Lapland: A Winter Wonderland of Wellthe, Culture and Adventure
- Samantha
- Feb 1, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 30, 2025
Wellthe is the new mindset. A shift from traditional luxury to something more meaningful: travel and experiences built around feeling good. It's about nourishing your mind, body, and soul. The new wealth is wellbeing because the most luxurious thing you can feel is well.
And there’s nowhere that captures this feeling quite like Lapland…
I’ve been lucky enough to visit this magical destination three times in winter, and each trip has been full of unforgettable moments. From the adrenaline rush of snowmobiling to peaceful encounters with the auroras, Lapland has a way of making you feel both alive and deeply at peace.
Spanning the far north of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia, its an enchanting escape where snowy forests, Northern Lights, and deep-rooted local traditions come together.
As someone who loves sharing unique places and the stories behind them, I’m excited to show you the magic of Lapland through my lens.
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Note: For a visual journey through my Lapland adventures, feel free to explore my TikTok and Instagram channels under the handle @SammyLouLuxe
Embracing the Arctic: My Lapland Adventures
Snowmobiling Through Pristine Wilderness
Snowmobiling across Lapland’s endless white wilderness is a thrill like no other. With the guidance of locals who know every curve of the landscape, I rode across frozen lakes and through snow-dusted forests, the Arctic air sharp and invigorating.
This activity is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Let’s just say, if you’re expecting a calm cruise, think again, these things fly, and the bumps will wake you right up! Although I had a go, I let Laz do most of the driving during this activity, after all I do often enjoy being a passenger princess given the choice ;)
Did you know? Snowmobiling in Lapland isn’t just a tourist activity, it’s actually a vital part of life for the Sámi people (the Indigenous population of Lapland). Traditionally known for reindeer herding, the Sámi have adapted snowmobiles into their modern lifestyle to cover vast distances and care for their herds in the sub-zero conditions. Long before GPS, Sámi herders could read the landscape like a map, navigating by trees, wind patterns, and snow drifts. Today, snowmobiles are often used alongside age-old knowledge passed down through generations. As you ride through the silence, broken only by the hum of the engine and crunch of snow, you begin to appreciate how deeply rooted this connection between people, land, and tradition truly is.
Husky Sledding
Dashing through the snow behind a pack of overexcited huskies is every bit as wild and wonderful as it sounds. These dogs are absolute pros: strong, clever, and somehow always knowing where to go, even if you don’t.
Husky sledding has long been a lifeline in Arctic communities, and when you're out there on the sled, it’s easy to see why.
Once the initial chaos of take-off settles (this is an experience in itself and I was quite taken aback with the loud sounds of the excited dogs jumping around barking while the locals got the mushing sleds ready), the only sounds are then of the soft crunch of snow and the rhythm of paws hitting the trail.
It’s equal parts adrenaline and zen, with the occasional jolt to remind you who’s really in charge (spoiler: it’s not you).
Fun Fact: Huskies can run up to 50 km (over 30 miles) in a single day across the Arctic snow and they absolutely love it. In fact, as I have mentioned, when it’s time to go, they’ll bark, jump, and howl with excitement until they’re allowed to run. The lead dog (usually the smartest and most focused of the team) plays a crucial role in guiding the mushing sled, responding to voice commands like “gee” (right) and “haw” (left) and yes, they actually listen better than most sat-navs.
Thermal Cycling
Thermal cycling is a true Scandinavian ritual that I’ll never forget. The experience starts in a steamy sauna, where you slowly melt into the heat… and just when you reach peak relaxation, you’re suddenly sprinting (usually barefoot) across the snow to plunge into an ice-cold Arctic lake. It’s intense, slightly unhinged, and surprisingly addictive. This centuries-old tradition isn’t just about testing your limits, it’s believed to boost circulation, immunity, and clarity. This is Wellth in its rawest, wildest form. And let’s be honest, there’s something kind of magical about the adrenalin of trying hard to sink your body into a frozen lake and then feeling like a brand-new human five minutes later.
Thermal cycling, also known as contrast therapy, has gone global. Once a niche Nordic tradition, it’s now a staple at luxury spas, wellness retreats, and even trendy gyms from Florida to London. Driven by growing interest in recovery, mental clarity, and immune support, the hot-cold ritual has been embraced by biohackers, athletes, and wellness seekers alike. Think infrared saunas followed by cryotherapy chambers, or outdoor cold plunges with mountain views. But let’s be honest: nothing compares to being barefoot in the Lapland snow, running from a wooden sauna to an icy Arctic lake.
Fun Fact: Finland has an estimated 3 million saunas (hat’s more than one sauna for every two people!). Thermal cycling (alternating between hot sauna and cold plunge) has been a key part of Finnish culture for thousands of years. It’s not just for wellness either, traditionally, saunas were considered sacred spaces, even used for giving birth or important decision-making.
Chasing the Northern Lights
Catching the Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) in Lapland feels like nature’s most exclusive VIP experience. No tickets, no guarantees, just you, the cold, and a whole lot of sky-watching hope. That's what makes it such a unique and truly unforgettable experience when you are lucky enough for them to appear and dance away in the night sky. An eruption of green, pink, and violet streaks, swirling and flickering like it's putting on a light show just for you. One minute you're freezing, questioning your life choices in ten layers of thermals, and the next you’re staring up in awe, completely speechless (and probably forgetting how cold your toes are).
This celestial phenomenon, has been deeply woven into Sámi folklore for generations. Some Sámi stories describe the lights as ancestral spirits dancing across the sky; others believe they’re a bridge between the earthly world and the divine. Either way, witnessing them in silence, surrounded by snowy forest, feels sacred.
One of the most magical ways I’ve chased the aurora was on the Northern Lights Snow-train at Apukka Resort. A cosy, heated carriage pulled through snow-blanketed forests, after dusk, by a powerful snowcat, taking you far away from any light pollution. As the landscape glides by like a winter dream, the train takes you to a remote Northern Lights camp with an open fire and uninterrupted skies overhead. You’re wrapped in blankets, sipping the traditional and very local warm berry juice, while toasting sausages and marshmallows over an open log fire. If you're lucky enough, the sky lights up with the dancing Aurora Borealis that keeps you mesmerised for the rest of the evening and leaves you wondering was it all just a dream?
Did you know?: The best time to see the northern lights in Lapland is between September and March. However, from personal experience, your chances are highest during the months of February and March. It's good to also take note that the further away you are from city lights, the better the show. Check below for my accommodation recommendations too! The perfect spots to stay for viewing the aurora borealis...
Cultural Immersion: Beyond the Adventures: The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Tucked away in the snowy forests of the Arctic Circle, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is what happens when luxury meets nature and they decide to make magic together. With sleek Scandinavian design, warm wooden interiors, and those iconic floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s the kind of place where you can sip your coffee in a fluffy robe while watching snow fall in complete silence or, if you’re lucky, catch the northern lights from bed without even needing to put socks on.
This resort isn’t just about the views, though. It’s the kind of place where everything feels thoughtfully elevated.
From the moment you arrive, there’s a quiet sense of ease, like the team somehow knows what you need before you even say it. Expect warm smiles, Mercedes chauffeur drop offs from room to restaurant, and yes… champagne and caviar for breakfast (because wellbeing can taste indulgent too). It’s the kind of service that doesn’t shout, it simply anticipates.
Every detail here feels designed to help you slow down, switch off, and settle into a softer pace. This is Wellth at its most refined: nourishing, atmospheric, and just the right amount of over-the-top.
But what makes this place truly special isn’t just the aesthetics and service, but the way it reflects Lapland’s deep connection to nature and sustainability.
Fun Fact: The Arctic TreeHouse Hotel was built with minimal environmental impact and inspired by local Lappish traditions. The hotel was inspired by the forest hideaways children build: elevated, cocooned, and filled with wonder. Even the design of the suites nods to Arctic wildlife, resembling cosy wooden nests perched above the trees. But this version comes with mood lighting, underfloor heating, and an optional glass of champagne.
Cultural Immersion: Beyond the Adventures: Apukka Resort
At Apukka Resort, cultural immersion is woven into every part of the experience and not in a forced, touristy way. From the moment you arrive, you're surrounded by stories: from the traditional Lappish timber buildings and flickering fire pits to the Sámi-inspired dishes served in their atmospheric restaurant. The resort is set between two frozen lakes and is the kind of spot where you go to enjoy the exciting winter activities, but leave with a deeper connection to Lapland’s past and people. Click the images below for a taster of this magical Igloo resort on Instagram.
Exploring Sami Heritage
You can’t truly understand Lapland without getting to know the Sámi people, the Indigenous community who’ve called this Arctic region home for thousands of years. Their culture is rich, vibrant, and beautifully rooted in the rhythms of nature. From the melodic echoes of joik to the ancient practice of reindeer herding, every aspect of Sámi life tells a story. Reindeer herding is a way of life, deeply tied to Sámi identity, land rights, and seasonal movement. Watching the connection between herder and herd is both humbling and magical. And while you’re soaking all the magic of Lapland in, chances are you’ll be offered a cup of steaming red berry juice, a warm drink made from lingonberries that shows up everywhere in Lapland, from wilderness huts to luxury resorts. It's the local version of a wellness shot: antioxidant-rich, immune-boosting, and deeply comforting after a snowy trek. If Wellth had a flavour in the Arctic, this would be it.
Fun Fact: Joik is one of Europe’s oldest surviving musical traditions. Each song is a personal tribute. You might hear a joik for a landscape, a grandparent, or even a particularly stubborn reindeer.
Spending time learning about the Sámi way of life adds such a deeper layer to any trip to Lapland. It’s not just about ticking off northern lights and husky sledding wander list experiences, it’s about connecting with the stories that have been here long before we arrived. I always share more of these moments in my Stories on social media too, the local crafts, the food, the unexpected laughs, before they ever make it to the grid. So if you want the real insight before anyone else, that’s where to find it.
Lapland: A Destination for the Discerning Traveler
Lapland’s magic goes far beyond its landscapes, it’s in the people, the stories, and the traditions that have shaped life in the Arctic for centuries. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights, braving an icy plunge, or simply soaking in the silence of a snow-covered forest, this region offers something truly special for travellers who crave depth, wonder, and a touch of wild luxury.
Book The Exact Experiences Featured In This Post
Curated. Captured. Unforgettable. These are the exact experiences I’ve personally indulged in and loved during our trips to Lapland:
If this has sparked your wanderlust, make sure you’re following me over on Instagram and TikTok [@sammylouluxe] as that’s where I share behind-the-scenes stories, travel tips, and magical moments from my trips as they happen. Think of my Stories as your front-row pass to the adventure, long before it hits the grid or gets turned into a guide.
This post contains affiliate links and also features brands that hosted me as part of multiple press trips.
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