Attractions and Places To See around Lapland - Top 20

Lapland is renowned for its Arctic nature. You can experience the vastness of the fells, such as Kiilopää Summit, offering expansive views, or Riisitunturi Summit, known for its unique frost-covered spruce trees in winter. The region also features numerous frozen lakes and rivers, vast forests, and national parks like Urho Kekkonen National Park, which you can access from Kiilopää Trailhead.

Yes, Lapland offers several significant historical and cultural sites. The Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church, built between 1752 and 1760, is one of the oldest churches in the region and is accessible via a 4.5-kilometer footpath. You can also visit the Old Church of Sodankylä. For a deeper dive into indigenous culture, the Siida – Sámi Museum and Nature Centre in Inari provides insights into the Sámi people's traditions and history.

Lapland is a fantastic destination for families. A highlight is the Arctic Circle at Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa and send postcards from Santa Claus' Main Post Office. Many trails, such as those near the Friendship bridge Suspension bridge, are also suitable for families. Additionally, the region offers husky and reindeer safaris, which are popular with children.

Absolutely. Lapland is a hiker's paradise. For example, the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church is only reachable by a 4.5-kilometer footpath. From Kiilopää Trailhead, you can access numerous routes into Urho Kekkonen National Park. You can find many easy hikes around Lapland, including the Koronjää Trail in Korouoma Nature Reserve or the Juutua trail. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Lapland guide.

Beyond hiking, Lapland offers a wide range of outdoor activities. In winter, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling are popular. During summer, you can enjoy cycling on trails like the Kukastunturi Bike Trail or the Ylläs-Levi MTB Trail. For running enthusiasts, there are challenging routes such as the Iisakkipää Nature Trail in Urho Kekkonen National Park. Discover more options in the Cycling around Lapland guide and the Running Trails around Lapland guide.

Lapland is one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) from September through March, with areas like Utsjoki offering excellent, uninterrupted views. For a unique viewing experience, consider staying in glass igloos. During summer, from May to July, the region experiences the Midnight Sun, where the sun remains visible for 24 hours, especially above the Arctic Circle, offering continuous daylight for exploration.

The Siida – Sámi Museum and Nature Centre in Inari, Finland, is the national museum for the Sámi, the indigenous people of the EU. It offers a comprehensive look into their rich culture, traditions, history, and deep connection to Arctic nature. You can also visit an open-air museum with recreated Sámi settlements and learn about reindeer husbandry, which is central to Sámi culture.

Komoot users highly appreciate the stunning views and the sense of space offered by Lapland's fells, such as Kiilopää Summit, which provides magnificent 360-degree panoramas. The unique natural beauty, especially the frost-covered trees at Riisitunturi Summit in winter, is also a favorite. Many enjoy the accessible trails and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wilderness.

Beyond the Northern Lights, Lapland offers several unique winter attractions. You can visit the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, or the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos in Rovaniemi for an unforgettable stay. The SnowCastle in Kemi, rebuilt annually, features a snow chapel and ice restaurant. Another unique experience is taking a cruise on the Sampo Icebreaker in Kemi, where you can even swim in the frozen sea in a survival suit.

Yes, Lapland is famously known as the official home of Santa Claus. You can visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, located right on the Arctic Circle. Here, you can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle line, and send postcards with a special Arctic Circle postmark from Santa Claus' Main Post Office.

While popular sites draw crowds, Lapland also has its hidden gems. The Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church, accessible only by foot, offers a serene historical experience away from the main roads. The Karhunpesäkivi (Bear's Nest Stone) Cave is another interesting natural monument that offers a unique geological insight.

The Treriksröset is a unique monument marking the point where the borders of three countries – Finland, Sweden, and Norway – meet. It's a fascinating geographical landmark and a popular spot for visitors to stand in three countries simultaneously.