Imagine waking up to the gentle glow of the midnight sun, stepping outside your cozy apartment to breathe in the crisp, pure air of Finnish Lapland, and watching your children’s eyes light up with wonder as they spot reindeer grazing peacefully nearby. Summer in Lapland offers families a rare opportunity to experience the Arctic wilderness at its most vibrant and accessible—a stark contrast to its snow-covered winter persona that often dominates travellers’ imaginations.
Why Finnish Lapland is the perfect summer destination for families
While Finnish Lapland has earned worldwide fame for its winter wonderland appeal, the region’s summer season remains something of a well-kept secret. From June to August, Lapland undergoes a remarkable transformation that creates ideal conditions for family adventures. The midnight sun phenomenon, where the sun never fully sets, gifts visitors with endless daylight—imagine hiking at “night” with your children under a golden sky, or enjoying dinner outdoors at 11 pm without a hint of darkness.
Summer temperatures in Lapland typically range between a pleasant 15-25°C, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration without the extreme cold that defines winter months. This mild climate makes activities accessible even for families with young children or elderly members who might find winter conditions challenging. The snow-free landscape reveals Lapland’s stunning natural diversity: crystal-clear lakes perfect for swimming, ancient forests carpeted with berries and mushrooms, and gently rolling fells offering panoramic views that stretch for miles.
The wildlife experience during summer months adds another dimension to family holidays. Children can observe reindeer with their young calves roaming freely, spot dozens of bird species that migrate to the region, and perhaps even glimpse arctic foxes or majestic eagles. Unlike winter, when wildlife viewing can be limited, summer offers abundant opportunities for young nature enthusiasts to connect with northern animals in their natural habitats.
Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to choose summer for your Lapland family holiday is the relative tranquility compared to the winter high season. With fewer tourists competing for experiences, families can enjoy a more authentic connection with local culture and nature. Children have space to explore, and parents can relax without the stress of crowds or lengthy queues for activities. This quieter atmosphere allows for more genuine interactions with local people, giving families insight into the unique way of life that has adapted to this remarkable environment over centuries.
What makes an ideal family apartment in the wilderness?
Finding the perfect balance between wilderness immersion and family comfort presents a unique challenge when planning a Lapland adventure. The ideal family accommodation in this remarkable region requires thoughtful consideration of several key elements that can transform a good holiday into an extraordinary one. First and foremost, location proximity to nature is essential—the best family apartments provide immediate access to Lapland’s natural wonders while maintaining a comfortable distance from urban distractions.
Families thrive in accommodations that offer flexible living spaces: apartments with separate sleeping areas for parents and children ensure everyone gets proper rest after days filled with exploration. A comfortable communal living area becomes the heart of your wilderness home, where families can gather to share stories of the day’s adventures or plan tomorrow’s excursions. Kitchen facilities rank high on the priority list for family-friendly accommodations, allowing parents to prepare meals that satisfy picky eaters while providing the flexibility to dine on your own schedule—particularly valuable when adjusted to the rhythm of the midnight sun.
Safety considerations take on unique dimensions in wilderness settings. The ideal family apartment provides secure surroundings where children can experience a sense of freedom within appropriate boundaries. Properties with enclosed outdoor spaces allow young explorers to develop confidence in nature while giving parents peace of mind. Additionally, accommodations managed by hosts with local knowledge ensure families receive guidance about any region-specific safety considerations, from wildlife awareness to weather patterns.
Authentic cultural connections elevate a wilderness stay from merely scenic to truly meaningful. Family apartments that incorporate elements of traditional Finnish design, utilize local materials, or showcase regional craftsmanship provide subtle educational opportunities for children to absorb the cultural context of their surroundings. Many families find that accommodations converted from historic buildings—such as traditional farmhouses or heritage structures—offer this authenticity while supporting preservation efforts.
Finally, practical amenities make a significant difference in family comfort. Reliable wifi helps with planning activities (though we recommend occasional digital detoxing to fully appreciate the surroundings). Laundry facilities prove invaluable for extended stays or after muddy adventures. And perhaps most essentially for the Finnish experience, access to a traditional sauna offers families the chance to participate in this cornerstone of Finnish culture—a ritual of relaxation that children often come to treasure as a highlight of their Arctic adventure.
Our summer apartments in the heart of Lapland
In the charming municipality of Posio, nestled among some of Finnish Lapland’s most spectacular natural landscapes, we offer a truly unique accommodation experience that perfectly embodies the blend of comfort, authenticity, and wilderness access that families seek. Our thoughtfully renovated historic school building has been transformed into a welcoming lodge while maintaining its distinctive character and connection to local heritage—a living lesson in sustainable repurposing that children find fascinating.
The Polar Light Tours lodge, set in the peaceful natural surroundings of Posio, provides an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like Riisitunturi National Park and Korouoma Canyon, both just a short drive away. Each of our 2-6 person apartments features a fully equipped kitchen, cozy interior with comfortable furnishings that echo the surrounding nature, and private bathroom facilities. This thoughtful design makes our accommodations perfectly suited for families, couples, or small groups seeking both comfort and authenticity during their Lapland adventure.
What truly distinguishes our lodge is its strategic location in relation to Lapland’s natural wonders. Families find themselves within easy reach of two crown jewels of Finnish natural heritage: the dramatic Korouoma canyon with its magnificent waterfalls and the magical landscape of Riisitunturi National Park, where snow-crowned trees create otherworldly formations in winter and summer reveals carpets of lush vegetation. This proximity means less travel time and more exploration time—a valuable consideration when holidaying with children of different ages and energy levels.
The grounds surrounding our apartments offer immediate opportunities for children to begin their wilderness connection, with open spaces for play and shorter nature paths suitable for independent exploration. Guests can enjoy our traditional lakeside sauna—an authentic Finnish experience that becomes a cherished evening ritual, where children learn about cultural traditions while enjoying the contrast between the sauna’s gentle heat and the refreshing waters of the lake.
To enhance your stay, we offer optional breakfast and dinner services featuring local ingredients, fishing facilities with permits included, and a selection of indoor games for cozy evenings. Outdoor enthusiasts appreciate our gear rental options, including E-fatbikes and snowshoes (seasonally), allowing families to explore the surrounding nature without bringing specialized equipment. For guests traveling with furry family members, pet-friendly accommodations are available upon request—because we understand that sometimes the whole family includes four-legged members too.
Combining comfort with adventure: activities from your doorstep
The true magic of a family summer holiday in Finnish Lapland lies in the seamless transition between comfortable accommodation and wilderness adventures. With the right base, families discover that extraordinary experiences begin literally at their doorstep, eliminating the long transfers that can test children’s patience. From our Posio lodge, families step into a natural playground where Arctic adventures unfold organically, suited to different ages, interests, and energy levels.
The forests surrounding Posio transform into treasure troves of natural discoveries during summer months. Guided foraging expeditions introduce families to the abundant berries and mushrooms that carpet the forest floor—a particular delight for children who experience the satisfaction of gathering ingredients for their own meals. These forests also host gentle hiking trails suitable for all ages, with regularly placed rest spots where families can pause for picnics or simply absorb the remarkable stillness that characterises the Lapland wilderness.
The numerous lakes and rivers around Posio provide perfect settings for water-based adventures. Canoeing expeditions can be tailored to different experience levels, from gentle paddles close to shore for families with young children to more adventurous journeys for those with older offspring. Fishing experiences connect children with traditional subsistence practices while teaching patience and appreciation for natural food sources—the excitement of catching dinner creates lasting memories and often transforms picky eaters into enthusiastic fish consumers.
For families with older children seeking more active challenges, the remarkable geological formations of Korouoma canyon offer hiking and even rock climbing possibilities under expert guidance. Meanwhile, Riisitunturi National Park reveals a landscape so distinctive it appears almost otherworldly, with paths winding through ancient forests and across scenic fells. These protected natural environments provide not just physical adventure but valuable opportunities for environmental education, as children witness firsthand the ecosystems worth protecting.
Sustainable family travel in the Arctic wilderness
Choosing family accommodation in Finnish Lapland represents more than a holiday decision—it’s an opportunity to participate in sustainable tourism that preserves this remarkable environment for future generations. When families stay in thoughtfully managed apartments like our renovated school building in Posio, they support conservation efforts through businesses committed to minimizing environmental impact while maximizing positive community contribution.
Our accommodation practices reflect Finnish Lapland’s deep tradition of environmental stewardship. The renovation of our historic school building into a comfortable lodge rather than pursuing new construction significantly reduces carbon footprint while preserving cultural heritage—a living lesson for children about creative reuse. Daily operations incorporate careful waste management, energy-efficient systems, and locally-sourced maintenance materials. These practices often become talking points during family stays, sparking valuable conversations with children about how their travel choices affect the places they visit.
Water conservation takes on special significance in a region defined by its pristine lakes and rivers. Our apartments feature water-saving fixtures, and we encourage families to adopt Lapland’s natural rhythm of sauna use that respects this precious resource. Many parents report that children develop new appreciation for water conservation through these experiences, carrying these lessons home as lasting behavioural changes.
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of sustainable family travel in Lapland comes through authentic community connections. Our accommodations support local employment and showcase regional products, from handcrafted furniture to artwork that tells stories of Lapland heritage. Families who stay with us often develop relationships with local guides who share not just activities but genuine insights into sustainable living in this remarkable environment. These human connections transform abstract concepts of sustainability into memorable personal experiences.
The educational value of sustainable Arctic experiences extends beyond environmental awareness. Children who participate in traditional activities like berry picking, fishing, or preparing simple meals from local ingredients develop appreciation for food sources and production methods. When families attend cultural events or visit artisan workshops, children witness traditional skills being preserved and evolved—a powerful counterpoint to disposable consumer culture.
