Basic Guide to Planning a Family Trip to Lapland

Travelling to Lapland with children is a unique experience that combines adventure, magic and the chance to create unforgettable family memories. This Arctic region, famous for its winter landscapes and for being Santa's home, is the perfect destination to enjoy activities like sleigh rides, northern lights excursions and visits to dreamy little villages. Planning a trip to Lapland with the family can seem complicated at first, especially with the low temperatures and high prices, but with good planning you can have a wonderful trip to Lapland without breaking the bank.

In this guide I'll show you the first steps to planning a trip to Lapland with the family.

Lapland at a glance

• Best time to go: November to March. December is the most magical, but also the priciest and busiest.
• Base: Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, home to the main airport.
• Indicative budget: accommodation €100-500/night, activities €50-150/person, depending on the season.
• Temperature: between -5°C and -30°C in winter. Layered thermal clothing is essential.
• Book ahead: flights, accommodation and activities, especially if you're travelling in December.

1. Choose the dates for your trip to Lapland

Lapland is beautiful at any time of year, but winter (November to March) is the most magical season if you want snow, Christmas lights and, with a bit of luck, the northern lights. Within winter, December is ideal for visiting Santa's village, but it's the busiest and most expensive time. January and February tend to be a little cheaper, and the snow and winter activities are still at their best.

2. Work out a general budget

Lapland is a unique destination, but it's also an expensive one, especially in winter. Bear in mind all the costs involved in travelling to Lapland with the family.

• Flights: Flying to Rovaniemi (the capital of Lapland) is the most convenient option. Prices vary a lot depending on how far ahead you book and the season, but they can be high in winter. Book your flights as early as possible to get the best fares.
• Accommodation: There are options for every taste, from basic hotels to glass igloos. Prices for a family range from €100 to €500 a night, depending on the type of accommodation.
• Activities: There's no end of family activities to do in Lapland, from husky or reindeer sledding safaris to visiting Santa's Village and northern lights excursions. These activities usually cost between €50 and €150 per person.
• Food: Eating out in Lapland can be pricey, so if your accommodation has a kitchen, consider cooking some of your meals to keep costs down.

3. Plan your accommodation

Choosing the right accommodation is essential, since you'll spend time there warming up after your excursions in the cold. The most popular places to stay in Lapland are:

• Santa Claus Village: Located in Rovaniemi, it's perfect for families, with Christmas activities and accommodation options like cabins.
• Cabins and flats: If you'd prefer something more affordable and private, you can rent a cabin or flat with a kitchen.
• Glass igloos: For something really special, sleeping in a glass igloo can be unforgettable. These tend to be pricier, but they're perfect for watching the northern lights from the comfort of your bed.

If you'd like something in between, the Nova Skyland Hotel is right inside Santa Claus Village, with great reviews and a sauna included.

See the Nova Skyland Hotel

4. Weather and cold-weather clothing

The weather in Lapland in winter can be extreme, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to -30°C. It's essential that the whole family is well wrapped up, especially the children. To cope with the cold, make sure you pack:

• Thermal clothing: Thermal tops and leggings to wear as a base layer.
• Wool and fleece layers: A second layer of heat-retaining materials.
• Waterproof coat and trousers: A good winter jacket, ideally waterproof.
• Cold-weather accessories: Hat, scarf, waterproof gloves and thick socks.

For some activities, like safaris or excursions, extra cold-weather gear may be provided or available to hire. Even so, it's always best to bring what you need from home.

5. Things to do with children in Lapland

Lapland offers activities that children will love:

• Santa Claus Village: Located in Rovaniemi, this is Santa's home. Here children can meet Santa, send letters and soak up the Christmas atmosphere.
• Husky and reindeer sleigh rides: You can book sleigh rides in Lapland for the whole family. These activities are unique and offer an unforgettable experience.
• Northern lights hunting: There are northern lights excursions in Lapland, although seeing them is never guaranteed. Even so, it's an exciting adventure.

One tip I'd give you is to book activities in Lapland ahead of time, especially if you're travelling in winter, as demand can be very high and spaces are limited.

6. Getting around Lapland

If you're planning to explore beyond Rovaniemi, you can hire a car to get around at your own pace. Lapland has good roads, but driving in the snow calls for caution. There are also bus services and tours that can take you to the main attractions if you'd rather not drive.

Compare car hire prices in Rovaniemi

7. Extra tips for saving money on your trip to Lapland

• Book ahead: High demand in winter can push prices up. Book flights, accommodation and activities as early as you can.
• Cook at your accommodation: Buying food from supermarkets and cooking where you're staying can help cut down on restaurant costs.
• Activity packages: Some agencies offer activity packages that combine several tours and excursions. These can work out cheaper than booking each activity separately.

With these basic steps you'll have a good starting point for planning your family trip to Lapland.

Enjoying the magic of Lapland will be an experience your family will always remember!