Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There is a huge quantity of self-catering apartments, cottages and cabins throughout the re-
gion. Ski resorts are particularly fertile ground; fully furnished places with their own sauna
can be great value in summer.
Local tourist offices often double as booking agents for these accommodation options.
Lomarengas
has a large selection of cabins throughout the region.
Language
Three Sámi languages are spoken in Finnish Lapland; signs in Sámi areas are bilingual.
Dangers & Annoyances
From mid-June to early August, Lapland is home to millions of biting insects, and during
this räkkä season, you'll need heavy-duty repellent. By early August most squadrons have
dispersed.
Parts of Lapland are real wildernesses; always consult national park centres before at-
tempting unmarked routes.
Winter temperatures are seriously low: don't head outdoors without being properly
equipped.
Driving in Lapland calls for particular caution due to reindeer (
Click here
)
.
Getting Around
Considering the remoteness, bus connections are good, although there may only be one
service a day, and none on Sundays. Hiring a car from Rovaniemi, Levi or Saariselkä/Ivalo
is a good option.
ROVANIEMI & AROUND
Rovaniemi
016 / Pop 60,900
A tourism boomtown, the 'official' terrestrial residence of Santa Claus is the capital of
Finnish Lapland and a more-or-less obligatory northern stop. Its wonderful Arktikum mu-
