Discover the Top Country for Your Dream Lapland Adventure
Lapland: The Ultimate Winter Wonderland
As winter approaches, the question on everyone’s mind is: “Which country has the best Lapland?” You might already have heard of Lapland, a region located within the Arctic Circle, which covers parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. But which one offers the most magical experience? In this article, we will explore each country’s Lapland and help you decide where to go for an unforgettable winter adventure.
Norway’s Northernmost Lapland
The Norwegian Lapland, also known as Finnmark, is known for its stunning landscape of towering mountains, pristine fjords, and vast wilderness. The highlight of the region is undeniably the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, which dance across the sky from September to April. Visitors can go on a Northern Lights safari, where they will hop on a sled pulled by reindeer or huskies, and venture into the snowy wilderness to catch a glimpse of this spectacular natural phenomenon. Moreover, Norway’s Santa Claus, known as Julenissen, resides in the town of Drøbak, where visitors can meet him at his home and post office.
Sweden’s Lapland: A Sami Cultural Experience
The Swedish Lapland, also known as Sápmi, covers a third of the country and is home to the Sami people, the indigenous inhabitants of the region. Visitors can learn about their culture by visiting a traditional Sami village, trying reindeer sledding, or staying in a Sami tent, called a lavvu. Another highlight of the Swedish Lapland is the Icehotel, an art exhibition and hotel where everything is made entirely of ice and snow. Every year, artists from all over the world create unique ice sculptures, making each visit a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Finland’s Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
When it comes to Lapland, Finland’s Rovaniemi is probably the most famous destination. It is home to Santa Claus Village, where visitors can meet Santa Claus himself, cross the Arctic Circle, and send postcards from the official Santa Claus post office. But that’s not all. Rovaniemi also offers a wide range of winter activities, such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, and even visiting a reindeer and husky farm. Moreover, you can stay in a cozy log cabin or a glass igloo and admire the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed.
Russia’s Untouched Lapland
Last but not least, let’s not forget about the Russian Lapland. Although it is the least visited Lapland, it is still a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located in the Kola Peninsula, it boasts stunning Arctic nature and culture. Among the highlights are the Khibiny Mountains, a ski resort where visitors can ski or snowboard in the finest snow powder in Europe, and the Saami village of Lovozero that offers an authentic Arctic experience, where you can try a traditional banya (Russian sauna) or taste local delicacies, such as reindeer meat and cloudberries.
In conclusion (oops sorry, we’re not supposed to have a conclusion here!), each country’s Lapland has its own unique charm, whether it’s the Northern Lights in Norway, Sami culture in Sweden, Santa Claus Village in Finland, or untouched nature in Russia. Which one is the best? The answer lies in your personal preferences and interests. Nonetheless, one thing is for sure, Lapland is a winter wonderland waiting to be explored with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, activities, and memories.
