Lapland Discovery 3/4 Nights 2024/2025
Traditional log cabins, snow-dusted landscapes and forest-coated fells are all on the cards on holidays to Luosto.
Lapland village
‘Winter wonderland’ describes Luosto to a T. This button-cute village is made up of cosy log cabins scattered across a snowy fell. The scenery is textbook Lapland, with frozen lakes and rivers, wintry woodland and rolling hills blanketed in snow.
Snowy surroundings
The village has a secluded setting in the heart of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, which is studded with 200-year-old pine forests and a chain of picture-perfect fells. Days here are filled with once-in-a-lifetime activities, like snowmobiling or riding a sleigh pulled by reindeer or huskies. Walking and cross-country skiing trails snake through the surrounding landscape, and the hills are carved with a handful of powdery ski runs. Although the village is pretty small, you’ll find a handful of bars and restaurants edging the main road, as well as a sprinkling of gift shops.
Northern Lights
The skies above Lapland are often striped with the glowing Northern Lights, and Luosto is no exception. And thanks to the remote location and lack of light pollution – the village only has 200-odd residents – the conditions here are near-perfect for spotting this natural light show.
Lapland Holiday Itinerary
Fly To Rovaniemi – Stay In Luosto
Day 1
After landing in Rovaniemi, you’ll make tracks north to Luosto where you’ll collect all your thermal kit. The rest of the day is then yours to explore the village and the surrounding snowy landscapes.
Day 2
You’ve got an action-packed morning in store, kicking off with tasters of snowmobiling, and husky and reindeer sleigh rides. You can then meet Santa’s elves, and try out activities like lasso casting and mini-skidoo riding. There’s also the opportunity to celebrate the crossing of the Arctic Circle with a local shaman. Later on, you’ve got the option of joining a full snowmobile adventure. If you go for the evening trip, you might spot the Northern Lights as you travel through the snow.
Day 3
It’s up to you what you get up to today. Strap on a pair of skis and try out the downhill or cross-country routes, race the kids on the toboggan slope, or build snowmen in the frosty fields. You can also book one of our excursions – reindeer safaris and husky rides are both on the menu. You’ve got a pretty exciting evening in store, too. After a special festive dinner that's topped off with a fireworks show, we’ll take you for your private meeting with the man himself – Santa Claus.
Day 4
You’ll head for home today, but not before we’ve made one last stop – Santa Claus Village. Stock up on souvenirs at the artisan and handicraft shops, then pay a visit to Santa’s Main Post Office. It’s filled with children's letters from around the world – send one of your own, or order an official letter which Santa will post out before Christmas.
Guests on 4-Nights will have extra free time to explore Luosto and its snowy surroundings.
Luosto Accommodation
Luosto HotelWith log cabin accommodation, reindeer on the menu, and a ski resort next door, Luosto Hotel is a prime contender for a winter getaway.
The Luosto Hotel is nestled in the log cabin village of Luosto and cloaked in forested parkland. A neighbouring ski resort finishes the scene off with a flourish.
The hotel offers a collection of log cabins that specialises in homely décor with a Nordic twist. A lounge area, stone fireplace, and dining room are thrown in for good measure.
Need To Know
What should I pack?
If you're coming to Lapland for the day, we recommend you wear warm clothes and only take hand luggage on the plane, as we'll lend you a cosy all-in-one thermal suit, as well as boots, gloves, socks and a hat. If you're on a 3 or 4-night trip, we'll still kit you out with all the necessary gear - which is yours for the duration of your holiday - but it's a good idea to bring lots of layers, too.
What’s the weather like?
In December, daytime temperatures generally range from 0 to -20 degrees, but it can fall as low as -40 during a particularly cold spell. You’ll get four to five hours of ‘grey light’ between about 10am and 3pm. The rest of the time it’s dark, but still quite bright because of all the snow. What’s more, all the activity areas are well lit.
What’s the food like?
It depends on where you stay, but most hotels in Lapland put on international buffet spreads. Usually, there’ll be a selection of meat, fish and pasta dishes to choose from, as well as a variety of vegetables and salad. You’ll also find children’s favourites, like chips, meatballs, and burgers on offer. And some places serve Finnish specialities, like smoked reindeer pizza.
Is Lapland suitable for young children?
We don’t recommend our Lapland trips for children under 4-years-old. That’s because the chilly temperatures and types of activities aren’t suited to really little ones. If you do bring toddlers along, though, you’ll need to provide their own thermal clothing.
Do I need insurance?
It’s essential you and your family have the protection you need in case the unexpected happens. What’s more, if you want to take part in any snow sports when you’re away, you’ll need a policy that covers you for these.
Can I drive a snowmobile?
If you want to get behind the wheel of a snowmobile, make sure you bring your full UK driving licence with you. As long as local guides agree, children aged 12 and over can ride as a passenger on your snowmobile. Younger children have to travel in a sleigh pulled by one instead.