Imagine a cozy wooden cabin with a sauna, surrounded by towering snow-covered trees, breathtaking views, and activities your kids (and you!) will never forget. That was exactly what our five-day dream trip to Finnish Lapland in February 2026 was all about. We caught an early-morning direct flight with Transavia from Rotterdam to Kuusamo—and just three hours later, we landed in a real-life winter wonderland!
Our home for the next five days was a cozy traditional Finnish wooden cabin near Ruka. It had a private sauna, a crackling wood-burning stove, and a window overlooking an endless snow-covered forest and a frozen lake. Every morning, we woke up to that view—powdery snow on the branches and the sun rising low on the horizon in shades of pink. It felt like stepping straight into a Christmas card.
We had no excursions planned for our first afternoon, so we headed straight to Ruka Ski Resort. We took the gondola up the mountain, and then… tubing! The kids screamed with excitement as we raced down the slopes on giant inflatable tubes, bouncing over bumps and twisting around turns with snow flying in our faces. Not long after, they spotted the Ruka Coaster, a mountain coaster that slowly pulls you uphill before sending you racing back down. “Again! Again!” they shouted.
That evening, we had dinner at the Italian restaurant Vespino in Ruka Village. I ordered pasta with chicken and lime—fresh and creamy—while my husband went for the osso buco. The kids devoured salmon risotto and French fries. A glass of wine cost a small fortune (around €15), but the rest of the meal was surprisingly affordable. We felt thoroughly spoiled.
The next morning, the real adventure began. Ruka Adventures picked us up for a snowmobile trip to a reindeer farm. We were given thick thermal suits, helmets, and leather mittens—everything we needed to stay warm. My husband and I each drove a snowmobile, with one child riding securely behind each of us. What a feeling! Hitting the throttle and speeding through that silent, white landscape, past snow-covered trees and frozen lakes, without another person in sight. Pure freedom.
At the farm, the friendly owners were waiting to welcome us. The reindeer were adorable and curious, and the kids got to pet and feed them before climbing into a sleigh. We glided across the snow behind the reindeer, their bells gently jingling. It was exactly like the pictures you see in the most beautiful winter storybooks. Afterward, we warmed up in a cozy cabin with berry juice and coffee while roasting sausages over an open fire. We went sledding down a hill into the forest, laughed together, and enjoyed every minute of it.
Day three was all about huskies! The dogs barked excitedly when we arrived—they could hardly wait to get going. After a quick safety briefing, we climbed aboard the sled. The moment the brake was released, those magnificent dogs took off. The wind whipped across our faces, snow sprayed into the air, and the forest rushed past us. What energy! What a thrill! After the ride, we headed back to a warm cabin for some delicious treats. The people of Lapland certainly know how to make their guests feel welcome.
That evening, we took the gondola up the mountain to Base Eat & Heat. We were seated at a table beside a huge window. The view was breathtaking: snow-covered valleys fading into the twilight. The food was delicious, and we found ourselves thinking, “Next time, we’re booking the mountain sauna, too!”
Day four was ski day. We were beginners, while the kids quickly turned into little pros. We started on the blue runs, taking it slow, falling over, getting back up, and laughing along the way. Ruka’s ski area is perfect for families, with plenty of gentle slopes for beginners and lots of fun for more experienced skiers, too. Tired but incredibly happy, we made our way back to the cabin in the late afternoon. First, a little downtime in the sauna, and then… our final excursion.
After dark, we climbed into a large sleigh pulled by a snowmobile. We traveled through forests and across frozen lakes. In the middle of one lake, we stopped for a warm drink beneath a silent, star-filled sky. Our guide scanned the heavens. “Keep your camera ready,” he said. At first, all we could see was a faint, hazy cloud. But when we looked at the photos, there it was: dancing lights in green and purple. The Northern Lights! They were subtle to the naked eye but spectacular on camera. It was pure magic.
Our final morning arrived far too soon. We packed our bags and took one last look at the view. The days had flown by, but the memories—the screams of excitement on the tubing runs, the jingling reindeer bells, the excited husky barks, and the Northern Lights—will stay with us forever.
Would you love to experience an unforgettable family adventure in Finnish Lapland, too? Book your own wooden cabin or chalet with a sauna through Leisure Time. Let yourself be enchanted by the snow, the animals, and the pure magic of Lapland. We’ll never forget this trip!
