Lapland is a region unlike any other in Finland, and in many ways, it feels distinct from the southern parts of Sweden and Norway as well. The people, nature, culture, and architecture are all unique, creating a tapestry that sets Lapland apart. Interestingly, Finnish, Swedish, and Norwegian Laplands resemble each other more than they do the southern parts of their respective countries. Lapland is a land where the pace of life slows down, allowing for a deeper connection with both nature and oneself.
What Makes Lapland Special to Me?
Lapland’s pristine and breathtaking natural beauty, clean waters, and tranquility are unparalleled. The entire region is home to only about 178,000 people, making it the northernmost, largest, and least densely populated area in Finland. My hometown, Rovaniemi, is the largest city in Europe by area, yet it has only about 65,000 residents. This isolation from the rest of Finland and the world makes Lapland incredibly special to me. Isolation and the strong sense of community among its residents contribute to a feeling of safety and belonging that is hard to find elsewhere.
In Lapland, you can experience solitude without feeling lonely. The air feels like medicine for the body, mind, and soul. People here are helpful and grounded. Unlike in some places, you rarely see ostentatious displays of wealth, designer handbags, or luxury cars. Of course, there are exceptions, but generally, no one is put on a pedestal. Lapland has attracted many world-famous stars who visit regularly, likely because of the peace and anonymity it offers. Here, celebrities are rarely hounded by paparazzi, and locals don’t make a fuss if they encounter someone famous. If there’s a place where you can feel truly equal, it’s here.
A Sense of Safety and Equality
Lapland is also incredibly safe. As a small woman, I never worry about walking alone at night. The biggest dangers are freezing or getting lost in the forest, but other people pose no threat. (ofc there is some rare exeptions, like everywhere) Everyone is allowed to be who they are, and Laplanders don’t usually interfere in others’ affairs. Whether you’re LGBT, any skin color, or body size, it doesn’t matter much here. Sure, there are teenagers finding their place in the world who might tease others out of insecurity, and there are older folks who believe things were better in the past. But generally, everyone is treated equally.
Authenticity in Everyday Life
One of the best aspects of Lapland is its lack of pretentiousness. I dislike overly customer-oriented service when traveling, but here, it’s refreshing to see that rude customers aren’t catered to. More than once, I’ve seen unruly customers asked to leave restaurants or tourist attractions because of their childish behavior toward staff.
This doesn’t mean people here are unkind. If you’re in trouble, you’ll almost certainly be helped. Whether you’re stuck with your car, have fallen, or are lost, someone will always assist you.
When you travel to Lapland, keep these things in mind:
The Customer Isn’t Always Right:
If something bothers you, know that rude behavior will likely get you shown the door rather than getting your way. We Finns are polite and generally really nice people, but our tolerance to rudeness is really low. Give your feedback constructively.
Respect Mother Nature:
While there may be a few bad apples among the people, especially during peak tourist seasons, Mother Nature is the only thing you should genuinely think here. It’s surprisingly easy to get lost in the woods even near the city. The cold can sap your strength faster than you might think, slipping on icy roads can land you in the hospital, and wildlife like moose can suddenly appear on the roads at any time.
Respect the Locals:
Many locals here are happy to share their northern tales, give directions, recommend good restaurants, and are generally polite. In Lapland we respect personal space and prefer not to be overwhelmed by constant attention. We respond when we can, and a handshake is sufficient acknowledgment. We don’t typically rush, and in general, hurry is not part of the calm lifestyle in Lapland. This doesn’t mean we are late. Finns, especially here, like to be on time, and it’s considered particularly rude to be late. A minute or two is fine, but if you’re going to be later than that, it’s polite to at least inform us.
More Lapland realted posts here!
Embrace the unique culture and natural beauty of Lapland, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Lapland is a place where you can truly disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with the raw beauty and timeless traditions that make this northern region so uniquely captivating. If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out on Instagram @heiagain or leave a comment below. I’ll respond as soon as possible. Enjoy discovering the magic of Lapland!
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