Luxury and boutique hotels in Finnish Lapland

Finnish Lapland stretches north of the Arctic Circle, where Rovaniemi gives way to forested fells, frozen lakes and vast tracts of wilderness. Winter brings Northern Lights, husky sledding and snow deep enough to ski; summer swaps darkness for the midnight sun and hiking trails. Factor in smoke saunas, reindeer encounters, ancient Sámi traditions and design-forward retreats, and Finland’s far north rewards staying well beyond Christmas.

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When to go

Snow blankets Finnish Lapland from November to May; February and March pair prime ski conditions with longer days. Aurora season runs from autumn to spring, and June and July barely bother with bedtime thanks to the midnight sun.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Finnish Lapland has five airports: Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Ivalo, Kuusamo and Kemi-Tornio, with regular connections via Helsinki and seasonal direct flights from across Europe. Choose Kittilä for Levi and Ylläs, Ivalo for Inari and Saariseklä, or Rovaniemi for the Arctic Circle.

  • Trains

    Make the journey part of the adventure aboard an overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Kolari or Kemijärvi. Book a sleeper cabin and wake up in Lapland; you can even bring your car along for the ride, then drive on to more far-flung Arctic reaches.

  • Automobiles

    Hiring a car opens up Finnish Lapland’s fells, forests and smaller villages on your own schedule. Roads are well maintained, but snow and ice demand extra care in winter — as do reindeer wandering into the road. For scenery en route, follow the Tenontie from Inari towards Utsjoki.