Discover the Winter Paradise of Pyhä

If you’re looking for a true winter wonderland filled with sparkling snow, peaceful forests, and a touch of Nordic magic, we’ve got the perfect tip for you. Welcome to Pyhä, a small and almost magical ski resort in the heart of Finnish Lapland. It’s so beautiful here that even Santa in nearby Rovaniemi, just about an hour away, might stop by from time to time.

Magical winter escape in Finnish Lapland

Pyhä is still a real hidden gem for your winter holidays in Finland. There’s no mass tourism, no crowded slopes, just pure nature, peace, and a good dose of adventure. Whether you want to ski, snowboard, or simply sit in the sauna and count snowflakes, this is where you’ll find your own little piece of winter happiness.

We’ve been there twice already, and we can tell you Pyhä cast its spell on us right away. So pull your hat down low, grab your thermos, and join us on a journey to the place where winter truly feels at home.

Charming accommodation in a peaceful location

Our cozy little Airbnb log cabin is tucked away at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, almost like a secret hideaway in the snow. Just a few minutes on foot and you’re at the bottom of the ski slope or right by the ski school, yet it’s wonderfully peaceful. With its own sauna, crackling fireplace, and space for up to four people, the cabin has everything you need for a perfect winter getaway in Finland. Especially handy is the large drying cabinet for wet ski clothes and boots, making everything warm and dry again in no time. Wonderful!

The cabin is perfect for cozy game nights, breakfast with a view of the snow-covered landscape, and that wonderful feeling of truly arriving. The accommodation even comes with a few sleds, which you can use to charmingly pull your groceries back from the supermarket or turn the little snow hill next door into your own sledding run. Fun for all ages, no limits attached.

Why Pyhä offers more than just skiing

Pyhä is more than just a ski resort with slopes, lifts, and a ski school. The dining scene here is cozy and delicious as well. The elevated Camp Kitchen & Bar offers spectacular views and is perfect for a lunch or dinner with a wow factor. We even spent New Year’s Eve there and enjoyed hot cocoa on some afternoons while taking in the breathtaking scenery. It’s also worth stopping by the small sports bar for a game of billiards or a cold beer. Plus, there are a few charming cafés and other restaurants in town that are definitely worth a visit.

Everything in town is easily accessible on foot, especially the supermarket. Living costs, shopping, and many activities in Finnish Lapland can be quite expensive, particularly during the peak season around Christmas and New Year. For us, it was absolutely worth it because the memories are priceless and will stay with us for a lifetime.

Endless activities to enjoy

Whether you’re looking for action or just some cozy downtime, boredom is impossible in Pyhä. There’s a huge variety of activities, and choosing can be tricky. Beyond the classic winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, there’s so much more to experience. One week in Lapland can feel too short with everything on offer. We’ve gathered a few of our favorite activities and experiences that you definitely shouldn’t miss.

Huskies, Reindeers and Horses

Enjoy a fun sled ride with huskies* right in the heart of the wilderness! Learn the secrets of husky mushing and let six huskies pull you through the snowy landscape. The safari lasts about 30 minutes and covers roughly three to five kilometers. Afterwards, hear a little story about the adorable huskies while enjoying steaming berry juice in a cozy cabin. The Pyhä Husky Farm is a privately owned farm in the wilderness and a real highlight for both kids and adults.

If you prefer something a bit calmer, you can visit a reindeer farm and enjoy a short sleigh ride. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the Sami traditions and life in the far north. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for anyone who wants to experience Lapland at a gentler pace. Horseback riding is also possible amidst Pyhä’s stunning snowy landscapes.

2. Snowmobile Tour

For those who love speed, there are guided snowmobile tours through snowy forests or across frozen lakes. Along the way, you’ll stop at a campfire for warm drinks and snacks. Kids ride along in a trailer, cozy on warm furs. It’s an absolute blast. Our tip: bring heat pads for your shoes and gloves.

3. Overnight in an Igloo

Spend a night in a real snow igloo* and experience the magic of Lapland’s winter in a truly unique way. Enjoy the silence, the starry sky, and with a bit of luck, even the Northern Lights right outside your door. The igloos are perfect for adventurous travelers looking to try something different. Up to five guests can snuggle into warm sleeping bags, and hot water bottles ensure a cozy night. Toilets and showers are available next door at the Lucky Ranch Saloon, which is open all night. If it gets too cold or uncomfortable, you can even crash on the sofa there. A light breakfast is also included. We absolutely loved the igloo experience, but one night was definitely enough for us.

4. Chasing the Northern Lights

Eines der magischsten Erlebnisse überhaupt sind die Nordlichter. Rund um Pyhä ist die Gegend dafür perfekt, denn hier gibt es kaum künstliches Licht. Du kannst an einer geführten Tour teilnehmen oder einfach abends nach draußen gehen und den Himmel beobachten. Mit etwas Glück tanzen die grünen Lichter direkt über dir.

One of the most magical experiences is seeing the Northern Lights. The area around Pyhä is perfect for this, with very little artificial light. You can join a guided tour or simply step outside in the evening and watch the sky. With a bit of luck, the green lights will dance right above you.

If you don’t feel like chasing the Northern Lights, you can try your luck from a modern heated igloo with a glass roof, for example at the Northern Lights Village* or the Pyhä Igloos*. That way, you can watch the lights right from your bed without even having to put on your snow boots.

5. Skiing, Snowboarding, and Cross-Country Skiing

Pyhä may be small, but the ski area has everything you need. There are slopes for beginners and advanced skiers, and over 150 kilometers of cross-country trails for ski enthusiasts. Even if you’re not a passionate skier, it’s worth trying a taster lesson or spending an afternoon on the easier runs. The views are breathtaking, and skiing or snowboarding in this peaceful setting feels completely different from the Alps. We booked a snowboarding lesson and tried some wilderness skiing, which was an absolute blast.

6. Unique Experiences

If you are looking for something a little different, try ice fishing on a frozen lake. It might sound a bit crazy, but it’s incredibly relaxing. You sit in the quiet, take in the snowy landscape, and wait to see if a little fish will bite. There’s also ice climbing, snowshoeing, ice karting, and ice floating. You can ride an e-fatbike through the snow or visit the amethyst mine in nearby Luosto, where you can even dig for gemstones yourself – a really fun experience, especially for kids.
Building a snowman didn’t quite work out for us because the snow was very dry and powdery, so everything just crumbled. Luckily, there’s plenty else to do and enjoy.

Here* you can book many of the unforgettable activities.

Practical Tips for Lapland

Many activities depend on the weather, so it’s best to check in advance whether the snow conditions are good. Northern Lights, of course, cannot be seen under a cloudy sky, so it’s better to book aurora tours at short notice when the forecast is clear. Some activities can also be too cold to do safely, for example, our husky tour was once cancelled because at minus 40 degrees it was simply too cold for both humans and dogs.

Dress warmly, even though many providers lend out overalls and boots. Having your own thermal underwear makes a huge difference. Good footwear is especially important, as cold feet can ruin your fun and even become quite painful.

If you’re traveling with children, check in advance the recommended age for each tour. Most providers are family-friendly though. Prices are higher around Christmas and New Year, but it’s definitely worth it.

Our Final Verdict on Pyhä: Why This Hidden Gem in Lapland Should Be on Your Bucket List

Pyhä is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful ski resort that, even for me as someone who isn’t into winter sports, offers so much that we already struggled to fit everything into just one week. For us, Pyhä is definitely one of the most memorable trips we’ve ever taken, even though we’ve seen so much of the world. One thing is certain: we’ll be returning for a third visit.

Pyhä pairs perfectly with a stay in Rovaniemi and a visit to Santa Claus Village. Or how about a few days in Helsinki followed by a journey on the Santa Express train?