Lapland (Finland): northern lights, huskies and Santa Claus
Finnish Lapland is the land of the northern lights, pristine ice forests and the unofficial home of Santa Claus. Direct flights from Schiphol with Transavia and TUI, flight time approx. 3.5 hours. Return from approx. 280 euros.
✈️ Plan your trip to Lapland →Updated 8 September 2026
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Flight from NL | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) via Transavia/TUI |
| Flight time | approx. 3 to 3.5 hours |
| Return from | approx. 280 euros (regular season) |
| Best months | Sept-Oct (northern lights), Dec (Christmas), Jan-Mar (winter sports) |
| Ideal duration | 5 to 7 nights |
| Currency | Euro (Finland) |
| Winter temperature | -15 to -25 degrees C (Jan-Feb) |
When is the best time to visit Lapland?
Lapland has three distinct seasonal peaks, each with a different atmosphere and audience.
- September and October (northern lights and autumn colours): The ruska (autumn colouring of birches and dwarf birches) turns the landscape spectacular gold-red. The first northern lights appear as the nights grow long enough. It is quieter and cheaper than Christmas; temperatures range from -5 to +10 degrees Celsius.
- December (Christmas and Santa Claus Village): Snow is guaranteed, Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is at its busiest and the atmosphere is magical. Downside: it is also the most crowded and expensive period. Expect temperatures of -15 to -25 degrees Celsius.
- January and February (extreme cold, winter sports): The coldest months (-20 to -35 degrees Celsius) but ideal for winter sports, husky expeditions and snowmobile tours. Fewer tourists than December.
- February and March (northern lights and more daylight): Statistically the best months for northern lights combined with more daylight than December. Popular with photographers.
Which airport should I choose in Finnish Lapland?
Lapland has five regional airports; the best choice depends on your destination.
- Rovaniemi (RVN): Capital of Lapland and home of Santa Claus Village (8 km from the airport). Most connected from the Netherlands. Transfer to Levi: approx. 170 km (2 hours drive).
- Kittila (KTT): Direct gateway to ski resort Levi (15 km) and Yllas (55 km). Transavia, TUI and KLM fly here from Schiphol. Shuttle to Levi: approx. 25 euros per person.
- Ivalo (IVL): The most northerly of the five. Ideal for wild nature around Lake Inari and Saariselka. Transfer to Saariselka: approx. 25 km.
- Kuusamo (KAO): Gateway to ski resort Ruka (25 km from the airport). Also reachable via charter flights from the Netherlands.
- Kajaani (KAJ): Southernmost option, less popular for winter sports but an entry point to southern Lapland.
Top 5 activities in Lapland with prices (2026)
- Husky sled ride: A sled pulled by a husky team is the iconic Lapland experience. A short intro ride of approx. 1 hour costs 80 to 120 euros per person; a half-day tour 150 to 250 euros per person. Multi-day husky expeditions start from 400 euros per person.
- Snowmobile tour: Guided excursions (2 hours) cost 120 to 180 euros per driver (driving licence required), 70 to 100 euros as a passenger. Longer tours: 200 to 300 euros per person. A category B driving licence qualifies.
- Reindeer sled ride: A short 30 to 45 minute ride behind a reindeer costs 50 to 80 euros per person. Some farms near Rovaniemi include a letter from Santa Claus.
- Northern lights safari: Guided evening tours by snowmobile, on foot or by bus: 80 to 150 euros per person. Guides know the best viewpoints away from light pollution.
- Santa Claus Village (Rovaniemi): The village on the Arctic Circle has free entry. A photo with Santa costs from 55 euros for a digital download. SantaPark (indoor theme park): approx. 35 euros per person. Book well in advance for December.
Flights and transport from the Netherlands to Lapland
Transavia flies direct from Amsterdam Schiphol to both Rovaniemi (RVN) and Kittila (KTT) during the winter season (December through March), typically on Saturdays and Sundays. TUI and KLM also fly to Kittila (KTT).
Voigt Travel offers weekly charter flights to several Lapland airports (Rovaniemi, Kittila, Ivalo, Kuusamo) from 19 December 2026 to 28 March 2027. There are no direct flights from Eindhoven to Lapland.
Return tickets cost approx. 280 euros in the regular winter season (Transavia early booking). Around Christmas and New Year prices rise to 500 to 800 euros return or more. Package holidays via TUI or Voigt Travel bundle the flight, transfer and accommodation, which can be good value. Book at least 3 to 4 months in advance for the lowest prices.
Local transport: a hire car offers the most flexibility (winter tyres are standard at rental companies); book via DiscoverCars for a car in Rovaniemi, from approx. 40 euros per day. Shuttle buses run between the airport and the larger ski resorts; Kittila Airport to Levi costs approx. 25 euros per person.
What does a trip to Lapland cost?
A log cabin or chalet with sauna costs 55 to 310 euros per night; a glass igloo (aurora cabin) 250 to 990 euros per night outside peak season. In December-February glass igloos cost 400 to 990 euros per night, around Christmas 900 to 2,000 euros. Activities (husky, snowmobile, reindeer) together easily add up to 300 to 500 euros per person per week. Budget for a week: allow 1,200 to 2,500 euros per person all-in in the regular season; more if you choose a glass igloo or go in December.
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Frequently asked questions about Lapland
When can you see the northern lights in Lapland?
The northern lights season runs from late August to early April. The statistical peaks are September-October and February-March: the nights are long enough and the weather is often clearer than in December. Book at least 3 nights to increase your chances.
Which airport is best for Finnish Lapland?
Rovaniemi (RVN) is ideal for Santa Claus Village and the centre of Lapland. Kittila (KTT) is closest to ski resort Levi (15 km). Ivalo (IVL) is the gateway to the wildest nature around Lake Inari. Choose based on your priorities.
Are there direct flights from the Netherlands to Lapland?
Yes. Transavia flies direct from Amsterdam Schiphol to both Rovaniemi (RVN) and Kittila (KTT) during the winter season (December through March), typically on Saturdays and Sundays. TUI and KLM also fly to Kittila. Voigt Travel offers charter flights. There are no direct flights from Eindhoven to Lapland.
How much does a glass igloo cost in Lapland?
Outside peak season (September-November and March-April) a night in a glass igloo costs approx. 250 to 450 euros. From December to February prices rise to 400 to 990 euros per night. Around Christmas and New Year you easily pay 900 to 2,000 euros per night. A log cabin with sauna is a budget-friendly alternative from 55 to 310 euros per night.
Do I need special equipment for Lapland?
Outfitters provide thermal overalls, boots and gloves for activities like husky sledding and snowmobile rides. Bring your own layers (thermal underwear, fleece, windproof jacket), good mittens and a hat that covers your ears. Temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius and below are normal in January and February.
What is the best time to visit Lapland without snow but still enjoy the nature?
September and early October are ideal: the first northern lights appear, the autumn colours (ruska) turn the landscape spectacular orange-red and the lakes are not yet frozen. It is quieter and cheaper than the winter season.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Lapland?
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