The Magic of Lapland - Northern lights, husky trails, and the joy of slow, snowy days

Published in the Sunday Gujarat Samachar on 20 July 2025

Every now and then, there’s a destination that captures your imagination long before you book the flight. For me, Lapland has always been one of those places. A snowy wonderland where huskies pull sledges through silent forests, where the sky dances in waves of green and purple, and where Santa Claus actually has an address. It sounds almost too magical to be real.

But now, it’s not just a dream. I have got a trip planned to Finnish Lapland this coming February, and I can’t stop thinking about it. While working with the product team to build some of Veena World’s most exciting new itineraries to this region, I found myself falling deeper into the story of Lapland. The more I read, the more it felt like I was unlocking a fairytale—one filled with reindeer, snow-dusted cabins, glass igloos, and wide-eyed wonder.

So today’s piece isn’t just about what to see or do in Lapland—it’s about the feeling it evokes. The kind of place that makes you believe in magic again, whether you’re five or fifty. Let’s head north into the snow…

Chasing the Northern Lights

There are few natural wonders in the world as mesmerising as the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. And Lapland is one of the best places on Earth to witness this phenomenon. Imagine standing under a pitch-dark sky, wrapped in layers of warmth, as waves of green, violet, and even pink ripple across the sky. It’s surreal. It’s silent. And it’s unforgettable.

What makes Lapland special is not just the visibility of the auroras, but the way the entire experience is curated. Whether you’re snowshoeing through a silent forest, riding in a heated glass-roofed sleigh, or simply lying back in a glass igloo—this is nature’s theatre at its finest.

The lights usually make their appearance between September and March, and February is one of the best times to go. Of course, there’s no guarantee—they are famously elusive—but even the anticipation adds to the magic. And if you do catch them? You’ll carry that moment with you forever.

Huskies, Reindeer & Winter Adventures

Lapland isn’t just about what’s above you in the sky—it’s also about the rush of adventure beneath your feet. Think of gliding across frozen landscapes on a sledge pulled by huskies, the air crisp and clean, the only sound being paws in snow and your own laughter echoing in the silence. Husky safaris are one of the most iconic experiences here, where you’re not just a passenger—you get to drive the sledge, steering your own team through snow-draped forests.

Then there are the reindeer safaris. Slower, more serene, and incredibly special. Reindeer have been a part of Sámi culture for centuries, and sitting in a sleigh pulled by one feels like slipping into a snow-globe fantasy. Often, these rides are paired with stories from the herders about migration, traditions, and the deeply rooted connection between people and animals in this part of the world.

Beyond that, there’s so much more: snowmobiling across frozen lakes, cross-country skiing, and even floating in thermal suits in an icy river (yes, really). Lapland turns winter into a playground, no matter your age or energy level.

Santa Claus Village

Tucked right on the edge of the Arctic Circle near Rovaniemi, the Santa Claus Village is where childhood dreams come to life—no matter how old you are. This isn’t just a gimmick or a theme park; it’s a charming, snow-covered village that captures the magic of Christmas all year round.

You can meet the real Santa Claus (yes, he’s there every day), send a postcard with an official Arctic Circle stamp from the Santa Claus Post Office, and even cross the Arctic Circle line—which is marked and celebrated right through the village. There are elves, twinkling lights, and just enough kitsch to make it all feel beautifully nostalgic rather than over-the-top.

For families, it’s pure magic. Watching your child hand their wishlist to Santa in his log cabin is a memory that lingers. But even for couples, solo travellers, or groups of friends, there’s something special about tapping into that wide-eyed wonder we all carried as kids.

And during winter, when the village is blanketed in snow and the sky glows pink at midday, it really does feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.

Northern Lights: The Arctic’s Grandest Show

Seeing the Northern Lights—or Aurora Borealis—is one of those moments that stops time. In Lapland, you’re in one of the best places on Earth to witness this natural wonder. Between late August and early April, the sky frequently dances with waves of green, pink, violet, and sometimes even crimson, especially on clear, dark nights far from artificial lights.

What makes Lapland even more magical is the variety of ways you can chase the auroras. You could bundle up in thermal gear and set off on a snowmobile safari deep into the wilderness. Or glide silently through snow-dusted forests on a reindeer sleigh. You could even stay in a glass igloo or Aurora cabin—snuggled under a warm blanket with nothing but the Arctic sky above.

What struck me during my research is that spotting the lights isn’t just a tick on the travel bucket list—it’s emotional. Locals treat it like an old friend arriving after a long journey. There’s a quiet reverence that surrounds it, something spiritual and humbling about watching the universe put on a show—just for you.

As I prepare for my upcoming trip, I keep returning to the same thought: Lapland doesn’t just offer experiences—it offers emotion. The hush of snowfall in the middle of the forest. The awe of a sky lit up by auroras. The joy of watching a child (or your own inner child) whisper secrets to Santa. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, to feel wonder again, and to believe in the power of nature, story, and imagination.

If you’ve ever dreamed of a winter that feels like stepping into a snow globe—Lapland is waiting. That’s it from me today. As I always say, keep celebrating life. See you next week.