To do it justice everyone should visit at least four times or stay for a year!

I love the fact that Lapland has such defined seasons, even if they vary dramatically in length.
I have been asked on many occasions, often by Finns, which I like best and have struggled to come to a conclusion. When in Lapland I always have a very strong feeling that Mother Nature is in charge and when left to her own devices does very nicely thank you.

Ruska, as they call Autumn in Lapland,

is spectacular. Once the cold nights set in the trees dramatically change colour to a breathtaking array of reds and gold’s. What always amazes me is that the Finns have pretty much managed to keep this secret season to themselves with them flocking north for hiking, mushroom picking and just to sit on top of a fell and take in the spectacle. It can compete with anything the New England has to offer but, yes sadly there is one, it is a short as it is sweet. Lasting just a few short weeks it can start at any point during September. There is nothing nicer than hiking with friends through the forests, stopping to cook sausages over an open fire by a lake and breathing in that cool fresh air.

Winter

The first flakes of snow can fall in early October but winter for real doesn’t kick in until late November. In the far north of Lapland from mid November the sun disappears below the horizon and will not surface again until mid January. This doesn’t mean it is completely dark, for at least 4 hours a day the glow of the sun just below the horizon lights up the sky often with spectacular effect.  Nature as always is kind, on cloudy days it is much warmer but on those cloudless days when temperatures of -30 and below are not unusual you are compensated with skies with a range of colours that do not seem exist anywhere other than the arctic.
The snow is deep enough to start to enjoy the arctic activities such as snowmobiling, husky safaris and reindeer rides. Another treat that are often seen in Lapland are the Northern Lights.

Spring

This is very different to our spring, while we experience the appearance of flowers and blossom, Lapland is still under a deep layer of snow but the days are now drawing out at a dramatic rate. In March and April you are experiencing long sunny days and cold nights. It is the perfect time for taking those long husky or snowmobile safaris, with stops along the way for fireside picnics and over-nighting in wilderness cabins or igloos. This is when the locals sit out on the huge lakes for hours on end ice fishing, take saunas followed by a refreshing dips in ice holes or set off on cross-country skis through the silent forests.

Summer

Nothing ever prepares you for the midnight sun. Although everyone tells you that it is light all the time you never quite believe them until you experience it for yourself. On a sunny day, of which Lapland has its fair share, midnight does look the same as midday. There is nothing nicer staying in lakeside cottage, taking late night saunas, swimming in a lake and then gently in a boat and reading under the midnight sun. Just as the locals do!

To experience it for yourself click here.