Lapland Journal By Marielle
Autumn 2025
The winter season in Lapland is finally beginning again, something we’ve been waiting for all year. Winter brings all the international guests to Lapland.
Here in Mettäjärvi, we are still close enough to Rovaniemi to feel the rhythm of the season, yet far enough that the rush and crowds haven’t found their way here.
The air turns crisp and the reindeer are slowly returning from their summer pastures.
This summer was a hot one. The small calves struggled in the heat, and some of the reindeer came back thinner than usual. Now, as they move from the forest to the winter corral, a new routine begins, a different from their days in the wild. It’s always a gentle change, both for the animals and for us.
This autumn 2025 has brought many nights of northern lights. The sky has been full of color. A reminder that winter is just around the corner.
We’ve spent the past weeks preparing the winter camp, checking every detail, and hanging the lights that bring a bit of magic to the dark polar night.
And soon, the best part of the year begins. I truly love this time of year, when guests from all around the world come to visit. Every encounter brings new stories, laughter, and warmth to our small village.
People often ask me what’s trending in Lapland tourism right now.
Most expect me to say northern lights hunting, but my answer is different. I say: frost walks.
Step outside when it’s –30°C, breathe in that sharp, frozen air, and listen the noises that the frosty weather makes. It’s strangely refreshing, you can feel every breath and you know you’re truly alive. Go for a walk and forget about chasing the northern lights. There’s beauty in Lapland, even on the nights when the sky is still.
Hope to see you in Lapland this winter season 2025-2026
⏤ Marielle
Spring 2025
The winter season has come to an end, and so has our visiting period here in Mettäjärvi.
As spring arrives, Lapland begins to quiet down, it feels almost like a different world.
Our reindeer have left for their spring pastures and are now free in the forest again. Any day now the first babies are born in the forest.
Believe it or not, already in April the nights are slowly becoming brighter. Each evening, the light lasts a little longer, until in June there is no night at all.
I want to take a moment to thank all our wonderful guests and my fellow guides for this winter season.
It has been filled with laughter, stories, and beautiful encounters from around the world.
Thank you! See you again next winter!
⏤Marielle
Christmas 2024
Christmas is always a busy time in reindeer herding.
We don’t have much time to celebrate ourselves, but the Christmas spirit always finds its way to us through our international guests. Their laughter and excitement make the season feel special, even when the days are full and the nights are long.
You might think that the peak of polar night would drain all your energy, but I believe the opposite. I feel more alive and inspired than ever, with so many fun things to do; my days are filled with preparing craft materials for the traditional sami handicrafts, making gifts for the children, and meeting visitors.
We don’t really celebrate New Year’s either, but this time my guests reminded me of it. So, we decided to cook a small meal in the lávvu at midnight with our family.
And, as you might guess, we don’t have fireworks here. But just as the year was turning from 2024 to 2025, red northern lights appeared right above us. That was scary!
Our reindeer, Áslat, grew curious about all the activity and came to watch our little New Year’s gathering.
In fact, this photo of Áslat and the lávvu became my very first picture of 2025.
Happy New Year 2025!
⏤ Marielle
