Is Finnish Lapland Really Worth the Money?

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up in a glass igloo under the Northern Lights, sledding through the snowy forests with a team of huskies, or experiencing the magic of a true winter wonderland, then Finnish Lapland might already be on your radar.

A question I frequently get asked is – “But is Lapland really worth the money?” Does it live up to the hype?

For Australians, Lapland in winter is a world away from our beaches and warm summers – it’s an Arctic escape unlike anything we have at home. The landscape is stunning, the air is crisp and fresh, and the experiences are the kind that stay with you forever.

So we’d say – “Heck YES!”

Here’s why so many travellers say Lapland is a bucket-list destination…and WE AGREE:

The Northern Lights – One of nature’s greatest shows, visible in Lapland from autumn to early spring. If you’ve been lucky enough to see the Aurora Australis, you will be amazed at the Borealis!

Husky & Reindeer Safaris – An unforgettable way to explore the wilderness, whether you’re racing through the snow or taking in the silence of the Arctic – pure bliss!!!

Santa Claus Village or Santa Experience – A must-visit/experience, especially if you’re travelling with kids (or just love a bit of Christmas magic!). We loved our visit to Santa Claus Village as well as Santa Claus Secret Forest on Christmas Eve.

Glass Igloos & Cosy Cabins – Sleeping under the Arctic sky is just as magical as it looks in the photos – even better if we get to see the aurora above you! There are no words for our igloo experience in Ranua!

Snow Adventures – Finnish sauna and ice swimming, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing and more – there’s no shortage of outdoor fun! Seriously, snow fun is the best – we had just as much fun playing in the knee deep snow as we did during activities! Loved the snow!!

Lapland isn’t a budget destination, but for those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, it absolutely delivers. Whether you visit in winter for the full snow-covered experience, in autumn for stunning auroras (because autumn is equally as epic a time to visit), or in summer for the midnight sun, every season has something special to offer.

If you’re thinking about making Lapland a reality, check out my Ultimate Guide to Visiting Lapland from Australia which is a continually growing and developing resource to help you plan your trip – when to go, where to stay and how to make the most of your time. If there is something you would specifically like to know, please let me know!