LAPLAND FOR ADULTS?
You've probably heard of Santa's residence at the North Pole. And, certainly, Lapland is an excellent destination to visit with kids in order to meet the man in red. But did you know that a Lapland vacation for adults is the ideal winter getaway?
While Santa Claus has made Lapland famous, there are a multitude of other reasons to travel to this northern region of Finland and Sweden. In the winter, Lapland transforms into an exquisite snow-covered wonderland, complete with exhilarating activities and cultural experiences.
Prepare to be blown off your feet, go on a husky ride or a reindeer safari with friends or family. The beauty of an adult Lapland vacation is that you may make it as active or as relaxing as you want!
DOG SLEDDING
Simon Smith
Dog sledding is a must-do activity in Lapland that you will never forget. Imagine being dragged across the cold wilderness by a pack of eager sled dogs while snuggled under a blanket.
You'll have the opportunity to travel the way the locals have for over 1,000 years. The "mushers," or dog sled drivers, are in charge of teams of Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes that can run at speeds of up to 32 kilometres (20 miles) per hour.
Before taking the reins and starting off on your husky ride, you'll learn how to drive the sled. One sleigh can accommodate two people, so if you're visiting Lapland as a couple, be ready for a romantic journey through a winter paradise!
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Did you know that one of the best spots to watch the aurora borealis is in Lapland? This natural occurrence creates magnificent colours in the night sky, which become more noticeable as you travel further north. Lapland is a great place to see the northern lights because it is so close to the Arctic Circle.
You may go on a nighttime snowmobiling or snowshoeing expedition in search of the aurora borealis. Visit the Aurora Sky Station in Swedish Lapland's Abisko National Park. A four-course supper is served there, followed by a guided expedition to see the northern lights.
soak up culture
Although the snowy setting is lovely, it is only the beginning of the story. You can also learn about traditional Sami culture during your adult Lapland vacation. The Sami are a northern Scandinavian indigenous tribe that have lived in this area for thousands of years.
In Lapland, interact with Sami people and learn about their culture. Purchase some "slöjd" (arts and crafts) to take home as keepsakes. Taste traditional fare such as smoked salmon, fried cheese, and barley flatbread, as well as delectable desserts with cloudberry jam.
Visit reindeer farms to learn more about why these creatures are so important to the Sami. In a lavvu, a traditional Sami tent, you'd get to go on sled rides and listen to stories around the fire.
cool places to stay
Sleeping in a Nordic ice hotel or glass igloo is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Lapland. Imagine snuggling up under a soft blanket, surrounded by hand-carved snow sculptures. Consider staring through domed windows at the flashing northern lights above you.
Sleep in an ice chamber with amazing sculptures that are like works of art at the ICEHOTEL outside Kiruna, Swedish Lapland. You might also stay in the SnowCastle in Kemi, Finland, for a magical experience in a stronghold carved out of snow and ice.
The Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, set away in the countryside outside Rovaniemi, is another icy retreat in Finnish Lapland. Choose between an ice chamber and a glass dome with unobstructed views of the sky. Igloo Village, nestled in the picturesque Urho Kekkonen National Park, is likewise located in Finland.
It's not simply the excellent accommodations that make this place stand out. You can drink drinks in ice bars, visit ice churches, and eat meals in ice restaurants during your stay at these hotels. There are even displays of ice art to see!