Lapland Like a Local: Seven Tips from the World’s Happiest Nation

Lapland’s true charm lies in calm, not in rushing through a checklist.

When Finns go on holiday, they don’t chase dozens of activities in a day. Instead, they value peace, nature, and time with family and friends.

Life is not about ticking boxes, but about slowing down and enjoying simple pleasures. And that’s exactly how Lapland should be experienced.

1. Respect Nature and Local Life in Lapland

Lapland is not a theme park built for visitors – it’s a living region where people still make their homes. Resorts grew around old villages, and locals remain part of everyday life. Respecting privacy, traditions and especially nature is key to a genuine experience.

For Finns, nature is the foundation of happiness. Forests, fells, and frozen lakes are not backdrops, but places to breathe, play and recharge. Step into the landscape with respect, and you’ll understand why it means so much.

2. Seek Authentic Lapland Experiences

Yes, Santa Claus is from Lapland – and even adults feel the magic when they meet him. The sparkle in children’s eyes when greeting Santa is unforgettable.

But authenticity is more than fairy tales. A small, heartfelt gift means more than a bag of plastic souvenirs. A thoughtful moment shared with family or friends will outlast anything bought in a shop. That’s the Finnish way of creating memories.

3. Slow Down and Breathe

Finns don’t measure holidays by how many activities fit into a day. Instead, they embrace unhurried moments. Put your phone away. Leave the bucket list at home. Step into a forest, climb a fell, or sit by a frozen lake.

The silence of Lapland is powerful. Breathing the cleanest air in the world and letting your eyes rest on snow-covered landscapes does something rare: it clears your mind. Happiness grows in those pauses.

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4. Ski Together

Skiing is more than a sport in Finland – it’s a way to be together. On the slopes, families and friends of all ages share the same joy. Grandparents, parents, teens and children can all ski side by side.

If skiing or snowboarding feels unfamiliar, head to ski school. Finnish ski instructors are professional, multilingual and patient. Learning together is fun – and discovering turns side by side is a memory families cherish long after the holiday ends.

5. Forget the Bucket List

Many visitors try to squeeze huskies, reindeer, igloos, Northern Lights and Santa all into just two days. For Finns, that pace feels exhausting. Instead of chasing everything, choose less and enjoy more.

Lapland’s true charm lies in its calm. Sit by a fire with hot chocolate. Watch the sky in case the Northern Lights appear. Walk slowly in snowshoes instead of racing to the next activity. You don’t need to do it all. The secret of Finnish happiness is knowing that less can be more.

6. Let Nature Lead

In Finland, nature doesn’t always follow your plans. To be honest, it doesn’t always follow ours either. Not even here can you order the Northern Lights on demand – you need the right weather, a clear sky, and a bit of luck. Many Finns themselves have never seen them!

The same goes for snow: sometimes it piles up endlessly, sometimes it comes late. People don’t control it, and that’s the beauty of it. The Finnish way is to accept whatever nature offers – and enjoy it fully, whether it’s a powder day or a crisp, starlit night without a single aurora in sight.

7. Redefine Après-Ski

Forget crowded bars and loud music – in Finland, après-ski means sauna, food and time together.

The sauna is at the heart of Finnish après-ski. Warming up in the gentle heat not only restores the mind, but also eases tired muscles after skiing. Many Finns say the sauna is the best recovery treatment they know.

Afterwards, families and friends gather around the table for a shared meal, often followed by simple pleasures like playing board games by the fireplace. It’s a calmer, cozier way to spend the evening – one that keeps the focus on wellbeing and togetherness.

The Finnish Way to Lapland

Experiencing Lapland the Finnish way means slowing down, respecting nature and enjoying small moments – from skiing and sauna to time with loved ones.

So if you want to leave Lapland with more than photos – maybe even a touch of happiness – try living it the Finnish way.