What to Expect on a Tour in Lapland, Finland

Huskies, reindeer, snowmobiles, and more.

I worked in Lapland, Finland, as a seasonal tour guide from November 22 - December 29, 2023. This article is based on my personal experience in Suomu, one of the most remote resort locations. Individual tour itineraries may vary. Check the operator’s website or with your travel agent for specific information.

Finland is full of natural wonders, and one of the best ways to get close and personal is to visit the Arctic Circle in Lapland, Finland. You can go yourself, or you can take an organized tour. There are many seasonal operators competing during the year-end holiday season, most of them coach tours.

Tip: If you’re easily travel or motion sick, a coach tour may not be the best for you. You’ll be on that bus a lot, moving from activity to activity. I suggest planning your own trip in this case.

The operator will provide you with appropriate head-to-toe snowsuits and snowboots. Whether you opt for the hotel or a cottage, remember to bring your own extra layers, hand and feet warmers, and any medications/supplements you might need. Fees in Lapland are expensive, especially healthcare. The nearest town might be a good 45 minutes to 1 hour away by car, depending on your resort, so pack wisely but minimally.

Here are some activities on a typical tour of Lapland, Finland:

Activities

Husky mushing

The huskies are the fan favourite for good reason. The first time I sat down in the sled (yes, I got husky freebies), and the huskies took off, I was blown away. That feeling is unlike anything you’ve ever imagined. The smoothness of the trail, the lightning speed at which they run… those doggos are strong and capable like you wouldn’t believe.

Don’t worry; they’re pretty well taken care of. The husky range we operated at is run by Hillside Huskies. According to staff, the huskies are bred to be working dogs. They eat in the cold, sleep in the cold, and play in the cold. And, they LOVE sled-pulling. Whenever they were on duty and taking a breather between laps (i.e. so guests could switch over), they were barking their heads off, anxious to go again. As soon as they set off, the barking stopped, and all was calm and quiet.

The huskies are an act in cooperation and partnerwork. The younger ones train in the spring before “graduating” to official work, and a lot of mixing and matching goes on to find out who pairs well with whom. There are usually 6-8 huskies per sled.

One husky laid her snout on top of her partner’s head every time while waiting, snuggling close. It was adorable. Other huskies can be more aggressive, engaging their partner in a quick wrestling match before the next run. There are cases where a husky has no partner in the lineup because they simply cannot work with anyone else.

Mushing safety is always important. The huskies know the trail, but if you release your foot on the brake too soon, there’s no telling where they’ll take you. The trainers will teach you everything you need to know.

Once a dog is too old or too tired to continue working, they are retired comfortably in the range to live out the rest of their lives.

Unlike movie huskies, these huskies look just like house dogs and are very varied in appearance. Hillside Huskies employs Siberian and Alaskan huskies, amongst other breeds.

(By the way, most of the workers at Hillside Huskies were interns. If you’re interested in working in the Arctic Circle in another way, this may be an option.)

Snowmobiles

A close second to huskies, snowmobiling is the adults’ most anticipated activity. In order to drive one, you must have a valid driver’s license (from any country) and not have had any alcohol within the last 24 hours. Finland has a strict 0% rule for drinking and driving.

For passengers, you must reach a minimum height of 140 cm. Those under the height requirement may have the option of driving mini Ski-Doo’s (made for kids) that are honestly the exact same as the larger snowmobiles and go faster! (The Ski-Doo is tethered to a line held by a worker, so there’s no chance of a runaway future F1 racer.) Helmets (provided) are mandatory for everyone.

I thoroughly enjoyed the few times I got to drive a snowmobile myself. It’s so cool! You feel like every action movie hero in the driver’s seat. It does take a bit of getting used to, especially on the terrain, but it’s fairly easy to pick up.

Many locals will use snowmobiles to get around, if they’re not cross-country skiing.

In my location, we had to take a snowmobile sleigh ride through the forest to the starting point of the track. This sleigh is also available for younger ones who don’t meet the height requirement but still want to go around with the large snowmobiles. Blankets are provided in the sleigh.

Tip: Snowmobiling can get cold VERY FAST, even beyond the already subzero temperatures of the Arctic Circle. It’s wise to bring mittens, a hat (though you might have to take this off for the helmet), and hand and feet warmers. We got a lot of crying children at the snowmobiles location, so be prepared… Always ask if you can head back to the coach or your room early if it’s unbearable.

Reindeer

Reindeer are some of the most majestic, stoic creatures you’ll ever see. Finland is teeming with them, and the government actually has a strict regulation on the total number allowed at any point in time: 200,000. Allegedly, any more might wreak havoc on the natural environment.

(What happens if there are more than 200,000? Let’s just say… “They’re sent to the South Pole to retire.”)

Most reindeer actually have owners. They’re tagged in the ears, so they’re allowed to roam in the spring and summer before being herded back for the cold season.

Your tour operator will probably arrange reindeer sleigh rides. Unfortunately, they don’t fly — that magic is reserved for Christmas Eve — but it’s a great opportunity to snap a perfect selfie with the reindeer up close. Just not too close!

Reindeer are wary of strangers, and they might welcome you with a buck in the face if you get too friendly. They’re also sensitive, so any loud noises or sudden movements may set them off. Approach cautiously around this wildlife.

Tip: Reindeer sleigh rides can also get very cold, very fast. They trek at a slow pace, so be prepared again with all manner of heating packs. Blankets are provided in the sleigh.

Santa Claus (Joulupukki)

Of course, we all know who we’re here to see. Santa Claus (“Joulupukki” in Finnish)!

It’s said that Finland is the true home of Santa Claus, not the North Pole, and I can see why. With landscapes as beautiful as those of Lapland, Santa has a good, private lodge here.

I won’t reveal too much about his hiding place, but you can expect to see some of his special friends along the way. Is that an elf I hear in the distance?

Tobogganing

The huskies may be up for a run with the popularity of tobogganing. It’s a relatively safe, fun, and simple activity for the whole family to enjoy. There were probably more laughs here than anywhere else.

And, if you have some naughty ones with you (not just the kids), a tobogganing session might just turn into a full-blown snowball fight. I made a lot of great memories with the guests on the tobogganing hill.

Oh, and those toboggans are fast! I hadn’t done this since I was a little kid (and on much smaller slopes), and the first ride down was absolutely exhilarating. Just go on a colder day when the snow’s had a chance to harden, and you’ll be amazed how fast you can fly.

Snowmen, snow angels… Anything goes when you have a fresh blanket of snow in front of you.

Elf Olympics

My tour operator arranged a festive Elf Olympics in an open field, where families played holiday-themed versions of classic children’s games. There was tug-of-war, Red Light, Green Light, “Reindeer” (grown-ups, be prepared to break your backs for this), and more.

Elf Olympics always starts off a bit slow due to the cold, but I promise you, if you dive in 100%, you’ll have a fabulous time.

Skiing (for a fee)

Not every tour operator will have a convenient ski resort nearby, but those that do will allow you to go skiing for a fee in your downtime (if it’s not included in your package).

Although, your itinerary will probably be so packed, you won’t have time to go skiing anyway. If you decide to forego something else to do so, let your guide know, so they don’t think you’re missing.

Tip: If skiing is your main wish, I think it’s better to plan your trip yourself and pay for the other activities listed here as you go. Many of them will allow you access for a separate fee, depending on your location.

The Environment

Northern lights (aurora borealis)

I’m sure the northern lights are a major check off anyone’s bucket list, and it’s even better that they’re a natural phenomenon.

You’ll have to be very vigilant in your light-watching, but apps like Aurora or Aurora Now can help you track the best times and locations to see them. A 20% chance seems low, but that’s actually a great statistic, by personal experience.

Tip: The human eye actually can’t see the northern lights in all their range, so make sure you set your camera (phone, DSLR, etc.) to night mode, hike up the exposure setting as much as possible, and wear warm gloves! I’m not kidding when I say you can get frostbite from holding your phone for a few seconds to capture the perfect borealis show.

For more about my northern lights experience, see: [article coming soon].

Irisation (polar stratospheric cloud)

Lots of people describe this rare natural phenomenon as a “petrol spill,” but it’s so much more beautiful than that implies.

Suspended in the air, irisation is when sunlight is diffracted in clouds that have ice particles from the cold. It’s like an angel took a marker to the sky.

The wildlife

If you’re in a remote location, you’ll encounter some wildlife. Reindeer might be napping by the side of the road (or the middle). If you take a shortcut through the forest, you might be jump-scared by some animals hopefully running in the opposite direction, like I was.

Take regular precautions around wild animals, and don’t do anything risky or that you don’t know might affect them.

The traditions

You’ll see a lot of traditional Finnish culture in Suomu, from kotas (teepees) with fires to more structured huts, plus lots and lots of trees.

As always, respect these spaces, and give thanks for their insight.

The cold

It goes without saying that the Arctic Circle is a cold place. The temperature hovers around -20°C in Lapland in December, with anything as warm (yes, warm!) as -11°C and as cold as -40°C, give or take.

Body temperature is your best friend.

For tips on dressing for the Arctic Circle, see: [article coming soon.]

The sun (or lack of)

In winter, sun hours gradually lessen more and more. We were operating most days with only 2-3 hours of visible sun. Interestingly, I didn’t find it hard to adapt, probably because I come from a snow-heavy country. Even if you don’t, there’s something magical about Lapland’s natural environment. You’ll hear birds, huskies, and not much else, but there’s a certain peace and calm to it that goes well with the fading light.

Take your time to revel in the quiet.

Tip: Bring vitamin D.

Conclusion

These are just some of the activities and phenomenon you might encounter on a tour in Lapland, Finland. It’s not an easy tour, that’s for sure. The biting cold can put a damper on daily fun, but the good thing is it’s not a wet cold.

I had my fair share of conflicts while working there, but I did see some amazing sights that will last in my heart forever.

If you’re up for a challenging, adventurous time, Lapland may be for you. Whether or not you decide to book an organized tour for the trip, it’s what you make of if that determines whether or not you have a good time.

So put down your phone, hug your friends for warmth, and enjoy that Arctic sun.

All photos by Lonely Girl, Lonely World.