Winter in Lapland: My Ultimate Arctic Bucket List

There’s something about the idea of Lapland in winter that has captivated me for years. Maybe it’s the promise of landscapes so pristine they look photoshopped, or the chance to experience a kind of magic that feels increasingly rare in our hyper-connected world. Whatever it is, this Arctic wonderland sits firmly at the top of my travel bucket list, and here’s exactly why.

Chasing the Northern Lights

Let’s be honest—this is probably number one on most people’s Lapland wish list, mine included. The Aurora Borealis has been dancing across my Instagram feed for years, but seeing those ethereal ribbons of green, purple, and pink light with my own eyes? That’s a different story entirely.

Finnish Lapland offers some of the best Aurora viewing conditions on the planet, with roughly 200 nights per year when the lights make an appearance. I’m dreaming of bundling up in thermals, lying back in the snow, and watching the sky put on a show that no amount of screen time could ever replicate. The best viewing months run from September through March, with December through February offering the darkest skies and longest viewing windows.

Sleeping in a Glass Igloo

Here’s where my bucket list gets seriously cozy. I’ve been obsessing over those glass igloos—heated domes with panoramic ceilings that let you watch for the Northern Lights from the warmth of your bed. Imagine sinking into crisp sheets, hot chocolate in hand, while the Arctic sky performs above you. No setting alarms for midnight Aurora alerts, no trudging outside in the cold. Just pure, comfortable wonder.

Places like Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and Arctic SnowHotel have perfected this concept, combining the raw beauty of the wilderness with just enough comfort to make it unforgettable rather than merely survivable.

Meeting Real Reindeer (and Maybe Santa)

I’ll admit it—part of me is still that kid who believed in Christmas magic. Lapland is the official home of Santa Claus, and Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village lets you meet the man himself year-round. Cheesy? Maybe. But also kind of wonderful.

What really draws me, though, is the chance to learn about indigenous Sámi culture and their relationship with reindeer herding. These animals have been central to Sámi life for thousands of years, and I’d love to experience a traditional reindeer sleigh ride through snow-laden forests, learning from people who’ve mastered life in this extreme environment.

Husky Sledding Through Frozen Forests

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a Jack London novel, husky sledding is your answer. I can already imagine the rhythmic panting of the dogs, the whisper of runners on powder snow, and the absolute silence of a frozen forest broken only by the sound of the sled.

Most tours let you take turns driving the sled and being a passenger, and many include time to bond with these incredible working dogs. It’s not just a ride—it’s a partnership with animals bred for thousands of years to thrive in these conditions.

Trying a Traditional Finnish Sauna and Ice Plunge

Finland has more saunas than cars, and the traditional smoke sauna is a cultural experience I’m genuinely excited (and slightly nervous) to try. The Finnish sauna ritual isn’t just about getting clean—it’s about social connection, mental clarity, and the incredible contrast between extreme heat and cold.

The real test? Following up a 180°F sauna session with a plunge into an ice-cut hole in a frozen lake. Yes, it sounds terrifying. Yes, I absolutely want to do it. The Finns swear by the rush of endorphins and the feeling of being completely alive in your body.

Experiencing the Polar Night

Between early December and early January, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon in parts of Lapland. Called “kaamos” or polar night, it’s not complete darkness—instead, you get these magical twilight hours with blue and purple hues painting the snow.

While some might find the darkness oppressive, I’m intrigued by how it might change my perception of time and space. Plus, those extended “golden hours” make for absolutely stunning photography, and the darkness enhances Aurora viewing opportunities.

Staying in an Ice Hotel

For one night—because let’s be real, that’s probably all I could handle—I want to sleep in a hotel carved entirely from ice and snow. These architectural marvels are rebuilt every winter by artists who create everything from the beds to the drinking glasses from ice.

The SnowVillage in Kittilä features ice sculptures, an ice restaurant, and even an ice chapel. Sure, it’ll be cold (despite the thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides), but how often do you get to sleep in a work of art that melts away each spring?

Tasting Lapland’s Wild Cuisine

My food-loving heart is ready for Arctic flavors: smoked salmon, reindeer stew, cloudberry desserts, and leipäjuusto (Finnish squeaky cheese). I want to try traditional Sámi dishes, forage-to-table restaurants that serve lichen and wild mushrooms, and maybe even ice fishing for my own dinner.

There’s something appealing about eating food that’s so connected to place—ingredients that can only come from this specific environment, prepared using techniques passed down through generations.

Finding Complete Silence

Perhaps what I’m most looking forward to is something Lapland offers in abundance: silence. Real silence—the kind that’s increasingly hard to find. No traffic hum, no neighbor’s TV, no notification pings. Just the crunch of snow underfoot and maybe the distant call of a raven.

In winter, even the landscapes seem to hold their breath under blankets of snow. I’m craving that reset, that chance to hear my own thoughts without competition.

When to Go

While Lapland is magical throughout winter, timing matters for different experiences:

• November to January: Darkest period, best for Northern Lights and polar night

• February to March: More daylight, still reliably snowy, slightly warmer temperatures

• December: Peak Christmas atmosphere if you’re visiting Santa

Making It Real

Is Lapland easy to reach? Not particularly. Is it budget-friendly? Definitely not. But some destinations earn their bucket list status by offering something you simply can’t find anywhere else. For me, Lapland represents a chance to step completely outside my everyday life and into something that feels both ancient and utterly unique.

So yes, it’s still on my bucket list. And with each passing year, the pull of those snow-covered forests, dancing lights, and crystalline silence only grows stronger. One day soon, I’m trading the familiar for the extraordinary—and finally experiencing Lapland’s winter magic for myself.