A little Lapland magic at Apukka Resort
Before we begin sharing stories from our wider community, here’s an example from our own family. During our Lapland adventures, we stayed at Apukka Resort near Rovaniemi, where the snowy scenery was extraordinary — but our favourite memory was meeting Santa in the forest.
Six photographs from the Apukka section of our original Lapland Travel Guide.
So much more than a place to sleep in Lapland.
Of all the places we have been lucky enough to visit as a family, Lapland has a way of staying with you. It is the little moments as much as the big ones: wrapping up in layers before heading into the snow, looking out over a frozen lake, listening to the excitement in the children’s voices, and coming back indoors to warm up after an unforgettable adventure.
During our stay at Apukka Resort, just outside Rovaniemi, we found a brilliant combination of comfort, wilderness and incredible family activities. Our original Lapland guide covers our accommodation and many of the experiences we tried. Here we are sharing the more personal details, along with the practical information we would want to know before booking.
Explore our family guide
Where the city ends and the Lappish wilderness begins.
Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland, is famous as the official hometown of Santa Claus, but the appeal goes far beyond Christmas. There are snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, reindeer and huskies, and — on the right nights — the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights. It's a destination where simply stepping outside can feel like part of the adventure.
Apukka has a particularly lovely setting beside the lakes, away from the bustle of Rovaniemi town centre. You are close enough to visit Santa Claus Village and explore the city, yet far enough out to enjoy the silence and atmosphere of Arctic nature. That's what made the resort appealing to us as a family: we could mix busy, magical days with slower moments looking out across the snow.
Our Lakeview Suite
We stayed in one of Apukka's Lakeview Suites, which was a highlight in its own right. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed views towards the frozen lake and northern sky. Having that scenery right outside made the accommodation feel part of the Lapland experience rather than simply somewhere to return at the end of the day.
Our original guide describes our suite as sleeping up to six people, which made it a good option for a larger family. Apukka has several accommodation styles, so we would recommend checking the precise room category, layout, sleeping arrangements and current photographs when booking rather than assuming every suite is identical.
Nearest airport, taxis and getting around.
Which airport should you fly into?
The nearest airport is Rovaniemi Airport (RVN), around 10 km from Apukka Resort. Depending on weather, road conditions and your transfer, allow roughly 10–20 minutes for the journey. Seasonal direct flights to Rovaniemi operate from some UK and Irish departure points, while flights via Helsinki are another option. Always compare your dates and flight connections before booking accommodation.
Taxi, private transfer or shuttle?
With children, winter coats, suitcases and all the extra clothing Lapland requires, a pre-booked taxi or private transfer can make arrival much easier. Our earlier Lapland guide mentioned a family taxi fare of approximately €50 to Apukka; this was an indication from when we wrote that guide, not a current fixed price. We would ask for a fresh quote and confirm luggage space and child seats where required.
Apukka also operates its own seasonal shuttle between the resort, Santa Claus Village and Rovaniemi city centre. That can be a very useful way to get out for a few hours without hiring a car. Routes, prices and times change with the season, so check the timetable and book ahead if necessary. For families planning several trips into the city, compare the shuttle cost with taxis before deciding whether a rental car makes sense.
Our favourite things to do at Apukka.
We could write an entire guide just about the activities. The variety is what makes this part of Lapland wonderful for families: you can spend one afternoon in a fairytale-like Christmas forest, head into the wilderness after dark, and still make space for simple fun in the snow.
Reindeer Ride to Santa through the Magic Forest
If we had to choose one experience that truly captured the magic of our Lapland holiday, this would be it. It wasn't simply a queue to meet Santa and take a photograph. It felt like a proper little adventure with a beginning, a middle and a wonderful ending.
We began with a reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forest, travelling towards Santa's hidden village. There is something special about seeing the trees all around you and knowing that a Christmas experience is waiting somewhere deep in the woods.
When we arrived, the elves welcomed us into a cosy cottage, where we got to bake gingerbread cookies. Then it was time to meet Santa himself in his own little cabin. This was the part that meant the most to us: he wasn't rushing the children. It felt personal and relaxed, giving the whole family time to enjoy a moment that can otherwise pass too quickly.
“Santa truly took his time with the children, making the whole experience feel personal and magical.”
After meeting Santa, the elves helped us make Christmas tree ornaments and write postcards to send home from Lapland. We even had a snowball fight with the elves before travelling back by reindeer sleigh. Little details like those are why we remember this experience so vividly.
We would recommend considering this over a quick Santa photo stop if a truly immersive Christmas memory is what you're looking for. Apukka currently offers it as a bookable experience, with seasonal dates, age-based pricing and limited availability.
Hunting the Aurora on the Apukka Snowtrain
Another favourite was heading out on the Aurora Snowtrain — an adventure that makes the journey into the Arctic night part of the experience. The train travels through snowy forest away from the brighter lights, towards a camp set in the wilderness.
There's a lovely sense of anticipation when you venture out after dark in Lapland. The cold air, the quiet forest and the thought that the Northern Lights might appear overhead make the evening feel entirely different from a typical holiday excursion.
Apukka's current Snowtrain to Northern Lights Camp experience includes a journey of roughly 20 minutes each way in a slightly heated carriage and time at the wilderness camp, where guides, campfires and warm drinks help make the night memorable. It is typically a longer excursion than families might expect, so we recommend warm layers for everyone, particularly younger children.
The Aurora is a natural phenomenon and is never guaranteed. That's why we loved the idea of this experience as an adventure in its own right, with the possibility of seeing the sky light up as a spectacular bonus. Try to keep expectations realistic and enjoy the nighttime journey whatever the weather brings.
Hot sauna, icy lake: a proper Finnish experience
One of Sally's standout memories was the lakeside sauna and icy-lake experience. There are few things more Finnish than moving from the warmth of a sauna into the astonishing cold of the Arctic outdoors. It's such a contrast to the family's snow-based adventures, and it gives adults something special to enjoy too.
Apukka offers bookable sauna and Arctic bathing experiences. If you'd like to try one, check the exact package, privacy arrangements and any restrictions, and follow the resort team's guidance for safe cold-water entry. It's an experience to enjoy thoughtfully, never as a challenge to stay in freezing water.
Snow tubing, sliding and all the little laughs
For the children, snow tubing was one of the biggest hits. Sometimes the activities they remember most aren't the elaborate excursions at all — they're the ones where everyone is laughing, sliding through the snow and begging to go one more time.
Apukka's family-focused Snow & Fun activities include a toboggan slide and other winter play, alongside options such as mini snowmobiles and animal encounters. What's included varies by activity and package, so don't assume the tubing or sliding you've seen in a photograph is automatically included with your accommodation.
Other activities available around the resort include husky encounters, reindeer experiences, snowmobiling and ice fishing, depending on the season. We would choose a handful of things your own family will genuinely enjoy rather than trying to book everything.
Eating at Apukka: Restaurant Aitta and cosy Arctic evenings.
After spending hours outdoors in Lapland, the restaurant becomes an important part of the day. Having somewhere warm and comfortable to sit down, recharge and enjoy a proper meal makes life much easier when you're travelling with children.
Apukka's main restaurant is Restaurant Aitta, a characterful space inspired by its old Lappish tavern. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, combining Nordic ingredients and local flavours with more familiar international dishes. Its rustic log-walled setting adds to the sense that you've travelled somewhere truly different.
Breakfast and family dining
Apukka says breakfast is included with accommodation bookings unless a particular offer clearly states otherwise. Expect a Nordic-style buffet with hot breakfast options, bread, fruit and other choices. For lunch, check the resort's current Riihi menu; for dinner, Aitta offers meat, fish, vegetarian and children's options.
If you're looking for something a little different, Restaurant Kota offers a more intimate Lappish dining experience around an open fire, with a set menu inspired by northern flavours. Advance reservations are sensible during busier winter weeks, particularly when travelling as a larger family.
Menus, restaurants and opening hours can change seasonally. We recommend checking directly with Apukka before your trip and reserving any special dinner you'd be disappointed to miss.
Supermarkets, snacks and what to wear.
Where can you buy groceries?
Our recommendation for a proper family grocery shop is K-Citymarket Rovaniemi, a large, well-stocked hypermarket in the Saarenkylä area. You'll find groceries, fresh food, snacks, drinks and useful everyday essentials in one place, which is particularly handy when you're travelling with children and don't want to make several different stops.
Our supermarket pick: K-Citymarket Rovaniemi
Address: Pulkamontie 1, 96900 Rovaniemi, Finland.
Why we recommend it: A much better choice for a full shop than relying on a small convenience store — especially if you need breakfast supplies, fruit, children's snacks, drinks, toiletries or forgotten essentials.
Getting there: Apukka is a wilderness resort, so plan a taxi, hire car or an appropriate transfer rather than assuming you can walk. This is a useful stop to arrange on your arrival day or when travelling through the Rovaniemi area.
Typical opening hours: Monday–Saturday 08:00–22:00; Sunday 09:00–22:00. Check current and holiday opening times before setting off.
For a smaller top-up of basic essentials while visiting Santa Claus Village, Santa's Foodmarket is another option, but we'd choose K-Citymarket if we were doing a main shop for the family.
What we recommend wearing in Lapland
The key is to dress in layers and plan around how long you'll be outside. A thermal base layer next to the skin, a fleece or wool mid-layer and a windproof, insulated outer layer make a much more flexible combination than relying on a single heavy coat. Waterproof, insulated boots are essential, as are warm socks, a proper hat, scarf or neck warmer, and insulated gloves or mittens.
Our original guide notes that we rented winter suits for particular activities, including an Aurora night hunt, rather than wearing a hired snowsuit for every moment of our trip. Apukka provides thermal clothing for many of its organised experiences, but you should always check what your specific tour or package includes — and bring your own thermals, layers and suitable boots regardless.
For the children, we suggest spare gloves and socks, snacks in a day bag and a warm drink for breaks. Phone and camera batteries can drain faster in freezing conditions, so keep them close to your body when not in use. The weather can change considerably between November, December and the later winter months.
How we'd make the most of a family stay.
One of the easiest mistakes with Lapland is trying to fit too much into a short visit. This is a suggested way to balance the magical experiences with enough time to actually enjoy the resort, rather than a record of our exact daily itinerary.
Arrive & settle in
Transfer from Rovaniemi Airport, get comfortable in your suite, explore the snowy surroundings and enjoy a relaxed dinner at Aitta. Check your winter clothing and the next day's activity meeting point.
Santa & the forest
Make the Reindeer Ride to Santa through the Magic Forest the centrepiece of the day. Leave room for warm drinks, photographs and free time in the snow, followed by an unhurried evening.
Snow play & Aurora
Enjoy family snow activities and tubing or sliding when available. Save energy for the evening Snowtrain into the wilderness, with realistic expectations for the Northern Lights.
Would we recommend Apukka for a family holiday?
For families wanting a genuine winter-wonderland setting, the chance to stay close to nature and memorable activities on their doorstep, absolutely. What made Apukka special to us wasn't just the accommodation: it was the balance of magical Christmas memories, Arctic adventure, time together and experiences that appealed to the adults and children in completely different ways.
Our favourite memory was that incredible reindeer journey to Santa. Sally loved the sauna and icy lake. The children couldn't get enough of the snow tubing. And the Snowtrain added a wonderful sense of adventure after dark. These are the moments that made our Lapland holiday one we'll always treasure.
You'll be taken directly to Apukka Resort's official accommodation booking website. Availability and prices are set by the resort.
A few final things worth knowing.
Is Apukka suitable for younger children?
There are family-friendly accommodation and activities, but individual excursions have age, height or safety rules. Confirm the minimum ages and suitable winter clothing for your children before paying for experiences.
Do we need a hire car?
Not necessarily. Apukka's seasonal shuttle and taxis can work well for families who are mainly enjoying resort activities. If you want more flexibility or frequent grocery trips, compare all transport costs before travelling.
Can we guarantee seeing the Northern Lights?
No. The Aurora depends on natural conditions, including cloud cover and solar activity. The Snowtrain journey and wilderness camp are part of the experience even on nights when the lights don't appear.
Are thermal suits included?
Many Apukka winter experiences include thermal clothing, but the exact inclusions depend on your booking. Bring good thermal underwear, warm middle layers, hats and gloves regardless, and check children's sizes in advance.
Is there a supermarket at the resort?
Apukka is a wilderness resort, so we recommend planning your grocery shopping rather than expecting a large supermarket within walking distance. Our pick is K-Citymarket Rovaniemi, Pulkamontie 1, 96900 Rovaniemi, for a full range of family groceries and essentials. Arrange transport or stop on the way to or from the resort; Santa's Foodmarket at Santa Claus Village is a smaller alternative for top-ups.
What's the best time of winter for families?
December has a special Christmas atmosphere and is often busy. In our original guide, we recommend considering January through March for longer daylight and a potentially quieter experience, depending on dates. Conditions and activity calendars vary each year.
First-hand family observations are drawn from our original Lapland Travel Guide and our experiences. Airport distances, transport options, restaurant services and activity descriptions were cross-checked against Apukka Resort's official information in November 2026. Current prices, opening times, seasonal activities and conditions may change — confirm directly before booking.
