Parenting
Discover the Serenity of Lapland: Your Ultimate Guide to a Relaxing Arctic Escape
For parents with young children, those early years fly by in a blink. Each moment feels like a golden opportunity to create memories together, especially before the magic of childhood begins to wane. As the holiday season approaches, the idea of visiting Lapland—where the snow falls softly, and the spirit of Christmas fills the air—appeals to many families looking to immerse themselves in wonder, particularly at the thought of meeting Santa Claus.
We recently enjoyed an enchanting four-night, five-day trip that left us in awe. The joy in our children’s eyes during this adventure reminded us that this is what family memories are made of. And you know what? We’re already dreaming about our next journey back to this winter paradise.
Planning such a trip does take effort, but trust me, it’s more than worth it to witness the delight on your young ones’ faces.
Arranging Your Trip to Lapland
Traveling in December 2024 might seem a long way off, but trips to fantastic destinations like Lapland fill up quickly. After making the decision to go, we immediately got ourselves on a waiting list with Hays Travel, knowing that chartered trips disappear fast.
Much to our delight, we learned about available slots the summer of 2023, and we didn’t hesitate to book—deposit made, and excitement began bubbling over!
If you’re based in Belfast, you might know that flight options can be limited. Luckily, this time we hit the jackpot. Our getaway included four cozy nights at the Daavi Arctic Lodge, nestled in the charming village of Karesuando, just a stone’s throw from the Swedish border.
Yes, this kind of adventure doesn’t come cheap—with costs starting around £6000—but the ability to manage payments made it a reasonable sacrifice for the sheer happiness we’d witness in our children’s eyes over 18 months from booking to travel.
What to Pack for Your Lapland Trip
Keeping our holiday a secret from the kids was no easy feat! We finally revealed the surprise with the help of our elves on the shelf just three days before our departure. The joy and excitement were electric, but soon the reality of packing struck us.
We gathered all the usual winter gear: thick coats, hats, scarves, and layers upon layers for warmth. We even reached out to friendly Facebook groups related to the resort, which proved to be a treasure trove of useful advice.
Now that the holiday is behind us, I can confirm—we overpacked! The vibe at the resort is super laid-back, where casual jeans and Christmas jumpers were the most formal wear we sported. Sure, my wife packed a few dresses and I threw in some nicer shirts, but honestly, we could have skipped those entirely. The hotel even provided snowsuits and boots, so there’s no need to fuss over traditional ski jackets.
As we ventured into the Arctic chill, we found a base layer with a cozy sweatshirt, a fleece, and the hotel-provided snowsuit made the perfect outfit. Think thermal socks, reliable waterproof gloves, and remember to pack hand warmers—they were game-changers during our outdoor fun! Oh, and don’t forget a balaclava; while the winters can be beautiful, they can also be brutally cold.
Karesuando lies within the Arctic Circle, meaning temperatures can plunge significantly lower than milder destinations. Our stay saw temperatures hovering around -13°C, dipping at times to a frosty -27°C, so prepare to bundle up!
The Journey to Lapland
We booked everything through Hays Travel, with Transun handling our stay, and our flights operated by Enterair—a Polish airline. The flight from Belfast was a smooth three hours, landing us at a quaint regional airport about 50 minutes from our resort. Each flight included a complimentary hot meal; the service was good, but it would have been lovely to soak up a bit more of that festive spirit on board.
What is Accommodation Like in Lapland?
The Daavi Arctic Lodge set the scene for our adventure—a wonderful little hotel that hugs a hillside and is merely 200 meters from a must-visit petrol station and gift shop.
Our accommodations were inviting and clean, nestled in a lodge right next to the main hotel building. The kids enjoyed cozy sofa beds, while my wife and I snuggled up on a super king-sized bed. Storage space was limited, so keep that in mind as you pack.
Included in our stay was full board, with meals served at assigned times for each family. The menu was simple but hearty and satisfied even the pickiest little eaters. Wi-Fi was accessible throughout, but there were no televisions, adding to that perfect sense of a digital detox.
What Activities Can We Do at Lapland?
Prepare for a family itinerary that balances adrenaline-pumping fun with cozy relaxation. Here are some highlights that we particularly loved:
Husky Sleigh Ride (Included)
About 30 minutes from our lodge, we found ourselves at a husky haven with nearly 120 playful dogs. The experience transcended frigid temperatures; the families took turns on a delightful 15-minute sleigh ride, culminating in a glide across a shimmering frozen lake. Afterward, the kids had a blast petting the amiable pups, who seemed as excited to meet us as we were to see them. Later in the week, we even got a chance to play with adorable “puppies”, who were actually around five months old. It was a pure joy!
Finding Santa
This was the heart of our adventure! Our day spent searching for Santa unfolded like a picturesque Christmas tale, taking us through a fantastical winter forest. We rode snowmobiles, enjoyed reindeer sleigh rides, played some ice hockey, and even roasted marshmallows—all building up to the most exciting moment of meeting Santa himself. I won’t spoil the details, but let me say, it exceeded our wildest expectations. Watching my kids beam with happiness upon meeting the jolly old man was pure magic.
Tobogganing
This was perhaps the highlight of our week! Upon arrival, we borrowed sleds free of charge, and the kids were unstoppable. There was a toboggan hill right on the premises, ready for endless sliding and laughter. And guess what? Parents can join in on the fun too!
Northern Lights
One of the joys of being in a distant, remote location is the opportunity to see the breathtaking northern lights. Just a short five-minute walk from our hotel, we discovered a stunning view of the auroras dancing across the sky, leaving us all in awe.
Walk to Sweden
On our last day, we took a leisurely 20-minute stroll across a bridge that led us to Sweden. On the other side, we found a charming village with a magnificent church, the northernmost church in Sweden, along with a cozy café. Keep in mind that Sweden isn’t part of the Eurozone, but we found it easy to pay via card or smartphone.
If you’re on the fence about visiting Lapland, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap! Our youngest just turned four, so his memories might fade someday, but the joy he felt is captured in countless photos and videos. Our six-year-old, on the other hand, had the perfect age for this adventure—his excitement lit up the entire trip.
Interestingly enough, we met many families with older kids and even a lovely elderly couple who chose to leave their grandchildren at home to relive their own childhood dreams. It just goes to show that adventure knows no age limit!
