Lapland has never lost its spot as Europe’s best winter destination. It fits the description of ‘winter wonderland’ perfectly. Pine trees twinkle with snowflakes, snow-coated grounds where reindeer and huskies take you sledding, and the Northern Lights dance in the night sky. Those are what you can find in Finnish and Swedish Lapland. However, with the price tag, you might think about alternatives to Lapland.
Luckily, there are plenty of other destinations that offer the things Lapland is proud of. From snowy adventures to breathtaking Northern Lights, these destinations are Lapland’s awesome ‘dupes’. Hear from our travelers, who can’t miss a year without signing up for snowy trips, about their selection of places like Lapland! So, let’s discover some of the popular and off-the-beaten-path alternatives.
Table of Contents
- What is Lapland known for?
- What are we searching for in Alternatives like Lapland’?
- Tromsø, Norway
- North West Iceland
- Skellefteå, Sweden
- Nunavut, Canada
- Grindelwald, Switzerland
- Lofoten Islands, Norway
- Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
- Final Thoughts
What is Lapland Known For?
Lapland, located in the northernmost parts of Finland and Sweden, features an extensive view of the Arctic wilderness where snow-coated pine forests and reindeer live. It also brings your childhood dream to life with the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland. Last but not least, Lapland is one of the most magical places to see the northern lights.
In a nutshell, Lapland is a dream for anyone looking to embrace winter in all its icy glory. Think husky sledding, snow-covered forests, and cozy log cabins with fireplaces. With all it has to offer, Lapland is an all-time favorite destination, which means high prices and lots of tourists.
What Are We Searching for in ‘Places Like Lapland’?
If you’re looking for alternatives to Lapland, you probably still want a few key ingredients:
- Snowy, scenic landscapes
- Northern lights viewing
- Winter outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, sledding)
- Peaceful atmosphere with no overtourism
- Cozy accommodations like cabins or lodges
- Local culture (Lapland is home to the Sami people) and winter traditions
The following destinations check most—if not all—of those boxes!
1. Tromsø, Norway
“Tromsø is a beginner-friendly destination for everyone who is on their first Arctic adventure. It is well-developed, and you don’t need to drive far to see the Northern Lights,” described TripLeader Mariana, a seasoned aviation crew who has checked off the Arctic Circle from her bucket list. Considered the “Gateway to the Arctic”, Tromsø looks like Lapland’s more modern sister. You can find Lapland-esque experiences, like dog-sledding and Northern Lights, without feeling touristy.
“Why should you travel to Tromsø? It’s cheaper than Lapland, thanks to the wide choice of accommodations and public transportation,” adds Marianna. With all it has to offer, Tromsø is one of the best alternatives to Lapland.
Why it’s a great alternative to Lapland:
- Direct access to dog sledding and reindeer farms
- Northern lights visibility is superb from September to March
- Smaller crowds than Lapland’s main hubs
- Offers a mix of nature and culture (think Sami traditions and cool Arctic museums)
2. North West Iceland
You might wonder why Iceland sits on this list of ‘less-touristy’ places. Well, TripLeader Alannah and her three years of experience in traveling around Europe suggested North West Iceland instead. Fringed with dramatic fjords, geothermal springs, and sleepy fishing villages, the region stuns you at first glance. Moreover, unlike Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, northwestern Iceland is almost untouched by overtourism.
Although Iceland is characterized by its fjords and geothermal springs, it still has an Arctic essence. One of the most notable things is the Northern Lights. You can see the vibrant aurora borealis Snæfellsnes Peninsula, away from pollution.
Why it’s a great alternative to Lapland:
- Natural hot springs in the snow = ultimate winter relaxation
- Great chance to see the aurora borealis
- Rugged, dramatic scenery with fewer people than southern Iceland
- Ideal for a road trip adventure
3. Skellefteå, Sweden
This quaint Swedish town stays off tourists’ radar, welcoming you to a raw and authentic Arctic experience. It is the lesser-known part of the Swedish Lapland and showcases a humble and peaceful countryside life. The locals live closely with nature, integrating the vast lakes and dense forests into their lifestyle. With that being said, Skellefteå is a sustainable destination that nurtures the local tradition and natural beauty. Plus, it’s home to Sweden’s tallest wooden building (a super-cool sustainable hotel).
Why it’s a great alternative to Lapland:
- Less commercialized than other parts of Swedish Lapland
- Incredible winter activities like snowmobiling and ice fishing
- Strong connection to Sami culture
- Budget-friendly compared to Finnish Lapland or Kiruna
4. Nunavut, Canada
Looking for real wilderness? Nunavut might be the most remote destination on this list. Located in the Canadian Arctic, this Inuit region offers untouched tundra, wildlife, and a raw connection to the North.
Why it’s a great alternative to Lapland:
- Extreme isolation = perfect for a digital detox
- Rich indigenous culture and traditions
- Doesn’t have reindeers, but you can see polar bears!
- Once-in-a-lifetime Arctic landscapes without the usual tourist trail
5. Murmansk, Russia
Murmansk is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, and while it’s often overlooked by international tourists, it delivers on every winter dream. Think Soviet-era charm, snow-covered streets, and one of the best places in Russia to catch the northern lights.
Why it’s a great alternative to Lapland:
- Excellent aurora viewing conditions with little light pollution outside the city
- Authentic Arctic atmosphere with a Russian twist
- You can sleep in a tundra cabin or go ice fishing on frozen lakes
- Offers unique cultural experiences—from Sami villages to Soviet icebreakers
6. Grindelwald, Switzerland
Grindelwald may be in the Alps, not the Arctic, but its winter charm is unmatched. The quaint region features an untouched and dense forests, resembling the ones you can find in Lapland. Grindelwald also offers a variety of winter activities, such as winter hiking, tobogganing, and skiing, without having to fly far north. Although the Swiss village miss Lapland’s Arctic charm, it matches the region’s dreamy holiday vibes and snowy wonders. Grindelwald is not Lapland’s twin, but it is one of the alternatives to Lapland for a similar dreamy vibe.
Why it’s a great alternative to Lapland:
- Winter hiking, tobogganing, and skiing without needing to go far
- Romantic alpine chalets with fireplaces and fondue
- Magical mountain scenery and frozen waterfalls
- Ideal for those who prefer mountains over flat Arctic tundras
7. Lofoten Islands, Norway
A series of rugged islands in northern Norway, the Lofoten Islands are a photographer’s dream. You’ll get snowy peaks rising straight from the sea, cozy fishing cabins, and maybe even some surfing (yes, in winter!).
Why it’s a great alternative to Lapland:
- Dramatic winter landscapes and fewer crowds
- Cozy ‘rorbu’ (traditional fisherman’s cabins) to stay in
- Northern lights dancing above the ocean
- Great for winter hiking and Arctic nature vibes
8. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
You don’t have to go to the Arctic Circle to find snowy solitude. The Cairngorms in Scotland offer a wild and underrated winter experience with a Scottish twist.
Why it’s a great alternative to Lapland:
- Snow-covered peaks and remote glens
- Highland wildlife like reindeer (yes, they have them too!)
- Cozy bothies and whisky by the fire
- Budget-friendly and easily accessible within the UK
Final Thoughts
Lapland might be on every winter travel list, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only magical place out there. Whether you’re dreaming of frozen lakes, Northern Lights, or a cozy cabin away from the crowds, these destinations offer just as much wonder, without the hefty price tag or tourist traps.
Want to experience a winter trip with fellow travelers? Join an adventure with JoinMyTrip! Explore hidden gems, make new travel buddies, and share unforgettable memories—all while someone else handles the planning.