Finland winter holidays

What is winter if not crisp fresh air on rosy cheeks, powdery white snowscapes and the cosy pleasures of a fireside drink in a traditional log cabin?

Magical Finnish Lapland offers a seductive wintry backdrop to an array of holidays, whether you are travelling as a family, a couple, or alone. This breathtaking, unspoilt "land of twilight" will captivate your mind. The silent tranquility offered by its pure white landscapes is contrasted at night by the shimmering aurora borealis dancing trails in the Lapland skies. Its natural beauty, pure air and friendly people will ensure an unforgettable trip and the diversity of experiences available guarantee to offer up even more surprises than Santa at Christmas - don't forget to visit Lapland's most famous resident while you're here!

Have you ever dreamt of flying across the snow on a husky-sled, whipping past pine forests and frozen lakes? How about downhill skiing or a snowmobile safari? You can even try your hand at building an igloo or donning snow shoes, tracing the paths of ancient explorers and Finnish Lapland's indigenous Sami people. If that all sounds too hectic, unwind in a steamy sauna - sure to do the trick! Brave the plunge in an ice pool after or simply sink into an armchair by a roaring log fire.

Finnish Lapland is the ideal getaway for a "slow travel" holiday, an opportunity to savour the gentle rhythms and serenity you seek, a universe away from the stress of the daily grind. The Sami people, indigenous to this region are known for their hospitality and live in harmony with its spectacular landscape and wildlife. Known for their colourful handicrafts and reindeer herding they have a rich and vibrant culture. Listen to joiks - traditional Sami songs usually sung in an capella style or learn more by attending a Sami film festival while you're here!

Lapland will satisfy outdoorsy winter sports fans, hosting many ski and snowboard competitions, as well as casual walkers keen to spot wildlife, and yes, even city lovers looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience. Rovaniemi is but one of many cities in Finnish Lapland, with a fascinating science centre, theatres and great shopping.

Responsible Travel have teamed up with Visit Finland to bring you an unparalleled choice of holidays in the great white winter wonderland, each of them guaranteed to give you a closer look at the land and culture whilst respecting the beautiful nature around you.

Family Christmas holidays

For those travelling with children, visiting Santa Claus is an unmissable stop on a trip that will please every family member. You'll be staying in your very own cosy cottage, warmed by log fires and with a sauna to relax in after a day of reindeer games and snowshoe walks. When the kids (and Dad!) have had enough of tobogganing and husky sledding, gather round for an evening of traditional Lapland reindeer stories told by a local or a sumptuous Christmas feast with a star appearance by none other than Mr. Claus himself!

See our Father Christmas and New Year holiday in Finland here

Northern Lights holidays

If tranquility and wonder are what you seek, a Northern Lights holiday will bring you as close to nature as possible in total comfort. This trip is designed to let you see the best of the aurora borealis, with an alert system to advise you when to spot it, even from your own bed! You'll visit an amethyst mine and get the best of the snow through skiing and snowmobile rides, whilst evenings are spent in the unspoilt village of Luosto nestled in the fells of Central Lapland.

See our Northern Lights winter holiday here

Activity & winter sports holidays

For straight up activity, including a variety of winter sports, sign up for our Winter Activity trip. Aside from an array of winter sports, you'll enjoy a thrilling dogsled ride through Riisitunturi National Park and learn to build an igloo and make a snow bonfire! You even get to dine in a teepee on food cooked over an open fire.

See our Finland winter activity holiday here

Family adventure holidays

Families will get a kick from an activity-packed holiday in a town that dubs itself "the middle of nowhere". Children can indulge in wild adventures in surroundings plucked straight off the pages of their favourite fantasy novels. Hannu is a Sami who practices traditional reindeer husbandry, and children will delight in his tales, whilst parents can luxuriate in a jacuzzi or massage pool before all getting together for a giant moose burger in the local pub!

See our Finland family winter adventure holiday here

Husky safari holidays

If you're more "Arctic Explorer" than "sleigh bells jingling", this five day husky safari will give you plenty to brag about on the adventure scales. No sooner will you have packed and been briefed than you'll be off, whisked through the snow by your faithful pack of huskies, racing silently past forests, frozen lakes and vast swathes of serene beauty.

This season kiss the drizzle and slush goodbye and head north for a Finn-tastic holiday!

See our Husky safari in Finland here

Eki, a tour leader in Lapland, tells us why you should visit Finland:
"There's so much to do like cross-country skiing and dogsledding... playing in the snow is just so much fun... The Northern Lights are there all winter"

See all our Finland holidays here

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