Lapland - The Most Attractive Winter Holiday

Lapland is the name of a region in north Europe thatover the horizon and the first blanket of snow
belongs to Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia and itcovers the land. One of the most interesting
is traditionally inhabited by the Sami people. Todayphenomena during winter is the Aurora Borealis - the
the northernmost province of Finland officially carriesNorthern Lights which is nature's most beautiful light
the name Lapland. Similarly, the northernmostshow, with quickly changing colours, power and
province in Sweden, although administrativelychanging form. It is said that the strongest and
subdivided between two counties, carries the namebrightest of the Northern Lights will give as much light
Lapland. Lapland is located in Northern Europe andas the moon.
includes the northern parts of Scandinavia and theThe spring comes with melting ice. In spring the sun
Kola Peninsula in Russia.hangs low over the horizon, casting light day and
The Swedish Lapland is known as Europe's "Lastnight and the elongated days make it the perfect
Great Wilderness" and it is situated close to theplace for al-fresco activities. Between June and the
Arctic Circle having stunning views and beautifulfirst half of July the sun does not actually set.
un-spoilt countryside. It's one of the most un-spoiltAs a tourist you can enjoy in Lapland different
areas on earth with high mountains, open plateaus,activities such as mountain climbing, hiking, and alpine
forests, rivers and waterfalls. Most rivers till run freeskiing, some by fishing by a quiet woodland pool. You
from the mountains to the sea, following channels cutcan snuggle under reindeer skins in a dogsled and
ten thousand years ago by the melting inland ice. Thewatch the magical dance of the Northern Lights
enormous forest areas are sparsely populated, butacross the heavens. For the ones with a passion for
there are plenty of wild animals such as moose, bear,fishing, ice fishing or Nordic touring are good options.
Reindeer, wolf and land birds. Sea and river fisheriesThe coast offers you great options like a secret
abound in the region. Steamers are operated oncove with a shallow water beach. You can paddle a
some of the lakes, and a few ports are ice-freekayak silently from one island to another or enjoy a
throughout the year.swim under the Midnight Sun.
The coastline of Lapland is very attractive with itsIf you are looking for a special Christmas Holiday you
bays, long sandy beaches and picturesque villages. Itcan try the famous Santa Claus village, near the
is impossible not to be fascinated by the 300 kmtown of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. It is an
seacoast and the archipelago of hundreds of islands.enchanting winter wonderland where you and your
When the surface of the sea is covered in ice anfamily can go in search of Santa Claus. Enjoy husky
exciting new landscape is created.and reindeer sleigh rides and enjoy all the sparkle of
If you are looking for a natural peaceful and beautifulan old-fashioned Christmas.
place to spend your holiday you can explore this landAnother special attraction is the village made of ice:
of legends and nature in whichever way you choose.Jukkasjarvi with its Ice Hotel has been re-built every
The tourists can enjoy a sub artic climate withyear since 1989. As the hotel melts in the summer
extreme temperature variations. It is mild in theand is rebuilt in the winter, it is never more than six
summer with temperatures reaching 20C and amonths old. Inside the hotel you will find an art
snowland in winter with -30C in the coldest months.gallery, ice bar, cinema and chapel. The Ice Church is
The natural phenomena and culture are an attractiona consecrated room of snow and ice in which church
during all the seasons.services, weddings and christenings take place.
In the summer the sun does not set and doesn't riseNaturally Lapland is famous for dog-sleigh and
in mid-winter and that's whysnowmobile safaris, amazing adventures in the arctic
Lapland is called the Land of the Midnight Sun. Thewilderness.
winter starts in November when the sun barely rises