Lapland road trip: Snowy nights and polar lights

Ready to soar off to a winter wonderland? Your plane is already in the starting blocks, and before you know it, you're looking down at snow-white landscapes that fit together like a giant jigsaw puzzle. You just can't wait to get out and explore, so right after you land, you grab your hire car and you're ready to go! Lapland's capital welcomes you, wrapped in a blanket of snow – and maybe even with the magical northern lights bathing the city in their soft green glow. You whip out your phone and snap a pic of the city because, one way or another, you've got to save this memory forever! Whether it's the Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, Ounaskoski Beach or the Arctic Garden, there are plenty of beautiful spots here at the Gateway to the North. And in the best case, you don't even need a filter to get the ultimate shots of the aurora borealis!

Today's the perfect day to find out what it's like to live above the Arctic Circle. And there's no better place to do just that than in Arktikum (optional, payable on site). Here, you'll learn all about Sámi life in the Arctic, and if you've always wondered how the northern lights actually form, you'll learn about that too. And in case you didn’t know, Rovaniemi is home to a world-renowned celebrity: Father Christmas! Santa Claus Village is just a stone's throw away and a must-see for every who loves Christmas, because here, it's every day – sounds unbelievable, but it's true! So head over, meet the big man himself and check out the workshops where his elves keep the magic alive.

Today's all yours – just do you. Feeling adventurous? Hop on the chairlift and glide up to the summit of Ounasvaara (optional, payable on site). At 669 feet above the city, the views across the snowy landscape are simply mad. If you're up for it, grab a ski or snowboard (optional, payable on site) and cruise down the slopes. More in the mood to chill today? Then the sauna’s your place to be (optional, payable on site). Sweat it out Finnish-style, then take the plunge into the ice-cold water – total vibes and the perfect way to reset.

Another day dawns in your new winter wonderland. You pull your scarf over your nose and your hat down low, step outside the door and receive a gentle greeting in the form of falling snowflakes – good morning indeed! The weather is perfect for a hike, so why not grab a pair of snowshoes (optional, payable on site) and trudge through the thick white powder? Soak up the sound of the snow crunching underfoot and marvel at the surrounding fir trees wrapped in winter dress as you make your way through Lapland's unique nature. Then, after an extensive bout of exploring, plop down in a cosy café, grab a hot cup of cocoa to warm yourself up and forge your plans for the rest of the day. Come evening, with a bit of luck, you just might see the famous northern lights dancing in the frigid sky – fingers crossed!