Snow · Santa · huskies · reindeer · northern lights
Days are short and cold, usually between −5°C and −11°C, with colder snaps well below −20°C. The low sun turns the snow pink and blue for a few hours around midday.
What makes it special
Santa’s official hometown
Santa Claus Village sits right on the Arctic Circle, a short bus ride from the centre, and Santa receives visitors every day of the year.
Real winter, guaranteed
Snow usually covers the ground from November to April. For many Gulf children, this is their first proper snow.
Huskies and reindeer
Sled rides, farm visits and reindeer sleighs run from the edge of town; no long transfers needed.
A chance of the aurora
On clear, dark nights the northern lights can appear right above the city. Get away from street lights for the best view.
Blue light
The sun barely rises in December. Instead of darkness you get long, glowing twilight, made for photographs.
Aalto’s northern city
Alvar Aalto planned the post-war rebuilding and designed the library, Lappia Hall and the town hall.
Easy to reach
Direct winter flights from many European hubs, frequent flights from Helsinki and an overnight train with sleeper cabins.
Glass igloos and log cabins
Sleep under a glass roof, in a treehouse suite or by a frozen lake, all within 30 minutes of town.