Your first Lapland holiday: common mistakes to avoid

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Prepare for the place you are actually visiting

Wide landscapes, snow and northern lights draw many first-time visitors north. Daily life in a secluded lakeside house also involves distances, changing weather and some planning. These are the points we would think through before booking.

1. Pack adaptable clothing

Use layers: a suitable base layer, insulation and wind- and rain-resistant outer clothing. Wool or technical fabrics are useful outdoors. Wet ground and cool weather can also occur in summer; waterproof boots are practical when conditions call for them.

2. Do not build the whole trip around one aurora night

Northern lights are not guaranteed. A forecast app can help, but clouds and activity determine what you see. Give yourself several opportunities and enjoy the night sky even without an aurora.

3. Plan transport before arrival

Distances can be long and public transport limited. A rental car helps with shopping and excursions. Choose suitable equipment and enough space for passengers and luggage; if travelling without a car, arrange transfers in advance.

4. Leave gaps in the programme

Snowmobiles, huskys, Santa visits and excursions can fill every day. Include time to rest and room for weather changes, tiredness or a spontaneous walk.

5. Compare the whole journey

Compare flights to Rovaniemi, Kuusamo and Oulu, including connections, baggage, arrival times and onward travel. The cheapest flight does not always make the simplest or cheapest trip overall.

6. Match expectations to the location

Lapland includes developed resorts as well as remote accommodation. Mökki Tikka is a quiet lakeside base, not a resort with nightlife and shops on the doorstep. Choose according to the holiday you want.

7. Learn about the season

Summer can bring mosquitoes; winter brings cold and short days. Spring and autumn have their own changing conditions. Look beyond idealised holiday photos when deciding what to pack and do.

8. Respect local rules and privacy

Follow local access guidance, avoid private yards, leave trees undamaged and check whether a fire is permitted. Ask your hosts when unsure.

9. Do not rely entirely on your phone

Download offline maps and carry a headlamp and spare power when appropriate. Mobile reception and route markings can be limited. Ask locally about the route rather than assuming an app knows the current conditions.

10. Consider summer and autumn too

Light summer nights, berry season and autumn colours offer another side of Lapland. Compare prices and opening times outside peak periods rather than assuming every activity runs year-round.

11. Allow enough travel time

A journey from Switzerland to the house can take a full day, especially with winter conditions and stops for supplies. Our own door-to-door journey has taken about eleven hours; your itinerary may differ.

12. Prepare for language differences

Many people speak English, but not everyone does. An offline translation app and a few saved practical phrases can help, particularly in rural areas.

13. Choose accommodation for your priorities

Ranua, Posio and the areas around Simojärvi and Koirajärvi can suit travellers seeking quieter surroundings. Check driving distances to the activities you want before choosing a secluded location.

Thoughtful planning leaves more room to enjoy the stay. Keep expectations flexible and allow time for the place itself.