Lapland Polar Cruises & Tours

What our customers ask about Lapland Polar Cruises & Tours

• When is the best time to see the Northern Lights during a Polar tour in Lapland?

  The Northern Lights are most visible in Finnish Lapland from late November through March with December to February offering peak viewing conditions. Places like the Harriniva Holiday Center and Nordic Lapland Resort organize aurora excursions where guides take groups to spots far from city lights. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The evening Northern Lights safari was absolutely magical - we saw the lights dancing across the sky while enjoying traditional Finnish snacks around a campfire." Many visitors choose Kilpisjärvi for its remote wilderness huts that provide excellent viewing opportunities.

• What unique arctic accommodations are available on Polar tours in Lapland?

  Lapland's accommodations blend comfort with arctic adventure. The Aurora Village offers glass-roofed cabins designed for Northern Lights viewing from bed while Wilderness Hotel Nangu provides log cabins with private saunas facing Lake Inari. The Tundrea Holiday Resort's new Tsahkal Suites opened in 2021 sit at the forest edge perfect for aurora watching. A TourRadar traveler said about Wilderness Hotel Muotka: "The enchanting landscape of the taiga forest and peaceful nature made our vacation unforgettable." Most properties are family-run offering authentic Finnish hospitality and traditional saunas.

• What's included in the meal plans for Lapland Polar tours?

  Most Lapland tours include full board featuring local Arctic ingredients. Wilderness Hotel Nangu serves regional specialties like Arctic fish and game. The daily schedule typically includes buffet breakfasts hearty fireside lunches during activities and multi-course dinners. Some tours feature special meals like the 5-course Lapland dinner at Lake Inari. Aurora Village emphasizes local sustainable ingredients while the Cahkal Hotel's Aika Kitchen focuses on traditional Arctic recipes. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The food quality was exceptional especially the local specialties and daily fresh-baked bread."

• How many days should I plan for a Polar tour in Lapland?

  The most effective Lapland tours run 6-8 days giving visitors time to experience arctic activities and multiple Northern Lights viewing chances. Popular options like the Winter Dream at Lake Inari (7 nights) and Arctic Circle Aurora Adventure (8 days) include dog sledding snowmobiling Sami cultural experiences and aurora viewing. The 8-day format allows time for sauna relaxation and optional activities. Tour data shows these longer trips are most frequent in February and March when winter conditions and dark skies are ideal for aurora viewing.

• What wildlife encounters can I expect on a Polar tour in Lapland?

  Visitors can interact with arctic wildlife through organized visits to reindeer farms and husky kennels. Traditional Sami reindeer farms in Torassieppi and Salla offer insights into herding culture and reindeer sledding. Husky farms near Harriniva and Jeris provide hands-on experiences with Alaskan huskies including sledding adventures. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Meeting the huskies was incredible - they're such enthusiastic and friendly animals and watching them work as a team during our sledding expedition was unforgettable." Wild moose and arctic foxes live in the region but are rarely seen.

• What cultural experiences are available on Lapland Polar tours?

  Tours showcase Sami culture through visits to traditional reindeer farms near Nellim and Inari where guests learn about indigenous herding practices handicrafts and daily life. The Siida Sami Museum in Inari offers detailed cultural exhibits while stays at family-run properties like Wilderness Hotel Nangu provide direct interaction with Sami hosts. Programs often include traditional meals storytelling and reindeer husbandry demonstrations. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The visit to the Sami reindeer farm was a highlight - learning about their traditions and way of life was fascinating."