When you think of winter travel in Europe, a few places always pop up: the Alps, maybe the Pyrenees, or even the Dolomites. But there’s one destination that has been quietly — or not so quietly anymore — climbing the list of the fastest-growing winter destinations in the world: Lapland.

And honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Lapland isn’t just another ski resort. It’s a place that feels like you stepped out of reality and into something else. I’ve travelled a lot, but I can honestly say: I’ve never felt so at peace as I did in Lapland. There’s something about the silence, the endless white landscapes, and the way the snow glitters under the northern lights that makes it feel like a fairy tale.

Nature You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

One of the most special things about Lapland is its nature. Unlike many ski regions that are surrounded by towns, highways, and noise, Lapland feels untouched. That’s not an accident. Finland has strong laws that protect its forests, lakes, and wildlife. The result is that when you step outside, you’re not just in a ski resort — you’re in the middle of pristine wilderness.

• The forests are deep and snowy, with trees bending under heavy white coats.

• The lakes freeze so perfectly you can skate or even walk on them.

• The sky opens up wide, with light so clean it almost hurts your eyes (in the best way).

It’s a kind of purity that’s rare in the modern world. And that purity is exactly what makes it feel like you’re far away from everything stressful.

A Destination That’s Growing Fast

Lapland has become one of the fastest-growing winter destinations in Europe. Each year, more and more travellers discover it. Some come for the skiing, others for the northern lights, and many for the chance to meet Santa Claus (yes, he officially lives in Rovaniemi). Airlines are adding more routes, new hotels are being built, and restaurants are pushing local food culture to new heights.

But here’s the nice part: even though it’s growing quickly, it doesn’t feel crowded. The region is so big and so spread out that you never feel stuck in a queue of tourists. It’s growth without losing the magic.

More Than Just Skiing

Of course, skiing and snowboarding are big reasons to visit. Resorts like Levi, Ylläs, and Ruka offer slopes for all levels, modern lifts, and snow that’s guaranteed for a long season. But Lapland is much more than downhill skiing.

You can:

• Ride a husky sled through the forest.

• Zoom across frozen lakes on a snowmobile safari.

• Sleep in an igloo with a glass roof, watching the northern lights from your bed.

• Try ice fishing, which is exactly as calm and meditative as it sounds.

• Join a reindeer safari, because where else in the world can you?

And after all that adventure, you can end your day in a sauna (which in Finland isn’t luxury — it’s life).

Food That Surprises You

A lot of people don’t know this, but Lapland’s food scene is actually pretty exciting. Of course, you’ll find traditional dishes like reindeer stew, salmon cooked over open fire, and warm berry juices. But there are also modern restaurants that mix local ingredients with international influences.

Imagine sitting down after a long day in the snow, and someone serves you fresh Arctic char, or cloudberry desserts you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Add a glass of Finnish gin or craft beer, and suddenly Lapland feels like a gourmet secret.

Why It Feels Like a Fairy Tale

Here’s the part that’s harder to explain with facts. Lapland has a feeling. When you’re there, it’s like time slows down. You can walk in the forest and hear… nothing. No cars, no buzzing, not even people sometimes. Just your own steps in the snow.

The way the sun rises and sets so low on the horizon, painting everything pink and blue, makes you feel like you’re in another world. The northern lights don’t always appear, but when they do, it’s the closest thing to magic I’ve ever seen.

For me, being in Lapland was like being inside a storybook. It made me feel calm, free, and weirdly small in the best way. That’s why people who visit once often come back again and again.

The People

And let’s not forget the people. Lappish hospitality is something special. Whether it’s ski instructors teaching you your first turns, guides leading you through the wilderness, or locals welcoming you to their restaurants and cabins, there’s a warmth that balances the cold outside. Everyone knows life in Lapland is unique, and they’re proud to share it.

So, Why Lapland?

Because it’s not just a destination. It’s an experience that combines untouched nature, exciting activities, growing international buzz, and a peacefulness you can’t buy anywhere else.

If you want nightlife and crowded après-ski, you might be happier in the Alps. But if you want a winter holiday that feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with skiing, snowboarding, northern lights, and adventures you’ll talk about for years — then Lapland is calling.

And when you’re ready to experience it with people your age, from all over the world, in a camp where you don’t just visit Lapland but actually live it — you know where to find us.