The Joys of Finland in Winter: Snowy Adventures & Northern Lights

The magic of Finland in winter stays with you long after the snow melts, and up in Lapland, where reindeer outnumber people, its impact is especially strong. One night you’re chasing the Northern Lights, the next you’re wrapped in a warm blanket sipping cocoa beside a crackling fire. Although the extreme cold and long hours of darkness put many people off during the winter months, this is actually a great time to experience a very authentic side of the country that summer travelers miss.

Finland is a great fit for families, couples and multigenerational groups who want a mix of nature, adventure and creature comforts. Among the Nordic countries, it’s one of the most dependable choices for a full winter experience — the tourism infrastructure is built to run in deep snow, and well-orchestrated logistics make planning easy. The Northern Lights show up often thanks to minimal light pollution and wide open skies inland, and all the classic Arctic activities are close by. You’ll get pristine wilderness and quiet paired with snug, well-appointed cabins and great food.

What to Know About Visiting Finland in Winter

Points North

The ski village of Levi (pronounced “Leh-vee”) and Lapland’s capital, Rovaniemi, are two of the region’s brightest stars, but each shines a little differently. They are both just a short flight from Helsinki.

Levi is for travelers who want open forests, wide skies and plenty of outdoor adventure. Home to Finland’s largest ski resort, it tends to get more snow than other areas, and it’s also a hub for husky sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobile safaris and evenings capped off with igloo dinners on ice. During my stay at Balder Luxury Lodge just outside Levi, I got a true feel for the cozy-luxe vibe that Finland channels naturally. The staff took great care of us, kept us happily fed and provided a soft landing after days outside in the cold.

Those visiting the lodge outside the snowy months can experience a floating sauna (still available in winter, just the docked version) — plunging into freezing water and scrambling back into the warm sauna is its own unforgettable thrill.

If you’re traveling with kids, set aside time for Elves Village at Tonttula. While both are magical, Elves Village has a charming, hands-on quality that really draws kids in. From exploring Santa’s home to a lesson in snowflake design at Elf School, its storybook air will enchant young ones.

Rovaniemi, meanwhile, is home to Santa Claus Village (an outdoor area you can wander freely) and SantaPark (a ticketed indoor theme park). There are easy flights from around Europe, plus a mix of cozy hotels and modern lodges. You can cross the Arctic Circle on foot here, and evenings might bring a private aurora hunt, a reindeer sleigh ride or simply watching the snow fall outside while you warm up by the fire.

Where to Stay

In Finland, luxury translates to bespoke Scandinavian design, glass igloos for aurora watching and private saunas in your room (stepping into a sauna after a cold day outside is essentially a rite of passage here). Balder Luxury Lodge is nestled in the wilderness for total privacy, with sleek Scandinavian design and front-row views of the Arctic landscape and Northern Lights. At Instagram darling Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, panoramic windows in each of the suites tucked amid the trees showcase the winter scenery just beyond.

For a different level of holiday experience, Santa Claus Secret Forest Joulukka takes the Santa experience to another level with tailored workshops and candlelit dinners. Our CB Advisors can help you choose the best accommodations for your family.

City Sightseeing

While most people head straight north, don’t skip Helsinki. The city blends minimalism with warmth in a way only the Finns can pull off. Between museum visits, design boutiques, and cafés serving cinnamon buns and strong coffee, it’s the perfect intro or finale to your winter adventure. Be sure to make time for an island-hopping adventure or snagging a turn in the Ferris wheel’s sauna gondola. In December, the Christmas Market in Senate Square glows with festive lights, handmade gifts and enough holiday spirit to melt even the iciest traveler’s heart.

When to Go

Snow usually starts to fall in November, with December through March being prime time for winter activities. Visit before Christmas if you want to create Santa-centric memories your kids will remember forever. February and March are ideal if you want more daylight and great northern lights visibility. Because Finland’s boutique lodges and igloos are small, it’s best to book six to nine months in advance.

Families Should Know

Getting There and Around

Most travelers fly into Helsinki, then hop on a short domestic flight to Levi or Rovaniemi. Trains are available but take significantly longer in winter. Once you’re in Lapland, transfers are usually arranged through lodges or activity partners. Activities are generally close together, so you won’t be spending hours in transit each day.

Weather

Expect cold temperatures, especially from December through February — lows can fall well below zero. Bring layers (lots of them), waterproof boots and a sense of adventure!

Daylight Hours

In deep winter, daylight is limited, but that’s part of the atmosphere. Activities are designed around the light and evenings are perfect for aurora hunting and fireside downtime.

Relevant Links: 

Browse all Northern Lights trips and polar destinations with kids

A family adventure in Finland

5 incredible places to see the Northern Lights

10 unexpected winter travel ideas for families

Norway in winter: An incredible, action-packed adventure at the Arctic Circle

72 hours in Stockholm with kids

Photos courtesy of Balder Luxury Lodge except where noted.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.