Lapland is a vast and rugged region that covers the northernmost part of Finland. Often thought of as the home of Santa, it has lots to offer tourists, from beautiful scenery to unique culture and amazing natural weather phenomenon.
Thanks to an arctic and continental climate, Lapland is characterised by diverse weather patterns that change each season winters are long, cold and snowy while summer are short but mild and warm.
Winter starts to arrive in Lapland in October, marking the beginning of the cold, snowy season. Temperatures start to rapidly drop this month. From an average temperature of 10°C in September, October sees average of just 4°C while lows can fall to just 1°C. The highest temperature that is likely to be seen in October is 6°C. As a result, holiday makers are advised to pack plenty of warm clothing such as layers and coats.
Travelers should also think about snow when packing, as the chance of snow increases by a large amount from September to October. From virtually no snow the month before, October sees an 18% chance of a snowy day. While the permanent snow hasn't quite set in, there is a chance that you'll see some snow during your visit. There's still a good chance of rain too, at 53%, and a high probability of cloud cover, at 64%.
Days get much shorter in October as sunlight hours decrease. There's only an 8% chance of a sunny day this month and daylight hours are reduced to just 5-8 hours per day. The rest of the time, Lapland experiences darkness. In general, the sun rises between 9am and 7.30am and sets between 3.45pm and 5.30pm. With darker days, visitors are more likely to be able to see the famous Aurora Borealis again. The optimal time for this is between October and March.
Great accommodation is easy to find in Lapland in October, whether you're looking for a budget hotel or a top of the range holiday apartment.
For a luxurious stay, Hotel Hullu Poro is a safe choice. This hotel is conveniently located in the resort of Levi, one of the most popular tourist areas and is close to the resort centre where guests can find shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. Rooms are decorated in a contemporary yet rustic style and many feature a private sauna for a true Finnish experience. One of the biggest attractions of this hotel though, is that it features no less than 13 different restaurants, serving everything from local cuisine to international dishes.
Those looking to stay in the Kolari region will find comfortable mid-range accommodation that's suitable for most budgets at Lapland Hotel Yllaskaltio located in the village of käslompolo. The three star hotel is perfect for the whole family, with an in-house restaurant, a bar, a spa and a children's play room. Family and twin rooms are available.
Hotel Aurora provides a relaxing place to stay in the heart of Luosto village and is an excellent choice if you want to see the northern lights. All rooms are north facing so guests can catch sight of the lights in comfort and there's even an Aurora Borealis alarm system. Some rooms feature a fireplace where travellers can stay warm and snug on cold October nights.
Every visitor to Lapland should try some traditional Finnish cuisine at least once during their trip. There are many restaurants that serve authentic food such as Restaurant Aanaar at the Tradition Hotel Kultahovi. The colourful and contemporary restaurant has an innovative menu inspired by classic dishes such as grilled trout and overcooked pork while diners can also try local drinks such as lingonberry and cloudberry juice.
Reindeer Cafe Restaurant Sirmakko offers a unique dining experience in the Arctic Circle. The family-run café specialises in fresh reindeer meat that's farmed nearby. The menu also features dishes such as burgers and fries, but for a true taste of Lapland, try the sautéed reindeer with mashed potatoes.
Lastly, if the weather gets a little chilly, warm up with a hot drink at Kahvila Konditoria Antinkaapo. This friendly café and bakery is located in Rovaniemi and has some of the best desserts, cakes and pastries in the city as well as great coffee.
The weather in October can be unpredictable, seeing rain and cold temperatures at times, so take a look at the weather forecast to help plan your trip. If you're looking for a fun indoor activity to keep the family entertained, head to the Arktikum Science Museum which is located in the city of Rovaniemi. This popular tourist attraction is a great place to learn more about the Arctic with exhibitions on the history and culture of Lapland. Open all year round, the museum also features a café, a gift shop and a library.
Holiday makers can also discover some of Lapland's wildlife at Ranua Wildlife Park. The park provides an authentic environment for over 50 species of animal including bears, deer, moose and wolves. There's enough here to fill a whole day, with activates such as animal feeding shows, pony rides and a micro car track.
For a once in a lifetime experience, ride north across the Arctic wilderness on horseback. Companies such as Ride North offer everything from short 2-3 hour pony rides to long, 4 day riding treks. Exploring the land by horseback is a peaceful and memorable way to admire the scenery and be at one with nature. Ride North is located 8km north from Inari by the Lake Muddus.
