Finnish Lapland: camping near Santa Claus

Although the name might suggest otherwise, Lapland is not a separate country. It is a vast region in northern Europe that spans parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The Finnish part of Lapland is the most popular among tourists. Here, you can enjoy winter sports, husky sledding, magical landscapes, and even a meeting with Santa Claus himself.

Visit Santa Claus in Rovaniemi

The world-famous man in the red suit lives in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. His village, Santa Claus Village, located on the Arctic Circle, is entirely dedicated to Santa Claus. Here, you can meet Father Christmas and his elves and even take a photo with them. Santa Claus Village is the perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas, no matter your age.

Winter sports and other snow adventures

Had enough of the Christmas crowds? In and around Rovaniemi, you’ll find excellent winter sports opportunities. For those who love exploring more slopes, Levi is a great choice. This modern ski resort, located north of the Arctic Circle, is known for its slopes and lively après-ski scene. Even without skis, you can fully enjoy the winter landscape. Take a husky sled ride through snowy forests or rent a snowmobile for an exciting ride through nature.

The magical Northern Lights

One of the highlights of Finnish Lapland is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This natural phenomenon is most visible during the winter months. While there are no guarantees, the chances of witnessing it are high. For an even more special experience, you can book a Northern Lights excursion. A guide will take you to the best spots, far away from light pollution.

Camping in Finnish Lapland

A trip to Finnish Lapland is a significant investment, both in time and money. However, according to Jos, it is well worth it. A few years ago, he traveled to the far north with his camper. He visited the Levi Icehotel but otherwise slept in his own camping vehicle. And that was perfectly fine, as camping is possible even in Finnish Lapland. Thanks to the right of public access, you can even wild camp in nature reserves, offering a unique opportunity to stay in the heart of untouched nature. If wild camping feels a bit too adventurous, Rovaniemi also has campgrounds:

• BestPark Arctic Circle is located on the outskirts of Rovaniemi, near Santa Claus Village. The campsite offers good facilities and is open year-round.
• Camping Napapiirin Saarituvat in Rovaniemi is a great base for visiting Santa’s village. After a day in the snow, guests can warm up in the sauna.
• Camping Ounaskoski, also in Rovaniemi, is situated by the water. In summer, you can go windsurfing, while in winter, the sauna is a tempting retreat.