Lapland is a destination that feels straight out of a fairytale, vast wilderness, towering pine forests, crystal-clear rivers, and the ever-present possibility of spotting reindeer along the way.
After spending a weekend in Swedish Lapland a few weeks ago, during a layover in Stockholm while waiting for our flight to London, I couldn’t stop thinking about the wilderness we had encountered around Kiruna. The sheer magic of cruising through a winter wonderland, endless snowy landscapes, frozen lakes, and towering forests, felt like stepping into another world.
The untouched beauty, the deep silence of nature, witnessing the northern lights dance across the sky, and the surreal experience of walking on frozen lakes left me craving more. In that moment, I knew I had to explore the other side of this Arctic paradise. Without hesitation, I booked a flight to Rovaniemi for a few weeks later.
When we first started researching Lapland, one name kept appearing, Rovaniemi. However, the fact that it’s the official hometown of Santa Claus initially made us hesitant. We imagined waves of tourists and an experience that felt too commercialized.
But after years of travelling, we’ve learned an important lesson: even in the most popular destinations, there are hidden corners waiting to be discovered. By exploring beyond the well-trodden paths, diving deeper into local experiences, and seeking out less-visited spots, we’ve found that true magic often lies where you least expect it.
Inspired by breathtaking images on social media and compelling stories from travel blogs, we decided to give Rovaniemi a chance, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made.
We decided to spend a weekend fully immersed in nature, relaxing, embracing the silence, and hiking in search of winter wildlife. Wanting to escape the crowds and experience the raw beauty of Lapland, we chose a secluded cabin near the serene Norvajärvi Lake. This remote hideaway offered the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility, allowing us to slow down, disconnect from the rush of daily life, and truly appreciate the Arctic wilderness.
Staying in such an off-the-grid setting was an unforgettable experience. With no modern distractions, we embraced a simpler way of living, relying solely on a wood fire to heat both the cabin and the water for our private sauna and shower. The ritual of gathering wood, stoking the fire, and waiting for the water to warm up became a meditative process, grounding us in the moment.
best hikes in Lapland
1 – Auttiköngäs waterfall and nature trail (lapland)
The Auttiköngäs nature trail is a 3,6-km-long circle trail. The trail leads along the banks on both sides of the River Auttijoki across varied and quite demanding terrain. Steps and rest spots have been built on the slopes to facilitate climbing. Climbing up Könkäänvaara Hill – the area’s highest point -will bring its own reward: there is a nature observation tower at the top which looks out over beautiful scenery.
2 – Vaattunkiköngäs Nature Trail (lapland)
The nature of the Arctic Circle Hiking Area is enchanting, just beyond Santa Claus Village. The distance from Santa Claus Village to the hiking area is only 15 km. The stunning rapids of Raudanjoki river, and the Vaattunkiköngäs and Vikaköngäs waterfalls, which run through the area, are just a few steps away. The accessible routes also invite those traveling with prams to enjoy a day outdoors among the rapids surrounded by forest. You can usually walk the trails even in winter. In winter, hikers can also travel via skis or snowshoes to the area’s extensive aapa marshes.
3 – Vikaköngäs nature trail (lapland)
Vikaköngäs is famous for its wooden suspension bridge that crosses the Vikajoki River, offering incredible views of fast-flowing rapids surrounded by rugged forest landscapes. The trail leads you deep into old-growth pine forests, past serene lakes and through peaceful marshlands, giving you a true taste of Lapland’s Arctic nature.
Along the route, you’ll find designated fire pits and picnic areas, perfect for a break to enjoy a traditional outdoor snack like grilled sausages or hot coffee by the fire. The well-marked trails make it an easy hike, yet the wild beauty of the surroundings makes it a rewarding experience.
4-Ounasvaara hiking trail (lapland)
The trail winds through lush, herb-rich forests, leading to a cozy lean-to shelter perched along the hillside. For an authentic Finnish experience, bring along some snacks to cook over the open fire, locals love grilling sausages, enjoying rye bread, and tasting leipäjuusto, a traditional Finnish squeaky cheese. You’ll find a supply of firewood ready at the shelter, but be sure to bring a knife and either matches or a firestick to get the fire going.
With a moderate distance of around 5 km and no steep inclines, this trail is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a leisurely walk in nature. It’s accessible for all fitness levels, offering a chance to reconnect with the outdoors without intense effort. To stay comfortable and energized, we recommend bringing a bottle of water to keep hydrated throughout your hike.
other things to do around rovaniemi (lapland)
1- Explore Snowy Trails on a Snowshoeing Adventure
For a slower, more immersive experience, try snowshoeing through Lapland’s pristine landscapes. Snowshoes allow you to walk over deep snow, taking you off the beaten path to admire the untouched beauty of Arctic nature.
2- Ride a Snowmobile Through the Arctic Wilderness
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, snowmobiling is a must! Ride across frozen rivers, through dense forests, and over vast snowy landscapes. Some tours even take you to remote wilderness areas where you can experience the Arctic’s true silence.
3 – Visit a Reindeer Farm & Go on a Sleigh Ride
Reindeer are an essential part of Lapland’s culture, and visiting a local reindeer farm offers a glimpse into the traditional Sami way of life. You can feed the reindeer, learn about herding traditions, and even take a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forests.
4 – Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake
For a peaceful winter activity, try ice fishing on one of Lapland’s frozen lakes. Locals drill a hole through the ice, drop a line, and patiently wait for fish like Arctic char, perch, and pike. Many guided tours include a warm fire, hot drinks, and the chance to cook your catch on the spot
5 – Take a Dip in an Ice Hole (Avanto Swimming) & Warm Up in a Sauna
For the ultimate Finnish experience, try ice swimming in a frozen lake followed by a session in a traditional sauna. The contrast between the freezing water and the intense heat of the sauna is an unforgettable, invigorating experience.
This weekend wasn’t just a getaway; it was a reminder of the beauty in simplicity, the magic of slowing down, and the unparalleled wonder of Lapland’s untouched wilderness.
check it out also: Lapland, Swedish northernmost wild territory
