Lapland is the northern-most region of Finland and the spiritual home of the Sámi people. It is among the most sparsely populated areas of Europe.
Lapland is the last great wilderness of Europe, a perfect place for the adventurous explorer to make a voyage of discovery. Finland is not a mountainous country, but Lapland features high, rolling fells in among the rugged and rocky Nordic terrain. There are numerous rivers, streams and lakes, including Lake Inari –Finland’s third largest lake – with immaculately clean water. Lapland has extensive forested areas, commonly with trees such as pines and spruces and undergrowth of blueberry, crowberry and lichens – the favourite food of reindeer. Visit in the autumn to see the forests and fells come alive with colour as the trees and dense undergrowth begin their transformation into a vast array of yellows, oranges and reds.
A large proportion of Lapland is protected national parks or wilderness areas, and many places are so remote that you may find yourself hundreds of kilometres from the nearest settlement. This is a unique opportunity to get in touch with nature and relish some genuine peace and quiet, which can be an almost spiritual experience.
If you wander the wilds of Lapland, there’s every chance you’ll come across a Sámi reindeer herder following a traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle as he drives his animals across the wilderness. This traditional occupation may be one of the reasons why Finland adheres to the ancient tradition of everyman’s right. Here, you don’t need to ask the landowners permission if you want to walk through a forest or over a fell: everyone is allowed to come and go as they please, providing they don’t damage any property or go very near to people’s homes. You can even pitch a tent, pick berries and mushrooms, and catch fish.
In addition to independent exploration, there is a seemingly limitless range of services for visitors in Lapland. In the winter, there are great ski resorts such as Saariselkä, and exciting activities such as snowmobile tours, reindeer safaris and husky trips. For a slower-paced winter experience, try snowshoeing or simply relax at Saariselkä spa. In the summer, you could try your hand at canoeing or kayaking, or maybe even mountain biking, and experience a traditional Finnish sauna at the end of a busy day.
