Ruth Haines
Lapland, the magical arctic region in the northern part of Finland, has a network of 6 conveniently located airports. The four international airports are served by direct flights from only a handful of worldwide cities, so most travellers will need to opt for non-budget flights with layovers or purchase multiple low-cost flights. The busiest airport in Lapland is Rovaniemi, which is considered the gateway to the region and is served by airlines including Finnair and Norwegian. Other international airports include Kittilä, which is extremely convenient for the ski resort of Levi, and Ivalo, the northernmost airport in Lapland.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Airports in Lapland | 6 |
| Busiest Airport in Lapland | Rovaniemi Airport |
| Second Busiest Airport in Lapland | Kittilä Airport |
| Fourth Busiest Airport in Finland | Ivalo Airport |
| Airport with the Magnificent Snow Castle | Kemi-Tornio Airport |
| Closest International Airport to the Remote Northwestern Corner of Fell (hill) Lapland and to the Swedish Border | Kittilä Airport |
| Northernmost Airport in Lapland | Ivalo Airport |
Explore related products
![Airport Terminal Pack [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71tMG0fiDyL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- Rovaniemi Airport: the busiest airport in Lapland, often considered the gateway to the region
- Kittilä Airport: one of the main airports in Northern Finland, it's extremely convenient for the ski resort of Levi
- Ivalo Airport: the northernmost airport in Lapland, it's the best choice for the Sami cultural area and Saariselkä
- Enontekiö Airport: this airport is served by Finnair and Norwegian airlines
- Kemi-Tornio Airport: the only airport by the coast, it's a good option for those planning to go on an icebreaker cruise
Rovaniemi Airport: the busiest airport in Lapland, often considered the gateway to the region
Rovaniemi Airport is the second busiest airport in Finland and is often considered the gateway to Lapland. It is located in Rovaniemi, Finland, about 6 to 9 miles (10 kilometres) north of Rovaniemi city centre. The airport is serviced by flights from most major European cities, including London, and daily connections from Helsinki.
The airport is situated about 25 kilometres (15 miles) from the Arctic Circle, and the Circle crosses the runway at its northern end. Rovaniemi Airport is one of only three airports in Finland with jet bridges. It is managed by Finavia and connected to the Rovaniemi city centre by an airport taxi service. There are also multiple bus connections around Lapland, including to major winter sports centres.
Rovaniemi Airport is the official airport of Santa Claus. Santa Claus Village and Santa Park are situated within 2 to 3 kilometres (1.2 to 1.9 miles) of the airport. The busiest time for the airport is during the Christmas season, when many people go on Santa Flights to meet Santa Claus himself. The airport served about 580,000 passengers in 2017, with the main season of charter traffic from Great Britain and other European countries lasting from the end of November to mid-January.
In addition to its role in civil aviation, the runway at Rovaniemi Airport is also used by F-18 fighter interceptors of the Lapland Air Command. The airport has achieved net zero carbon emissions and has been awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label.
Updating Your Airport Express: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kittilä Airport: one of the main airports in Northern Finland, it's extremely convenient for the ski resort of Levi
Lapland, the magical arctic region of Northern Finland, is served by a network of 6 conveniently located airports. One of these is Kittilä Airport, which is one of the main airports in the region. In 2023, it was the fourth busiest airport in Finland, serving 374,000 passengers.
Kittilä Airport is extremely convenient for those travelling to the ski resort of Levi and the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. It is also the closest international airport to the remote northwestern corner of fell (hill) Lapland and to the Swedish border. For those looking to travel to the resort city of Saariselka, the northernmost airport in Lapland, Ivalo Airport, is a better option.
Kittilä Airport has benefited from significant investment in recent years, with Finavia investing several million euros in a development program during 2018-2020 that improved the terminal building and apron taxiways.
For those looking to fly to Lapland from the UK, there are a few options. Finnair flies from London Heathrow (in codeshare with British Airways) and Manchester to Helsinki, and from there onwards to Rovaniemi, Kittilä and Ivalo. Norwegian also flies from London Gatwick to Helsinki and then onwards to Rovaniemi, Kittilä and Ivalo, as well as from Manchester to Kittilä.
In addition to air travel, it is also possible to reach Lapland by train. The Finnish national railway company, VR, operates multiple daily trains and at least one overnight train to Rovaniemi, Kolari and Kemijärvi. For those looking for a more environmentally friendly and relaxing option, this may be a preferable choice.
Calgary Airport: Global Entry Access Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Airport: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81-nvGF8wgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Ivalo Airport: the northernmost airport in Lapland, it's the best choice for the Sami cultural area and Saariselkä
Ivalo Airport is the northernmost airport in Finnish Lapland, and it is the perfect entry point for those looking to explore the region's unique attractions and experience its spectacular landscapes. It is an ideal choice for those interested in the Sami cultural area and Saariselkä, a popular tourist destination.
Located a couple of hundred kilometres inside the Arctic Circle, Ivalo Airport offers smooth connections to Northern Lapland's destinations all year round. The airport is serviced by flights from major European cities, including direct flights from Manchester, and daily connections from Helsinki. From the airport, it is a short 25-35 km transfer to the popular winter sports centre of Saariselkä, which is also known for its glass igloos and snow village at Hotel Kakslauttanen.
Saariselkä, located nearly 1000 kilometres north of the southern capital of Helsinki, offers a range of winter activities, including husky sledding, reindeer sleigh rides, snow hockey, mini skidoos, and igloos. It is also a great location for aurora seekers, with fewer guests for a quieter experience. The village of Inari, just 39km northwest of Ivalo, is the capital of indigenous Sami culture in Finland and hosts a reindeer race and a photography festival.
Ivalo itself is a beautiful town, although tourists rarely stay there due to limited accommodation options. The surrounding area boasts incredible destinations, such as Lake Inari, where one can find designer Finnish goods at Lake Design House Idoli. Foodies will enjoy the nearby Restaurant Siberia, just 30km away in Saariselkä, and Restaurant Huippu, which offers panoramic views of a ski resort.
With its connections to unique destinations, cultural significance, and proximity to popular tourist spots, Ivalo Airport is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the Sami cultural area and Saariselkä in Lapland.
Seward Alaska's Airport: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$35.49 $44.99
Enontekiö Airport: this airport is served by Finnair and Norwegian airlines
Enontekiö Airport is located in Enontekiö, Finnish Lapland, and is a great option for those looking to travel to Lapland. The airport is situated 5.8 miles west of Hetta, the municipal centre of Enontekio. With "almost 33,000" passengers in 2023, the airport is a popular choice for those looking to experience Lapland.
The airport is mainly used for charter flights during the winter, with UK tour operator Transun accounting for 80% of its passenger volume. These passengers are tourists looking to experience Lapland for the day or to stay in nearby villages such as Hetta, Karesuando in Sweden, or Kautokeino in Norway. Regular flights to Enontekiö are generally only available in spring and autumn, with ad-hoc charters operating from the United Kingdom during winter.
Finnair and Norwegian Airlines are two carriers that serve Enontekiö Airport. Finnair offers flights from London Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester, while Norwegian offers flights from London Gatwick (LGW). Both airlines provide connections to Helsinki, and from there, you can travel onwards to destinations in Lapland, such as Rovaniemi, Kittilä, and Ivalo. Norwegian may have fewer services than Finnair, but it still provides a good option for those looking to travel to Lapland.
In addition to these airlines, there have been several other operators that have provided flights to Enontekiö Airport. For example, in 2015, Flybe Nordic operated regular flights, and before that, from 2013 to 2014, Air100 was the main operator. During the winters, Enter Air has operated special "Santa flights" from various UK destinations in partnership with tour operator Transun.
Birmingham Airport: COVID Testing Availability and Services
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kemi-Tornio Airport: the only airport by the coast, it's a good option for those planning to go on an icebreaker cruise
When it comes to choosing the best airport for your trip to Lapland, there are a few options to consider. One option is Kemi-Tornio Airport, which is the only airport located by the coast in Lapland. This airport is a great choice for those planning to go on an icebreaker cruise, as it offers easy access to the Polar Explorer Icebreaker Cruise and the Icebreaker Arktis Cruise.
The Polar Explorer Icebreaker Cruise offers a unique 3-hour cruise on the frozen waters of the Bothnian Sea in Lapland. During the cruise, you'll witness the massive ice-breaking power of the vessel and enjoy stunning views of the frozen landscape. You'll also have the opportunity to go for a walk on the frozen sea ice and take a dip in the dark icy water in a flotation survival suit. The Polar Explorer Icebreaker Cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won't want to miss.
The Icebreaker Arktis Cruise is another incredible option, offering a 3-hour morning cruise and a 4-hour afternoon cruise. This cruise includes an ice-floating experience, walking on ice, a guided tour of the vessel, and access to the SnowCastle of Kemi area. The afternoon cruise also includes a delicious lunch buffet. Shuttle bus transportation to the harbour is provided from Kemi, Rovaniemi, Haparanda, and Tornio.
In addition to these cruises, Kemi-Tornio Airport is also convenient for those interested in visiting the SnowCastle Winter Park, the Gemstone Exhibition, and the Santa Claus Village. The airport is well-equipped to handle tourists and offers a range of services and accommodations to make your Lapland experience memorable. Whether you're travelling with family or adventuring solo, Kemi-Tornio Airport is a great choice for those seeking a magical and unique experience in Lapland.
Taos, New Mexico: Airport Accessibility and Travel Options
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are several airports in Lapland, and the best one to fly to depends on your itinerary. Rovaniemi Airport is the busiest airport in Lapland and is often considered the gateway to the region. Kittilä Airport is another good option, located in the middle of Lapland. Other airports in the region include Ivalo, Kemi-Tornio, and Kuusamo.
Ivalo Airport is the closest airport to Santa's Lapland and is located 25km north of Saariselkä.
Kittilä Airport is the closest international airport to the Swedish border.
![Airport [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Dj3FIXrvL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
