Leaving the cities of southern Finland behind, we traveled north to Rovaniemi, crossing into Lapland and officially above the Arctic Circle. This part of the journey marked a clear shift—not just in geography, but in energy.
If Helsinki and Turku offered quiet elegance and history, Lapland offers stillness. Deep, expansive, snow-covered stillness that encourages reflection, presence, and a return to what truly matters.
Staying at Apukka Resort: Immersed in the Arctic
Our home in Lapland was Apukka Resort, located just outside Rovaniemi and surrounded by forests, frozen lakes, and open Arctic skies. Apukka feels intentionally placed—remote enough to feel wild, yet comfortable, thoughtful, and exceptionally well-run.
From the moment we arrived, Apukka Resort was nothing short of amazing. The hospitality felt genuine and personal—something increasingly rare in global travel. Staff members like Kenneth G. at Aitta Restaurant brought warmth and attentiveness to every meal, while front desk team members such as Maria, Otavio, & Nicole made logistics effortless, always ready to help with calm efficiency and kindness.
One of the standout aspects of our stay was the unmatched level of responsiveness. Guests can message staff directly via WhatsApp from their rooms, and the response time was incredible—fast, friendly, and solution-oriented. This is coming from two people who travel the world regularly, and the level of service here truly stood out.
The staff itself reflected the global nature of travel—international, multilingual, and deeply committed to guest experience. We met wonderful people not just among fellow travelers, but within the Apukka team itself.
Traveling with a teen, this environment created space for connection that’s hard to find elsewhere. There was no rush, no noise—just warmth, nature, and time.
Beyond the Excursions: Living the Arctic Experience
In addition to the excursions listed below, Apukka invited us into everyday Arctic life in ways that felt authentic and empowering.
We learned how to build our own fires for warmth in the traditional Finnish kotas located throughout the property—small moments that became meaningful rituals, teaching self-reliance, presence, and respect for the environment.
One evening, we experienced a private sauna carriage brought directly to our room. Sitting just outside our accommodation, it allowed us to enjoy the full Finnish sauna experience while staying close by—especially appreciated as temperatures oscillated between 0°F and -16°F during our stay. The contrast of intense cold and restorative heat wasn’t just tolerable—it was transformative.
These details made Apukka feel less like a resort and more like a thoughtfully designed Arctic home base.
A Journey Guided by the 8 Pillars of Wellness
This leg of our journey was intentionally designed around the 8 pillars of wellness—physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, environmental, intellectual, and purpose-driven wellness.
Rather than pushing through days packed with activity, we moved in rhythm: experience, then restore. This balance became the foundation of our time in Lapland.
Private Sauna Evenings: Rest, Nourishment, and Renewal
After full days in the Arctic, we returned to one of Finland’s most grounding traditions: private sauna sessions.
For several evenings, we ended our days with a private sauna experience—a space to warm our bodies, slow our thoughts, and integrate everything we had experienced. Sauna in Finland isn’t indulgent; it’s essential. It’s where the body releases tension, circulation improves, and the mind finally exhales.
These moments supported nearly every wellness pillar:
- Physical: Muscle recovery, circulation, immune support
- Mental & Emotional: Stress release, calm, clarity
- Spiritual: Stillness, gratitude, presence
- Social: Quiet conversation and shared reflection
Following cold outdoor adventures, the contrast of heat felt nourishing and empowering—reminding us to care for our bodies with intention, not force.
Snowtrain to the Northern Lights Camp
Tuesday, January 27 | 20:30–23:30
Our first Arctic evening experience was a snowtrain ride to the Northern Lights Camp, gliding slowly through the frozen wilderness beneath a vast, star-filled sky.
This experience was almost meditative. Wrapped in layers, moving quietly through the snow, it invited us to release expectations and simply observe.
Wellness pillars supported:
- Spiritual: Awe and wonder
- Mental & Emotional: Stillness and reflection
- Environmental: Respect for untouched nature
The night itself was enough—any appearance of the Northern Lights would simply be a bonus.
Snowmobiling & Ice Fishing
Wednesday, January 28 | 11:00–14:00
The next day brought movement and contrast: snowmobiling across frozen landscapes, followed by ice fishing on a frozen lake.
Snowmobiling energized the body and sharpened focus. Ice fishing slowed everything back down, reminding us that patience and presence are skills worth practicing.
Wellness pillars supported:
- Physical: Strength, coordination, endurance
- Mental: Focus and adaptability
- Emotional: Confidence and resilience
That evening, returning to the sauna felt especially restorative—closing the loop between effort and care.
Winter E-Fatbike Tour Through the Snowy Forest
Thursday, January 29 | 12:00–14:00
Riding electric fat bikes through snow-covered forests offered one of the most grounding experiences of the trip. The forest absorbs sound, creating a quiet that feels protective and expansive at the same time.
This experience supported:
- Physical: Gentle movement
- Mental: Clarity and calm
- Environmental: Full immersion in nature
It’s in moments like these that creativity returns—not because you force it, but because you finally make room for it.
Reindeer Ride Through the Magic Forest
Friday, January 30 | 14:00–16:00
The reindeer ride through the snowy forest was deeply meaningful, especially while traveling with a teen. Moving slowly through the trees, guided by reindeer, reminded us that wonder doesn’t fade with age—it simply deepens.
Wellness pillars supported:
- Social: Shared joy and memory-making
- Emotional: Warmth and nostalgia
- Intellectual & Cultural: Learning about Arctic traditions and heritage
This was followed, once again, by rest—warm food, quiet conversation, and the gentle heat of the sauna.
Why Lapland in January Feels So Empowering
Lapland in January simplifies life. Cold and warmth. Darkness and light. Movement and rest.
This rhythm naturally supports nervous system regulation, creative renewal, and emotional balance. For travelers seeking more than sightseeing, Lapland offers the conditions to reset, reflect, and realign.
For families and homeschoolers, it becomes a living classroom:
- Arctic geography and ecosystems
- Indigenous culture and traditions
- Climate science and resilience
- Emotional intelligence through shared experiences
Final Thoughts: Wellness Through Stillness
Staying at Apukka Resort and experiencing Lapland in winter wasn’t about escape—it was about intentional living.
Between the extraordinary staff, thoughtful design, immersive excursions, and restorative sauna rituals, Apukka created an experience that felt both grounding and expansive. If you ever get the chance to visit Finnish Lapland, Apukka Resort is absolutely the way to go.
Lapland doesn’t demand your attention.
It offers you presence.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
Well Elsewhere 
Leave a comment