1. Do an Arctic cold plunge and then warm up in the sauna

For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by the cold.

Whether it was a cold plunge in the North Sea in the midst of winter in my hometown, Den Helder, a cold shower in Kazakhstan (not entirely by choice, I might add), or an ice bath in Valencia, it just felt right!

So when I heard about the Arctic cold plunge experience at the stunning Apukka Resort, it truly felt like I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conquer the cold exposure final boss.

You see, taking a cold plunge in the Arctic waters of Lake Olkka, followed by a traditional wood-fired sauna, is as invigorating as it is challenging – a combination that not only pushes you out of your comfort zone, but also leaves you feeling reborn and full of energy.

Deeply rooted in Finnish culture, this stimulating method of cold and hot therapy is not exactly for the faint of heart, but once you get the hang of it, it’s an experience you won’t easily forget.

So take it from me: when in Finland, do as the Finns do.

2. Chase and admire the Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis

As with so many things in nature, seeing the magic of an Aurora Borealis is not a guarantee.

Therefore, I am super grateful that fate was on my side.

Marked by a unique set of circumstances, the Northern Lights, commonly known as Aurora Borealis, are truly special, with bright colours of blue, green, purple and occasionally red dancing across the dark Arctic sky.

Thanks to Lapland’s high latitude, vast wilderness, and low light pollution, it is deemed one of the world’s best places to witness this mind-boggling natural spectacle.

But even if you don’t have the fortune of seeing the Northern Lights, there’s just something magical and exciting about chasing them in the middle of the cold night.

You see, it almost feels like playing a childhood treasure hunt, which is both enjoyable and nostalgic – even more so if you ultimately catch a glimpse of this bizarre play of nature.

Generally speaking, the Aurora Borealis is best seen from December to March. I visited Lapland in March, and witnessed it on three of my five nights there.

3. Take an adventurous husky ride

In all honesty, can you truly say that you’ve been to Lapland if you haven’t glided through the wintry forest behind a gang of enthusiastic huskies? 

I don’t think so.

A true Lapland classic, exploring the Lappish forests as part of a husky safari is a great way to get an understanding of the region and its traditions. But it’s also much more than a tradition – in fact, it’s a method of transportation that has been utilised for centuries.

Nowadays, it has become one of the most sought-after experiences in Lapland, and after learning how to steer the sledge and cruising through the untamed wilderness myself, it is easy to understand why; it’s simply such an iconic experience. 

What’s probably even more exciting is that afterwards, you visit the farm to pet the puppies, which is an experience in its own right, and easily one of the best things to do in Lapland.

All in all, this traveller’s favourite perfectly captures the essence of Lapland, combining adventure, tradition, and the untouched beauty of the Arctic Circle.

4. Spent the night in a stunning glass igloo

No matter the destination, I always make it my highest priority to find unique accommodation when travelling. Lapland was no different.

With a high chance of Aurora Borealis appearing during the long Arctic night, the option of choice was, of course, an igloo with a glass dome.

Almost a destination on its own, Lapland’s glass igloos are as iconic as they are enchanting.

You see, lying warm and cosy in your bed all whilst the snow gently lingers outside, and the chance that the Northern Lights could illuminate the dark sky at any given moment is truly something special, and exactly why travellers flock to the cold Arctic in the first place.

During my trip to Lapland, I spent time in the Kammi Igloo at Apukka Resort and the Aurora Cabin Igloo at Vaattunki Wilderness Resort, and I was fortunate to witness the Northern Lights during both stays.

Besides the glass dome that allows you to experience the Northern Lights from your bed, these igloos are designed for absolute comfort, offering the perfect retreat from the cold Arctic weather. For me, the contrast between outdoor adventures and cosy moments indoors made my trip even more remarkable.

Not unsurprisingly, staying in a glass Igloo has become one of the best things to do in Lapland, and with Rovaniemi being one of Europe’s most famous winter destinations, booking in advance is highly recommended.

5. Enjoy a hearty and honest Lappish dinner

While relatively simple, Lappish cuisine is rather intriguing, as it’s made around pure, high-quality, local produce that suits the severe Arctic climate.

As someone who follows a carnivore diet (red meats, fruits, eggs, and honey), it was a delight discovering that the Lappish have dietary habits that resonate with my own.

Hearty, honest and healthy, Lappish cuisine is more about the ingredients than the aesthetics, and is often prepared in a way that lets the natural ingredients and flavours speak.

I tried the traditional poronkäristys, a plain yet flavourful dish based around sautéed reindeer, mashed potatoes, lingonberries and arguably the best pickles I’ve ever eaten.

Other ingredients commonly used reflect the region’s natural surroundings, as well as the seasonal availability; think Arctic char and salmon, reindeer and lamb meat, wild berries like lingonberries, cloudberries, and blueberries, as well as foraged mushrooms and root vegetables.

6. Cruise around the Lappish wilderness on a snowmobile

You probably already know, but just to be sure, the vast wilderness of Lapland is breathtaking.

The thing is, these remote landscapes are as serene as they are wild, and the freedom to explore them on a snowmobile is phenomenal, so much so that it is considered one of the best things to do in Lapland.

As you cruise through snow-covered forests, you quickly realise how untouched and magical this part of the world is, with Lapland’s surreal scenery revealing its appeal at just about every turn.

More about Lapland’s stunning landscape and scenery, don’t expect to become a speed demon when doing a snowmobile tour (I had my hopes up for this), as your snowmobile’s speed is most likely regulated, allowing for a maximum speed of 30 km/h at full throttle. 

​​If you’d like to take it up a notch in terms of adventure, opt for a night snowmobile safari, where you’ll cruise through the nightveiled wilderness under the dark Arctic sky in pursuit of the Northern Lights. 

7. Spent a night in the Arctic SnowHotel

Assuming you’re visiting Lapland to pursue unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the Arctic SnowHotel should definitely be on your radar.

Built entirely from snow and ice, the hotel rooms are a frozen work of art, with each room marked by elaborate sculptures carefully carved out of thick layers of snow by local artists.

Inside, temperatures remain steady at -5 degrees, and guests are provided with thermal sleeping bags designed for extreme conditions, allowing for a surprisingly comfortable night’s sleep.

While each room has power outlets, it’s a good idea to opt for their wake-up service and leave your electronics in the designated lockers; they also have a watcher observing the Northern Lights, so you don’t have to stay awake.

Those who feel hesitant to spend a night in the cold could opt for a visit during the day, when the hotel doubles as a museum, which, given the immense beauty of the ice sculptures, is absolutely worth your while. 

Beyond the hotel, the ice restaurant is equally impressive, offering a unique three-course dining experience in a stunning ice cave, surrounded by sculptures and an intimate atmosphere.

8. Visit a reindeer farm

Did you know that Finnish Lapland is home to roughly 200,000 Reindeer? Me neither.

What’s even more fascinating is the fact that they outnumber the number of people who live in the popular region by approximately 20,000.

For centuries, the Sámi people, an Indigenous tribe of the Arctic regions of Lapland, have lived in close harmony with nature, with the herding of reindeer at the heart of their way of life.

What remains today is a deeply rooted tradition that continues to represent the region’s rich culture and distinctive identity, one which visitors can still experience firsthand.

You see, visiting a reindeer farm offers a unique glimpse into one of Europe’s oldest traditions, while also providing a deeper understanding of reindeer farming. 

The absolute highlight is a reindeer sleigh ride, where you glide slowly through snow-covered forests, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience, all while surrounded by nothing but silence and untouched nature.