Kiruna vs. Rovaniemi - Swedish Lapland vs. Finnish Lapland
Eli having the time of her life in Abisko National Park, Swedish Lapland
If you're planning a winter trip to Lapland, you're probably torn between magical Rovaniemi, the "official" hometown of Santa Claus in Finland, and Kiruna, Sweden's Arctic gem. But wait — there’s more! Other Lapland destinations like Tromsø, Norway, and other lesser-known towns, might also be calling your name. So, which icy wonderland should you choose? Let’s break it down.
Did you know?
Lapland (Sápmi), spans across four countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Despite these political borders, Lapland is united by its shared Sami culture, the indigenous people of the region. The Sami have their own language, traditions, and reindeer herding culture, which has been a cornerstone of their way of life for thousands of years.
Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland: Santa and Family Fun
Rovaniemi is tailor-made for those who crave a winter fairytale without getting too much out of their comfort zone. Home to the Santa Claus Village, where you can meet the Big Man himself year-round, it’s a dream for families and Christmas fanatics. Add reindeer sleigh rides, husky safaris, and snow-dusted forests straight out of a postcard, and you’ve got yourself a whimsical wonderland. However to be completely honest, the “Disney” vibe doesn’t give it an authentic feel.
The city also has a modern edge, with the Arktikum Museum offering insights into Arctic life and the science of the Northern Lights. And speaking of lights, Rovaniemi’s location just below the Arctic Circle makes it a good spot for aurora hunting — though you might need to venture further north for the clearest skies.
And speaking of further north, Finnish Lapland is vast and ready to be explored. So, if you’re after a true adventure, we highly recommend traveling way beyond Rovaniemi to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations!
Kiruna, Swedish Lapland: Raw Wilderness and Ice Hotel Dreams
Kiruna, on the other hand, feels more wild. And that’s precisely why it’s one of our favorite destinations for a Lapland adventure. This Swedish town is famous for its neighboring Icehotel, where you can sleep on ice (wrapped in reindeer skins) and marvel at ephemeral art. It’s perfect for adventurers who want a mix of luxury and ruggedness.
The nearby Abisko National Park is a haven for nature lovers, offering some of the best aurora viewing in the world, thanks to its near-guaranteed clear skies. Winter hikes, Sami culture, and dog sledding round out the experience. Kiruna is less about Santa Claus and more about immersing yourself in the Arctic wilderness.
What About Tromsø, Norway?
If Rovaniemi and Kiruna don’t quite check all your boxes, consider Tromsø in Norway or Abisko in Sweden. Tromsø, the "Paris of the North," offers a lively city vibe with stunning fjord backdrops. It’s a hub for whale watching, Northern Lights tours, and cozy cafés serving up cloudberry jam.
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While Tromsø’s surroundings are absolutely stunning, the city itself is way too touristy and too “big” for our taste. There’s also too much light pollution in town for good northern lights watching (unless the activity is really intense).
Off the Beaten Track: Hidden Arctic Gems
For travelers looking to stray from the usual Lapland highlights, these destinations offer an extra layer of Arctic magic:
Alta, Norway: Known as the “City of the Northern Lights,” Alta offers quieter aurora experiences and a fascinating Ice Cathedral. It’s also rich in history, with UNESCO-listed rock carvings.
Luleå, Sweden: This coastal town offers frozen archipelago adventures, like ice road driving and secluded cabin stays. Its mix of Swedish charm and Arctic remoteness is irresistible.
Svalbard, Norway: Way up in the Arctic Ocean, Svalbard feels like the edge of the world. Polar bears outnumber people, and the landscapes—glaciers, fjords, and endless white—are nothing short of surreal. If you like it rough, that’s your place, although we wouldn’t recommend it if it’s your first Arctic experience.
Lofoten Islands, Norway: These dramatic, jagged islands are perfect for photographers and adventurers alike. While not technically in Lapland, their Arctic Circle location guarantees incredible winter landscapes, cozy fishing cabins, and unforgettable coastal hikes. Just be aware that you’ll need to go a bit further to find mushing opportunities, as the terrain is not great for that.
Here is our personal playlist for a Lapland adventure:
No matter where you go, the Arctic’s icy beauty and unforgettable experiences are guaranteed to leave you awestruck — withouth forgetting Arctic food! Why not combine a few for the ultimate Lapland adventure?
