Lapland for Xmas - which village and general tips?

[offshore171]

Planning ahead for xmas next year and the aim is to be out of Sydney enjoying a white Christmas with the kids.

The idea is to spend the xmas week in a village in Lapland in the Finnish Arctic, and I've narrowed it down to 3.

• Levi
• Yllas
• Ruka

Priorities are:

• Northern lights spotting
• A bit of alpine skiing (not the focus, but would like to get a couple of days in)
• Xmas atmosphere / village charm
• Dog sledding
• Other winter activities like XC or snowshoeing trails.
• Cultural stuff
• Ease of access. We'd fly SYD to HEL then take a short domestic flight up to Kittilla airport in Lapland.

I'd be interested to hear some tips from readers who have done this, and a recommendation on which village. We have visited lapland previously, but not in the winter season.

 

[Austman]

You're probably going to have a great time and experience.

But do realise that at that time of year the sun is up for only about 15 minutes per day! So it's going to be dark, dark, dark. As well as cold, cold, cold.

So a lot of extensive outdoor activities are going to have to be either at night or in areas that are well lit.

Town life will be different. Lots of lights, charm and surprisingly warm interiors.

 

[amaroo]

Can't help you with Lapland, but we did Tromsø Norway for the family trip to see the Northern Lights - just so bloody awesome!

My two tips - unless you have the knowledge and photography gear ..... get a professional guide to do it for you. If you go the guide option, do it privately.

 

[Captain Halliday]

I can’t help with the three villages you’ve listed, but my tips and advice for the arctic parts of Finland can be found here