Lapland

A journey through Lapland is definitely for all of you that have a thirst for adventure and above all those of you that have a love of nature. The most impressive and sensational landscape formations cast their spell on every visitor. The region of Lapland is

split between different Scandinavian states and is situated in the most northern point of the continent of Europe. Lapland was never its own state but was divided between the countries of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. In this article I would like to tell you about the Province of Lapland in Finland as the Finnish part of Lapland has already been fully discovered. A large part of the Province is situated even more north of the Arctic Circle. It leaves to surmise what fascinating natural spectacles the visitors can expect too see at the northern most point of the European Union.

The climate is very bitter and cold. The average annual temperature fluctuates between +1 and -4 degrees. In the winter it is considerably colder. Warm clothing is also an absolute must for a holiday in Lapland. The Province is generally scarcely populated and is often referred to as the so-called “The Last Wildeness of Europe” In a hire car you can experience and comfortably enjoy its unbelievable expanse and its variety of landscapes. It is the ideal way and means to get the most out of this region. A particular highlight of this region is its variety of flora and fauna. In the wild you can see reindeers, elks, wolves, arctic foxes, as well as beavers or bears. It will definitely be an experience that won’t be quickly forgotten.

If you want to spend the night in Lapland it is best to stay in a hotel or guest house in one of the 3 biggest cities in Lapland. They are Rovaniemi, Kemi and Tornio. The city of Rovaniemi is at the same time the administrative centre of the Finnish Province of Lapland.

Further attractions are the many National Parks with their innumerable Lakeland areas that belong to them. You will not find such an untouched natural environment like in Lapland anywhere else in Europe. In order not to miss all this we recommend that you travel in your hire car. The largest cities are linked together with well built roads and some further roads that cross the region. Overall you are definitely more mobile and can enjoy the trip to the fullest. Although the road network that also goes through the many National Parks and non populated areas are rather narrow and not very far-reaching. In the cities you can find restaurants and pubs next to some of the hotels and guest houses in which you can warm yourself through in the evening after an eventful day in the great outdoors. Perhaps you will come into contact with the local people. Many Sami live in Lapland. They are the indigenous population group of this region that even today attach great importance on long introduced traditions and values.

Frequently the locals present themselves in their traditional costume. You should take the opportunity to get to know more about the interesting Sami population. A further highlight could be a visit to the reindeer farm. The breeding and rearing of reindeer is a very important economic section and is definitely one of a kind in Europe. Let yourself be swept away by the untouched natural beauty and enjoy a unique journey through Lapland.