Lapland isn’t only about the man in red and his furry friends. Imagine snow-covered forests, frozen lakes and swirling skies. Tucked away in northern Finland, Lapland’s fairytale-like landscape isn’t only for children, but adults too. Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and husky sleigh rides all come to mind. That’s just half the story – it’s serious Northern Lights territory, too. So, leave the world behind for an adventure in the Arctic Circle.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Lapland’s buried in snow for around six months of the year. So, it’s hardly any surprise that it’s home to tonnes of cross-country skiing trails. Forget the Alps, try Levi or Yllas which are way less crowded. Yllas has the longest slope at three kilometres, while Levi’s ski resort tots up 48 runs, including three black ones. Plus, the borders aren’t left out, either.
- 01-Dec-24, Dublin to Lapland, Lapland Hotel Sirkanthati, 3+, Levi, BB, 3 nights from €1,359pps or €4,029 (2+1)
- 04-Dec-24, Dublin to Lapland, Hotel Snow Princess, 3, Yllas, FB, 4 nights from €1,659pps or €4,799 (2+1), €6,299 (2+2)
The Northern Lights
You don’t get much further north than Finnish Lapland, so it’s a great spot for chasing the elusive Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. People travel from all over the world to try and catch a glimpse of this natural wonder. The lights have certain diva qualities – they’re about as unpredictable as you get. But, from November to April, you’re in with a fighting chance. If you do strike lucky, you’ll be treated to a real show – green, yellow and, sometimes, red lights dance through the pitch-black sky. You can often watch them glow from towns like Levi.
- 08-Dec-24, Dublin, to Lapland, Crazy Reindeer Hotel, 3*+, Levi, HB, 3 nights from €1,519pps or €4,469 (2+1)
- 04-Dec-24, Dublin to Lapland, Lapland Hotel Sirkanthati, 3*, Levi, HB, 4 nights from €1,599pps or €4,639 (2+1)
Snowmobiling
The magical medley of frozen lakes, frosted forests and carpets of white snow – this is snowmobiling country. Adrenaline junkies are in for a treat. You can zip over the tundras at full throttle, slicing up the snow as you go. It’s also the perfect way to cram in as much of the scenery as possible. If you’re lucky, you might even be joined by the Northern Lights. Just make sure you wrap up warm – the temperatures rarely rise above freezing here.
- 01-Dec-24, Dublin to Lapland, Lapland Hotel Hetta, Hetta, HB, 3 nights from €1,519pps or €4,409 (2+1)
Husky Sleigh Rides
Snowmobiles aren’t the only way to get around in Lapland. Once upon a time, husky-drawn sleds were the only mode of transport. These days, they’re just for fun, serving up a huge adrenaline rush, as you speed along at speeds of up to 30 kilometres an hour. You’ll be pulled by a team of huskies – originally bred in Siberia to pull big, heavy loads across the tundra. They’re always raring to go, so you’ll need to hop onboard quickly. Depending on the resort, you’ll either be driven by an experienced guide or take the reins for yourself.
- 11-Dec-24, Dublin to Lapland, Lapland Hotel Sirkanthati, 3*+, Levi, BB, 4 nights from €1,459pps or €4,269 (2+1)
An Ice Bar
When it comes to bars, you don’t get much cooler than this. Literally. You’ll find it inside Finland’s famous Snow Village, which is rebuilt from scratch every year. As the name suggests, it’s made from 20 million kilos of snow and around 350,000 kilos of ice. The temperature hovers around the -5°C mark, but you can warm up with a hot chocolate or a cocktail in the resort’s Ice Bar. Everything from the tables, benches and the bar is all carved out of ice. There’s also a candlelit Snow Restaurant, where food starts from €39 per person. Elsewhere, you can wander corridors full of ice art and bedrooms with ice-slab beds and snow walls. If you choose to stay in Yllas a visit to the Snow Village is included in your trip.
- 08-Dec-24, Dublin to Lapland, Lapland Hotel Saaga, 4*+, Yllas, BB, 3 nights from €1,359pps or €4,009 (2+1), €5,299 (2+2)
Lapland Day Trip
Or you can just visit for Lapland for the day! In just over three hours from Dublin airport, you and your family will find yourselves right in the heart of Lapland’s festive scene. This one-day adventure to Lapland is packed with activities from start to finish, including a meeting with Santa himself. You also have a huge choice of things to do, including husky rides, snowmobiling, and meeting the reindeer! With activities to keep you busy all day, you’ll board your evening flight back to Dublin feeling more festive than ever.
- Lapland Day Trip: 07-Dec-24, Dublin to Lapland, Search for Santa Day Trip from €889pps or €2,599 (2+1), €3,409 (2+2)
Book online at TUIHolidays.ie | Package Holidays and Flights 2024 / 2025, visit your local TUI store or travel agent.
*Prices correct at time of issue.
