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A winter wonderland | family friendly hotels and activities in Lapland

Mum Jacqui had a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Lapland with her kids – a truly a magical place for children of all ages (even the grown-up ones!).

The forest around me is covered in a thick blanket of snow, and the pine trees are so buried under the weight that their branches are buckled into curious shapes. Although it’s only mid afternoon, it’s dark already. The soft blue moonlight catches the ice crystals, making the snow sparkle like it’s been dusted with glitter.

Out here in the forest there’s no traffic noise, no beeping of horns, no bright street lights to wash out the night sky; instead there’s a ceiling of stars so bright they take your breath away, and a stillness that makes all your stresses disappear.

Family-friendly accommodation in Lapland

Rocaniemi / Visit Finland

Most parents dream of taking their young children to Lapland, but assume they won’t be able to afford it.

Hotels - Lapland

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Frozen family fun in this unique hotel | Ice Hotel

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It might seem a bit extreme to spend a night in an ice igloo, but the Ice Hotel in the Swedish village of Jukkasjärvi is a quirky ‘must-do’ for families, and offers a surprisingly comfy night’s sleep.

There are cold room and warm rooms on site and it’s recommended you book one night in a frozen ice suite (there’s no minimum age, but it’s recommended for children 6 and up) and one or two in the warm suites, to discover all the hotel has to offer. The cold rooms come equipped with reindeer furs and thermal sleeping bags, and once you’re all wrapped up in thermal jammies, gloves and hats, it’s actually pretty toasty. And what an experience to tell your friends about!

The hotel also includes a majestic lobby, an ornately carved chapel complete with fur topped ice pews. The famous ice bar has a range of non-alcoholic drinks and welcomes all ages, so you can take your kids in for a chilled juice, served in their very own cup carved from ice. Warm yourself up in the morning with a hot drink and a cooked brekkie then fill your days with husky sled rides and traditional Sami fireside storytelling.

Icehotel

Top rated
Jukkasjärvi
8.9 Excellent (1265 reviews)

An adventurous family stay in a glasshouse | Arctic Snow Hotel

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This hotel is just 30 minutes from Rovaniemi airport, and a great way to kick off your arctic adventure. Choose from two unforgettable experiences; opt for a family glass igloo and you can sleep under the stars in your very own heated glass dome.

Spend your days on an electric snowmobile safari (suitable for children four years and older, kids under 140cm travel in a sleigh pulled by the guide), and your evenings relaxing with the family in a private sauna, then scanning the night sky for the Aurora Borealis. Or – if you’re feeling really brave – enjoy an outdoor jacuzzi, then snuggle into a family snow room (sleeps up to six) where the walls are carved from frost and ice. Wake the next morning with a steaming hot cup of berry juice to warm you up and get you going.

Comfort and family-friendly convenience in Lapland | Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi

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Choose from a selection of rooms or cosy log cabins for your stay in Luosto, which is a scenic 90-minute drive from Rovaniemi. What I love about this is there’s a restaurant conveniently on site that offers both traditional Lappish dishes for the adventurous eaters, and a simpler pizza and snack menu to keep little ones happy. Included in the price is access to the Amethyst Spa and swimming pool (treatments are extra). A wide range of Arctic adventures can be booked from Luosto, including reindeer and husky safaris, or jump on a snowmobile (children can be catered for) and take an unforgettable ride through the pristine forest and up to the Lampivaara amethyst mine.

Lapland Hotels Luostotunturi & Amethyst Spa

Top rated
Sodankylä
8.5 Excellent (669 reviews)

Clean, comfortable and budget-friendly family hotel in the heart of Lapland

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Book a family room at this budget-friendly hotel, where you’ll enjoy clean, comfortable accommodation in the heart of Lapland’s wintery wonderland. Just 90 minutes drive from the capital of Rovaniemi, Posi is close to the stunning natural sights of Korouoma Canyon and Riisitunturi National Park and perfect for family skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. There is also a restaurant on-site with a kid-friendly menu – a huge bonus when you’re worn out from a day in the snow and have ravenous kids to feed before bedtime!

Lapin Satu

Top rated
Posio
8.8 Excellent (94 reviews)

Family friendly activities in the Arctic Circle

The Arctic Circle is truly a magical place for children of all ages (even the grown-up ones!). It’s like a scene straight from a Narnia fairytale, and I half-expect Mr Tumnus to come clip-clopping around the corner. And while you won’t find much sunlight in winter, what you will find is a huge range of once-in-a-lifetime child-friendly activities and wonderful places to stay that the entire family can enjoy.

Jacqui was a freelance travel and true-life journalist for more than 20 years before setting up her lifestyle blog, Mummy’s Little Monkey, eight years ago, after her youngest daughter was born. She now focuses on writing about family travel and weekend city breaks for burned-out Mamas.