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During the winter the landscape of Lappand becomes a wonderland covered in a blanket of snow, This creates the scenes in the forests and the fields that make your Lapland experience something that stays in the memory for years to come. 

As a part of your visit you may find yourself driving a car. Just as the trees and fields are covered with snow, so too is the road. But fear not. This is your guide to everything you need to know about driving safely through the roads of Lapland. 

There are several elements to this topic and we will take them one by one. First of all you have the car itself and the equipment you will have available to you. Then comes the winter tyres and the different options you have. Last but not least we have the driving style. How you should adapt your driving to the conditions. This can vary depending on the type of snow or road conditions but there are some basic tips that are essential no matter what the conditions are. 

The Car

Assuming that you are hiring a car and not driving all the way to Lapland you will be getting a car that has been adapted to the cold climates so as standard you should have these things ready to go on the car you’re driving so you do not need to add then to your packing list. 

Shovel: You are never planning to become snowed in but having a shovel in the car for removing snow is a very useful thing. It can be that you have parked the car and while your away from it a lot of snow has fallen. On you return you may find that the car is buried beneath the snow and having the tools at hand to dig around the car and a pathway out the parking space will save you time, stress and the potential of getting stuck. 

Rope: Once again it is not something you are adding to you list of activities while in Lapland but there is a chance you will need a toe out of the snow. A toe rope is therefore a good precaution to haven. From personal experience if you find yourself in a snow bank and the car is leaning downwards you will need a tractor to pull you out. Another car will not have the power to pull you out. 

Warm clothes: You may already have some warm clothes with you depending on your journey but if not you should always have a set of warm woolen socks, a jumper, warm boots and a warm coat with you in the car. Just in case you need to either wait in or beside the car (maybe you have a breakdown of some kind) or you need to walk a distance from the car to a petrol station for example. If the temperatures are in the minus you will soom start to feel the cold if you do not have the appropriate clothing. 

Engine warmer/Diesel warmer: Due to the extreme cold conditions (below -10) the car will be fitted with an engine warmer and/or a diesel warmer. 

The engine warmer is an electrical element that is mounted to you engine block. When plugged in using a special cable it will slowly warm up your engine so the oil and fluids are at a better temperature when you start the car. This system also includes an electrical socket usually placed in the passenger footwell that can be used to run a cabin heater, Put the warner on around 2 hours before you need to use the car and when you come to it it will be toasty inside and out. The cable will be provided and the socket is usually mounted somewhere on the front of the car, It will be a small black flip up cover. It plugs into a nornal mains socket. You should have an outside socket at your rented accommodation and sometimes there are outlets in the car parks, They look like letter boxes on a post in front of each space. 

A diesel warmer does exactly the same thing but uses the diesel in the car to warm the fluids and the cabin of the car. It will have a timer function somewhere so you can set it to come on. These systems need around 30 minutes to warm the car before use and use a small amount of your fuel so make sure you dont have a low fule level if your using it.

Tyres: The car you drive will be fitted with winter tyres and there are two types. Standard winter tyres and studded tyres, As long as they have the three peaks symbol on the tyre they will be good but for icy conditions the studs are a preferred option and are pretty standard in this region. There is not much to say about thenm other than to avoiding large wheelspins as this can tear the studs out the tyre. If you do drive on bare asphalt with studs they do make a bit more road noise than standard tyres so that’s something to keep in mind if you think there is something wrong. 

Driving Style: When you first drive on snow you may imagine that you will slide straight off the road at the first bend but the winter tyres do offer a good amount of grip. That said, you should adapt your driving to something like driving in torrencal rain, steering with smooth movements and braking slowly. Erratic steering and heavy breaking will induce sliding. 

If the road is covered in fresh snow try to keep to the tracks already made. Sometimes a small groove can form and the car might slip a little if you fall out of the groove. Here it is important to once again keep the steering smooth and steady. 

If you find you are in deeper snow do not hit the gas. This will only spin the wheels and bury you deeper in the snow. Keep it smooth and steady and let the tyres do the work. 

Tips and tricks: When the car is parked, lift the wipes up away from the windscreen. When you have been driving the windscreen is warm and them once it starts to cool down the condensation will freeze the wiper blades to the car. You may want to use the wipers the next time you get in the car and not have to wait for them to defrost first. 

If it is snowing and you park the car run up and down you parking spot and a little bit in front a few times to create compact snow. This will give your tyres some grip when you pull away amd is especially good if you have had to dig around the car a little first or your on a slight slope. 

When there is loose snow it can get inside your rims and freeze into hard clumps. This may then start to shake the car at higher speeds as it is effectively new wheel weights. If you feel this sensation and it can be quite powerful just take your snow scrapper or a hard stick and knock all the snow out of your wheels. 

The start of any trip begins at home with packing and a trip to the arctic regions and Lapland brings with it a special set of requirements. 

A set of swimming trunks and flip flops is great for your pool side all inclusive package but if you’re heading to Lapland you will need to pack a few more things. 

It can be pretty daunting to think about what to wear when the outside temperatures can reach up to minus 25 but with the aid of this blog to ease the stress and guide you through by the time you come to pack you will be done in no time and be assured you have all the right things and none of the wrong things in your case, Afterall weight saving is important, right? 

Underwear 

This is one thing you dont have to worry about. With all the right clothing on top of your underwear you will not need to consider anything else other than your regular underpants. So you can take them off the lst. 

Socks

The feet can be one of the first things you notice when your outdoors. WIth only your footwear selection over the top of them socks are an invaluable thing to get right, They key world here is wool. Cotton socks, no matter how thick, do not have the same properties that come with woolen socks. Wool has thermoregulatory properties and so thick natural wool socks are the best thing you can have on your feet. 

Base Layers 

Base layer trousers and a top are essential for being in the cold climates. In this case they can be made from synthetic materials but make sure they are specifically designed as thermal base layers. A Thick coat and ski trousers can provide great insulation from the cold but with a set of base layer clothing you will be assured to stay warm, 

Jumpers and Trousers

It is a similar tale here as it was with socks. Try to avoid cotton especially for trousers. Jeans for example do not provide any sustainable warmth if you are outdoors for long periods. With a good set of ski trousers over the top a set of tracksuit trousers layered over your base layer can be okay. If the temperatures are not too cold (-1 – -10) you may only need your base layer and ski trousers especially if you are undertaking physical activities. However this does not apply if you are stationary for long periods. Riding snowmobiles or taking a husky ride for example. 

Gloves 

Mittens are better than gloves in really cold conditions as it allows your fingers to warm as one and not individually, However a good pair of gloves or mittens from a quality manufacturer will be invaluable to keeping you warm. In this case it is true that you pay for quality. 

Snood 

Sometimes overlooked a snoood is a very useful and versatile piece of clothing you should definitely have in your case. Worn around the neck they can provide warth to the neck and also then be pulled up around and over the mouth should you need it, This is especially relevant when on a snowmobile of on a husky ride, WInd chill can increase the sensation of cold quite dramatically and protecting yourself from this can be the difference from having the time of your life or the day from hell. . 

Shoes 

I will get straight to the point. Boots, boots and more boots. As with gloves a good quality pair of snow boots should be your only option. Fleece lined, waterproof and with enough height to stop snow creeping over the tops is a must. When snow gets inside your boots and melts it is not a pleasant experience if you’re a long way from home. 

Coats and snow suits 

A thick winter jacket and trousers are also essential. Often you can buy these as a set specifically meant for winter. I would recommend a puffer jacket style as these are good and thick and provide even insulation. Also look for coats with sleeves you can tighten over your gloves, Keeping the cold air ans the snow out from your sleeves is important. 

The same goes for the trousers. Specifically for winter and with an inner eöasticated inner you can foldover your boots to seal in the warmth and leep snow out. 

Hats 

Last but by no means least is the hat, Again the same with socks. Your only thought should be towards wool. The hat should be large enough to cover the ears or have specific ear coverings as part of the design. 

The only exception to this is in the case of wearing a helmet. A thick woolen hat will often not fit over a helmet so if you are wearing one you should have a thin beanie stye hat should you want to wear something to cover the ears

Our Journey to Swedish Lapland: A Passion Ignited

In 2018, our lives took a turn that would shape the course of our future in the most extraordinary way. It all began with a visit to coastal Swedish Lapland—a trip that would not only ignite an insatiable passion for this remarkable region but also lead to a life-changing decision.

As we stood on the sand of a pristine beach watching the Northern Lights on a warm August evening outside the stunning nordic glass fronted beach-house we were staying in, we realised that Swedish Lapland was unlike any other place we had ever been. Its breathtaking beauty and the genuine warmth of its people left an indelible mark on both of us and in this moment we knew we had found our home and place in the world.

Building a Collaborative Community

Nine months later, we took the plunge. We sold everything we had back home and made the permanent move to Swedish Lapland. It was a leap of faith, driven by an unshakeable desire to immerse ourselves in this enchanting region.

Our journey in Swedish Lapland wasn’t just about personal exploration; it was about building something meaningful—a community of micro-businesses rooted in the values of collaboration and authenticity. I believe that together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. It’s a sentiment that runs deep in the veins of this extraordinary region, where neighbours are more like family, and support is a way of life.

Introducing Authentic Lapland to British Travellers

Our mission is clear: to introduce British travellers to the less commercialised, more authentic side of Lapland. We want you to experience life here as the locals do, far removed from purpose-built resorts and crowded tourist traps. Swedish Lapland is not just a destination; it’s a way of life—one we’re excited to share with you.

Putting You at the Centre of the Journey

At our core, we are driven by the belief that travel should be about making dreams come true. We are dedicated to crafting experiences that leave you speechless and create memories that last a lifetime.

Unparalleled Personal Connections

Our secret ingredient is personal connections. Living amidst the beauty of Swedish Lapland, We’ve fostered deep relationships with locals, learned the ins and outs of cosy cabins hidden in the wilderness, and discovered the best-kept secrets of thrilling activities. These connections allow us to provide you with tailored recommendations and experiences that go beyond the ordinary.

A Lifelong Love Affair with Swedish Lapland

This is not just a destination for us; it’s our home, our passion, and our expertise. I wake up to its breathtaking landscapes, immerse ourselves in its culture, and cherish its seasons. It’s why we can offer you unparalleled insights and experiences.

In every journey we craft, every connection we make, and every adventure we embark upon, know that we are fuelled by an unwavering passion for Swedish Lapland. We invite you to join us on this incredible adventure and experience the magic of this remarkable region through our eyes. Swedish Lapland is more than a destination; it’s a way of life, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Welcome to the journey of a lifetime.

our eyes. Swedish Lapland is more than a destination; it’s a way of life, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Welcome to the journey of a lifetime.