7 ideas for summer activities in Lapland
While it's true that Lapland is mainly a winter destination, its summer is just as magical! Replace the polar night with the midnight sun, the extreme cold with mild temperatures and the winter silence with birdsong! You're in the perfect setting to enjoy a summer outdoor activity in Lapland!
After researching the seasons in Lapland, have you decided to visit the region in summer? Excellent choice! As well as discovering Lapland's unspoilt nature at its most vibrant, you too can feel more alive than ever by experiencing the midnight sun! The unique atmosphere of Lapland in summer will enchant you and provide you with an incredible playground for your outdoor activities. Discover Lapland between June and August and enjoy a summer experience in the north of Norway, Sweden or Finland!
There are many ways to enjoy the exceptional nature of Lapland in summer. Go wild camping for even more time in the great outdoors, hike or mountain bike along the trails and explore the lakes by canoe or kayak!
1. Bivouacs or wilderness camping
Summer is the ideal season for bivouacking in Lapland. Although winter bivouacs may appeal to some, it's always more pleasant and comfortable to bivouac when temperatures are milder. What's more, Lapland has a vast territory with natural expanses as far as the eye can see, making it easy to go wild camping while enjoying the peace and quiet of the region. When the time comes to pitch your tent, you'll be spoilt for choice!
Lapland is an ideal region for bivouac enthusiasts, as it is governed by a rule that applies in Norway, Finland and Sweden:Allemansrätten (everyone's right). This Nordic custom considers that nature belongs to everyone and that, consequently, everyone has the right to enjoy it (gathering, camping, free access to nature). Of course, there are a few conditions. Firstly, of course, you must respect nature and leave no trace behind. Secondly, you must not camp too close to dwellings (at least 150 metres away) or on agricultural land. Even though customs are fairly similar in the 3 Nordic countries, you should check the precise rules in each country before taking the plunge.
Tips: even if the temperatures are more pleasant in summer, the nights are still very cool. Be prepared for temperatures as low as 5°C and wear a night mask if the sunlight makes it difficult to sleep. Finally, mosquitoes are generally very present, especially if you're camping near a lake. Don't forget to bring mosquito repellent!
2. Boat trip under the midnight sun from Skjervøy
In summer, exploring Lapland from the water is a great way to see the region from a different angle. With its strong maritime culture, northern Norway offers many boat trips in the fjords. Head to Skjervøy, a small island and municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, and enjoy a boat trip under the midnight sun!
Join this midnight sun boat trip from Skjervøy and discover the surrounding area by boat with professionals. For 2 to 3 hours, you can enjoy the golden light of the midnight sun despite the late hour. This activity is perfect for families with children over the age of 6, as it allows you to explore Northern Norway in an accessible way. Thanks to the midnight sun, you'll have a unique chance to take great photos and spot wildlife. You have to experience it to believe it!
3. Canoeing on the river Pyhäjoki in Pyha
If you're visiting Finnish Lapland, you may already know that Finland is nicknamed the country of 1,000 lakes! For this reason, it's a real paradise for canoeing enthusiasts in summer. As well as lakes, there are also many rivers. As you can see, canoeing in Finnish Lapland is not to be missed.
We suggest you join this canoeing activity on the Pyhäjoki River in Pyha. Head for the resort of Pyha, on the outskirts of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park in Finnish Lapland. Easily accessible from Rovaniemi after a 1 hour 45 minute drive, it's the perfect place to discover canoeing in Finnish Lapland. This activity will give you a chance to unwind in the heart of Finnish nature with a professional guide who knows the region like the back of his hand and will be able to advise you on paddling techniques. The trip is suitable for beginners, so don't hesitate to book it even if you've never tried canoeing before!
4. Arctic Floating under the midnight sun in Tromsø
Do you like to be surprised by new activities? Then this Arctic Floating experience is for you! Float on the water and experience a unique and original moment in Lapland! Of course, the presence of the midnight sun also adds a touch of originality to the activity. Gather your friends and family and share a convivial moment together in Tromsø, in the north of Norway.
ThisArctic Floating activityin Tromsø is perfect for immersing yourself in the tranquillity of Norwegian Lapland under the midnight sun while trying something completely different. It's also an opportunity to enjoy a unique view of the landscape and take the time to really contemplate your surroundings. Peaceful and original, this activity has it all!
5. Hiking under the midnight sun from Tromsø
Another activity under the midnight sun! Yes, this is the most typical summer experience in Lapland. Afterwards, you can take part in any outdoor sport you like and enjoy an unforgettable evening. Probably the easiest way to enjoy the midnight sun is hiking! Get your boots on and get ready to hike through breathtaking landscapes in the magical golden light.
Our summer hike under the midnight sun from Tromsø is a must. Accessible to anyone aged 6 and over with a minimum level of physical fitness, the hike is accompanied by an experienced guide. During the hike, you can enjoy a snack at the top of the mountain while taking in the view. Your enthusiastic guide will take care of all the organisation and tell you lots of anecdotes about the Tromsø region. If you prefer, the activity is also available during the day: summer hiking from Tromsø.
6. Horse riding in Alta
Explore the vast wilderness of Lapland on horseback near Alta in Norway for a great summer's day out! Horse riding is the perfect activity for animal and nature lovers, as it combines these two elements perfectly. Let your mount carry you along at a walk, trot or gallop and enjoy a pleasant immersion in the grandiose landscapes surrounding the small town of Alta in northern Norway.
This horse ride in Alta will give you a real Norwegian cowboy experience. This is a unique opportunity to get to know the magnificent Norwegian Fjord horse, a robust breed of horse that has existed in the Arctic for centuries. With your guide and your group, you will discover the plains, forests and rivers of Lapland on horseback. An experience not to be missed for a complete change of scenery in the heart of the tundra!
7. Mountain biking in Lapland's National Parks
In Finland, Sweden and Norway, there's no shortage of space for mountain biking in Lapland's national parks! In Sweden, Abisko National Park and Vindelfjällen National Park are popular destinations for mountain biking. In Vindelfjällen, the routes around Hemavan are particularly popular, and there are many signposted trails to help you discover the region. In the end, whichever national park you decide to explore, you'll be immersed in the wild and remote atmosphere of Lapland.
In northern Norway, don't hesitate to head to Reisa National Park for some mountain biking! This spectacular natural site offers several options for mountain biking in the Reisadalen valley, with trails running alongside the Reisaelva river and offering a great combination of forest trails and mountain views. As the trails are not too technical, this destination is ideal for beginners.
Finally, for mountain biking in Finnish Lapland, we invite you to explore the trails of the Urho Kaleva Kekkonen National Park. Although this park isn't the most famous for mountain biking in Finland, it's still a great option for those who want to get off the beaten track and experience a moment of disconnection in the Saariselkä region.
As you will have realised, although Lapland is best known for its magical winter, its summer is probably just as magical! Lapland is a region known for its extremes in terms of weather, and to experience only winter is to discover only one of these extremes. Don't miss the chance to visit Lapland in summer and discover another facet of this fascinating region! Enjoy your outdoor activities under the midnight sun and experience unique moments that you'll remember for the rest of your life!
To plan your trip, take a look at our other articles on Lapland: what is Lapland and how to visit Lapland.