Discover the hidden treasures of Lapland’s summer season
While the winter wonderland of Lapland captures global attention with its snow-covered landscapes and Northern Lights displays, the region undergoes a remarkable transformation during the summer months. As the blanket of snow recedes, a vibrant tapestry of flora emerges, painting the Arctic wilderness with stunning colours rarely witnessed by international visitors.
The fabled midnight sun bathes the landscape in golden light for weeks on end, creating the perfect conditions for an abundance of wild berries to flourish across the forest floors. These natural treasures – cloudberries, blueberries, lingonberries, and more – represent not just culinary delights but a profound connection to Finnish culture and traditions. Coupled with pristine lakes, meandering rivers, and the extraordinary silence of vast wilderness areas, summer in Lapland offers a rare opportunity to experience nature at its most magnificent. Unlike the crowded tourist destinations of southern Europe, here you’ll find space to breathe, reflect, and immerse yourself in authentic natural experiences that combine comfortable accommodation with genuine wilderness adventure.
Why Lapland’s summer riches remain Finland’s best-kept secret
Despite its incredible natural wealth, summer in Lapland remains relatively undiscovered by international travellers. This paradox exists partly because the region’s winter reputation has overshadowed its equally impressive warm-season offerings. While thousands flock to meet Santa Claus in December, significantly fewer witness the spectacular natural phenomena that unfold under the midnight sun.
This oversight creates a remarkable opportunity for discerning travellers seeking authentic experiences away from overtourism. The Finnish people have long understood the therapeutic value of their summer wilderness, particularly the meditative practice of berry picking – a national pastime that combines gentle exercise, mindfulness, and the satisfaction of harvesting nature’s bounty. Unlike the carefully cultivated berries available in supermarkets, Lapland’s wild varieties burst with intensified flavours and exceptional nutritional properties, having adapted to thrive in the extreme northern conditions. The berries grow in abundance across accessible wilderness areas, yet remain largely untouched by international visitors who haven’t discovered this quintessential Finnish summer activity. This cultural oversight means that visitors who do venture north during the warmer months often find themselves enjoying pristine natural settings with minimal crowds – a true luxury in today’s travel landscape.
The Polar Lights approach: Harmonizing comfort with nature immersion
At the heart of a meaningful Lapland summer experience lies the delicate balance between wilderness immersion and comfortable accommodation. We at Polar Lights Tours have developed our approach through years of facilitating authentic northern experiences, understanding that true luxury in the Arctic context means something quite different from the standard hospitality model. Rather than imposing artificial amenities that disconnect visitors from their surroundings, we create accommodation experiences that enhance and complement the natural environment.
Our wilderness cabins, strategically positioned to maximise connection with the surrounding forest, feature large windows and skylights that invite the midnight sun indoors, blurring the distinction between shelter and nature. These thoughtfully designed spaces serve as comfortable base camps for berry picking adventures and other outdoor activities while maintaining ecological principles through features like eco-toilets and efficient heating systems. This philosophy extends to our activity programming, where we prioritise genuine cultural experiences over artificial attractions. When taking guests berry picking, our guides share traditional ecological knowledge, explaining not just which berries to collect, but also the cultural significance, culinary applications, and sustainable harvesting practices that have been passed down through generations. This harmonious integration of comfort and authenticity allows visitors to experience Lapland as locals do—connecting deeply with nature while enjoying the practical comforts that enhance rather than detract from the wilderness experience.
Berry picking adventures: A Finnish cultural treasure made accessible
Berry picking in Finland transcends simple food gathering—it represents a profound cultural practice enshrined in the unique Nordic concept of “everyman’s right” or “jokaisenoikeus.” This traditional right grants everyone, regardless of land ownership, the freedom to forage wild berries across Finland’s vast wilderness areas. For Finnish people, the annual berry harvest is both practical nourishment and spiritual nourishment—a way to connect with national identity and ancestral practices that stretch back countless generations.
While this cultural treasure comes naturally to locals, international visitors often need guidance to fully appreciate and participate in the experience. Our guided berry picking excursions transform what might otherwise be a casual walk in the woods into a rich cultural immersion. Each berry variety tells its own story: the amber cloudberry (known as “Arctic gold”) growing in remote bogs represents the ultimate prize with its unique honey-like flavour; wild blueberries carpet certain forest floors with their intensely flavoured miniature berries; and tart lingonberries offer their ruby jewels later in the season. Guides demonstrate the proper picking techniques that ensure sustainable harvesting while sharing traditional recipes and preservation methods along the way. For many guests, these berry picking adventures become unexpected highlights of their Lapland journey, combining gentle outdoor activity with cultural learning and the simple pleasure of gathering food directly from nature’s pantry. The experience culminates in the satisfaction of enjoying your harvest—perhaps transformed into traditional Finnish desserts or preserved as jam—creating tangible, delicious memories of your time in the northern wilderness. Learn more about our variety of nature experiences that complement berry picking adventures.
Beyond basic accommodation: The Polar Lights difference in summer
Summer accommodation in Lapland deserves special consideration beyond the standard hotel experience. Unlike winter visits, where indoor comfort often takes precedence after cold outdoor excursions, summer stays benefit from a more permeable relationship between indoor and outdoor living. Our Aurora wilderness cabins, originally designed for Northern Lights viewing in winter, transform during summer months into perfect midnight sun observatories. These intimate dwellings, nestled 1.5 kilometres from our main camp and accessible via guided forest walks, offer an immersive nature experience without sacrificing essential comforts.
Each cabin features large windows and skylights that frame the endless summer daylight, creating natural illumination that synchronises guests with the Arctic’s unique seasonal rhythms. Practical amenities include eco-toilets, USB charging points powered by solar panels, and efficient pellet stoves for the occasional cool evening. The nearby Metsola wooden house serves as a communal dining space where freshly picked berries often feature in breakfast preparations. For those seeking the quintessential Finnish relaxation experience, our traditional wood-heated sauna offers the perfect complement to berry picking excursions—the gentle heat opening pores and easing muscles after a day of foraging in the forest. This thoughtful combination of wilderness proximity and practical comfort creates a distinctive accommodation experience that enhances rather than distracts from the natural environment. Beyond merely providing a place to sleep, our summer accommodations become integral components of the overall Lapland experience, facilitating deeper connections with the midnight sun, the surrounding forest, and Finnish cultural practices.
Creating your perfect summer Lapland itinerary: Expert recommendations
Planning an optimal summer visit to Lapland benefits greatly from local expertise, particularly when timing berry picking opportunities with other seasonal activities. The berry season follows a natural progression, blueberries ripen in July, followed by lingonberries and the prized cloudberries in August. A well-crafted itinerary accounts for these natural rhythms while balancing active experiences with relaxation opportunities.
For first-time visitors, we recommend a minimum four-night stay that includes at least one overnight experience in our wilderness cabins. Begin with a guided orientation to the region’s natural features before embarking on a dedicated berry picking excursion, ideally scheduled for morning hours when temperatures are most comfortable. Complement these nature activities with cultural experiences such as visits to local reindeer farms, which operate year-round and offer fascinating insights into Sámi traditions. Reserve evenings for relaxation, perhaps experiencing a traditional sauna followed by a refreshing dip in a forest lake—the perfect counterpoint to daytime activities. Flexibility remains essential when planning summer activities in Lapland, as nature dictates much of the experience. Our guides continuously monitor berry conditions, adjusting excursion locations to ensure optimal harvesting opportunities. For photography enthusiasts, consider scheduling specific outings during the “golden hours” of the midnight sun, when the perpetual sunset/sunrise light creates extraordinary conditions for landscape photography. Whatever your interests, we can help craft an itinerary that balances structured activities with the unplanned moments of discovery that often become the most treasured memories of a Lapland summer experience.
Answering your questions about summer in Lapland
Prospective visitors to summer Lapland often approach us with similar questions, reflecting common uncertainties about this less-familiar season. Many wonder about insects, particularly mosquitoes, which do indeed appear during the warmer months. While present, their impact can be comfortably managed with appropriate clothing (light, long-sleeved options) and standard repellents. Weather concerns also feature prominently—summer temperatures in Lapland typically range between 15-25°C, with occasional warmer periods, making for comfortable outdoor activities without extreme heat. Rainfall patterns tend toward brief showers rather than prolonged downpours, though waterproof layers remain advisable.
Regarding berry picking specifically, novices needn’t worry about botanical expertise; our guides ensure you can confidently identify safe, edible varieties while explaining their culinary applications. The accessibility of berry picking surprises many guests, as it requires no special equipment beyond a simple container and involves gentle walking rather than strenuous hiking. For those concerned about accommodation comfort, our wilderness cabins strike a thoughtful balance—while deliberately avoiding excessive luxury that would detract from the nature experience, they provide genuine comfort through quality bedding, efficient heating, and essential amenities. Guests also frequently ask about combining summer activities with winter-associated experiences; while Northern Lights viewing isn’t possible during the perpetually light summer months, many winter activities like reindeer encounters, traditional crafts, and sauna culture remain fully available and equally authentic during summer. Finally, concerns about crowds can be confidently addressed—even at peak summer seasons, Lapland remains remarkably uncrowded compared to popular European destinations, with vast wilderness areas ensuring plenty of space for contemplative nature experiences. Feel free to contact our team with any specific questions about planning your summer Lapland adventure.
Book your summer Lapland adventure: Seasonal packages now available
As interest in sustainable, nature-based travel continues to grow, our summer accommodation and berry picking packages offer a thoughtful alternative to conventional holidays. These carefully developed experiences combine comfortable lodging in our Aurora wilderness cabins with guided foraging excursions led by knowledgeable local experts. Each package includes overnight accommodation with breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients, a dedicated berry picking expedition tailored to current conditions, and optional add-ons such as traditional sauna experiences or photography sessions in the magical midnight sun.
For those with limited schedules, day experiences are also available, though we find that overnight wilderness stays significantly enhance the connection with Lapland’s unique summer rhythms. Booking well in advance is recommended for peak season visits (July-August), when berry picking conditions reach their optimum. While maintaining a respectful relationship with natural cycles means we cannot guarantee specific berry varieties will be available during your visit, our extensive local knowledge allows us to adapt experiences to whatever nature offers during your stay. Each package supports sustainable tourism practices and contributes directly to local economies, ensuring that your holiday choice benefits both the environment and the communities that maintain these traditional practices. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking a meaningful alternative to conventional tourism, our summer packages offer authentic engagement with one of Europe’s last great wilderness regions during its most vibrant season.
