What's the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Lapland?

If you're hoping to catch the Northern Lights your best bet is visiting between September and April when the dark skies really maximize your chances of seeing them. You'll want to pick nights when the sky is clear and you're away from city lights for the best views. There are lots of tours specifically focused on Aurora hunting and if you're interested the Northern Scandinavia in Winter tour (292912) takes you to Abisko National Park which is fantastic for dark sky viewing.

What Winter Activities Can You Do in Lapland and Where Should You Go?

Lapland's packed with amazing winter activities and you'll find them all over the region though what's available can vary depending on where you are. Here's what you can get up to: You can try husky sledding which is just incredible - there's nothing quite like feeling the power of those dogs as they pull you through snowy forests. There are husky farms everywhere in Lapland and if you're interested the Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure tour (292065) includes sledding at this really nice Green Key certified farm in Inari. Reindeer safaris are a bit more laid-back but really special especially since you get to learn about Sami culture and reindeer herding. You'll find these in both Finnish and Swedish Lapland and the Rovaniemi Winter Experience tour (224056) includes a lovely farm visit with a sleigh ride. For something more exciting snowmobiling is fantastic - you can zoom across frozen lakes and snowy trails. There are tours for all skill levels and the Rovaniemi Winter Experience (224056) has this great 2-hour guided safari. Snowshoeing is perfect if you want to explore at your own pace. It's pretty easy to pick up and you can rent equipment or join tours. The Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure tour (292065) lets you try it in what looks just like Narnia around Inari.

Is it Better to Stay in an Ice Hotel or Glass Igloo for Seeing the Northern Lights?

While both are amazing experiences glass igloos are really the way to go for Northern Lights viewing. You can literally watch for them from your bed and don't have to brave the cold. Ice hotels are stunning but you'll need to head outside to really see the lights. The Tales of Lapland and Glass Igloo tour (207313) puts you up in these premium igloos at Santa Igloos Arctic Circle that even have Aurora alarms.

How Can You Experience Sami Culture During Your Visit?

There are lots of ways to immerse yourself in Sami culture here. You can visit the Siida Museum in Inari which is fantastic for learning about their history and connection to nature - the Aurora Borealis in Inari tour (213144) includes this. Some tours offer homestays with Sami families where you can learn traditional skills firsthand. The Northern Scandinavia in Winter tour (292912) takes you to a Sami village where you can meet reindeer herders. Don't miss trying traditional Sami food either - the reindeer meat fish and local berries are delicious.

What's the Best Way to Get Around Lapland?

Getting around Lapland's pretty straightforward. The Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is a lovely overnight journey included in the Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure (292065). Local buses connect the main towns especially in Finnish Lapland and the Northern Scandinavia tour (292912) uses these between Lulea and Kiruna. You can rent a car if you're comfortable with winter driving or go for private transfers which many tour packages include like the Tales of Lapland tour (207313) with its airport pickups. Just remember transport options can change depending on where and when you're traveling.

Lapland Tours & Trips

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Table of contents

The best Lapland tour packages
What people love about Lapland Tours
Travel Lapland your way
Best tour companies for Lapland tours
Lapland tours for every type of group
Top Lapland travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Best time to visit Lapland
Contact our Lapland travel experts
What our customers ask about Lapland Tours & Trips

The best Lapland tour packages

Compiled by

MelissaLapland travel expert at TourRadar

Express Grand Lapland Tour, Finland, Sweden and Norway with activites
4.9 14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
“The Lapland winter scenery is really that of a magical winter wonderland. The excursions were great, we were not bored for one moment.”
Sanet, traveled in December
Active
The snow-filled adventure begins in Kilpisjärvi, known for Finnish Lapland's highest snow levels, before exploring Swedish Lapland's majestic wilderness. The itinerary includes Santa's Village in Rovaniemi, Sámi cultural experiences, and stays in shared cottages with saunas. Optional activities include snowmobiling to the three-country border and night swimming in Norwegian fjords.
Duration 8 days
Destinations Finland , Norway , Sweden
Age Range Ages 18-45
Operator Timetravels
From
NZ$2,608
View tour
Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days
5.0 1 Review by TourRadar travelers
“Going to Lapland in winter was always a dream. This did not disappoint. Loved the day trips we did and the accommodation was amazing.”
Claire, traveled in January
Explorer
Winter magic comes alive in Rovaniemi, with husky sledding through frozen forests and snowmobile safaris to authentic reindeer farms. The 4-star hotel stay includes traditional Lappish ceremonies in tepees, optional Aurora Ice Floating, and prime Northern Lights viewing opportunities.
Duration 5 days
Destinations Rovaniemi
Age Range All Ages Welcome
Operator On The Go Tours
From $5,055
15% Off
NZ$4,297
You save $758
View tour
Helsinki to Kirkenes - Beyond the Arctic Circle
4.5 2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
“The itinerary for the tour was great and utilized the 10 days for maximum activity experience.”
Jessica, traveled in March
Explorer
Duration 8 days
Destinations Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Inari, Kirkenes
Age Range Ages 12+
Operator Carisa Travel Group
From
15% Off
NZ$8,672
View tour
Lapland Winter Adventure
4.5 4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
“Awesome, everything was on scheduled and on time.”
Jacqueline, traveled in November
Explorer
The Arctic adventure features immersive experiences including Bothnian Sea icebreaker cruise, husky sledding through frozen forests, and Northern Lights viewing near Rovaniemi. Guests stay in 4-star hotels, enjoy traditional Sami culture at reindeer farms, and visit Santa's Village at the Arctic Circle.
Duration 6 days
Destinations Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Kalix
Age Range Ages 6+
Operator Carisa Travel Group
From
15% Off
NZ$6,467
View tour
Aurora & Glass Igloo Explorer - 5 Days
4.3 3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
“The tours and hotel stay were excelent. All the tours and transfers were timed to perfection.”
Gershon, traveled in February
Explorer
Rovaniemi serves as your gateway to thrilling husky safaris, Aurora hunting, and traditional picnics. Guests enjoy 4-star comfort before an unforgettable night in a glass igloo. Optional adventures include reindeer sleigh rides through pristine forests and thermal suit ice floating experiences.
Duration 5 days
Destinations Rovaniemi
Age Range All Ages Welcome
Operator On The Go Tours
From $4,885
15% Off
NZ$4,152
You save $733
View tour

Duration	8 days
Destinations	Finland , Norway , Sweden
Age Range	Ages 18-45
Operator	Timetravels

Duration	5 days
Destinations	Rovaniemi
Age Range	All Ages Welcome
Operator	On The Go Tours

Duration	8 days
Destinations	Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ivalo, Inari, Kirkenes
Age Range	Ages 12+
Operator	Carisa Travel Group

Duration	6 days
Destinations	Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Kalix
Age Range	Ages 6+
Operator	Carisa Travel Group

Duration	5 days
Destinations	Rovaniemi
Age Range	All Ages Welcome
Operator	On The Go Tours

Want to explore even more?

What people love about Lapland Tours

SamuelTraveled in January
5
It was an amazing tour. The tour guide (Elo) is excellent at providing some historical and cultural context of places we visited. The activities were fun, the people were amazing and in the end we saw northern lights. It's going to be a great memory in my life.
Express Grand Lapland Tour, Finland, Sweden and Norway with activites
LindsayTraveled in February
5
The tour was great, short but sweet, good activities, Alain was an excellent guide
Rovaniemi Winter Experience
ClaireTraveled in January
5
Going to Lapland in winter was always a dream. This did not disappoint. Right from the start of organising this, the team were a great help. They did everything possible to try find availability and make it all work so that we could do this trip. Loved the day trips we did and the accommodation was amazing. Didn’t have to think about anything as it was all organised. 100% would recommend this trip.
Lapland & Husky Highlights - 5 Days

Travel Lapland your way

Explorer
72 tours
Winter exploration in Lapland really opens up when you head into the remote Arctic areas around Inari and Kilpisjärvi. Our travelers love sleeping out in genuine Arctic conditions while looking for the Northern Lights - it's a proper adventure because you're actually living in the elements, not just viewing them from a hotel window. There's this excellent tour that combines staying in an ice hotel with visits to Sami villages where you'll pick up traditional survival skills that people have used here for generations. TourRadar customers keep telling us how much they enjoy the mix of hiking through birch forests that suddenly give way to wide-open tundra views, then spending evenings with cameras ready for the aurora. We've also got this great three-country route that takes you across Finland, Sweden and Norway - you'll stay in wilderness cabins tucked away from everything and get to know the local ways of life that make each area unique.
Northern Lights
86 tours
Explore a wide diversity of northern lights tours through Lapland. We have 86 adventures that vary from 3 days to 9 days. With the greatest number of departures in January, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Northern Lights tours
Partially Guided
69 tours
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Lapland. We have 69 adventures that vary from 3 days to 9 days. With the greatest number of departures in January, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Fully Guided
35 tours
Select from our extensive range of 35 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Lapland with our expert guides leading the way.

More travel styles:

Polar (23)

Best tour companies for Lapland tours

All three operators bring something unique to the table - Intrepid has really nailed the small group format that works well for different age groups traveling together. At Timetravels Ltd, Uuno in particular gets mentioned a lot by our customers who love his energy and quick responses, though some mentioned the bus rides could feel long and they wished for more time at each stop. If you're thinking of going solo, quite a few of our travelers have had great experiences with Carisa Travel, where Arif gets high marks for keeping everyone in the loop and running things smoothly. The interesting thing about Intrepid's approach is how they've managed to create tours that work just as well for 20-somethings as they do for mature travelers - no small feat in group travel. With Timetravels Ltd, it's actually pretty telling that Uuno gets called out by name so often in the feedback; good guides can make a real difference. The only real issues that come up are practical ones like those bus times and activity scheduling. Carisa Travel seems to have found their sweet spot with solo travelers, which makes sense given Arif's strong communication style.

View operators

Lapland tours for every type of group

Who are you traveling with?

Group
58 tours in Lapland
Explore a wide diversity of group tours through Lapland. We have 58 adventures that vary from 3 days to 9 days. With the greatest number of departures in February, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
23 tours in Lapland
Come explore the Arctic on our most sought-after small group tours through Lapland, each offering its own distinct winter experience. Our Northern Scandinavia winter journey connects three countries seamlessly, where you'll spend nights in an ice hotel, learn traditional bread-baking in Swedish Lapland, and have meaningful exchanges in Sami villages. Up in Finnish Lapland, 120km above the Arctic Circle near Inari, TourRadar customers tell us how much they value learning snowshoe techniques from local experts and visiting a Green Key certified husky farm. From Rovaniemi, we offer a week-long Arctic expedition where you'll switch between sleeping in ice rooms and glass igloos - our travelers often mention the magic of watching for Northern Lights directly from their warm beds. The small group sizes let you form genuine connections with local guides, whether you're steering your own dog sled through snow-laden forests, spending time with reindeer herders or mastering traditional winter survival techniques passed down through generations.
See all tours
Private / Personalized
82 tours in Lapland
Private tours in Lapland give you room to really customize the experience. One popular choice includes nights in a premium glass igloo - perfect for watching the Northern Lights from your bed - plus husky sledding and excellent meals at Restaurant Arctic Eye. Another route takes you through Finnish and Swedish Lapland where local Sami guides share their reindeer herding traditions, and you stay in wilderness lodges with private saunas. The Helsinki-Arctic combo starts in the capital before taking the overnight train to Rovaniemi for husky mushing and aurora hunting. Near Kemi, you can join the Sampo Icebreaker cruise and even take a dip in the Arctic Ocean wearing special survival suits. For total privacy, the new Aurora glass cabins at Muotka Wilderness Lodge come with their own saunas and huge windows for Northern Lights viewing.

Top Lapland travel itineraries to fit your plans

7 Day Itineraries

Seven days lets you really get to know Lapland's wilderness and local life. Our most popular week-long route starts in Helsinki before heading north to Rovaniemi, with nights split between glass igloos and ice hotels - our travelers love telling us about sleeping under stars in those -5°C rooms. Another great option takes you through Saariselkä where local Sami guides teach you survival skills, and you'll try cross-country skiing, husky sledding and other winter activities. TourRadar customers mention how well these tours balance active outdoor time with cultural experiences, especially enjoying the Arctic Ocean swims followed by traditional saunas. If you prefer going at your own speed, the self-drive tour lets you explore Kemi's ice breaker ship and stay in remote wilderness cottages along your route.

See all tours

10 Day Itineraries

One of the best ways to explore deep into the land of the midnight sun is our extended road trip through Finland, Norway, and Sweden. TourRadar customers tell us they particularly value how this route weaves together five distinctive destinations to showcase the full spectrum of Arctic landscapes. The journey starts in Tromsø, often called the Venice of the North, before winding through the Lofoten region and continuing to Swedish Lapland's Kiruna and into Finnish territory. Along the way, local Sami guides lead you on hikes through Abisko National Park, while the Norwegian coast offers prime whale watching spots and you'll visit the unique point where three nations converge at the world's northernmost border triangle. What sets these 10-day tours apart is their thoughtful balance of guided experiences and independent exploration - you might take that cable car up Storsteinen mountain, visit the Arctic Experience Center, or simply explore Narvik's atmospheric streets at your own pace. Our travelers especially appreciate ending active days with traditional sauna sessions, and watching as the midnight sun bathes snow-capped peaks and fjords in warm golden light.

See all tours

Demographics

Solo travelers can explore Lapland without spending too much, and the winter adventure through Saariselkä gets great feedback from people traveling alone. You'll stay in well-equipped cottages with saunas - perfect for meeting other travelers, and the guides make sure nobody feels left out. There's also a popular three-country tour through Finland, Sweden and Norway where you can learn cross-country skiing and try ice fishing. Our solo travelers often mention how much they enjoy the smaller group sizes and sharing those Northern Lights moments with new friends. Some tours include photography sessions where guides help you get those aurora shots just right.

For couples, the Tales of Lapland tour includes two nights in a premium glass igloo - perfect for watching the Northern Lights together from your bed. You'll enjoy 3-course dinners at the Arctic Eye restaurant with panoramic views, and the private husky safaris are especially popular with couples. Another option starts in Helsinki before taking you north on an overnight train for reindeer sledding and aurora hunting. Over in Swedish Lapland, you can walk on frozen seas after an icebreaker cruise and stay in cozy wilderness hotels. Our couples particularly enjoy the Finnish sauna experiences followed by traditional fireside dinners.

Young adults after real winter action will find proper Arctic adventures here. The Northern Scandinavia winter tour covers three countries, including a night in an ice hotel and hands-on bread-baking in Swedish Lapland. You'll get to know Sami culture directly and search for Northern Lights in Abisko National Park. The Finnish Lapland winter skills tour teaches you snowshoeing through snow-covered forests and cross-country skiing with local experts. There's plenty of free time to check out places like Tromsø's craft breweries or try extra activities like ice climbing. Our younger travelers really enjoy mixing outdoor challenges with cultural experiences and meeting other adventure-minded people from around the world.

Seniors can choose from well-organized tours that blend comfort with real Lapland experiences. Starting in Helsinki, you'll get guided city walks before taking comfortable overnight trains north. The Lapland hotels are chosen for good activity access, and guides know how to adjust the pace for different ability levels. Our older travelers particularly enjoy the reindeer farm visits and cultural museums where they learn about local traditions. Some tours include glass igloo stays with proper heating and good facilities, making Northern Lights viewing comfortable even in winter. Senior guests often mention how much they appreciate the smooth transfers and clear communication throughout their Arctic trip.

If you're planning a family trip to Lapland, several tours work really well with kids. The week-long Rovaniemi winter tour hits that sweet spot between structured activities and free time - our TourRadar customers mention this balance repeatedly. The kids get particularly excited about feeding reindeer their favorite lichen at the farm visits. Over in the Apukka area, you can spend 7 days either in ice rooms or glass igloos, and parents tell us the husky sledding is always the favorite part. The guides are excellent at helping everyone feel safe with the dogs. Taking the Santa Express overnight train adds extra magic, and crossing the Arctic Circle becomes one of those special family moments. Some tours take you to Ranua Wildlife Park where you can watch polar bears and other Arctic animals in their natural setting.

Solo Travelers
107 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
Couples
102 tours
Seniors (50+)
32 tours All tours for Seniors

Best time to visit Lapland

Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn in Lapland offers unique chances to blend wilderness hiking with Northern Lights viewing before winter sets in. Several tours take advantage of this special time, including a remote trek through Käsivarsi where you'll spend nights camping in two-person tents while photographing the aurora. Our TourRadar customers particularly enjoy the gradual ascent from birch forests to open tundra, often spotting wild reindeer herds along the way. The Finnish-focused tour starting from Ylläs combines daily hikes of 5-10 kilometers with opportunities to forage for mushrooms and berries, plus evening aurora photography sessions. For those seeking cultural elements alongside nature, the Helsinki-to-Lapland route lets you explore the capital's historic Senate Square before flying north to sleep in glass igloos and meet reindeer herders. These autumn adventures typically include practical elements like proper safety briefings and expert guides who know exactly where to position you for the best Northern Lights photos.
- popular 48 tours
Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter tours in Lapland offer distinct experiences across Finland, Sweden and also Norway. Our most popular tour mixes traditional log cabins with glass igloo stays where you can watch the Northern Lights right from your bed while staying warm. TourRadar customers love the husky safaris - you'll learn to drive your own dog sled team through snowy forests. Another well-loved tour takes you to Inari, 120km above the Arctic Circle, for snowshoeing with local guides and visits to a Green Key certified husky farm. For real cultural immersion, there's a tour in Swedish Lapland where you'll bake bread in the historic Gammelstad Church Town and spend time with reindeer herding families. The fifth most booked winter option combines ice fishing, snowmobile rides and a unique experience breaking ice on the Sampo Icebreaker cruise near Kemi.
- December 2025 87 tours
- January 2026 popular 99 tours
- February 2026 98 tours
Spring 2026
Spring tours in Lapland blend winter magic with emerging signs of nature's awakening. The most sought-after experiences center around Inari, about 120 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, where TourRadar customers particularly enjoy snowshoeing through Narnia-like landscapes and learning cross-country skiing from local experts. Some tours combine stays at family-run hotels with visits to Green Key certified husky farms, where you'll lead your own dog sled team through snow-covered forests. Cultural experiences remain strong in spring, with chances to visit Sami reindeer herders' homes and learn traditional survival skills passed down through generations. Another popular option starts in Helsinki with guided city walks before taking the overnight train north, where travelers can break ice on polar explorer cruises and stay in glass igloos perfect for late-season Northern Lights viewing. Our customers often mention how much they appreciate the mix of active outdoor pursuits with proper cultural immersion, plus the longer daylight hours mean more time for activities like snowmobiling, exploring traditional Finnish saunas and also experiencing local life.
- March 2026 popular 97 tours
- 43 tours
Summer 2026
When summer arrives in Lapland, the midnight sun creates endless daylight for outdoor activities. Our best-selling summer tour teaches you gold prospecting in the wilderness - you'll take a boat to Gold Harbour and hike to remote prospector's cabins to learn traditional panning techniques. Another favorite lets you experience proper Finnish sauna culture by the lake, topped off with a midnight swim under the ever-present sun. Active travelers go for the hiking tours through Käsivarsi's birch forests up to open tundra, often spotting reindeer herds and local wildlife. You can visit the 20-million-year-old amethyst mine in Luosto to dig for your own gemstones and also try gold panning in Saariselkä. The fifth most popular summer tour explores Sami culture in Inari, a fascinating region with over 100 named hills and four official languages.

Contact our Lapland travel experts

Joseph

Expert in Lapland at TourRadar

Joseph is one of our seasoned Lapland Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Lapland tours answered!

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What our customers ask about Lapland Tours & Trips

What's the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Lapland?
If you're hoping to catch the Northern Lights your best bet is visiting between September and April when the dark skies really maximize your chances of seeing them. You'll want to pick nights when the sky is clear and you're away from city lights for the best views. There are lots of tours specifically focused on Aurora hunting and if you're interested the Northern Scandinavia in Winter tour (292912) takes you to Abisko National Park which is fantastic for dark sky viewing.
What Winter Activities Can You Do in Lapland and Where Should You Go?
Lapland's packed with amazing winter activities and you'll find them all over the region though what's available can vary depending on where you are. Here's what you can get up to: You can try husky sledding which is just incredible - there's nothing quite like feeling the power of those dogs as they pull you through snowy forests. There are husky farms everywhere in Lapland and if you're interested the Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure tour (292065) includes sledding at this really nice Green Key certified farm in Inari. Reindeer safaris are a bit more laid-back but really special especially since you get to learn about Sami culture and reindeer herding. You'll find these in both Finnish and Swedish Lapland and the Rovaniemi Winter Experience tour (224056) includes a lovely farm visit with a sleigh ride. For something more exciting snowmobiling is fantastic - you can zoom across frozen lakes and snowy trails. There are tours for all skill levels and the Rovaniemi Winter Experience (224056) has this great 2-hour guided safari. Snowshoeing is perfect if you want to explore at your own pace. It's pretty easy to pick up and you can rent equipment or join tours. The Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure tour (292065) lets you try it in what looks just like Narnia around Inari.
Is it Better to Stay in an Ice Hotel or Glass Igloo for Seeing the Northern Lights?
While both are amazing experiences glass igloos are really the way to go for Northern Lights viewing. You can literally watch for them from your bed and don't have to brave the cold. Ice hotels are stunning but you'll need to head outside to really see the lights. The Tales of Lapland and Glass Igloo tour (207313) puts you up in these premium igloos at Santa Igloos Arctic Circle that even have Aurora alarms.
How Can You Experience Sami Culture During Your Visit?
There are lots of ways to immerse yourself in Sami culture here. You can visit the Siida Museum in Inari which is fantastic for learning about their history and connection to nature - the Aurora Borealis in Inari tour (213144) includes this. Some tours offer homestays with Sami families where you can learn traditional skills firsthand. The Northern Scandinavia in Winter tour (292912) takes you to a Sami village where you can meet reindeer herders. Don't miss trying traditional Sami food either - the reindeer meat fish and local berries are delicious.
What's the Best Way to Get Around Lapland?
Getting around Lapland's pretty straightforward. The Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is a lovely overnight journey included in the Finnish Lapland Winter Adventure (292065). Local buses connect the main towns especially in Finnish Lapland and the Northern Scandinavia tour (292912) uses these between Lulea and Kiruna. You can rent a car if you're comfortable with winter driving or go for private transfers which many tour packages include like the Tales of Lapland tour (207313) with its airport pickups. Just remember transport options can change depending on where and when you're traveling.

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