Lapland is situated in the northernmost part of Finland, bordering the countries of Norway, Sweden and Russia. The vast region covers an area of 98,984 km² but is sparsely populated compared to its size. However, Lapland is an extremely popular tourist location and a dream holiday destination for many.
Lapland has a combination of arctic and continental weather conditions, with cold, icy winters and mild summers. The short summer season arrives in Lapland in June. While Lapland is often thought of as a winter destination thanks to its snowy conditions, skiing facilities and festive spirit, it's a great place to visit all year round. Summer in Lapland is much different to winter but just as enjoyable.
As a result of its location, the warm North Atlantic Current brings warms air to Lapland in summer, resulting in relatively high temperatures. The average temperature in Lapland is almost at its peak, at a pleasant 14°C while highs can even reach 18°C on the warmest days. Low temperatures hardly ever fall below the average low of 9°C. With fluctuating temperatures, visitors should pack plenty of layers to accommodate the change on climate.
As the temperatures rise, the snow that covered Lapland melts, revealing a different side to region's stunning scenery. Snowfall in Lapland in June is mostly unheard of, but the month does see some moderate rainfall. There's a 50% chance of a rainy day in Lapland in June.
Summer in Lapland is relatively sunny, with a 23% chance of a sunny day. June is also the time of the famous Midnight Sun phenomenon in Lapland, with 21-24 hours of sunlight each day. During this time of year, the sun never fully sets, which results in all day brightness. This truly unique element of nature is just one of the fabulous reasons to visit Lapland in the summer time.
Looking for accommodation in Lapland in June? Harriniva Holiday Centre in Muonio is a great place to stay all year round. At this family-friendly resort, guests can stay in hotel rooms, apartments or authentic wood cabins which are all well-equipped and traditional in style.
Those wishing to stay at the heart of the action in Rovanemi will enjoy comfortable accommodation at Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna. Situated in the city centre, this four star hotel is located next to Helsinki Central Station and is just a short walk from the Esplanadi shopping area. Rooms here are stylish and contemporary, benefiting from air conditioning, flat screen TVs and Wi-Fi access while there's also a sauna and a restaurant on site for visitors to use.
Also located in Rovaniemi, the Scandic Rovaniemi hotel is easily accessible, with an airport bus stop located across the street and free parking for guests. Holidaymakers can relax here, with modern rooms and a traditional Finnish sauna. The on-site Atrium Restaurant serves international dishes while the bar is a great place for cocktails.
Whether you're looking for traditional or contemporary fare, you may be surprised at the amount of great restaurants, cafés and bars that can be found in Lapland. One such place is Café and Bar Zoomit in Rovaniemi. This friendly eatery serves everything from American-inspired meals for dinner to hot drinks and bakery items for a quick refreshment. The place has a relaxed and contemporary feel with games and sports showing on TV.
For a taste of Italy in Lapland, look no further than Rosso Rovaniemi. This upscale eatery has a menu full of delicious Italian dishes, from fresh pasta to homemade pizzas. A great family-friendly and not overly expensive choice for a meal in Rovaniemi.
Lastly, enjoy a cosy drink after a day of exploring all that Lapland has to offer at Hemingways Bar. While this place doesn't serve food, it does have a great range of drinks, from beers to wine and spirits. Outdoor seating makes this a great choice for those long and bright summer evenings.
The Midnight Sun that illuminates Lapland throughout the month of June allows plenty of time for outdoor adventures, take a look at the weather forecast to help make decisions about what to do when you visit.
Visitors who want to admire the beauty of the summer landscape should plan a trip to one of Lapland's seven national parks. The largest is the Lemmenjoki National Park, a protected area that's open to all. Founded in 1956, this area has a rough terrain that's popular with hikers and is also known as an historic gold digging site. For those who want to get out and about and experience the true essence of Lapland, there are many marked trails and hiking paths to follow.
One of the most popular summertime activities in Lapland is taking a boat trip on the river Lemmenjoki that runs through the park. Daily river cruises offer visitors a leisurely way to see the surroundings of lush pine forests, fells and beautiful landscapes. Visitors can get off at Ravadasköngäs waterfall, one of the most spectacular sights in the park.
The Lampivaara Amethyst Mine at Lampivarra Hill is a fun way to spend a day in Luosto. Visitors can learn about the ancient mining techniques used and comb the ground where the semi-precious stones are found to dig up their own unique souvenir.
