Lapland might traditionally be associated with snow, Santa and the northern lights, but its attractions extend far beyond the winter months. Visit this northern region of Scandinavia in spring or summer and you can enjoy long days, relaxation and adventure in wilderness on Lapland breaks. Here are a few highlights:
Long Days
Lapland is close to the Arctic Circle, which means long hours of daylight over spring and summer. In April the sun is out for 15 hours of the day and in peak summer — mid June to early July — it shines around the clock (yippee!). This is a novelty if you’re one of the many who come to Lapland for long days of exploring.
The Great Outdoors
During spring and summer, the snowy winter landscape becomes a wilderness of glittering lakes and dense forests. In Lapland you truly get the chance to escape from it all and reconnect with the great outdoors. Hiking and biking trails run through amazing landscapes. And brown bears, moose, golden eagles and foxes: you can spot them all during the warmer months (you might want to keep your distance from the bears, though!).
Remote Accommodation
Another perk of visiting Lapland over spring and summer is the traditional accommodation. Cottages and log cabins have been built along the edge of many lakes, providing cozy retreats over spring and summer. Many of the luxury cabins even include a private sauna. If you’re looking for cheaper accommodation, there are also basic log cabins along hiking trails.
Outdoor Activities
Of course, spring and summer in Lapland aren’t just about hiking the many trails. You can take on the mountain biking terrain in the region’s national parks. There are routes for the cautious beginners and for the advanced adrenalin junky. You can pursue the need to live on the edge further in the Pallas-Ylläs National Park, western Lapland, with a spot of canoeing or river rafting. If you want to take things that bit easier, you can mount a steed and do a little horse riding.
Sami Culture
The Sami are the indigenous people of Lapland and have a culture and history that stretch back thousands of years. On a spring or summer trip to Lapland you can visit traditional settlements and museums to learn more about them.
Lapland is certainly about much more than snow or Santa, and is one of Europe’s most beautiful outdoor destinations during summer. Whether you choose to hike and bike or take it easy in a lakeside cabin, a holiday to Lapland is your chance to become reacquainted with the great outdoors.
Images by ranakhi and goro, used under Creative Commons license.
