The best things to do and see during a holiday in Lapland.
Northern Lights: Featuring on most 'bucket lists' the aurora borealis is one of Lapland's biggest natural draws; long dark winters, locations far beyond the Arctic Circle and low ambient light creating optimum conditions. The frequency and intensity of aurora are related to the 11-year cycle of solar activity, currently at a maximum - chances of good displays this winter are excellent.
Santa Central: More predictable than the Northern Lights, Santa's winter residency is a reliable Lapland fixture, particularly in the Finnish town of Rovaniemi which has laid claim to being the jolly old elf's hometown. Day trips by charter flight are popular but have a punishing schedule, 3-night stays provide a much richer experience for both children and adults.
Dogging: Husky dog teams have proved their worth time and again in the annals of polar exploration. However, harnessing a dog team's boundless reserve of yelping energy is more nuanced than just shouting 'Mush!' Excursions include expert instruction and vary from short circuits round the car park to ten-day sled expeditions through remote Lapland wilderness.
Snowmobile Safari: Being noisy, smelly and great fun, snowmobiles do share some doggy characteristics. Though steering can always provide surprising results, a twist throttle, no gears and heated hand-grips mean even novices will soon be up to speed. Trips offered range from hour-long excursions to itineraries of several days.
Same Sami: Lapland describes northerly portions of Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia, the domain of 70,000 linguistically distinct Sami people. Many Sami live in Norweigan Lapland where Karajok is the designated capital. The town has several Sami institutions including the Sametinget (Sami Parliament), the repository for Sami culture and history at the Sápmi Culture Park, and the Samiske Kunstnersenter gallery's collection of Sami art.
Cross-country Skiiing: The Lap ski season is long, from October through to the Kilpisjärvi Midsummer Skiing Event in June. If you're familiar with downhill, zipping over three or four kilometre pistes, cross-country is a different challenge. From gentle afternoon jaunts through to 300km national park routes traversing fells and forests and overnighting in simple huts - the choice is yours.
Ice-fishing: At its purest, fishing is often a solitary sport. However, Lap ice-fishing excursions are most definitely sociable occasions. Groups of family and friends snowmobile through stunning countryside to a remote lake. Holes are cut through the ice and baited lines are dropped down. Everyone relaxes in a convivial huddle around the campfire, waiting for a nibble of Arctic Char. Delicious.
Polar Survival: Learn to pitch a traditional Sami tent, snare a ptarmigan, dig a snow hole and make your own snow shoes… knowledge that's unlikely to improve a wet weekend in Glasgow. However, learning the skills to secure food and shelter in one of the world's more extreme regions does provide some satisfaction. Courses range from one-day primers to a week in the field.
Snow Village Dinner: Finnish Lapland's Snow Restaurant in Ylläs sees Lapland specialities served at ice tables to guests seated at ice-chairs. A 3-course limit avoids instances of diners being chipped from their chairs. However, it's possible to enjoy a nightcap at the Ice Bar - in an ice glass - and appreciate the snow bedrooms' ice art before turning in for the night. Cool…
Snow-shoe Trekking: Traipsing across a snowy landscape with tennis racquets strapped to each foot may seem a perverse pleasure. However, showshoes are widely available for hire and unlike skiing or snowboarding require no prior experience. Once you're accustomed to the necessary gait a whole world of trekking opens up.
This article has been produced in association with www.talkholiday.com
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