'I visited a magical family holiday destination with midnight sun and summer Santa visits'
When pondering a summer getaway, Lapland likely wouldn't be your initial thought.
It's renowned for Santa Claus, reindeer and snowfall, yet possesses its own allure during warmer months, as celebrity and television writer Elizabeth Cotton uncovered.
The Manchester Evening News journalist spent seven days soaking up the midnight sun and found it's actually the ideal family retreat.
She said: "The Midnight Sun season is an unforgettable experience, and the views are truly magical. It typically lasts from late May to late July, with the sun remaining visible above the horizon for 24 hours a day.
"It's certainly not a budget-friendly holiday, but ideal for every type of family. Whether you're super active, interested in local culture, or love the idea of seeing Santa before the Christmas rush, it's a must-do visit."
'I took my family on a trip to Lapland and one moment will stay with me forever'
Santa's Lapland cabin is opening for Airbnb bookings and it's pretty magical
During summer months, temperatures can climb to a pleasant late 20C, and even during cooler spells, the luminous skyline remains breathtaking.
Just a two-hour-and-40-minute flight from Manchester will transport you to Helsinki.
This bustling capital acts as Finland's entrance point, offering straightforward connections to even the most isolated northern locations.
Elizabeth said: "Finnair offered a wonderful service, where the check-in process was plain sailing, and the journeys to Helsinki and beyond were just as smooth.
"Visit Finland looked after me during the trip, and provided a schedule filled to the brim of everything Finland has to offer."
Each destination offers its own distinctive appeal, but for an opportunity to encounter Father Christmas himself, Rovaniemi - the capital of Lapland - is the destination to visit.
Elizabeth caught the one-hour flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi Airport. From there, it's merely a swift 15-minute journey to Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara.
For a family of two adults and two children under 10, anticipate paying approximately £215 per night during peak season, which is August.
Your hotel accommodation will feature a traditional Finnish sauna, ideal for relaxing after an active day and allowing your concerns to melt away.
The cost covers breakfast, and Elizabeth declared the porridge was delightful, remarking: "It's far more exciting than it sounds!"
She commented: "The hotel felt like sheer luxury, but perhaps the most unique thing of all was the stunning views from the dining room.
"The windows showcased a lush forest, and even though it was grey when I arrived, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect start to my trip."
Santa's Village
Whilst Lapland has more to offer than just Christmas, Elizabeth wished to discover just how festive it can feel in summer. Santa's Village proved the ideal place to begin.
The village sat a stone's throw from her hotel and entering Saint Nick's workshop immediately reawakens the pure joy of childhood.
She said: "As you walk past presents wrapped and ready for the sleigh, you'll soon come face to face with Father Christmas himself.
"He's there every day of the year to meet anyone who steps into his home, and is happy to hear anyone's wishes - young or old.
"I must admit, once spotting a cheerful Father Christmas donned in his finest off-duty uniform as he sits in his armchair, the room fell silent as every one of us stared in complete awe, met with murmurings of 'is that really him?'"
Even during the peak of summer, the sight of sparkling Christmas lights and the scent of freshly baked gingerbread is sufficient to melt even the most cynical heart.
You can also encounter Mrs Claus and question her about how she assists in spreading Christmas joy.
As you bid farewell, she presents you with a scroll containing advice on how to share the festive spirit.
Following a trip to the post office, where you can dispatch seasonal letters to your family and friends, the Husky Park is an essential experience.
Jump onto a sleigh and allow a pack of spirited Huskies to transport you around the park. Entry begins from €50 (£44) for adults and €35 (£30) for children aged four to 12.
Just a brief walk away, you can also meet Santa's reindeer, where you get the chance to stroke and feed these magical animals.
In Rovaniemi, the population of approximately 12,500 reindeer stands as proof of the age-old tradition of reindeer herding.
The indigenous herders exist in perfect balance with their creatures year-round, with countless numbers depending on them for survival.
Northern Lapland
After you've enjoyed your Christmas celebrations to the fullest, Elizabeth recommends exploring even further northwards.
She experienced the joy of lodging at the breathtaking Wilderness Hotel Muotka, situated in Sodankyla.
The trek from Rovaniemi requires roughly three hours, and she divided the journey with a stop at Kultamuseo in Tankavaara.
This exceptional gold museum stands as the sole establishment of its type worldwide, focusing on the heritage and modern methods of gold panning and mining.
Elizabeth said: "After an informative guided tour delving into the history of gold panning, I was given the chance to try my hand at finding my own gold - it's quite a thrill to strike it rich!
"One of the highlights of my trip was undoubtedly the midnight cruise on Lake Inari. As the largest lake in Lapland, boasting over 3,000 islands, it's a sight to behold."
This represents the ideal method to savour the bright evening skies, possibly clutching a flute of bubbly to celebrate the midnight sun.
It's a moment that simply cannot be overlooked whilst exploring Lapland - there's something genuinely enchanting about gliding over the glistening waters, with the sun following in your wake.
Culture Activities
There's an abundance of choices to match every holiday taste. For the culture, Elizabeth recounted the delight of encountering Irene and Ari Kangasniemi, a delightful married pair living in a comfortable workshop in Saarenkyla, Rovaniemi.
She said: "They live in a cosy workshop in Saarenkyla, Rovaniemi, where they welcome visitors to learn about their life, local culture, and how to create Lappish crafts.
"They utilise every part of their reindeer for their work, particularly the antlers. Ari focuses on making spectacular chandeliers out of antlers, with some pieces taking up to five years to craft.
"They can be seen around various locations - if you stay at the Wilderness Hotels you'll spot them.
"Irene then treated us to a glass of homemade blueberry juice - a Finnish speciality - and a slice of delicious spiced cake."
Rovaniemi, the pulsing soul of Lapland, serves as a hub for artistic expression, scientific discovery, and cultural immersion.
Those eager to explore the area's past and customs will find the Arktikum museum absolutely essential.
Starting from £17 for admission, visitors can participate in hands-on displays that offer deeper insight into Finland's fascinating legacy.
At Wilderness Hotel Muotka, travellers can unwind in the sauna and, for the more daring, take a dip in the adjacent stream.
Elizabeth embraced this Finnish custom for the first time whilst staying there, and called it genuinely an authentic method to immerse oneself in Finnish culture.
For an authentic Finnish nature experience, Arctic Sky Lapland offers a memorable journey led by guide Minna Kataja. She guides you through the captivating forest, engaging all your senses.
From the sharp crunch underfoot to the harmonious birdsong filling your ears, and the tactile sensation of coarse tree bark, you'll leave in a state of serene tranquillity.
For those eager to delve deeper into Finland's rich history, a trip to the Sami Museum and Nature Centre Siida is highly recommended.
Here, you can immerse yourself in the Sami culture and its deep historical significance across the country.
Admission fees are set at £18 for adults, with family discounts available. This is a perfect outing for holidaymakers who appreciate understanding the local history of their destination or those seeking a break from Finland's active pursuits.
Adventurous Activities
Active families won't want to miss the E-bike trail provided by the hotel. This offers a fantastic chance to explore the scenic trails of the surrounding area and Urho Kekkonen National Park on an eco-friendly e-bike.
Next, head over to River Juutua for a thrilling river rafting adventure. Guides Peeter Veltson, Visa Ruokokoski and Tanja Ohenoja will be thrilled to show you the ropes.
As you navigate two major white-water rapids and several smaller streams, don't forget to take in the breathtaking views from your rubber raft.
Reindeer Farm
For a more personal experience with reindeers, why not visit Tuula's reindeer farm? Just remember to book in advance as it's nestled within a private home.
Upon arrival at the farm, you'll be welcomed by Jenni Hakovirta who will introduce you to her herd of reindeer before inviting you into her family home to showcase her collection of Sami handicrafts.
During the warm summer months, you'll have the charming chance to meet the young reindeer, still without their impressive antlers.
Food and Drink
While there's a wealth of activities to keep you busy during your Lapland adventure, it's crucial to make some time to enjoy the local culinary delights. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are abundant in both Rovaniemi and the northern areas.
No Finnish adventure would be complete without trying reindeer meat, served in a variety of ways. However, if that doesn't appeal to you, Elizabeth highly recommends the fried salmon, freshly caught from local waters, at Kota Restaurant.
This cosy wooden hut features a central fire, providing much-needed warmth amidst the colder weather.
For a more relaxed dining experience back in Rovaniemi, do drop into Roka Kitchen and Winebar. It offers an enticing blend of Northern Finnish cuisine with a European twist.
More Information
Elizabeth was a guest at the following hotels:
Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara - for a family of two adults and two children under 10, the cost is approximately £215 per night during peak season (August).
The hotel is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Rovaniemi airport. The flight duration from Manchester Airport to Helsinki Airport is around two hours and 40 minutes with Finnair.
Private transfers can be arranged through Visit Rovaniemi, costing upwards of £78 for a group of six.
Round-trip flights per adult in June are estimated to start from £300.
From Helsinki, a further flight to Rovaniemi Airport is required, which takes about one hour and 15 minutes with Finnair, costing upwards from £80 per adult for a one-way ticket.
Wilderness Hotel Muotka - a two-night stay for two adults and two children aged between four to 14 will set you back upwards of £814 in August.
The journey from Rovaniemi to this northern destination takes just under three hours by car. Private transfers can be booked through Visit Rovaniemi, but expect to pay upwards of £500 for the trip.
Wilderness Hotel Juutua - for a three-night stay, anticipate paying upwards of £640 per person during peak season. This price includes the Inari Summer package that offers full-board accommodation and airport transfers.
Elizabeth returned to Manchester from Ivalo Airport via Helsinki. The flight from Ivalo to Helsinki with Finnair takes just over two hours and costs upwards of £94 per person.
Activity Price List
Arktikum museum at Rovaniemi - starting from £17, visitors can enjoy interactive and educational exhibits to learn more about Finland.
Kultamuseo (Gold Museum) - a guided tour will set you back £9 per person, while gold panning is priced at £20 per person.
E-fatbike tour - a three-hour session comes with a price tag of £127 per person.
Midnight Sun Cruise by Visit Inari - this two-hour cruise costs £104 per person, with children eligible for a 30% discount.
River rafting experience by Luontoloma - this adult and teenager-only experience is priced at £113 per person.
Meeting Tuula's reindeer - simply meeting the reindeer costs around £40 per person, but if you wish to learn about Sámi handcrafts as well, it's £58 per person.
Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida - adult tickets are priced at £18, with family discounts available.
Elizabeth journeyed with Finnair and explored Lapland courtesy of Visit Rovaniemi and Lapland North Destinations.
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