Lapland, Finland's northernmost region, is an active outdoor destination where the sun never sets in the summer, allowing visitors to explore the region's stunning landscapes at any time of the day or night! The region boasts the world's purest air, water, and arctic nature as far as the eye can see. 

During the long summer months, Finland's pleasant temperatures turn Northern Europe into a true paradise for adventurers. Visit Finland offers four tips for an unforgettable “Coolcation meets Midnight Sun” trip:

1. Immerse yourself in the Sámi way of life:

Although Lapland is part of Finland, it has a diverse culture of its own. The region is home to the Sámi, the indigenous people of Northern Europe. There are many ways to get to know the culture: be it a visit to the Sámi Parliament and Cultural Center Sajos in Inari or the Siida Museum, which provides a good insight into the lively Sámi culture. On 4 May 2024, the Sàmi Museum Siida was even awarded the European Museum of the Year Award at the EMYA conference organized by the European Museum Forum. The award recognizes the museum's outstanding and varied work for Sàmi cultural heritage throughout Europe.

2. Sauna also works in summer:

For the Finns, the sauna is a communal place of relaxation, cleansing and meditation. Lapland in particular attracts visitors with completely different saunas: in the five saunas of the Arctic Sauna World in Muonio you can relax wonderfully in the middle of the beautiful fell landscape of the Pallas-Ylläs National Park on the banks of the Jerisjärvi. Another sauna gem is the Isokenkäisten Klubi Seven Star Smoke Sauna in Kuusamo. The gentle warmth of the smoke sauna in peaceful surroundings on the shores of Lake Heikinjärvi will clear your head and mind. Pure wellness in the sauna, a dip in the lake and the magical atmosphere of the midnight sun - the perfect combination.

3. Into the adventure:

Of course, adventure seekers and action fans won't miss out during the long summer months: on a “night” hike through the Ylläs-Pallastunturi National Park, they can breathe in the cleanest air in the world and experience the last real wilderness in Europe up close. On the Karhunkierros trail near Oulanka, you can also admire impressive waterfalls from suspension bridges and try your hand at prospecting for gold in the small town of Lemmenjoki. Further excursion tips: Take a bike tour along the 230 km of cycle paths near Saariselkä or paddle a canoe on Lake Inari.

4. Taste local delicacies and game dishes:

Adventures in the great outdoors make you hungry: but Lapland also has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights in summer. The wilderness of the region provides nutritious fresh ingredients such as berries, mushrooms, potatoes, fish and reindeer meat. Especially recommended are the traditional dishes of reindeer stew, bread cheese with cloudberry jam and smoked wild salmon, which will recharge the adventurers' batteries. Of course, there are many great restaurants in Lapland. Be it Nili in Rovaniemi, Laanilan Kievari in Saariselkä, the restaurants Aanaar and Ukko in Inari, Tapio in Ruka or NiliPoro in Levi – Lapland's restaurant scene lets guests enjoy the last real wilderness authentically on their plates.