Our journey into Lapland began in Rovaniemi, where we crossed the Arctic Circle for the first time in our life’s. While the heavy commercial atmosphere around Santa Claus themes felt a bit overwhelming, our spirits were lifted by the immersive exhibitions at Arktikum. The museum offered a fascinating look into life in the far north—from building an igloo to understanding the phenomenon of the midnight sun, all presented in engaging and accessible ways.

As we drove deeper into Lapland, the landscape grew wilder and more remote. We began a playful challenge to count every reindeer we saw. The tally ended abruptly at 31 when we encountered an enormous herd grazing across the terrain—too many to count. Still, reindeer sightings continued to grace our trip, each one adding magic to the tundra.

On our northern route, we visited a small zoo dedicated to Arctic animals, where we were warmly welcomed by the owner who personally guided us through each enclosure and shared fascinating stories about her furry residents. The experience felt personal, heartfelt, and deeply memorable.

The road twisted past rapid rivers and waterfalls, offering brief moments to stop and soak in the raw energy of Lapland’s natural beauty. Each stream and cascade added texture and rhythm to the rugged scenery surrounding us.

We also stepped into history at a Gold mining Museum, then wandered through breathtaking landscapes like Saariselkä and the dramatic outcrop of Karhunpesäkivi Rock. These vistas reminded us why this part of the world is cherished—not only for its culture and wildlife but for its silence, scale, and timelessness.

Map of this trip:

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