-Yllästnturi National Park (Pallas-Yllästnturi kansallispuisto). The park spreads across over 250,000 acres (101,171 hectares) of barren wilderness in Finnish Lapland. It incorporates a chain of fells, ancient forests, lakes, rivers and undulating hills. Pallas-Yllästnturi National Park is a great vantage point for viewing the mystical midnight sun and northern lights.
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Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park which includes forests and a house

3. Pyhä-Luosto National Park

Step into some of Lapland’s most dramatic wilderness in Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Amethyst mines, pockets of centuries-old woodland and sporting resorts are dotted around a landscape of untamed beauty. With limited light pollution, this is also an ideal place to watch the aurora borealis (northern lights) flickering in the night sky.
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Pyha-Luosto National Park showing forest scenes and a lake or waterhole

4. Arktikum

Enjoy the greatest light show on earth at the Arktikum and find out if you could survive in the Arctic. Stare into the eyes of a polar bear and discover the weird and wonderful creatures that live year-round in the Arctic.
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Arktikum which includes a sunset, a river or creek and tranquil scenes

5. Lordi's Square

Follow in the footsteps of a heavy metal group in Lordi’s Square, a plaza in central Rovaniemi named after the Finnish group that won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006. This city center attraction features a tribute to the band and is surrounded by busy areas for shopping and dining. Begin your exploration of Rovaniemi in this square before walking to some of the town’s fascinating nearby attractions.
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Lordi Square which includes central business district, signage and shopping

Popular places to visit

Image for Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village

Meet jolly old St. Nick in his homeland of Rovaniemi at a meticulously detailed attraction dedicated to all things Santa.

Santa Claus Village
Image for Levi Ski Resort

Levi Ski Resort

Hit the slopes in Sirkka with a visit to Levi Ski Resort. You'll find more to see and do in this family-friendly area.

Levi Ski Resort
Image for Ranua Zoo

Ranua Zoo

Why not meet the animals who live at Ranua Zoo during your travels in Ranua? Make some time to visit the monuments while you're in the area.

Ranua Zoo
Image for Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park

Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park

Discover miles of hiking trails, colorful birdlife, a ski resort and quaint villages in this sprawling national park in northwest Finland.

Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park
Image for Pyhä-Luosto National Park

Pyhä-Luosto National Park

Spend your winter on skis and your summers in walking boots in a stunning Lapland wilderness that offers fun in all seasons.

Pyhä-Luosto National Park
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Saariselkä Sport Resort

Hit the slopes in Saariselka with a visit to Saariselkä Sport Resort. You can seek out the hiking trails while in the area.

Saariselkä Sport Resort
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Ounasvaara

Hit the slopes in Rovaniemi with a visit to Ounasvaara. Visit the shops and top-notch restaurants in this quaint area.

Ounasvaara
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Arktikum

Immerse yourself in one of the planet’s most treacherous environments and discover how humans and animals have adapted to make it their home.

Arktikum
Image for Lordi's Square

Lordi's Square

Go on a heavy metal pilgrimage by visiting this square, which is dedicated to Finland’s most famous hard rockers. Dine and shop while you’re here.

Lordi's Square
Ivalo showing tranquil scenes, a river or creek and rafting

Ivalo

Kemi featuring cruising and snow

Kemi

Rovaniemi showing a sunset, a bridge and a river or creek

Rovaniemi

Tornio

Tornio

Kemijarvi featuring outdoor art

Kemijarvi

Utsjoki showing boating, mountains and a bridge

Utsjoki

Saariselka which includes religious aspects and a church or cathedral

Saariselka

Salla showing snowmobiling, snow and a sunset

Salla