Family Holidays: Lapland Family Holidays
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Today
12°C
55°F
| Flying Time | 3.00 hours  |
| Carbon Footprint | 2.13 tonnes CO2  |
| Timezone | GMT +2 |
| Local Currency | Euro |
Why
Meeting Santa Claus must be every child's dream, but that's not the only reason to visit Lapland, there's seeing the snow, crossing the artic circle, seeing the land of the northern lights. But where is it? Lapland is the name of a region in north Europe that belongs to Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. There are many hills sheltering a rich fauna and flora, however, if you're going in December all this will be covered in thick snow
- Above left: Santa Claus
- Above right: Husky Sledge Ride
When
There is snow from November to May. Mild in summer with temperatures reaching 20°C and a wonderful snowland in winter with -30°C in the coldest months of the year. But don't worry most tour operators provide thermal outer suits and accessories.
How
There are many operators that deal with lapland and Take the Family has selected trips with Esprit Holidays and Activities Abroad. The most popular areas are in Finland, Finnair fly to Ivalo, Kuusamo, or Kittila, or Ryan Air flys to Oslo, Norway and then a shuttle can be taken to Alta in Lapland.
Stay
There are wide range of chalets, log cabins and apartments. The Hotel Holiday Club in Saariselka has a fabulous indoor pool with water slide, waves and watershutes - a great escape if the kids are feeling a bit cold outside.
Do
Each operator usually has a long list of extra activities in which you can partake after the Santa experience, although with Esprit Holidays almost everything is included. Finnish Lapland is the best place in the world for cross coutry skiing and for enjoying other winter activities like snowmobile or rides by huskey dogs and reindeers. the clear skies of Finnish Lapland are ideal to admire the endless daylight of the Midnight Sun and the magic Northern Lights in winter. Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland hosts 'Artikum' with the Museum of Lapland and the Artic Centre. You can also meet Santa, Rudolf the reindeer and the Elfs at Santa's Park.
Eat
Most tour operators include welcome dinners and gala dinners and a host of options for children. It is usually worth taking the full board option if you are there for just a few days.
Cost
A day trip to Lapland in December starts at £379 with Esprit Holidays and a 3 day break is from £599 per adult with children either free or half price. There are great offers at the begining of the season so it is well worth booking early to ensure you get the availability and the free child places.
Features
- Quirky and family friendly
- Our guide to some offbeat family places to stay. More
- Winter Wonderlands
- There's plenty to get out and about for in the chillier months... More
Travel reading
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