Lapland might be best known as a winter holiday destination but its summer charms are just as enticing. The snowy wilderness becomes a nature lover’s paradise over the summer months when lush green forests carpet the mountains around mirror-like lakes. Incredibly long days and warm weather add to the region’s attraction and create the perfect conditions for exploring the great outdoors. Here are just some of the reasons why a summer holiday in Lapland could be the wilderness adventure of a lifetime.
Stay in a Log Cabin
The locals love their log cabin holidays in spring and summer, and staying in one of these rustic hideaways has to be one of the most romantic ways to enjoy the Finnish wilderness. Lapland log cabins can be rented out and range from the luxury to the basic. Many of the cabins are lakeside and some even have their own rowing boat so you can fish for your supper and enjoy the water. It is even possible to rent cabins with built-in saunas; after a good stint in the heat take a plunge in the lake for the ultimate Finnish experience.
Explore Hiking Trails
Many of these log cabins are on the routes of the region’s most stunning hiking routes including the Hetta Pallas Trail. This 30km walk can take around four days with log cabin accommodation at various locations along the way. The Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park has many more trails running through it and is one of the most beautiful areas of wilderness in Scandinavia. Wildlife abounds and there is the opportunity to spot Arctic hares, red squirrels and reindeer as well as the elusive brown bear.
Get Your Adrenalin Flowing
The wilderness areas in Lapland present idyllic landscapes for a variety of outdoor activities. Adrenalin junkies can enjoy white water rafting and challenging mountainside bike trails as well as kayaking, canoeing and horse riding. For those who want a gentler experience, road cycling is excellent in Lapland due to the lack of traffic.
Learn about Local Culture
Lapland is home to Europe’s last indigenous population, the Sami, and a trip to this area presents the opportunity to learn all about their fascinating way of life. In the village of Inari, you can visit a reindeer farm where traditional herders will introduce you to the animals, take a boat trip to sacred Ukko Island and explore the exhibitions at the Siida Museum. Shop for handicrafts and take a Sami-themed tour of the area to hear about the people’s history and culture through traditional storytelling.
With spas and saunas a-plenty you can enjoy some quality relaxation time after hiking and outdoor adventure in Lapland, just as the Finns do. With all this to enjoy it’s easy to see why more and more Europeans are heading to Lapland for summer holiday adventures.
Image by MattiPaavola, used under Creative Comms license.
