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Lapland

Published : Feb, 2023

Sites and attractions | Outdoor Activities
Skiing | Äkäslompolo | SnowVillage | Rovaniemi | Kittilä | Snowmobiling | Dogsledding | Snowshoe | Northern Lights | Sauna Gondola Ride
Before I finally resolved to visit more cold spots this winter, after fully experiencing my first winter of life (in my 30s, I know. I’m late), I came to realize that it’s actually one of my favorite seasons.

There are so many things that you can only do when it’s really, truly cold outside, and Finnish Lapland is the perfect place to do them all. From playing in the snow to all of the adrenaline activities and cool things you can do either solo or with friends, I was really impressed by the offerings there and found myself fantasizing about renting a little cottage there next winter, just so that I could ski on those uncrowded slopes and stare up at the sky hoping for the aurora borealis.

Here are 13 things I tried and that I have a feeling you’ll love too when you visit Lapland:

Published : Jan, 2022

Sites and attractions | Outdoor Activities
Sleigh Ride pulled by Reindeer | Viewing the Aurora Borealis | Santa-Home & Planetarium | Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort | Saariselkä | thermal glass-domed igloo | Sledding Safari | Aurora Borealis | Husky Sledding Safari
I traveled solo to Lapland, Finland and stayed at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Saariselkä. My accommodation was a panoramic thermal glass-domed igloo. Half board was included in the accommodation rate, which was a breakfast buffet and 3-course dinners with vegetarian options.

I went on a husky sledding safari, rode a sleigh pulled by reindeer to view the Aurora Borealis, visited Santa's Home and the Planetarium on the resort property (equivalent to a North American IMAX theater).

The resort is approximately a half hour shuttle bus ride from Ivalo Airport, Europe's northernmost airport. All amenities and activities are located on the resort property which include communal showers (a short walk from your igloo to the building), Finnish saunas, a couple of restaurants, a souvenir gift shop, etc. Complimentary shuttle buses are available to transport you across the property for activities.
The food was of high quality and the variety was plentiful. Options included breakfast cereals, breads, pastries, eggs, and bacon; smoked salmon, herring, white fish, and vegetables; reindeer filet, and delicious desserts. The menu was world class as was the customer service.

This resort boasts 200+ nights of Northern Lights viewing opportunities every year. Viewing the Aurora Borealis was on my bucket list. I saw them dancing in the beautiful starry sky five out of the seven nights I stayed nestled in my glass igloo. There are Aurora alarms in each igloo as well. Wi-Fi is available in the reception area and restaurants only so ensure you have an international mobile data plan. There is a toilet and sink inside each igloo and the beds are adjustable.

This was my first international solo trip and it was the best vacation I ever enjoyed (a close tie with my trip to Bolivia in 2019 where I visited the salt flats and mountain biked down Death Road in the Andes Mountains). It was an absolutely amazing experience as a solo female traveler. I would recommend solo travel in Lapland and I would definitely go back and visit Finland again!