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Winter in Lapland – A Story in Pictures and Words

Photography has always been a passion of mine, and when I had the opportunity to spend an extended time in Lapland, I naturally brought my camera gear with me. Winter here is long, so I fill my days capturing the beauty of this northern landscape.

I haven’t had the chance to photograph the Northern Lights yet, but the nature of Lapland is exactly as I remember from my childhood—plenty of snow, peaceful tundra, and the occasional birdsong breaking the silence on sunny days. The landscape is breathtaking, with rolling hills and deep valleys. Because of the mountains, the weather changes noticeably with altitude, adding even more variety to the scenery.

I love witnessing nature in its purest form and sharing those moments through my photography. The photos I’m sharing now were taken in November, each frame holding a piece of the quiet, untouched wilderness.

There’s something truly special about being out in nature. Sometimes, I take a hot drink with me and move at the rhythm of the landscape, embracing its stillness. The interplay of light and shadow never fails to captivate me—it’s moments like these that make my eyes sparkle with excitement.

Winter in Lapland – The Northern Lights in Pictures and Words

These photos were taken in Lapland during the Northern Lights show, between 20:30 and 22:45. What I love about the Northern Lights is how they are always different and change so quickly. Sometimes, the sky can be one solid color, while other times, different shapes and weak to strong tones emerge.

There are moments when the sky is completely one color, usually a uniform green or blue. But then, often quite rapidly, the Northern Lights transform into swirling and dancing shapes, with colors ranging from green to shades of red and violet. Sometimes, the lights are strong and vivid, while other times they are soft and faint, like a gentle, quiet dance in the night sky.

These photos capture moments where the landscape and the sky blend into one, showing nature at its most beautiful. The Northern Lights and the winter landscape of Lapland reveal the true, raw beauty of the North—something that is impossible to forget.

Suvi

Summer in Lapland

Lapland’s summer offers a wealth of exciting experiences, and its nature is incredibly diverse and beautiful. What makes it especially charming is being in places where reindeer roam freely, whether on the streets, in the forests, or across the mountains. Birds sing beautifully, rivers flow through the land, and everywhere, the harmonious choir of nature can be heard.

The summer in Lapland is especially fascinating because the sun never fully sets—it’s the period of the midnight sun. Darkness doesn’t come, and you get to enjoy continuous daylight. This creates a magical atmosphere and allows for long, active days.

Saariselkä is one of the most popular destinations in Lapland. This region offers excellent hiking trails and opportunities to discover the beauty of nature. The most famous landmarks in Saariselkä include Urho Kekkonen National Park and Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Both parks are excellent places for hiking, wildlife watching, and observing reindeer and other animals.

In addition to the hiking trails, Saariselkä is home to several nature centers where visitors can learn more about the region. These centers provide insights into Lapland’s ecosystem, indigenous cultures, and history. Through the nature centers, one can gain essential information, get advice for hiking, and participate in various educational programs.

The nature centers in Saariselkä typically offer a variety of exhibits, interactive activities, and guided tours. They also showcase Sami culture and traditions, teaching visitors about this unique area. These centers are great places to start your Lapland adventure and deepen your understanding of the region.

Lapland’s summer is truly a magical time, where you can enjoy the journeys of reindeer, the beauty of nature, and the endless daylight. Saariselkä and its nearby nature centers are wonderful places to immerse yourself in Lapland’s rich nature and experience its uniqueness.