Lapland - 8 important tips for those who dream of living in the "home of Santa Claus"

5. Cloudberries and other forest berries. How to prepare for a berry hike

We love berries, especially cloudberries. In fact, it's the first thing you should try when you arrive in Lapland! However, if you go berry picking, finding berries is not the main thing. The silence of the bogs and forests, the feeling of the big space around you, soaking up the light. This is what will recharge your batteries for the coming winter. Even if you don't find any berries in the end.

Although picking berries is not difficult, you still need to respect nature. Prepare with the proper gear, always know where you are going, and don't forget to charge your phone before your trip.

6. Eternal Darkness. Or how to live the polar nights in Lapland

It can be assumed that the polar night (kaamos in Finnish) is the time of darkness in Lapland, because the sun does not rise at all during this time. In the southern part of Lapland it lasts only a few days. But in Utsjoki, on the northern border, it lasts for two months. In fact, the only truly dark period here is the end of fall. During these few weeks, before the snow falls and its white blanket illuminates the landscape again, it can be difficult to cope with the darkness.

But there's no reason to panic. This is the only phase of the year when there's not much to do in Lapland and you can start hunting for the marvelous northern lights. Alternatively, you can get together with friends more often - just imagine, all-night get-togethers. Or devote more time to family and children, organize joint board games by the fireplace. Enjoying a long night's sleep or tucking yourself into bed with a good book also helps bring back a good mood.

7. Cold. Learning to appreciate warm underwear, no joke.

"There is no such thing as bad weather, there is bad clothing." This saying can often be heard in Scandinavian countries. It is especially true here in Lapland. We would also like to emphasize the importance of using layers of clothing made of the proper material. The weather in Lapland is actually quite easy to dress for, it's cold but usually very dry. When it comes to outerwear, remember two things:

1.Do not wear rubber boots in winter, it is impossible to keep your feet warm in them.

2.Cotton is bad, wool or 100% polyester is good. A wool base layer keeps your skin dry.

The everyday clothing of Laplanders may seem a bit sporty to newcomers. But once you step out in -20°C on a beautiful winter morning, you'll quickly learn to appreciate long underwear. Soon you will feel that there is nothing finer than your ski pants, which protect you from just about anything that might strike you on very cold winter days in Lapland.

8. Snow clearing. Or how to combine the urgent with the useful!

When it comes to snow removal, there is one rule above all: don't wait! A waiting game might work in a metropolitan area in southern Finland, but definitely not in Lapland. It's unlikely that some warm breeze will arrive and blow you off the hook, melting the two-meter wall of snow piled up in front of your house.

The good news is that the folks here know all about how to deal with a lot of snow. Just keep your ears open and watch your neighbors to learn snow removal techniques. Think of it as a good workout. If you're diligent, you can build muscle by the end of the winter season. And unlike your sports card, it's completely free.

Have a good trip!

Have a safe trip to Lapland!