Traveling with kids in Finnish Lapland in winter

Hi everyone,

We’re planning a week-long trip to Finnish Lapland in February 2026 with two kids aged 7 and 4.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time browsing websites and this forum, but I still have a few questions left.

We’ll be landing in Rovaniemi but won’t be staying there, so we’re planning to rent a car. Do you have any recommendations for rental companies? Is a Golf-sized car sufficient, or should we opt for something better suited to the conditions?

I found some nice accommodations near Akaslompolo. Is the area nice? Are there restaurants, shops, etc.? If it were just me, I’d go for total isolation, but I’m not alone 😎 If not, do you have any alternatives within a 2-hour radius of Rovaniemi? I’d also spotted Luosto.

We’re planning the classic activities: - Visiting a reindeer farm (but no sled ride); - A dog-sledding excursion; - Ice fishing; - A few evenings hunting for auroras using our car and a dedicated app; - A day in Rovaniemi for Santa Claus Village, the Arctic Museum, and the small Ranua Zoo; - An ice hockey game; - And maybe a day of skiing.

Do you have any recommendations for activity providers?

What kind of clothing layers do you recommend for the kids at this time of year?

Is the amethyst mine in Luosto worth it? I think the prices are over the top and can’t figure out why… Maybe there’s a good reason?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Best regards.

Hi there,

I had the same questions when we traveled to Lapland with our kids. To answer you quickly—since all the details are on my blog—here’s the rundown: Renting a car doesn’t matter much because all cars are well-equipped, but you shouldn’t be afraid of driving on snow... Locals drive fast, and tourists drive *very* slowly, which can cause a few accidents.

For activities, you *must* book in advance because at this time of year, daylight hours are very short, and those slots fill up fast.

Dog sledding is amazing, but the northern lights are totally hit-or-miss. That’s why it’s best to pair this activity with something else, like a snowmobile ride, a barbecue, or another dog sledding session. That way, if you don’t see the northern lights, you’re less disappointed.

Otherwise, you can check out my blog for more info:

Clothing to pack with the 3-layer rule. All about the northern lights Budget to plan for Places to see around Rovaniemi Where to stay?

And if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate! ;)

Hi,

Thanks so much for your reply and for the link to your blog. That already makes things much clearer.