Most popular cities to fly to in Lapland
Lapland sits in the far north of Finland, and several airports give you access to the region. Rovaniemi Airport is the main gateway, serving the regional capital on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Kittilä Airport lies further north and is convenient for the fell areas and ski resorts nearby.
Kemi-Tornio Airport serves the southern part of Lapland, close to the Gulf of Bothnia. Each of these airports connects you to different parts of the region. You can choose the arrival point that best matches the areas you plan to explore during your trip.
Top things to see and do in Lapland
Lapland combines Arctic wilderness with Christmas-themed attractions. In Rovaniemi, you can visit Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle, meet Santa and send letters from his post office. The Arktikum museum explores the region's Arctic history and culture. Levi serves as a hub for skiing and snowboarding in winter, then hiking and biking in summer.
You might explore the trails and rock formations of Pyha-Luosto National Park or see polar bears at Ranua Wildlife Park. Winter brings dog and reindeer sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and northern lights. Summer offers the midnight sun for canoeing and kayaking. Sami culture adds further depth.
The best time to visit Lapland
Lapland's climate brings dramatic seasonal contrasts across the year. Winter runs from December to March, with temperatures typically between -16 and 3 °C, though windchill can push conditions to -30 °C or lower. March combines reliable snow for winter sports with strong chances of seeing the northern lights. These are visible on clear nights from September through April.
Summer is mild, averaging 10 to 16 °C, with July the warmest month. June and July suit the midnight sun and its long daylight hours. If you prefer quieter periods, consider April, May, September or November. Weather changes quickly, so pack warm layers.
The cheapest month to fly to Lapland
October is the cheapest month to fly to Lapland. If you are looking to keep costs down, this is the time to plan your trip. Prices tend to be lower than during other periods of the year, which makes it worth considering for your journey north.
The flight itself is relatively short from the UK. From most UK airports, you can expect an average flight time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach the region. This puts Lapland within easy reach for a break, whether you are travelling for a few days or longer.
The cheapest UK airport for flights to Lapland
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is the cheapest UK departure point for flights to Lapland. Situated in the north-west of England, it offers a practical starting point if you are travelling from that part of the country. The airport is well connected to the surrounding road and rail network, which can simplify your journey to the terminal. Fares from here tend to be lower than those from other UK airports serving the region.
Several carriers operate on this route across the winter season. TUI is among the most popular airlines flying to Lapland, and it operates services from a number of UK airports.
