How Expensive is Lapland? Real Costs For a Family Winter Trip

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting Lapland, chances are you’ve wondered — is Lapland expensive? The truth is, it can be — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a bucket-list trip to see the Northern Lights, Lapland offers options for every kind of traveler and every budget.

From cozy cabins and Airbnbs to luxury glass igloos, from supermarket dinners to fine Nordic cuisine, your total cost will depend entirely on how you choose to experience it.

In this post, we’re sharing a detailed breakdown of our own 5-night trip to Rovaniemi in late November 2024 — as a family of three — including what we spent on accommodation, food, activities, and more. If you’re planning your own Lapland adventure, this will give you a clear picture of what to expect and how to save along the way.

How Much Did Our 5-Night Trip to Rovaniemi Cost?

Lapland has a reputation for being pricey — and yes, it can be if you go all out on glass igloos and private tours. But the good news is that Lapland offers plenty of options for every kind of traveler, from budget explorers to luxury seekers.

Here’s the exact breakdown of our 5-night stay in Rovaniemi (Finnish Lapland) for two adults and a toddler.
We visited at the end of November 2024, just before the peak Christmas season. Prices will vary depending on when you go (December being the most expensive) and how early you book.

1. Accommodation

We chose an Airbnb cottage for our stay — mainly because we wanted our own kitchen (a must when traveling with a small child) and we wanted to stay within budget.

The cottage was cozy, clean, and had everything we needed — including our favorite part: a private sauna. It’s quite amazing to have your own sauna, but in Finland, it’s actually completely normal!

We shared the cottage with a family of friends and paid €550 total for 5 nights (for two adults + a baby). If you’ve researched Rovaniemi accommodations, you’ll know that’s very budget-friendly for Lapland.

💡 Budget tip:
Traveling with friends or family and splitting the cost of a larger cabin or villa can save you a lot. Also, book early — the best and most affordable options sell out months in advance.

2. Flights to Lapland

We flew from Germany to Helsinki, paying €850 total for our family of three (return). From Helsinki, we continued our journey to Rovaniemi on the famous Santa Claus Express night train — a charming and scenic way to travel through Finland.

We booked a large private cabin with beds, which cost €168 return. It was a great choice for us as a family — affordable, comfortable, and a fun experience overall.

However, if you’re short on time or have a lot of luggage, a direct flight to Rovaniemi or a connecting flight via Helsinki might be more convenient.

💡 Pro tip:
Booking early and traveling between January and March can significantly reduce flight prices.

3. Rental Car

This was one of our bigger expenses.
We paid €564 for 5 days for our rental car, plus fuel and full insurance. Rental cars in Lapland are not cheap, especially when you add full coverage and a child seat.

That said, having a car gave us complete flexibility — something we really appreciated with a toddler. Public transport in Lapland is limited, and many attractions are scattered around the region.

👉 HERE are our 7 tips you need to know before driving in Lapland!

4. Food & Eating Out in Lapland

Eating out in Lapland is famously expensive — especially around Santa Claus Village.

To balance cost and comfort, we mixed restaurant meals with self-catering. Our total food and drink cost for 5 days was €790 for the three of us.

This included:

• One special dinner at Nili Restaurant (a must-try)
• Three lunches at Santa Claus Village
• Two lunches at Arktikum Museum Café
• Quite a few coffees and pastries
• Supermarket groceries for breakfasts and dinners

Even supermarket food isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s still more economical than dining out for every meal. Having a kitchen in our Airbnb made a big difference.

💡 Tip: Book accommodation with breakfast included, especially if you’re traveling with kids. It’s convenient and often better value than paying separately.

5. Activities in Lapland

Lapland is full of incredible experiences — husky safaris, reindeer rides, snowmobiles, and aurora tours — but these can quickly add up.

During our visit in late November 2024, there wasn’t enough snow yet for many of the classic winter activities, such as husky rides or ice skating. So, unintentionally, we saved a lot.

We spent around €200 total on activities, including:

• Arktikum Museum passes
• A day trip to Ranua Zoo
• A visit to Santa Claus Village (free entry, but small costs add up)

For reference:
A husky ride costs around €200 per person, and while it’s pricey, it’s absolutely worth it. We did it on our first visit, and we still think it’s a bucket-list experience that’s worth splurging on.

💡 Tip: Many activity providers offer bundle discounts if you book several tours together.

6. Souvenirs and Gifts

It’s almost impossible to leave Lapland empty-handed.
From Moomin mugs and handcrafted wooden kuksa cups to reindeer meat and Arctic berry jams, there’s something for everyone.

We spent around €200 on souvenirs — mostly small gifts, food items, and a few cozy pieces of winter clothing.

Total Cost of Our 5-Night Trip to Rovaniemi (Family of 3)

So, our total cost for five days in Rovaniemi came to around €3,300 for 2 adults and a toddler.

For Lapland, that’s a fairly reasonable budget — especially considering we had our own cottage, a rental car, and several nice meals out. With more snow (and more tours available), the total could easily have been €500–€700 higher.

That said, it’s also possible to spend less: skip the rental car if you stay near Rovaniemi’s center, rely on public transport or organized transfers, and cook your own meals instead of eating out. A few smart choices can make a big difference in your final budget.

Is It Expensive to Eat Out in Lapland?

Yes — eating out in the Nordic countries is expensive, and Finland is no exception. Especially in Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village, restaurant prices can surprise first-time visitors.

Still, we strongly recommend indulging in Lappish cuisine at least once during your stay. The food in Lapland is hearty, fresh, and beautifully tied to local traditions — think reindeer, salmon, berries, and root vegetables. Please, please don’t settle for pizza or burgers here! Taste the local flavors — they’re part of what makes Lapland so special.

Here’s what eating out in Lapland costs in 2025 (based on our visits and recent menu prices):

Lunch at Santa Claus Village – Around €50 per person

There are several restaurants inside Santa Claus Village near Rovaniemi.
Our favorite is Kotahovi, a cozy wooden restaurant serving traditional Lappish food.

• Main courses: €20–€35
• Desserts: from €10
• What to try: the creamy salmon soup is outstanding, and we highly recommend finishing with a cup of Lappish coffee.

Kotahovi is also one of the most atmospheric restaurants in the area — warm, rustic, and welcoming, perfect after a snowy walk around the village.

Dinner at Nili Restaurant, Rovaniemi – From €50 per person

Nili Restaurant is one of the best traditional Finnish restaurants in Rovaniemi.
It serves local dishes with a modern twist, in a warm and elegant wooden interior.

• Four-course menu (no drinks): €45–€60
• Drinks: €7–€9 each

If you’re looking for one special dinner in Lapland, Nili is the place. The food presentation and service are fantastic, and you’ll get a real taste of Arctic cuisine — from reindeer fillet to local fish and berries.

Lunch or Dinner at Santa’s Salmon Place – €25–€30 per person

Santa’s Salmon Place is one of the most iconic (and photogenic) dining experiences in Rovaniemi.
It’s a tiny wooden hut with an open fire in the center, where salmon is grilled slowly right before your eyes.

The result? Possibly, the best salmon you’ll ever taste.

Prices are high for what’s essentially one dish, but it’s worth every euro. Be aware: lines can get long, especially at lunchtime. Arrive early or go mid-afternoon for a shorter wait.

Coffee and Pastries – From €10 per person

Stopping for coffee and pastries is a big part of Finnish life, and Rovaniemi has plenty of cozy cafés where you can warm up.

A cappuccino and a pastry will typically cost around €10–€12, depending on the café.
Finnish sweets are a must-try — from pulla (cardamom buns) to cloudberry cakes, korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls) and Runeberg torte (rum and almond cake with jam).

It’s also a lovely (and affordable) way to spend an afternoon when it’s too cold to stay outdoors.

Our Tip: Make Eating Out an Experience, Not a Routine

We highly recommend all the places above — they’re part of what makes Lapland so memorable.
But it’s fair to say that eating out in Lapland adds up quickly.

If you have three meals a day in restaurants, expect to spend around €100 per person per day. To keep your budget balanced:

• Eat out once a day for the experience, and cook simple meals for the rest.
• Shop at supermarkets (K-Market, S-Market, or Lidl) for breakfast and dinner supplies.
• Book accommodations with breakfast included, especially when travelling with kids — it’s not necessarily cheaper, but it’s convenient and filling.

By mixing dining experiences with self-catering, you can enjoy the best of both worlds — great local food and smart savings.

How Much Does Lapland Cost at Christmas?

Christmas is peak season in Lapland, and prices can easily double compared to January. Accommodation, flights, and popular activities are all at their highest. It’s magical, but it comes at a premium.

Here’s a realistic 5-night estimate for a family of three visiting Rovaniemi at Christmas:

• Accommodation: €2,000–€2,500 (mid-range hotel or cozy cabin; Christmas surcharges apply)
• Flights: €800–€1,200 total from major European cities
• Rental car: €600–€650 for 5 days (plus fuel and full insurance)
• Food and dining out: €600–€800 (mix of restaurants and supermarket meals)
• Activities: ~€800 (two major experiences, like a husky ride and an aurora tour, at €200 each per person for a couple)
• Souvenirs and extras: €200–€250

Estimated total: €5,000–€6,000 for a family of three for 5 nights at Christmas.

For families, costs increase quickly — especially with children’s activities and meals. You can offset some expenses by staying in self-catering cabins, visiting in early January instead, or limiting paid tours.

Final Thoughts: Is Lapland Worth The Money?

Let’s get this straight — yes, Lapland is 100% worth it.

It’s one of those rare destinations that feels like stepping into another world. The first time we visited, we were completely mesmerized — the snow-covered forests, the silence, the dancing northern lights. Even on our second and third visits, the magic was still there (though maybe a little less overwhelming), and we know we’ll keep coming back.

Lapland is not just a regular trip — it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

FAQ: How Expensive Is Lapland?