Lapland in summer offers a vibrant, green landscape with endless daylight, providing unique activities beyond the snow. You can enjoy husky hiking, horseback riding, foraging for berries, and exploring waterways under the Midnight Sun. It's a time for tranquil nature connection and experiencing the Arctic without winter crowds.
From June to July, the sun never sets, creating the Midnight Sun phenomenon that bathes the landscape in golden light 24 hours a day. This changes the rhythm of life, allowing for activities at any hour and revealing a different, enchanting side of Lapland.
Activities Under the Golden Light
The snow-free months open up the wilderness in a new way. The trails become soft, the lakes are clear and inviting, and the forests are alive. It’s the perfect time to connect with nature on a deeper level.
Hiking with Huskies in the Green Wilderness
A husky experience in summer is completely different from a winter sled ride. Instead of being a passenger, you become a partner. On our summer husky hiking tours, you'll walk alongside these incredible athletes on lush forest trails. You get to feel their enthusiasm and strength firsthand as they help pull you along, creating a genuine bond. It’s an active, engaging way to explore the wilderness and understand the year-round life of our Alaskan huskies.
For those who prefer a ride, specially designed wheeled carts offer a thrilling way to experience the dogs' power as they run through the green landscape.
Horseback Riding on Sunlit Trails
There is nothing quite like exploring the Lappish forests from the back of a calm and steady Finnhorse. The trails are soft under their hooves, and the air is filled with the scent of pine and damp earth. Our guided horseback riding treks take you through ancient forests and over rolling fells, offering views that stretch for miles under the endless sun. The reliable nature of the Finnhorse makes these rides suitable for many skill levels, allowing you to simply relax and soak in the profound silence of the wilderness.
Foraging for Nature's Superfoods
Thanks to Finland's 'Everyman's Right', everyone is free to respectfully enjoy nature and collect what it offers. Summer is a season of abundance. The forests and swamps are filled with berries, and the constant daylight of the Midnight Sun works a special magic on them. This 24-hour sunlight allows the plants to photosynthesize around the clock, packing the berries with intense flavours, vitamins, and antioxidants. This is why our wild bilberries, cloudberries, and lingonberries taste so uniquely delicious.
A guided berry picking adventure is a peaceful and rewarding way to spend a day. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with an important part of Finnish culture, and taste the forest at its freshest.
Exploring the Waterways
Lapland is a land of countless lakes and rivers. In summer, these waterways become pathways for exploration. Gliding across a mirror-still lake in a canoe or on a stand-up paddleboard at midnight is an unforgettable experience. The world is quiet, the light is magical, and you can see the fells and forests reflected perfectly in the water around you. It’s a perspective on Lapland that remains hidden for most of the year.
Summer Destinations in Lapland
While the spirit of summer is everywhere, different areas offer their own unique charm.
Levi: As one of Lapland's most well-known resorts, Levi is buzzing with life even in summer. The fells are crisscrossed with trails for hiking and world-class mountain biking. You can take the gondola to the top for incredible views or try the summer toboggan run. It’s a great base if you want a mix of wilderness access and village amenities.
Saariselkä: This area is the gateway to the vast Urho Kekkonen National Park. It’s a paradise for hikers who want to experience true, deep wilderness. The landscape is defined by rolling fells and ancient forests, offering treks that can last for an afternoon or for several days.
Inari: Situated on the shores of the magnificent Lake Inari, this is the heartland of Sámi culture in Finland. You can learn about the history and living culture of the indigenous Sámi people at the Siida museum, and the vast lake itself offers fantastic opportunities for boating and fishing.
Lapland's Best-Kept Secret
While winter draws large crowds, summer offers a more intimate and personal experience. It's a time for those seeking genuine tranquility and a connection to nature far from the busy tourist hubs.
The climate is surprisingly pleasant, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 15 to 25°C. This comfortable warmth makes it an ideal destination for everyone, from families with small children to older visitors who want to enjoy the outdoors without extreme weather. As summer deepens into August, the nights begin to darken, bringing with them the first chance to see the Northern Lights. This late summer period is a magical time when you can experience the rich autumn colours ('ruska') by day and hunt for the aurora by night.
Planning Your Summer Visit
Preparing for a summer trip to Lapland is straightforward. The key is to think in layers.
What to Pack: Bring comfortable hiking shoes, a waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers, light layers like fleece and merino wool, a hat, and sunglasses. Even with the Midnight Sun, evenings can be cool, especially near the water.
The Mosquito Question: Yes, there are mosquitoes in summer. They are a natural and vital part of the Arctic ecosystem. However, they shouldn't stop you from visiting. A good repellent and wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing will keep them at bay. They tend to be most active near wetlands and are less of a bother on breezy fells. Honestly, they are a small price to pay for having this vast wilderness almost to yourself.
When to Come: For the full Midnight Sun experience, plan your visit between June and mid-July. For berry picking and the chance to see the first Northern Lights of the season, late August and early September are perfect.
Summer in Lapland isn't about escaping winter; it's about discovering a completely different side of the Arctic—one that is vibrant, alive, and full of light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the Northern Lights in the middle of summer?
You cannot see the Northern Lights during the Midnight Sun period (June-July) because the sky never gets dark enough. The aurora season begins again in late August as the nights grow longer, offering a unique chance to see them reflected in the open lakes before the snow arrives.
Are the mosquitoes really that bad?
Mosquitoes are a natural part of the Lappish summer, but they are manageable. Their numbers vary by month and location. With good insect repellent and light, long-sleeved clothing, you can enjoy the outdoors comfortably. We find they are a small price to pay for the incredible nature.
What activities are available for families with children?
Summer in Lapland is very family-friendly. Activities like gentle nature walks, berry picking, meeting the huskies and horses, and canoeing on calm lakes are great for all ages. The pleasant temperatures and endless daylight make it easy to plan your days without a strict schedule.
Is Lapland an Arctic area?
Yes, a large part of Finnish Lapland lies north of the Arctic Circle, which is the official boundary of the Arctic region. This means you get to experience true Arctic phenomena like the Midnight Sun in summer and the Polar Night in winter.
Where does Finnish Lapland begin?
Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland. While there isn't a single line on the road, it's generally considered to begin around the latitude of the cities of Kemi and Tornio on the coast, and it covers the entire vast area north of there to the Norwegian border.
Is everything open in the summer?
While winter is the peak tourist season, many essential services and nature-focused activity providers like us are fully operational in the summer. In fact, it's a wonderful time to experience local life without the winter crowds. We recommend booking accommodation and guided tours in advance to ensure availability.