You don’t have to be a child to appreciate the magic of Lapland. Its snow-bowed trees and reindeer-dotted forests feel like something out of a fairytale – especially if you’re lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights. However, nothing beats seeing your kids light up as they ride with reindeer, try dogsledding, and even meet Father Christmas himself. With that in mind, here are five of the best hotels for families in Finnish Lapland.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
First, let’s begin by talking about the view – because you almost definitely will. One wall of each chalet or suite at this luxurious resort is a panoramic window, meaning you’ll have front-row seats to the Northern Lights, if they’re in action, as well as the ever-festive forest. And the forest is where you should set your attention next, as this is where you’ll find Santa Claus’s secret hideout, Joulukka, a magical kingdom where little ones can embark on grand adventures alongside Mr C himself.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Octola
If you’re dreaming of a wild Christmas, Octola is the place to do it. It’s the most exclusive chalet in Lapland, hidden in a secret location about two hours north of Helsinki; there’s nothing around but silent, snow-crested pines. But that’s not to say you et al will be bored. Activities include dogsledding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating, with the all-important visits to Father Christmas also easily facilitated. Plus, it’s one of few hotels in the area to offer truly high-end experiences, whether you fancy private butler service or hiring out the entire lodge for your family.
Octola
Arctic Land Adventure
Days at Arctic Land Adventure go something like this. You wake to views of Saana Mountain or the sparkling, snow-topped pines. You pull on your snowshoes and head for the reindeer ranch, where you spend a day in the life of a 12th-generation Sámi herder, including fishing for your lunch and eating with the herder and his family in their wooden hut. The only way it could get more magical? If you’re lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dance across the sky from the comfort of your rustic log cabin.
Arctic Land Adventure
Wilderness Hotel Inari
This expansive resort is littered along the banks of Lake Inari, which becomes a huge frozen playground every winter – you could try snowmobiling, husky safaris, or heated sleigh rides. But you could also try traditional Sámi crafts or Lappish dishes, thanks to the hotel’s commitment to sharing Sámi culture with guests. After a day on the go, you want somewhere you can sprawl out in, so the roomier log cabins are best if travelling with smaller children (and each comes with a private sauna – ideal for soothing tired limbs).
Wilderness Hotel Inari
Apukka
Despite being just five minutes from Rovaniemi (Lapland’s capital city), Apukka still feels totally wild. Its quirky suites and chalets are dotted amongst a tree-studded, seemingly isolated clearing – the kind of place you could imagine snowmen gathering for a knees-up à la The Snowman. For families, stay in one of the new glass igloos designed for up to six people and take your pick from a huge selection of festive activities, ranging from a snowmobile safari to Santa’s village to story time in a cosy teepee.
