Top 10 Cheap All-Inclusive Resorts

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Lapland stretches across Finland's far northern regions into the Arctic Circle, accounting for more than 30 percent of Finland's land mass, and both Finns and foreigners flock here to take advantage of this expansive landscape—hiking and rafting in summer, and cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, and reindeer safaris in winter.

There's much to discover in Lapland, a diverse region where more than 200,000 reindeer roam. The southern and western sections border the sea. Central and eastern Lapland feature pine forests and moors while in northern Lapland, above the treeline, only stunted trees and bushes grow. Sápmi in the far north is home to many Sámi, Lapland's indigenous people.

Timing is everything when considering a Lapland visit. In the far north, the sun shines constantly during June and July, and during in winter there's continual darkness for more than 50 days. In the more southerly regions, the extremes are less, but the pattern prevails. So when's the best time to visit? In summer, August is ideal. In June there's mud and July can be plagued with swarms of biting insects. In winter, choose February, when there's more light and less gloom than in December and January.

In Rovaniemi, the capital and gateway to Lapland, visit the Arktikum, a museum about the people, history, and culture of Lapland and the Arctic. Highlights include the colorful exhibit on the Sámi and a film on the awe-inspiring Northern Lights.

Cross the Arctic Circle a bit north of Rovaniemi and you discover Santa Claus and his elves toiling diligently at Santa Claus Village, open year-round. Think what you will, little kids love the place, especially meeting the reindeer and posting a letter home marked with Santa's unique Arctic Circle stamp.

Saariselkä, located 155 miles north of the Arctic Circle, is a popular resort area. In summer hike in the Urho K. Kekkonen National Park, home to golden eagles and bears. You can also go fishing, mountain biking, rafting, and even pan for gold. In winter, take to the groomed cross-country tracks or ski downhill on Saariselkä's 12 slopes. A fun and memorable winter outing: a reindeer safari. Sit snugly blanketed in your pulka (a small, traditional, wooden sleigh) as the reindeer pull you through Lapland's snowy woods.

Visit Inari, a Sámi community, to see the Siida-Sámi Museum and the Northern Lapland Nature Centre, which exhibit Sámi traditions, dress, and dwellings.

Tip: Yes, it's very cold in Lapland in winter, but the spectacle of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky is worth bundling up.