Top 5 Winter activities in Lapland you shouldn’t miss
The most popular winter activities in Lapland are a husky sled ride, a reindeer experience with a Sámi, a Northern Lights photography workshop, a snowmobile safari, or a winter hike on snowshoes. Together, these five experiences give you a complete picture of what makes a trip to Lapland so special: adventure, silence, and nature. In this blog, you’ll discover what each activity is all about, and why they’ll make your journey unforgettable.
1. Reindeer experience with a Sámi
Meeting reindeer is much more than a simple sleigh ride. On our tour with a Sámi guide, you’ll learn about the ancient bond between people and animals. It’s a quiet, intimate experience: you hear the bells jingling, the soft steps of the reindeer in the snow, and the stories passed down through generations. And yes, you can feed and even cuddle the reindeer!
2. Husky sledding through the snow
For many, this is the image of Lapland: a sled pulled by eager dogs. As soon as they’re allowed to run, their impatience turns into pure energy. You’re standing on the back of the sled — or sitting up front — under an icy-clear sky with a vast white world unfolding ahead. It’s adventurous and serene at the same time: the silence broken only by the rhythm of the dogs.
3. Northern Lights Photography Workshop
For many travelers, the Northern Lights are the reason to visit Lapland. But capturing them on camera is an art in itself. During our Northern Lights photography workshop, we take you deep into the night, far from artificial light. We’ll teach you how to set up your camera, how to read the sky, and how to capture the moment.
👉 Here’s when you have the best chance to see the Northern Lights!
4. Snowmobile safari across frozen lakes
If you want to feel the vastness of Lapland, a snowmobile safari is an adventure you won’t soon forget. You’ll ride across frozen lakes and through forests where the trees are heavy with snow. It’s powerful and fast — yet you’re completely surrounded by silence and nature. The contrast makes the experience all the more intense.
5. Winter hiking on snowshoes
Not everything has to be fast or spectacular. On snowshoes, you move slowly and get closer to nature. You notice animal tracks in the snow, hear the ice crack beneath your feet, and feel the cold tingling on your face. Sometimes, it’s these quiet moments that leave the strongest memories.
Conclusion: which activity fits you best?
There are countless ways to experience winter in Lapland, but these five activities always return in our own memories, and in those of our guests. From the power of a snowmobile to the stillness under the aurora: each moment reveals a different side of Lapland. For us, the Northern Lights photography workshop remains the most magical of all.
FAQs About Winter Activities in Lapland
How cold is Lapland in winter?
It varies from day to day and place to place. Sometimes -10 °C feels surprisingly mild, sometimes -20 °C bites through everything. The key is dressing in layers: better to start too warm and peel off later.
👉 Here’s a complete packing list for your Lapland trip.
When can you see the Northern Lights in Lapland?
Between September and March, usually late in the evening. But it’s never guaranteed — that’s what makes it special. Sometimes nothing happens for hours, until suddenly the sky comes alive.
How much does a husky ride cost in Lapland?
Short tours start from around €100, longer rides cost more. Remember: you’re not only paying for the ride, but also for the care and training of the dogs.
Do you need experience to drive a snowmobile?
No, almost everyone steps on without experience. You’ll get instructions and always ride with a guide. It often feels faster than it is, the silence and emptiness around you make it more intense.
Which winter activities are suitable for children?
Children usually love reindeer and huskies. A snowshoe hike can be a real adventure too. Snowmobiles have age restrictions, but riding as a passenger is often possible.