A Winter Escape to Lapland: Magic, Adventure & a Surprise Ending
There are some journeys that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase, and our recent trip to Lapland is one I’ll be holding close for a very long time. From snow dusted forests to reindeer sleigh rides at sunrise, every day offered something extraordinary — and even the unexpected twists became part of the story.
Day One: Stepping Into a Snow‑Globe World
Touching down in Lapland felt like stepping straight into a winter postcard. The air was crisp, the landscape blanketed in white, and the excitement among our group was unmistakable. After settling into Davvi, we embraced the Arctic chill and began exploring the magical surroundings that would become our home for the next few days.
Day Two: Husky Adventures & Arctic Silence
Unfortunately due to the adverse weather (-35 degrees this day) we were unable to go out with the Huskies for a sled ride - it's great to know that animal welfare comes first, we did though have a tour of the kennels seeing the pack with the highlight of meeting some of the newcomers. 5 puppies that kept us entertained and we had plenty of cuddles with them. We spent the afternoon taking a walk across into Sweden and visiting Karesuando Church, it was looking very picturesque in the afternoon light.
Day Three: Northern Lights Dreams
As night fell, we ventured out in search of the Northern Lights. While nature doesn’t always follow our plans, the anticipation alone was electric. Wrapped in layers, sipping hot drinks under a sky full of stars, we felt the magic of Lapland in every breath. Even without a full aurora display, the experience was pure Arctic wonder.
Day Four: Reindeer, Saami Culture & A Plot Twist
Our final day — or so we thought — began with a short coach ride through beautiful countryside to the indigenous Saami village of Kuttanen. There, we were welcomed into a world shaped by tradition, nature, and deep cultural heritage.
A sunrise reindeer sleigh ride across a frozen lake was nothing short of breathtaking. The soft light, the gentle pace, the quiet of the Arctic morning — it felt like a scene from a storybook. Afterwards, a local Saami guide shared insights into their history, their way of life, and their profound connection with the reindeer. Before leaving, we fed part of the herd and captured a few treasured photos.
Back at Davvi, we grabbed a quick lunch and headed to the airport for our journey home… but Lapland wasn’t quite finished with us.
Record-Breaking Cold & An Unexpected Extra Night
Over the previous days, we’d experienced temperatures between –25°C and –35°C, but that afternoon the thermometers dipped to –37°C. Despite the ground crew’s best efforts, the plane simply couldn’t be safely de‑iced. Later, we learned the entire region was facing record lows of –40°C.
With flights grounded, we were fortunate to secure rooms at a nearby hotel whose expected guests hadn’t been able to reach it due to the extreme weather. So, back onto the bus we went — embracing one more night of Finnish hospitality and adding an unexpected chapter to our adventure.
Homeward Bound
By Monday morning, after renewed efforts from the incredible airport staff and crew, we finally lifted off and made our way back to the UK. Tired, grateful, and full of stories we’ll be sharing for years.
A Journey to Remember
Lapland gave us everything we hoped for — and a little more. From magical moments in nature to cultural connections and even a weather‑related plot twist, it was a trip that reminded us of the beauty of adventure and the joy of embracing the unexpected.
If Lapland is on your list, let this be your sign: go. Let the snow, the silence, the wildlife, and the warmth of the people wrap around you. It’s a place that leaves its mark
