Lapland is a dream holiday destination for many, from avid skiers to families who want to enjoy the festivities. This vast, arctic area is located in the north of Finland and borders Sweden, Norway, and Russia. with the capital of Rovaniemi acting as a gateway to the region.
Being inside the Arctic Circle, Lapland's climate is part arctic, part continental. Winters here are cold and snowy while summers are quite mild, although short. April sees spring season arriving in Lapland, as temperatures rise and days get longer and lighter.
The average temperature in Lapland is April is 2°C which is much warmer than the chilly winter months. While lows often drop to -2°C, highs can reach a pleasant 6°C on some days. Visitors are still advised to pack plenty of warm and protective clothing though, with thick layers and waterproof coats, as much of their time will be spent outside enjoying Lapland's amazing natural surroundings.
Lapland is well known for its snow, which covers the whole region in a white blanket for much of the year. In April, the snow is still present but it is starting to clear as temperatures warm up. There's more chance of rain than snow this month, with a 39% chance of a rainy day and a 24% chance of a snowy day.
Days will rapidly get lighter and longer throughout April, as sunshine hours increase leading up to the summer phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. There's a 16% chance of a sunny day and 13-16 hours of sunshine every day in Lapland this month, as the sun rises between 6.30am and 4.30am and sets between 8pm and 10pm. This allows plenty of time for sightseeing and activities such as skiing in Lapland.
Straddling the cold, snowy weather of winter and the long days of summer, April is a great time to visit magical Lapland.
Make the most of the last of April's snow with a stay at the Snow Village. Located in Kittilä, this magical resort is built every year, using around 20 million kilos of snow and 350 000 kilos of natural ice. The Snow Village has an array of accommodation options, including the spectacular Snow Hotel and a range of traditional log cabins. On site, there's also an ice restaurant, an ice cocktail bar, a chapel, and corridors full of snow and ice artwork.
One of the best rated hotels in Lapland is the Arctic Light Hotel located in the heart of Rovaniemi, just steps from the main attractions. The 1950's building was once home to the former City Hall of Rovaniemi but has been converted into a contemporary, family-run hotel with a boutique feel. On site there's a cosy lounge and restaurant while each room has been individually decorated with a luxurious finish. The themed rooms including Santa's Suite and the Polar rooms offer a unique place to stay.
If you're looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Lapland, look no further than the Best Western Apartments Levi Gold. Rooms here are comfortable, well-priced and fully equipped with kitchens, private bathrooms and some with a private balcony and fireplace. Located in the heart of the Levi ski resort, its just 70 metres from the slopes and lifts and close to restaurants, pubs and shopping.
Visitors to Lapland in April will have no problem finding places to eat the region is full of amazing restaurants, cafés and bars all year round.
For an interesting dining experience, try Snowland's Igloo Restaurant in Rovaniemi. Everything here is made of ice and snow, so visitors are advised to dress warmly, but in exchange for being a bit chilly guests can enjoy amazing surroundings. Food here is traditionally Finnish, with dishes such as reindeer and salmon.
Those staying in the village of käslompolo close to the Ylläs ski resort can find delicious food at Ravintola Rouhe. This restaurant has been awarded a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence for its food, which includes contemporary fare such as burgers and pizza alongside more traditional Lappish dishes. Also serving great coffee, it's an ideal place for a quick refreshment after hitting the slopes.
Finally, if you're looking for something a little different to traditional Lapland cuisine, head to Amarillo Restaurant in Rovaniemi. Here, you'll find Mexican, Tex-Mex and barbecue food in a bright and contemporary setting.
As temperatures get warmer in April, visitors can enjoy Lapland's many outdoor attractions in comfort. Take a look at the weather forecast to help plan your trip. To see the Finnish scenery at its best, spend a day or two in Urho Kekkonen National Park. This huge park is located in the municipalities of Savukoski, Sodankylä and Inari and covers 2,550 square kilometres, making it one of Finland's largest protected areas. Visitors can make their way through the vast region by trekking on foot or skis, following one of the marked nature trails that cover the land. April is a great time of the year for this kind of activity.
For a fun day for the whole family, Ranua Wildlife Park is located 80km from Rovaniemi and is the northern most zoo in the world. The park offers visitors the chance to see some of the Arctic's wildlife in a natural setting, home to over 60 northern and Arctic species, including Arctic foxes, polar bears, wolves, wolverines and lynx. Guests can take part in numerous activities here, from participating in animal feeding shows and riding a Finnish horse to finding adventure in the Fairytale Park.
