Ready to experience one of the most magical places on Earth? Let me tell you about Lapland – this incredible Arctic wonderland that honestly feels like stepping into a fairytale! Lapland is this vast region shared between Finland, Sweden, and Norway, but today we’re focusing on Lapland Finland, which is absolutely spectacular.
Here’s why visiting Lapland in March is pure magic: the days are getting longer (hello, actual daylight for photography!), the weather is slightly softer than the brutal January cold, there’s still plenty of gorgeous snow for all the winter activities, and you’ve got excellent chances of seeing the Northern Lights. It’s like the sweet spot of Arctic travel!
And can we talk about why 2026 is THE perfect year to plan your Lapland adventure? Travel demand is rising (which means more flight routes and options!), new boutique hotels are opening up, the Nordic tourism boom means better infrastructure, and honestly, with climate considerations, experiencing the Arctic winter wonderland feels more precious than ever. Now’s the time to go!
In this guide, I’m sharing everything from my own March trip: a full 3-day itinerary, all the amazing activities you can do, what to actually pack (because Arctic dressing is CRUCIAL!), and all those practical travel tips that’ll make your planning so much easier. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be ready to book your flights!
Ready to explore the Arctic? Let’s go!
Table of Contents
- How We Got to Lapland (Step-by-Step)
- When to Go & Why March Is Ideal
- Where to Stay & What’s Included
- Full 3-Day Itinerary
- What to Wear (Your Packing List)
- Activities Guide
- Practical Travel Tips
- Should You Visit in March?
How We Got to Lapland (Step-by-Step)
I booked through Voyage Privé – they offer amazing packages with flights + hotel + activities bundled together. Super convenient and often great deals!
Flying to Rovaniemi: The main gateway is Rovaniemi airport (the “official” hometown of Santa Claus!). You can fly direct from major European cities like Paris (my route!), London, Milan, and more during winter season.
Other airport options:
- Ivalo (closer to northern lights hotspots)
- Kittilä (near Levi ski resort)
- Kemi-Tornio (less common but an option)
Via Helsinki connection: Most flights connect through Helsinki first, then it’s just a quick 1h30-2h domestic flight to Rovaniemi. Super easy!
From the airport: My hotel provided a 2-hour shuttle transfer – this is common for remote resorts. The journey itself is beautiful with endless snow-covered forests!
Alternative travel options:
- Overnight train: The Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (so atmospheric!)
- Car rental: If you want flexibility to explore
- Direct flights: Best for short trips (3-5 days)
Transfer options at Rovaniemi:
- Hotel shuttles (often included)
- Airport buses
- Taxis (pricey but available)
IMPORTANT – Learn from my experience! My hotel was incredibly secluded – like, middle-of-nowhere remote. No shops, no restaurants, no convenience stores nearby. Buy everything you need BEFORE your final flight, ideally at your departing airport! Snacks, toiletries, extra hand warmers, reading material – get it all before you arrive. Once you’re at a remote resort, you’re committed to what you packed!
When to Go & Why March Is Ideal
December: Christmas magic, Santa Village in full swing, most festive but also MOST crowded and expensive.
January-February: Best snow quality, clearest skies for Northern Lights (less cloud cover), but brutally cold (–30°C to –40°C). For serious aurora hunters!
March: The sweet spot! Warmer temps (–20°C to –10°C), longer daylight for activities and photos, still plenty of snow, good aurora chances. Less crowded than peak season!
November: First snow arrives, limited activities available, not ideal unless you’re specifically hunting early auroras.
My March experience: I went mid-March and it was perfect! The temperature was manageable (–20°C to –10°C during the day and early evening), we had beautiful long daylight hours for activities and stunning photos, tons of snow still on the ground, and yes – we saw the Northern Lights on our last night!
Pro tip for Northern Lights: Stay minimum 5 days if seeing auroras is your main goal. Weather is unpredictable, and cloudy nights mean no visibility even when auroras are active. We had cloudy skies for two nights before finally seeing them on night three!
Where to Stay & What’s Included
My accommodation: I stayed at a secluded wilderness resort in Suomutunturi that was absolutely perfect for the full Arctic experience!
What was included:
- Full board (breakfast and dinner – all included! Had to pay for lunch at the hotel restaurant)
- Wide range of snow activities (snowmobile safaris, cross-country skiing, husky sledding, reindeer visits)
- All extreme cold gear (thermal jumpsuit, insulated boots, heavy-duty gloves, helmets)
- Transfers to activity locations
Why remote resorts are amazing:
- Northern Lights visibility: Far from light pollution, you can see auroras right from your room!
- Landscape photography: Pristine, untouched snow scenes everywhere
- Peace & immersion: Total quiet, pure nature, magical atmosphere
- Convenience: Everything organized for you
The downsides:
- No local shops or restaurants (you’re committed to the resort)
- Must pack everything in advance
- Less flexibility if you want to explore towns
Other popular accommodation options:
Glass Igloos (Kakslauttanen, Arctic SnowHotel): Watch Northern Lights from bed! Romantic and iconic.
Cabins with Sauna: Very Finnish experience, private and cozy.
Rovaniemi Hotels (Scandic, Arctic Light Hotel): Accessible, easy to explore town, restaurants nearby.
Luxury Wilderness Lodges: Premium service with exclusive experiences.
How to choose:
- Rovaniemi = accessibility and convenience
- Saariselkä/Ivalo = best for Northern Lights
- Levi = skiing and winter sports
- Remote resorts = full immersion and package deals
Full 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Night Snowmobile Aurora Hunt
Daytime: Arrived at Rovaniemi airport, took the hotel shuttle (2 hours through stunning snowy landscapes), settled into our room, and just soaked in those first impressions. The landscape is UNREAL – endless white forests, complete silence, magical light!
Evening – Snowmobile Adventure: This was our first activity and what an introduction! The hotel provided all the gear: full thermal jumpsuit (worn over your regular clothes), insulated boots, heavy gloves, and helmets.
Driving a snowmobile is like riding a jet ski but turning is definitely harder – takes some getting used to! We rode through the forest under the stars, which was absolutely breathtaking.
We stopped at a traditional wooden hut where our guide built a fire, grilled Finnish sausages over the flames, and served warm regional fruit juice.
Northern Lights? Not that night – the sky was too cloudy. Setting expectations here: auroras aren’t guaranteed! Weather is everything.
Day 2: Reindeer Farm Visit & Relaxation
Morning: Bus transfer organised by the hotel took us to a traditional reindeer farm.
What’s included:
- Short reindeer-pulled sledge ride through the snow (so peaceful!)
- Educational talk about reindeer lifestyle, their diet, how they’re managed
- Farm visit where you can feed and interact with the reindeer
- Hot chocolate in the main lodge (necessary after the cold!)
- Quick visit to small onsite museum about Sami culture and reindeer herding
Afternoon: Spent the rest of the day reading, relaxing, and just enjoying the quiet. This is important to mention – Lapland isn’t just about activities! It’s also this incredibly calm, restful destination where you can just BE. The peacefulness is part of the magic.
Day 3: Husky Safari, Cross-Country Skiing & Northern Lights!
Morning: Leisurely breakfast, relaxed start to the day.
Afternoon – Husky Safari: Bus transfer to the husky farm – this was probably my favorite activity!
You get instructions on how to drive the sledge: one person drives (standing on the back), one person sits bundled up in the sledge. You can switch halfway through!
The scenery was absolutely magical: silent forests, pure white snow, just the sound of the dogs’ paws and the sledge. The huskies are SO enthusiastic and happy to run!
Afterward, you get to pet and play with the dogs – they’re incredibly friendly and love attention!
Late Afternoon – Cross-Country Skiing: Tried cross-country skiing for the first time right from the hotel. Not gonna lie – it’s HARD! Way more challenging than it looks. Expect a serious workout if you’re a beginner! But the beautiful scenery makes the struggle worth it.
Evening – NORTHERN LIGHTS! Around 10 pm, after several cloudy nights, the sky finally cleared and we saw them! The auroras were dancing across the sky – greens and hints of pink. Absolutely magical and the perfect way to end our trip before heading to the airport the next morning.
Important reminder: Aurora visibility is completely weather-dependent. They’re not guaranteed, which is why staying longer increases your chances!
What to Wear (Your Packing List)
Temperature & Weather in March
Expect –20°C to –10°C during the day. It’s cold but manageable! The cold in Lapland is dry (not humid), which actually feels less brutal than you’d think. However, layering is CRUCIAL – you need to prevent sweating (which then makes you freeze) while staying warm.
Base Layers (Essential!)
Merino wool thermal tops and leggings: Your foundation! Wear these under everything. Merino regulates temperature and doesn’t get smelly.
Wool socks: Thick ones! Consider wearing two pairs if you get cold easily.
Mid Layers
Chunky knit sweaters: Cozy and warm for indoor/moderate cold
Turtlenecks: Extra neck warmth, works under everything
Sweatshirts: Comfortable layering option
Outer Layers
Long puffer coat: Essential for village walks and non-activity time
Winter jacket: Your main coat when not in hotel-provided gear
Footwear
What I wore: Chelsea boots (worked okay but not ideal for deep snow)
What I recommend: Proper insulated snow boots or shearling-lined boots, especially if you get cold easily! Waterproof is key.
Accessories (Don’t Skip These!)
Thermal gloves + waterproof gloves: Layer them!
Neck warmer/snood: Protects exposed skin
Hand warmers: Disposable ones are lifesavers!
Balaclava or thick beanie: Cover ears and forehead
Sunglasses: Snow glare is REAL and bright!
Gear Provided by Hotel (For Activities)
Full thermal jumpsuit: Worn over your clothes for outdoor activities
Insulated snow boots: Rated for extreme cold
Cold-proof heavy gloves: Way warmer than regular gloves
Helmet: For snowmobiling
Extra Packing Tips
- Don’t overpack fancy clothes – You’ll live in thermals and cozy layers!
- Bring plenty of hand warmers – Seriously, pack extras
- Avoid cotton – It holds moisture and makes you colder
- Choose merino wool whenever possible – Best for temperature regulation
- Pack lip balm and moisturizer – The dry cold is harsh on skin!
- Bring a power bank – Cold drains phone batteries FAST
Activities Guide
Snowmobile Safaris: Thrilling rides through snowy forests, often combined with Northern Lights hunting.
Reindeer Safari: Traditional sledge rides, learn about Sami culture, peaceful and cultural.
Husky Safari: Drive your own dog sledge, interact with happy huskies, magical forest scenery.
Cross-Country Skiing: Great workout, beautiful trails, equipment usually available at hotels.
Northern Lights Excursions: Guided trips to best viewing spots, often include campfire and snacks.
Snowshoeing: Peaceful forest walks, accessible for all fitness levels.
Ice Fishing: Traditional activity, drill through ice, catch (hopefully!) Arctic fish.
Sauna + Ice Dipping: Authentic Finnish experience, traditional smoke sauna followed by icy lake plunge!
Santa Claus Village (in Rovaniemi): Meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle line, Christmas magic year-round.
Aurora Photography Tours: Learn to capture Northern Lights properly with expert guidance.
Ice Hotel Visits: Explore incredible ice sculptures and frozen architecture.
Practical Travel Tips
Book all activities in advance: Winter is peak season – spots fill up fast, especially for popular activities like husky safaris!
Buy everything before you arrive: If staying at a remote resort, shop at the airport. No convenience stores in the wilderness!
Daylight considerations: March has good daylight (8am-6pm roughly) but still shorter than standard European hours. Plan activities accordingly.
Phone batteries die fast: The cold drains them incredibly quickly. Bring a power bank and keep your phone warm (inside jacket pocket).
Northern Lights require patience: Minimum 4-5 night stay recommended. Cloudy weather means no visibility even when auroras are active.
Moisture = cold: Avoid cotton clothing! It holds sweat and moisture, making you freeze. Stick to wool and synthetics.
Travel day planning: Flights + transfers can be long and tiring. Plan a calm first evening to recover.
Cash vs Card: Cards work everywhere, but having some euros for tips or small purchases is smart.
Sauna etiquette: Finns sauna naked (it’s normal!), but tourists can wear swimsuits if preferred.
Respect nature: Stay on marked trails, don’t disturb wildlife, pack out all trash.
Should You Visit in March?
Absolutely yes! Here’s why March is ideal:
Weather is manageable: –20°C to –10°C feels cold but not unbearably painful like January’s –40°C!
Still tons of snow: All winter activities fully available, landscape is gorgeous.
Activities are running: Everything from husky safaris to snowmobiling is in full operation.
Good Northern Lights chances: Less cloudy than later spring, still dark enough at night.
Not as crowded: Peak Christmas season is over, better availability and often better prices.
Longer daylight: Enough light for activities and photography without the midnight sun confusion.
Perfect winter escape: It truly feels like entering another world – pure magic, total peace, unforgettable nature.
My verdict: If you want the full Arctic experience without extreme conditions, March is your sweet spot!
Conclusion
Wow, what a journey, right? Lapland in March was honestly one of the most magical travel experiences I’ve ever had. There’s something about the endless white landscapes, the complete silence of the wilderness, the thrill of driving a snowmobile through snowy forests, and finally – FINALLY – seeing those Northern Lights dance across the sky that just stays with you forever.
The best part? It’s totally achievable! With proper planning, the right gear, and realistic expectations (especially about the aurora!), you can experience this Arctic wonderland yourself. The key is booking ahead for 2026, packing smart, and embracing both the adventure activities and the peaceful quiet moments.
Whether you’re chasing Northern Lights, wanting to meet Santa, craving a digital detox in nature, or just looking for a completely unique winter escape, Finnish Lapland delivers on every level. It’s cold, yes – but it’s the kind of cold that makes you feel alive and present!
Start planning your 2026 Lapland adventure now – book those flights, research hotels, and get excited! And if you need more winter travel inspiration or want to see outfit ideas for Arctic adventures, check out my Pinterest for tons more content!
Trust me babe, Lapland will change you. It’s pure magic! ❄️✨
Safe travels and happy Northern Lights hunting!
