Top Things to do in Lapland
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Top 10 Things to do in Lapland, Finland
Finland's largest ski resort, Lapland's Ylläs has 61 slopes, the longest running two miles, with a vertical drop of over a quarter mile. This is the highest Finnish fell (mountain) with ski lifts, and there are 29 here in all. Also at Ylläs are 210 miles of cross-country tracks, 24 miles of which are lit.
Restaurants in Lapland
1. Urho Kekkonen National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By jadisi1992 - Siegen, Germany
After four times that I have visited Lapland I finally made it to Urho Kekkonen NP in Febuary 2017. Two friends and me had our snow shoes, poles and other equipment with us and went for a beautiful hike starting at Tankavaara. There's a parking lot and several options for markt round-trails. They all lead you along what's left from the battlefield of the winter war in 1942 between the Finns/Germans against the Soviets. We passed open Forests and climbed a hill (vaara) with a breathtaking view from the top. On our way back was the only time we met some other human beings, which I think is just great if you consider that Tankavaara is located right next to the highway 4. Once we were back at the parking lot we had some Finnish makkara and a hot cup of tea at the fire pit.
Urho Kekkonen NP is just beautiful (as most of Lapland is). It's easy to reach from Ivalo Airport or Rovaniemi Airport. Also it offers tours for those that just want to have a little walk and for those that want an extended hike for several days or even weeks. Keep in mind that there is a "maintained" zone, where paths are provided, huts are pretty close and cross country skiing tracks are sustained and the much larger "wilderness" zone, where there is only different types of huts but no maintainance of tracks or other infrastructure. Also if you decide to come during the cold time of year (October - April) be sure you know your skills, have the right equipment (maps, compass, food,...). This is actual Wilderness!
2. Ice Karting Levi
Overall Ratings
5 based on 276 reviews
Icekarting is powerslide on an icetrack! We have two driving options: 1] 2 x 15min driving session (no competition)|Price:55€/person. 2] Privat race with qualification race and final race, including prizes.|Price:85€/person| Go-Karts are equipped with studded tires and silent four-cycle engines. The quests are supplied with complete winter-racing gear, including helmets, hoods, shoes, gloves and overalls. The icetrack is fully illuminated. Transport: We pickup and return you free with minibus from your accommodation in Levi area. Price: 55€ / person (adults and children) Duration: around 1 hour. Open: every day 10am - 20pm.
Reviewed By JAMES m - Peterhead, United Kingdom
Went to the ice Karting in Levi 7th March 2018 , booked through Ingrhams, €59 Euro
Collected from our hotel transfers are included , really friendly staff , collected on time and only about 5 mins away , really tidy premises , you received all the snow overalls gloves boots you need , followed by a short Tuition video , then to the Karts , 9 mins each direction then a race with 1st 3 podium , excellent fun all round would deffientely do again great staff
3. Sampo Icebreaker
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Sampo, the former icebreaker for the Finnish government, offers a unique cruise experience on the Gulf of Bothnia. The union of the majestic steel, ice and the sea will be unlike anything else you've ever experienced. Four hour cruises yearly from December to April. Cafe, tours and souvenir shop open also on the summer time. Come and experience the Sampo in the midst of vast open arctic sea-scenery!
Reviewed By tfran88 - Charleston, South Carolina
I went with a tour group on the icebreaker, not knowing what to expect, we were just told it was a must-see. I enjoyed it far more then I thought. The sound and the sight of these huge slabs of ice, breaking up as the boat slowly breaks its way onward is quite a sight. I stood on the deck and took video, pictures of our progress. The boat gets to a point where it stops, and you can get out and walk around on a sheet of ice. That was incredible to see - all these people in the middle of a frozen sea, right next to the ship. Also when the ship stops, you can get in a bright red suit and get in the frozen water in the ships wake. It’s a surreal experience, floating with blocks of ice. Everyone on our trip really enjoyed it.
4. Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 95 reviews
The scenery in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is dominated by fells surrounded by Forests and mires in their natural state. Because the area’s nature is clean and beautiful and the terrain varying, the park is a wonderful place to hike, ski and enjoy the outdoors. The silhouette of the fells can be seen practically at all times and the marked trails lead visitors to the National Park’s most beautiful look-out spots. The picturesque beauty of the Pallastunturi Fells has made the area one of the Finnish national landscapes.
Reviewed By Giorgio P - Mogliano, Italy
Ylläs-Pallas National Park is a very big area that you have to visit. Yllás is in the south and it's more for people who want ski and enjoy in bars and disco. It's possible visit the Snow Village near Yllásjiarvi Ticket 15€). It's a big house made with ice and snow. you can see amazing rooms and take a drink inside it. Pallas is in the north. I think it's the best part of the park. You can really enjoy walking inside nice Forests and show amazing landscapes. For go to Yllás-Pallas National park you have to book a flight for Kittila (i came from Helsinki). I think it's important rent a car if you want enjoy all in that park (there are lot of company which can rent cars inside Kittila airport)
5. Levi Tourist Office
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Winter activities: skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile Safaris, reindeer and husky Safaris, horse back riding, snowshoeing, Northern Lights, ice-hotels, ice-fishing, photographing tours, helicopter flights, hot-air balloon, sauna, rally driving, ice-karting, kick sledging, paragliding flights, windsurfing, snow kiting, Wilderness skills program, visit to Santa Claus, Lappish ceremony and shamans. Summer activities: canoeing, white-water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, DH biking, ATV Safaris, summer tobogganing, Skate Park, Frisbee Golf, mini-golf, 18-hole Golf course, tennis, long treks on horseback riding, fishing, rally driving, Wilderness cooking course and Wilderness skills program, bird watching, mushroom and berry picking; night-less nights. All Year round: visits to museums and ateliers, visit with Shaman, Spa and indoor sports, PT, wellness, sauna, bowling.
Reviewed By Sam T
We stayed in Levi in December 2017 and booked several trips from home through the tourist information centre before we went (would recommend doing this as some excursions do tend to get fully booked though you are also able to book on site).
The trips we did were:
-Reindeer sleigh ride on a frozen lake- wonderful experience, beautiful scenery and lovely guides
-Trip to see Santa and Mrs Klaus in their log cabin- totally magical experience.
-Trip to the snow village (ice hotel) definitely worth a visit, the sculptures are amazing, there's no place quite like this!
Each trip was very professional and fun and the guides were lovely. The prices were also much better than the prices we had paid previous years through our travel agent and we also enjoyed them much more because we were part of a much smaller group.
This was our third time in Levi and i would highly recommend booking your excursions here.
6. Snow Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 320 reviews
Reviewed By MICK0950 - Hinckley, United Kingdom
We visited with a local guide which helped us to tour at our own pace. There is plenty to admire and the introductory film showing the construction of the site is an excellent start.
The Game of Thrones theme will attract many people this season but we are not fans and still enjoyed seeing the sculptures and depictions as well as the cinema, chapel, bar and restaurant.
Not sure I would want to stay in the hotel overnight, but to tour for an hour or so is well worth doing and not too expensive on local standards.
7. Siida
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Siida is a central meeting place in Inari, the heart of the Sami Area in Finland. It is a window on Sami culture and the diverse nature of Northern Lapland. At Siida, you can acquaint yourself with changing Exhibitions on culture, art and nature throughout the year. Siida offers the visitor both exciting experiences that appeal to many senses and expert knowledge. In the summer season, the indoor Exhibitions of Siida are complemented by the cozy open-air museum. In addition to Exhibitions, events that focus on culture and nature, as well as seminars, are arranged at Siida. At Siida, the National Museum of the Finnish Sami and the Nature Centre of Metsahallitus work together. The pleasant restaurant Sarrit serves customers on the second floor of Siida.
Reviewed By Raya R - Tel Aviv, Israel
If you really want to learn about the Sami people this is the right place. A very thorough and profound exhibition that shows the history and the present life of the Sami, + the beautiful nature of Lapland. The staff is very nice and helpful. Definitely a must when in the area.
8. Luvattumaa - Levi Ice Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Luvattumaa is a true find. Sheltered by the beautiful Lappish nature, Luvattumaa welcomes travellers to open their senses and experience the ice, the snow, the water, the scents and the flavours. During the winter season, snow castle the Levi Ice Gallery opens its doors for the public. Our River Spa is open throughout the year, as is the true heart of Luvattumaa - the Lappish hut restaurant.
Reviewed By Mymmeli_80 - Helsinki, Finland
We visited the cafe of Luvattumaa by skiing. Very disappointing: they serve crepes which have probably been made somewhere else (in a factory) and warmed up in a microwave oven. They serve the crepes with one teaspoon (!!!) of jam. I also didn't like their doughnuts. All in all, it feels like they just want to rip tourists off by serving low-quality food. And btw, you need to pay 1 euro for tap water even if you buy something else with it.
9. Saana
Overall Ratings
5 based on 61 reviews
This recognizable fell is located in the village of Kilpisjarvi. You can climb to the top of the fell (1029m) along a trail which starts at the Kilpisjarvi tourist centre. Scrambling up to the top of Saana is a challenge worth doing. The longest set of stairs in Finland helps you at the steepest part of the four kilometer journey. From the top of the Saana you can see for miles!
Reviewed By Liskotus - Tromso, Norway
Just drive you car to the hiking center beside the road and the hiking trail begins there. It's easy to hike to the top. The steepest side has stairs. Lovely view all the way to the top.
10. Arktikum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Arktikum in Rovaniemi is a museum, Arctic science centre and conference venue right on the Arctic Circle.
Reviewed By oztrader - kl
The visit to Arkikum was made interesting by the guide Frank. He makes this tour interesting and his humorous comments make the journey full of laughter.
The history, origin of Lapland and all the phenomenons like Northern Light, is well explained. The way of life of Lapland also well documented, pretty interesting and the movie show is nice.
Thanks again to Frank.
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