Lapland: a waking dream

Vol 28, Issue 17, 6^th March 2026

Last week, I had the chance to spend some unforgettable moments in Lapland with my family. Since we were on school holidays (both in France and Finland), my parents and brother came to visit me and explore Finnish Lapland.

The beginning of this trip was all about our reunion. After several weeks apart, being together again in the middle of the snow already hinted at the incredible adventure we were about to embark on. Staying near Kittilä, we spent the week discovering the local food, typical activities, landscapes, the ski resort, and hearing stories about the secrets of Lapland. Each day, we were fortunate enough to be accompanied by a guide with whom we participated in an activity. Most of the time, we set off in the morning to begin an activity, which always included a break, usually around a campfire with a traditional hot drink. It was during these moments that we could chat with the guides and thus discover more about Lapland (its animals, nature, etc.).

First, we started our first day by going snowmobiling. An incredible activity that I was doing for the first time. The sensation of speed while discovering the magnificent landscapes of the village of Ylläsjärvi is indescribable. Thanks to snowmobiles, we were able to visit an ice museum: the Snow Village. Again, it was the first time I had seen anything like it, we felt a bit like we were in Frozen. It was a museum where we could admire magnificent ice and snow sculptures. The different rooms are all decorated according to different themes, with lights and sculptures.

The following day, we went snowshoeing, a pleasant and eco-friendly way to get around the snowy Finnish plains and forests. We were able to observe the tracks of different animals in the snow (rabbit, fox) as well as the surrounding landscape.

The next activity was a husky dog ​​sledding safari in the wilderness. We visited a husky farm where the mushers taught us how to handle the sled. Along a 16 km route, the six dogs enthusiastically pulled us along at full speed. Despite the cold, the experience was incredible and timeless, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and happy dogs. At the end of the safari, we chatted around a campfire with the mushers to learn more about their way of life and that of the dogs.

The following day, we enjoyed the ski resort located near our accommodation. It was my first time skiing in Finland, and I wasn’t disappointed. Endless snow, few people on the slopes, no waiting at the lifts, incredible scenery, and lifts that close late, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the resort. A perfect day where we really got our exercise.

To end our last day, we had the chance to meet some reindeer. When we arrived at the reindeer farm, we settled comfortably into a sleigh, wrapped in reindeer hides. What followed was a ride where all we could hear was the sound of the sleigh gliding over the snow and the reindeer breathing. After covering the 4 kilometers, we were able to feed the reindeer (lichen) and pet them, a truly magical moment. Afterward, we listened to the stories of the herders who had spent their entire lives with these animals.

In addition to all these outings, we could discover Finnish specialties every evening: reindeer, salmon, cranberry sauce… Moreover, all these magical activities were crowned by the northern lights, which we witnessed almost every night, timeless and magical moments that will remain etched in my memory.

Ultimately, this trip to Lapland will remain much more than just a destination ticked off a map. It was a timeless interlude, a suspended moment. Sharing this adventure with my family, in this almost surreal setting, made the experience even more precious. Between the pristine landscapes, the warm gatherings around the campfire, and the northern lights dancing across the sky, every moment seemed like a waking dream.