Lapland experiences record surge in winter tourism as travel options expand

Lapland is experiencing a record surge in winter tourism, evidenced by an increase in flights and train services. During the Christmas season, there will be up to 30 flights connecting Lapland with various destinations, and rail companies are also expanding their services. Travelers can find budget-friendly options in Lapland, even during peak times, if they plan ahead.

VR, the Finnish railway company, is responding to this demand by opening ticket sales for summer travel well in advance. Key travel periods are expected to be Christmas and spring breaks, with this year’s Christmas Eve falling on a Tuesday likely leading to a spread of travel activity across multiple days.

Antti Karjalainen, VR’s sales and marketing director, believes rail travel is becoming more competitive. “Rovaniemi and Lapland are exceptionally attractive in the current tourism landscape, which extends to train services. Lapland is performing well, and although prices may rise during peak season, early bookings can still be affordable,” he noted. Train tickets for a night journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi can start at around 70 euros, with daytime tickets available for less than 30 euros.

VR aims to increase its share of passenger transport, with Karjalainen stating, “In the future, we hope VR will account for 10 percent of all transport modes, up from 6 percent in 2019.” The allure of train travel will also be enhanced by the introduction of new family cabins, set to debut next Christmas, featuring a double bed and an additional sleeping space above. Karjalainen spoke at the Lapland Tourism Parliament in Rovaniemi.