Lapland is a region in northern Finland that offers a unique and magical experience for travelers who are looking for something different. Lapland is known for its pristine nature, stunning phenomena, rich culture, and friendly people. But is it worth traveling to Lapland in 2023-2024? Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Lapland in the near future.

1. Lapland is a region in northern Finland, Norway and Sweden that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers who love nature, adventure and culture. Lapland is famous for its winter wonderland, where you can see the northern lights, go on a husky or reindeer safari, visit Santa Claus Village, and enjoy the snow and ice activities. But Lapland is not only a winter destination, it also has a lot to offer in summer, when you can witness the midnight sun, explore the wilderness, and learn about the Sami people and their traditions. In this blog post, I will share with you my personal experience of traveling to Lapland and why I think you should visit this magical place in 2023-2024.

   I visited Lapland in January 2023, when the region was covered in snow and the days were short and dark. I flew to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, and stayed in a cozy cabin near the city center. Rovaniemi is a great base for exploring Lapland, as it has many attractions and services, and it is well connected to other parts of the region by bus, train or car. One of the highlights of my trip was visiting Santa Claus Village, where I met the real Santa Claus and his elves, sent a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office, and crossed the Arctic Circle line. It was a magical experience that made me feel like a child again.

   Another highlight of my trip was seeing the northern lights, or aurora borealis, which are one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. Lapland is one of the best places to see the northern lights, as it has a high latitude and low light pollution. The best time to see the northern lights is from September to March, when the nights are long and dark, and the sky is clear and cold. I booked a northern lights tour with a local guide, who took me to a remote spot in the wilderness, where we set up a campfire and waited for the show to begin. The guide explained to me how the northern lights are formed, and gave me some tips on how to photograph them. After a while, the sky lit up with green, purple and pink colors, dancing and swirling above us. It was a breathtaking sight that I will never forget.

   Lapland is also a paradise for adventure lovers, as it offers a variety of activities and sports that suit different tastes and levels. I tried some of the most popular ones, such as dog-sledding, snowmobiling, skiing and ice-fishing. I had a lot of fun and adrenaline, and I also learned a lot about the nature and culture of Lapland. For example, I learned how to drive a husky sled, how to respect and care for the dogs, and how to communicate with them. I also learned how to ride a snowmobile, how to follow the safety rules and the trails, and how to enjoy the scenery and the speed. I also learned how to ski, how to balance and glide on the snow, and how to appreciate the silence and the beauty of the winter landscape. I also learned how to ice-fish, how to drill a hole in the ice, how to use a fishing rod and a lure, and how to catch a fish and cook it on a fire.

   Lapland is not only about nature and adventure, it is also about culture and history. Lapland is the home of the Sami people, the indigenous people of northern Europe, who have their own language, culture and traditions. I visited the Siida Museum in Inari, which is the best place to learn about the Sami people and their way of life. The museum has a permanent exhibition that showcases the history, culture and nature of the Sami people, and a temporary exhibition that changes every year. The museum also has an open-air section, where you can see the traditional Sami buildings, such as the kota (tent), the goahti (hut) and the lavvu (teepee). I also visited the Sami Cultural Center Sajos, which is the main venue for the Sami Parliament and the Sami Education Institute. The center organizes various events and activities, such as concerts, workshops, lectures and exhibitions, that promote the Sami culture and language. I attended a workshop where I learned how to make a Sami bracelet with reindeer leather and tin thread, and I also watched a concert where I listened to the Sami music and the joik, the traditional Sami singing.

   As you can see, Lapland is a diverse and fascinating destination that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing or an active holiday, a romantic or a family getaway, a cultural or a natural experience, Lapland will not disappoint you. Lapland is a place where you can reconnect with yourself, with nature and with others, and where you can create memories that will last a lifetime. That’s why I highly recommend you to visit Lapland in 2023-2024, and to discover the magic of this region for yourself.

   But don’t just take my word for it, listen to what other people and media have to say about Lapland. Here are some quotes that I found online:

   • “Lapland is a winter wonderland where you can make your dreams come true.” - Lonely Planet

   • “Lapland is a place where you can escape the stress of everyday life and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.” - Visit Finland

   • “Lapland is a place where you can experience the authentic and original culture of the Sami people.” - Visit Norway

   • “Lapland is a place where you can have fun and adventure in the snow and ice.” - Visit Sweden

   • “Lapland is a place where you can see the northern lights, the most beautiful show on earth.” - CNN Travel

   So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Lapland today and get ready for an amazing adventure. You won’t regret it!