Are you dreaming of a magical trip to Lapland, Finland with the kids but put off by those eye-watering package holiday prices? I’ve been there! That’s why I’ve put together this complete, easy, no-nonsense guide to planning a DIY trip to Lapland on a budget.
Lapland is by no means a cheap destination but you can definitely save a lot of money by planning a DIY trip yourself and not use a travel agent.
When we first started looking at Lapland, the package holiday prices made my eyes water. Thousands of pounds for a few days in the snow? No thank you. So we did what we always do – we booked it ourselves. Flights, car hire, accommodation, activities, the lot. And it cost us significantly less than any package we’d been quoted.
This guide is everything I wish I’d had when we were planning. It’s going to walk you through booking every single component of a Lapland trip yourself – and I promise, it’s easier than you think. We drove through snowy forests, dipped in icy lakes, cuddled huskies and spent a full day in Santa Claus Village. It was one of the best trips we’ve ever done. And we didn’t need a travel agent to make it happen.
If you’re ready to make Lapland happen (without remortgaging the house), let’s dive in.
More Lapland guides in this series:
Contents
- When Is the Best Time to Visit Lapland?
- Flights to Lapland on a Budget
- How to Find Cheap Flights for a DIY Trip to Lapland
- Transport Around Finland (Trains, Buses & Car Hire)
- Car Hire in Finland
- Where to Stay in Lapland Without Overspending
- Santa Claus Village Activities on a Budget
- Cheap and Free Things to Do in Rovaniemi
- High-Cost Activities (Worth It… Sometimes!)
- Other Places in Lapland Worth Visiting
- Eating in Lapland on a Budget
- What to Pack for Lapland (and Where to Find Cheap Gear)
- Where to Get Affordable Winter Gear
- Suggested Itinerary – How to Split Your Time
- Ready to Plan Your Trip?
- ✨ Free Downloadables
- FAQ About Lapland
- Related Posts
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When Is the Best Time to Visit Lapland?
This is one of the biggest questions people ask, and honestly – it depends what you want from your trip and how much you’re willing to spend.
November – Magical but Unpredictable (and the Best for Budget Travellers)
We visited in November, it was gorgeous – frosty mornings, blue skies and enough snow to make it feel properly Arctic. But (and this is a big but!) November weather can do anything. Rain, cloud, ice, snow… it’s totally unpredictable.
The downside: not all activities are running yet.
The upside: fewer crowds, much cheaper prices, and you still get some daylight.
December – The Classic Lapland Experience (and the Most Expensive)
December is peak season in every sense of the word. Prices are higher. Crowds are bigger. Snow is more likely – but still not guaranteed. And it gets very dark, very fast. That said, it’s what draws the crowds who want the ultimate magical Christmas experience – fairy lights, fire pits and reindeer sleighs in the dark. If Christmas magic is what you’re after, December usually delivers. Just book everything early and expect much higher prices.
January – Quieter but Still Dark
January is quieter, a bit more affordable, and properly wintery. It’s dark, but if you want that full Arctic experience without the Christmas crowds, January is worth considering.
February – The Best All-Round Month
By February, Lapland is properly snow-covered, and you get a bit more daylight to enjoy it. Many families say February hits the perfect balance between winter conditions and affordability.
March – Possibly the Underrated Star of the Show
By March, Lapland has accumulated a full winter’s worth of snow – sometimes over a metre of it – which means conditions for every activity are at their absolute best.
The days are getting noticeably longer (by the end of March you’re looking at almost 14 hours of daylight), temperatures are a slightly more manageable -10°C to 0°C, and the skies are clearer than in the depths of winter. Clearer skies also means better Northern Lights odds – the spring equinox in mid-March actually increases aurora activity.
✨ Tip: March is one of the best months for the Northern Lights – clearer skies and the equinox effect mean more frequent and vivid displays. If aurora hunting is high on your list, seriously consider March.
April – Snow Is Melting, But Don’t Rule It Out
April is tricky. The snow is retreating, particularly in Rovaniemi, which sits just below the Arctic Circle. Daytime temperatures creep up to around 5°C and you’ll get around 205 hours of sunshine across the month – brilliant for being outside. But snow-based activities start winding down in early April, and by mid to late April many winter tours have closed for the season.
That said, if you head further north – to Saariselkä or Inari – snow lingers much longer and you can still have a proper winter experience well into April.
It’s also the cheapest time to go, flights and accommodation drop significantly, and you’ll practically have the place to yourself. Worth considering if budget is the priority and you don’t mind a bit of unpredictability.
Flights to Lapland on a Budget
Lapland sounds far away, but getting there from the UK is actually easier than most people expect. You’ve got a few airports to choose from:
Helsinki (Helsinki-Vantaa)
- Year-round flights from London
- Ryanair flies from Stansted (great for keeping costs low)
Rovaniemi (Santa’s Village Airport)
Seasonal flights from:
- London Stansted
- Bristol
- Birmingham
- Belfast
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
This is the airport closest to Santa’s Village. EasyJet and Ryanair fly here, which means competitive low-cost flights.
Kittilä
- Direct flights from Manchester and London
- Perfect if you’re visiting Levi ski resort
💡 Ryanair have direct flights from the UK to Rovaniemi till the end of March
There are other airport options, but prices climb fast.
Ivalo – The One to Use if You’re Heading to Saariselkä
Ivalo Airport (IVL) is Finland’s northernmost airport, sitting just 27km from Saariselkä – about a 30-minute drive.
If you’re planning to split your time between Rovaniemi and Saariselkä like we did, you could actually fly into Rovaniemi and fly home from Ivalo (or vice versa), doing a one-way drive or bus journey between them and seeing the landscape on the way. It’s a brilliant option that a lot of people don’t think of.
We flew into Rovaniemi and drove to Saariselkä and back again but it is a long journey (around 4 hours) and next time I would consider taking the bus – (although having a car did give us a lot of freedom).
Ivalo only has a few direct UK flights so you’ll typically connect through Helsinki – but Finnair runs the route regularly and it’s very straightforward. The bus from Ivalo Airport to Saariselkä costs around $8-10 and takes about 30 minutes.
How to Find Cheap Flights for a DIY Trip to Lapland
If you want the best price, Ryanair tend to have the most competitive prices but to ensure you get the cheapest price I recommend searching on Skyscanner.
This is how I find the cheapest price:
- Search on Skyscanner
- Use “whole month”
- Check nearby airports
- Be flexible on travel days
It’s amazing how much you can save with a bit of flexibility.
👉 Search for flights on Skyscanner
Transport Around Finland (Trains, Buses & Car Hire)
One of the biggest surprises for us was how easy – and affordable – it is to get around Finland. You definitely don’t need to rely on expensive tours or transfers.
Getting Around Rovaniemi
If you’re staying in Rovaniemi (which lots of families do), you’re in luck:
- Regular airport bus
- Frequent buses to Santa Claus Village
- Long-distance buses to Levi, Saariselkä and other popular places
Santa’s Express routes take you from the airport to Santa’s Village and the centre of Rovaniemi. See their timetable here.
OnniBus is brilliant for long-distance routes – cheap, reliable, and you can book everything online.
Getting From Helsinki to Lapland
Most people either fly to Rovaniemi or take the night train, which I would recommend – especially with kids.
- Sleeper cabins are comfy
- It feels like a mini-adventure
- Prices start from around €87 pp
There’s also the OnniBus, which is much cheaper than the train, but it’s around 11 hours – so only do this if you’re really watching the pennies.
Car Hire in Finland
Car hire can be a bargain… or painfully expensive.
We rented a car and I’d highly recommend it – especially if you want to explore beyond Rovaniemi. The freedom to drive through snowy forests at your own pace is one of the best things about a DIY trip.
One thing to be aware of: prices vary wildly depending on the time of year. We paid £90 for 5 days in November. The same car in December would have been £371.
So if you’re travelling in peak winter, definitely compare prices early on rentalcars.com.
Driving in Lapland
Driving is surprisingly straightforward – roads are well maintained and Finnish drivers are incredibly calm and considerate.
The challenge is concentration: snow, ice, darkness… it all takes getting used to. If you are not familiar with winter driving, it’s best to choose a different option. Finnish drivers have to take a two week winter driving skills course.
Where to Stay in Lapland Without Overspending
Probably the biggest dream people have is staying in a glass igloo watching the Northern Lights. They are absolutely beautiful – but also extremely expensive, and there’s no guarantee the aurora will appear.
If you’re visiting Lapland on a budget, here’s what I recommend:
Budget-Friendly Options
Both Rovaniemi and Levi have good options for self-catering apartments. Being able to make your own breakfasts and pack lunches makes a real difference to your overall budget. In December, you can find a family apartment in Rovaniemi from around £230 a night, and in Levi from around £160.
Mid-Range
A cabin surrounded by snowy pine forest with a wood burner crackling away is the dream – and it costs a fraction of an igloo. We stayed in a log cabin and loved every second. You feel properly immersed in the Arctic landscape, and there’s something wonderful about stepping outside into the snow after a sauna.
You’ll also find a good choice of mid-range hotels on Booking.com.
Luxury
If it’s in the budget and you want that iconic experience of a glass igloo or luxury hotel, go for it. Just manage expectations around Northern Lights visibility – they’re magical when they appear, but they won’t perform on demand.
We used Booking.com and found it easy to filter by what we needed. Hostelworld is worth checking too if you’re travelling without kids.
✨ Tip: Book early for December – accommodation sells out fast.
Santa Claus Village Activities on a Budget
A lot of people assume Santa’s Village is one big expensive tourist trap. It’s not – well, not entirely. Some of the best moments there cost nothing at all. I loved Santa’s Village and thought the lights were magical but November is quieter and not everything was open. I imagine December is a totally different experience.
Free Things to Do at Santa Claus Village
- Wander around the fairy lights and snowy paths
- Visit Santa (photos are extra – €40+)
- Cross the Arctic Circle line
- Warm up by outdoor fire pits
- Toast marshmallows
- Play in the snow, build snowmen
- Send a postcard with an official Arctic Circle stamp
🎅 Santa tip: We found the queue was almost empty around 2:30pm.
Low Cost Activities at Santa Claus Village
- Meet Santa’s Pets – from €15
- Private visit with Mrs Santa – €120 per group (up to 10 people)
- Short reindeer sleigh ride – from €30
- Snowman World – from €35
- Husky park visit – from €15
All the latest prices are listed on the official Santa Claus Village website.
Cheap and Free Things to Do in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi has so much going on that it genuinely deserves its own guide (which I will write soon!) – But to give you a flavour of what’s there beyond Santa’s Village – here are the activities that will keep you busy without blowing the budget:
- Angry Birds Park – fun themed play area
- Santa Claus City Office – free
- Ice skating – around €10
- Forest walks
- River walks
- Lakeside paths (beautiful at sunset)
- Sauna experiences (very Finnish!)
- Ski slopes (cheaper than the Alps)
- Local museums and galleries
High-Cost Activities (Worth It… Sometimes!)
Some activities in Lapland come with a serious price tag. Here’s my honest take:
Husky Rides – Absolutely Do It
If you’re going to choose one big-spend activity, make it a husky ride. It’s very bumpy and the huskies are a bit smelly but it’s an incredible experience and we’d definitely choose this activity again. The huskies are so enthusiastic and meeting their puppies was unforgettable.
Reindeer Sleigh Tours – Gentle but Pricey
Beautiful and peaceful, but very slow. Worth it if it’s on the bucket list.
Ice Swimming and Sauna – Do It
We did the ice dip and sauna experience and it was one of the highlights of the whole trip. It sounds absolutely horrifying – and the first few seconds are – but the feeling afterwards is extraordinary. You feel genuinely alive. Highly recommend.
Northern Lights Tours – Manage Your Expectations
These can be long, cold and expensive – and the aurora doesn’t always cooperate. That said, seeing the Northern Lights is magical if it happens.
We didn’t do a tour but we still saw a magnificent display. Check the aurora forecast, keep your eyes on the sky from wherever you’re staying, and consider a tour as one option rather than the only option.
Tours from Rovaniemi are generally expensive, so compare prices on Get Your Guide – and always read the small print!
Other Places in Lapland Worth Visiting
If you want to explore beyond Rovaniemi (which I really recommend), there are some fantastic options.
We drove from Rovaniemi up to Saariselkä and it was one of the best decisions we made. If you can, try to base yourself in two places. The landscape changes and each area has its own character.
Saariselkä
Quieter, more remote and incredibly beautiful. Highlights include:
- The longest toboggan run in Europe
- The most northerly ski slope in Finland
- Urho Kekkonen National Park – stunning winter walking
- Cosy forest cabins at very reasonable prices
Levi
Finland’s best-known ski resort and a great base for families. Skiing, snowboarding, husky farms, reindeer farms and scenic chairlift rides. Accommodation ranges from apartments to large cabins.
Inari
Further north and well worth the journey. Home to the Sámi people, the Siida Museum (genuinely excellent) and frozen Lake Inari, which is breathtaking. Peaceful, non-touristy and culturally fascinating.
Pyhä-Luosto and the Amethyst Mine
One of the most underrated spots in Lapland. You can visit a working amethyst mine, dig for your own crystals, and explore beautiful national park trails. A lovely quieter alternative if you want something a bit different.
Ranua Wildlife Park (Zoo)
About an hour from Rovaniemi, this wildlife park is home to Arctic animals including polar bears. It’s great for animal-loving kids.
Eating in Lapland on a Budget
Food can be expensive, especially inside Santa’s Village, but it’s absolutely possible to keep costs manageable.
What We Noticed
- Santa Village restaurants are pricier, but some offer amazing kids’ deals (one even offered €1 meals for kids with an adult main!)
- Supermarkets are slightly more expensive than the UK, especially for fruit and veg
- Rovaniemi has lots of cheaper options like bakeries, cafés and even a Santa-themed McDonald’s with a play area
Stocking up on breakfast and snacks from the supermarket is a big money saver.
What to Pack for Lapland (and Where to Find Cheap Gear)
Here’s what you’ll need to stay warm:
- Waterproof coat – preferably a ski jacket
- Waterproof trousers – salopettes are great
- Thermals
- Warm socks (wool is best)
- Good gloves (don’t go cheap!)
- Hat
- Neck warmer
- Snow boots
- Layers, layers and more layers
Where to Get Affordable Winter Gear
- Hire gear from around €35 per person (Rovaniemi Insider)
- Aldi’s ski range is brilliant for budget-friendly warm gear
- Vinted has tons of bargains – especially for kids who grow out of things instantly
The key is waterproof outer layers, snuggly mid layers and warm hands/feet.
👉 See my complete winter Lapland Packing List here
Suggested Itinerary – How to Split Your Time
If we were planning the trip again, this is how we’d do it:
- Days 1-2: Rovaniemi. Get your bearings, explore the town, visit Santa Claus Village, do the free stuff and one or two paid activities.
- Days 3-5: Drive or take the bus to Saariselkä (or Levi). Slower pace, better scenery, winter walks, tobogganing, skiing, maybe a husky ride or sauna experience.
- Day 6: Drive back. Stop somewhere beautiful on the way. The drive itself is part of the experience.
Many people also do: 1-2 nights in Rovaniemi for the Santa experience, then 3-4 nights in Levi, Saariselkä or Inari for the wilderness side of Lapland.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Lapland is one of those rare places that feels truly magical – snow-covered forests, glittering lights, crackling fires and wide-eyed kids meeting Santa. And the best part? You don’t need a luxury package to experience it.
With a little planning and some clever money-saving choices, you can build a family trip that’s full of unforgettable moments without the stress (or the shocking price tag).
If you’re dreaming of Lapland but not sure where to start, I’m always happy to help – just leave a comment or send me a message.
✨ Free Downloadables
👉 Your 10-step checklist for planning a DIY Lapland holiday
👉 What to Pack for Lapland in Winter (family-friendly)
FAQ About Lapland
1. Is Lapland suitable for young children?
Yes – Lapland is one of the best family destinations in the world! Santa Claus Village, reindeer farms and gentle snowy activities are perfect for little ones. Just keep in mind: December is very dark and cold, so plan more indoor breaks.
2. How cold does it get in Lapland?
Expect temperatures from 0°C to -20°C, and occasionally colder. With good layers and waterproof outerwear, you’ll stay warm enough to enjoy everything comfortably.
3. Do I need travel insurance for Lapland?
Absolutely. Winter travel can involve snow delays, extreme temperatures and outdoor activities. Make sure your policy includes:
- Winter sportsDelays/cancellations
- Medical cover
- Car hire excess (if driving)
4. Are DIY Lapland trips really cheaper than packages?
100% yes – especially if you:
- Travel outside Christmas week
- Book flights and accommodation early
- Use apartments instead of hotels or luxury resorts
- Take public transport
A DIY trip can be half the price of a package holiday.
5. Is it easy to get around Lapland without a tour?
Very easy. Rovaniemi is well connected with regular buses to Santa Claus Village, the airport, ski slopes and surrounding towns. Finnish transport is reliable, safe and simple to use.
6. Can you see the Northern Lights in Lapland?
Yes – Lapland is one of the best places in the world for aurora sightings. However, they’re never guaranteed. You’ll have the best chance from September to March on clear, dark nights.
7. Is driving in Lapland safe for tourists?
Driving is safe if you’re experienced with winter roads. Roads are well maintained, but you’ll need to be confident driving on:
- Ice
- Snow
- In the dark
- Slowing down for wildlife like reindeer in the road
If you’re unsure, buses and trains are excellent alternatives.
♿ Accessibility in Lapland
8. Is Santa Claus Village accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs?
Mostly, yes. The main paths, shops and indoor attractions are accessible, but conditions can be affected by snow and ice. Some outdoor areas may require assistance due to uneven snowy surfaces.
We found everywhere extremely slippy and went down a few times. You can buy crampons or snow/ice grippers on Amazon to prevent slipping over on the ice.
9. Are the buses and transport options accessible?
- Many local buses in Rovaniemi have low-floor access and space for wheelchairs.
- Santa’s Express buses are generally accessible, but it’s best to check the specific service ahead of time.
- The night train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi offers accessible cabins and lifts on certain carriages.
10. Are popular activities accessible for travellers with mobility needs?
This varies:
- Santa Visit – accessible and indoors
- Reindeer farms – usually accessible, but sleigh rides may be tricky
- Husky farms – outdoor terrain can be uneven
- Snowman World – lots of snowy surfaces, may require assistance
- Museums in Rovaniemi (like Arktikum) – fully accessible and an excellent option
If mobility is a concern, choosing activities based in central Rovaniemi and focusing on indoor attractions makes things much easier.
11. Are the ski resorts accessible?
Many ski resorts in Lapland, including Levi and Rovaniemi, offer:
- Accessible accommodation
- Accessible restaurants
- Adaptive skiing options (with advance booking)
However, snowy paths can sometimes be challenging.
12. What about sensory accessibility?
Lapland can be a sensory-heavy destination:
- Cold temperatures
- Crowded indoor spaces in December
- Music and lights at Santa Village
- Long periods of darkness
10 Steps to Booking a Budget Friendly Ski Holiday
What to Pack for Lapland in Winter
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