Visiting Lapland as a Solo Female Traveler

When I think of Lapland I think of glass hotels, thick white snow blanketing the ground, and snow covered pine trees as far as the eye can see.   I think of the Northern Lights, thick coats, runny noses, and hot blueberry tea to get you through the long, dark, cold days.  I think of couples visiting on their honeymoons or families going to meet Santa Claus.  Reindeer rides and husky sledding.  Floating in the lake at night, looking out at the millions of stars twinkling, lighting up the night sky.

Since learning of Finnish Lapland I had continually been waiting for someone else to visit with me.  After all, it felt like one of the most romantic destinations in the world or on the other hand – a perfect family vacation.  Year after year passed, my desire to visit Lapland never wavered.  Then in 2018 I grew tired of waiting for “someone else” and decided to take me, myself, and I to Lapland – solo.

 

 

Of note:  I went to two separate towns in Finnish Lapland.  Originally I had booked a flight from Helsinki to Ivalo – which I wouldn’t recommend.  Instead, if you’re limited on time, I would suggest staying in or near Rovaniemi.

 

What to Know When Visiting Lapland

 

Where is Lapland?

Lapland is an entire region spanning both Finland and Sweden.  If you hear someone say, “Finnish Lapland”, they aren’t adding the Finnish part to sound fancy, they are just clarifying which part of Lapland they are talking about!

 

What are the Seasons in Finnish Lapland?

In the summer months the sun can shine for up to 24-hours!  This is called the midnight sun and it happens because of Lapland’s position – being in the Arctic Circle.  Which also means that at winter Lapland experiences one-day of no sunlight at all.  Summers are short, winters are long, and it’s a popular place to visit primarily in the wintertime.

 

What are the different cities in Finnish Lapland?

Like anywhere else, there are different cities throughout Lapland.  Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and one of the most popular spots to visit, but other cities are Ivalo, Saariselka, and Inari.

 

What is the Currency in Finland?

Finland uses the Euro.  You can use your credit/debit card pretty much anywhere.  But I also like to have a bit of cash on hand in case of an emergency.

 

The Ultimate (Solo) Lapland Bucket List

 

• Eat Salmon – While they get theirs from Norway, it is some of the best salmon I’ve ever tasted.
• Drink blueberry tea – Blueberries are widely popular throughout Lapland.  Not only are they used for typical foods such as cakes and pastries; the Fins also crush them up for delicious blueberry tea.
• Stay in a glass hotel/igloo – Where else in the world can you do this?!  If you’re headed this far north you might as well get the full experience.  I stayed in the Arctic Treehouse Hotel.  Not entirely glass but my bed faced a big floor to ceiling window that made me feel as though I was outside.  If I ever go back a bucket list item would be to head to Saariselkä to stay in the infamous igloo hotels.
• Experience a Finnish Sauna – Finland has so many saunas that they could fit one person in each sauna. I was told that they are so widely popular because 1) the weather; and 2) back in the day “You are born and die in a sauna”.
• Visit Santa Claus Village – The only place in the world!  If only for a few hours, roam around this cute area.  Make sure to stop in the post office to have Santa write your loved ones a letter back home!
• Chase the Northern Lights – Correctly!  I highly recommend booking a tour with Alex in Rovaneimi to see the Northern Lights!  (Read this post to avoid my mistakes).

 

Unique Activities in Lapland

• Private dinner in a glass igloo
• Traditional Finnish sauna
• Best of Lapland – Sauna, ice swimming, Northern Lights, dinner
• Apukka Husky Adventure in Rovaneimi
• Ice Fishing Trip in Rovaneimi
• Snowmobile Safari through Lappish Forest from Rovaneimi
• Aurora Ice Floating in Rovaneimi

 

While yes, Lapland is an incredibly romantic, and even family driven destination.  But there’s so much more to this region than what meets the eye.  Solo or not, I encourage you to visit so that you too can see the magic of Finnish Lapland.

 

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If you’re traveling to Lapland, I suggest purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind in case anything were to go wrong.  I use and recommend SafetyWing.

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If you’re interested in visiting more Nordic countries/cities, don’t miss…

• A Complete Guide to Copenhagen 

 

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