Edition 116: Lapland, Finland

Like its most famous inhabitant, Finnish Lapland is so magical you may have trouble believing it’s real. [The Discoverer]( [Valletta, Malta] Edition 116 | 3:59 read time [Lapland Finland]( | [@joonaslinkola]( Like its most famous inhabitant, Finnish Lapland is so magical you may have trouble believing it’s real. Where else can you see the Northern Lights more than 200 nights a year, experience three straight months without a sunset, and visit the one true Santa Claus? The region is beautiful in a storybook kind of way, with reindeer rides and opportunities to learn about the indigenous Sámi people. So take lots of pictures to prove to everyone back home that this place actually exists. Fun Fact: There are more reindeer than people in Lapland. Lapland, Finland N 67.92° / E 26.50° [#onlyinlapland]( | mantaphoto December — February Bundle up, because Lapland is cold. That’s part of the experience, of course — you don’t become associated with Christmas by having a tropical climate. But be forewarned that single-digit temperatures are the norm, so pack accordingly. [#santaclausvillage]( | [@paul_gallevo]( Here Comes Santa Claus You don’t have to believe in Santa Claus to enjoy [Santa Claus Village]( but it helps. Located in Rovaniemi, the unofficial capital of Finnish Lapland, this winter wonderland allows you to officially enter the Arctic Circle. Once there, you can meet St. Nick himself, ride a sled pulled by reindeer or huskies, and buy as many souvenirs as you can sling over your shoulder in a giant bag. It’s so fun you may just become a believer again. [#arktikum]( | [@esnlapland]( Arctic Aurora This science center and museum is home to exhibitions on climate change's effect on the Arctic and the people and creatures who have made Lapland what it is, among many other site-specific topics. [Arktikum]( is enriching without being stuffy, not to mention the perfect spot from which to observe the aurora borealis (AKA the northern lights). Even the building itself, with its abundance of glass, is worth visiting for its own sake. To learn about the Sámi people, head to the [Siida Museum]( — it’s their national museum, and the best way to learn about their unique history. [#icekartinglevi]( | [@nikisoukkio]( Snow-Karting All those years of Mario Kart are finally going to pay off, especially since no one can trip you up with a banana peel when you go [ice-karting in Levi](. The vehicles come equipped with studded tires and four-stroke engines, whereas riders are given all the gear they need to stay safe and warm while racing toward the finish line. Halfway through, you’ll even be served a warm drink. [Yllas]( | [@kallevalkama]( It’s All Downhill From Here The skiing in Ylläs is so good that visitors have two resorts to choose from: [Ylläs Ski Resort]( on the Äkäslompolo village side or [Sport Resort Ylläs]( on the Ylläsjärvi side. You can't go wrong either way, and the views are as breathtaking as the slopes. All skill levels are welcome, so don’t let a lack of experience scare you off — the instructors are known to be exceptionally friendly. Those who prefer the cross-country experience can ski their way across [Lapland Lake]( for a beautiful albeit exhausting view of the scenery. [@tonitoyras]( Toni's Discovery [@tonitoyras]( "Having lived my whole life in Lapland, I really love how I don't have to go far to find the wonderful scenes for photography and enjoy our diverse nature. We have it all: forests, lakes and fells!" [Arctic Restaurant]( | [@arcticrestaurant]( Finnish Your Meal If you’ve never experienced Finnish cuisine, [Restaurant Nili]( is the perfect place for your first encounter. Its menu touches on the likes of Arctic pikeperch and fell reindeer, all of it prepared with the utmost elegance. Considerably more casual but no less appetizing is [Santa's Salmon Place]( whose specialty you can probably guess. It's cooked on an open fire in a traditional Lappish teepee, making the experience as cultural as it is culinary. [Arctic Fox Igloos]( | [@moretti]( | [@nicoleisaacs]( Igloos and Treehouses One of the coziest, most unique places you'll ever stay, the [Arctic TreeHouse Hotel]( makes good on its name with bungalow-style rooms that resemble nests situated on wooded slopes. You’ll have trouble summoning the motivation to leave the grounds of this unique abode, not least because it provides exceptional views of the northern lights. That said, the [Arctic Fox Igloos]( are another singular experience in their own right. With domed, all-glass bedrooms offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and the option of arriving on a snowmobile, it’s luxurious in a way that few other hotels can lay claim to. Bonus: every igloo comes with its own sauna. [Kilpisjärvi]( | [@satujuvonen]( Meet the Locals "Explore the pristine wilderness: hike through endless forests, swim in crystal-clear lakes and rivers. Look for reindeer, moose, and birds. Reindeer are not difficult to spot, they like roaming villages or stand by the roads." – [@wswoimzywiole]( Leave No Trace "Bear in mind that even though the nature is very clean, it should not be taken for granted. Leave nothing but footprints behind, travel with motor vehicles as little as possible, and do not eat reindeer meat at every dinner." – [@hennevelina]( Scandinavian Schvitz "The best thing after a long hike (or basically after anything) is to relax in a hot steamy wood-heated sauna with a beautiful lake view and total silence. Between steams you can go dip yourself to cold water — it does good for your body and your soul." – [@miamarm]( [SUBMIT TO UPCOMING DESTINATIONS!]( How Did We Do? 1 2 3 4 5 [INSTAGRAM]( | [FACEBOOK]( | [TWITTER]( [Email Preferences]( | [Unsubscribe]( [1550 Wewatta Street, Denver, CO 80202](