Ask A Local: Insider Tips & Hidden Gems For Lapland

At Sim Local, our team and our customers are spread out across the world, giving us a unique insider perspective in over an endless number of destinations. We created this 'Ask A Local' series to highlight the hotspots and hidden gems, with details only locals can provide. This week, we have a very special guest spotlight on Lapland. Yep - it's the CEO of Christmas - Santa Clause himself.

Lapland. Known for its endless snowdrifts, dancing Northern Lights, and a certain magical gift giving resident who lives just off the radar. It is a winter wonderland that feels like a storybook come to life. Who better to guide you through the frozen north than its most famous resident? Here is an insider guide to making the most of your time in the Arctic Circle.

"The peace and quiet, ho-ho-honestly! There is nothing quite like the silence of the snowy forest when the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are putting on a show overhead. The air is crisp, the reindeer are friendly, and there is a magic in the air that you just can’t find anywhere else. Plus, the commute to work is just a short walk through the snow to the workshop."

Most people land in Rovaniemi, and for good reason- it’s the "Official Hometown" of yours truly. It’s vibrant and has great amenities. But if you want the real experience, you need to venture further out.

• Levi: If you enjoy skiing, this is the place. It has world-class slopes and a fantastic village vibe.
• Saariselkä: For a more rugged, wilderness feel. This is where you go to really chase the Auroras.
• Korvatunturi: Well, I can’t give you the exact coordinates for this one (elf trade secret), but let's just say the hiking in the Urho Kekkonen National Park nearby is spectacular.

"For a warming lunch, you can’t beat a traditional kota (wooden teepee) restaurant. There is a lovely spot in Rovaniemi called Kotahovi where you can eat sautéed reindeer (don’t worry, not any of my team!) by an open fire.

For dinner, if you want something truly special, try the SnowRestaurant at the Arctic SnowHotel. Everything is made of ice, so dress warmly!

And for hot chocolate? The Café & Bar 21 in Rovaniemi does a salty caramel waffle and hot chocolate combo that even Mrs. Claus admits rivals her own recipe."

"Everyone wants to see the huskies and reindeer, which are wonderful, but I recommend visiting an Amethyst Mine in Luosto. You can actually dig for your own gems on top of a fell (mountain) with a view that stretches for miles. It’s a sustainable mine, and it feels very magical to pull a purple gem out of the frozen earth.

Also, try ice floating. It sounds freezing, but you wear a survival suit that keeps you warm and dry while you float in a hole cut into a frozen lake. It is incredibly relaxing looking up at the sky."

"Well, I prefer a sleigh drawn by flying reindeer, but that’s not available for everyone! For visitors, rental cars are great if you are confident driving on snow, but the local bus network is surprisingly good. For short trips, snowmobiles are the most fun way to get from A to B. Just remember to hold onto your hat!"

"Not at all! The "Midnight Sun" in summer is spectacular. The sun doesn't set for months. It’s perfect for hiking and berry picking. But let’s be honest, everyone comes for the snow."

Morning: Visit a reindeer farm and take a sleigh ride. It’s slower than a husky ride, so you can really take in the sights.

Afternoon: Cross the Arctic Circle line in Santa Claus Village and send a postcard from the Main Post Office - it gets a special postmark!

Evening: Head away from the city lights to hunt for the Aurora Borealis. Even if they don’t show up, a campfire under the stars is a win.

• Best Hot Chocolate: Café & Bar 21 (Rovaniemi)
• Best View: The top of Ounasvaara fell
• Best Activity: Husky Sledding in the wilderness
• Best Dinner: Nili Restaurant for authentic Lapland food
• Best Stay: A glass igloo (sleeping under the stars is unbeaten)

"You might think that magic powers my communication, but when I’m on my annual round-the-world trip, I actually rely on Sim Local. As someone who visits every country in a single night, staying connected is non-negotiable."

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"I am a returning customer for the Sim Local Global eSIM plan from Orange. It keeps me connected at all times, whether I’m checking real-time air traffic control over New York, updating the "Naughty or Nice" list mid-flight over the Pacific, or just streaming Christmas carols to the sleigh’s dashboard. It works across borders, which is crucial when you're moving as fast as I do. Ho-ho-highly recommended!"

- Santa Claus is the CEO of Christmas Inc. and a frequent global traveller.