Which means of transport to use Finnish Lapland?

From the airport to the city centre Finnish Lapland

Finland. Finnair's domestic network serves the country's 21 airports. To reach Rovaniemi in Lapland, 900 km from Helsinki, this is naturally the fastest means of transport. Public and private shuttles are available for all departures and arrivals.

Norway. There are numerous airlines operating flights from France to the capital cities and then on to various cities in the north. Direct flights are rare or non-existent. In summer, Widerøe, a company owned by SAS, offers an "Explore Norway Ticket" from the end of June to the end of August, for unlimited travel for two weeks, for little more than a one-way ticket. Information: www.wideroe.no. The Flybussen company is in charge of shuttles to northern airports (www.flybussen.no)

Sweden. The country is well served by SAS and Skyways, but low-cost carriers such as Ryanair also offer flights between France and Sweden. The main airports in Swedish Lapland are Kiruna, Gällivare and Luleå. Public and private shuttles are available for every flight.

Arrival by train Finnish Lapland

From December to March, take the Arctic routes by train, Lapland's most beautiful itineraries. They serve Narvik, Tromsø, Lyngen, Alta, Levi, Rovaniemi and Luleå (www.thearcticroute.com)

Finland. Finland's railroad network covers some 6,000 km. In Lapland, the network extends no further than Rovaniemi, Kemijärvi and Kolari. Trains are operated by VR. (vr.fi)

Norway. There are four main lines. Note that the train is not very frequent in the fjords and does not go as far as North Cape. It stops at Bodø, a town two-thirds of the way north. Operated by Vy (vy.no).

Sweden. Several companies share the Swedish market, mainly on a geographical basis. SJ and Norrtåg (norrtag.se; sj.se). Night trains between Stockholm and Narvik, serving towns on the Swedish coast via Kiruna and Abisko, have been operated by the Norwegian company Vy since 2021 (vy.se). Between June and August, the Inlandsbanan line crosses Sweden inland from Kristinehamn to Gällivare. The scenery is splendid, and the train serves many small villages along the way, including a stop in Jokkmokk. In winter, the train runs from Östersund to Jokkmokk for the famous Same market. (res.inlandsbanan.se)

Arrival by boat Finnish Lapland

In Norway, it's almost a must if you're traveling in the fjords. Ferries are generally expensive, especially if you're travelling by car. Only the driver doesn't pay a ticket (he only pays for the vehicle), but all accompanying passengers are obliged to do so. This allows you to cut off certain stretches of road and enjoy the magnificent views of the fjords. The organization is generally good, with information and timetables available from tourist offices, as different companies share the network. Apart from the ferries, Norway is famous for its cruises aboard the Coastal Express(Hurtigruten), which runs from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north, skirting the coastline and making no fewer than 34 stops. The Coastal Express carries passengers, freight and mail. Initially designed to serve the local population in remote counties, these boats are attracting increasing numbers of tourists in summer, who can discover one of the world's most fascinating coastal landscapes. To save time, theHurtigruten can be used as a kind of water cab between two ports. You don't have to book a cabin on short trips, but if you're hoping to get some sleep, it's essential to book - sometimes for several months! All ships take cars. (www.hurtigruten.no)

Public transport Finnish Lapland

Finland. There are daily connections to all the country's cities, even to the most remote destinations. Access to smaller towns is easier by coach than by train. Almost 90% of the road network is used by regular coach services. The Matkahuolto company manages the 470 bus stations. Information on routes and fares can be found at www.matkahuolto.fi/passengers. The Onnibus (www.onnibus.com) and Lapin Linjat Bus (www.eskelisen.fi/en) companies also serve the north of the country, and even Norway and Sweden. Trains do not run beyond Rovaniemi in Lapland.

Norway. Trains stop at Fauske and Bodø, so buses are a must. The network is fairly extensive, connecting some towns that the train doesn't, and the frequency is good. There are both private companies and local companies operating on a geographical basis. This competition means that fares are sometimes competitive. There are fewer buses at weekends than on weekdays. Reisnordland (reisnordland.no), for the Nordland region, offers a Travel Pass at around NOK 1,290, which gives unlimited travel in the region for 7 days by goal and express boat. Tromskortet for the Troms region (tromskortet.no) and Snelandia for the Finnmark region (snelandia.no).

Sweden. The cheapest means of transport here is the bus, which is also very practical for reaching all towns and even remote corners of the countryside: see the Länstrafiken Norrbotten website (ltnbd.se).

Bike, scooters & co Finnish Lapland

Finland. Tourist offices and accommodation providers often offer bike hire. Many outdoor service providers are better equipped and even offer a guide service.

Norway. It's possible to make a trip by bike, even if it's rather sporty, as the country is far from flat. Many people use this means of transport to reach the North Cape in particular. The roads are good, and cycle paths have been laid out. It's also possible to use the toll tunnels free of charge, although some of them refuse access to bicycles, and there are often no alternative routes, which can prove problematic! The Widerøe company offers bike hire at an additional cost. A bike will be waiting for you at your arrival airport: www.wideroe.no/en/home/fly-with-us/fly-and-bike

Sweden. Cycling is a very popular means of transport in relatively flat terrain. Here again, tourist offices, accommodation and many outdoor service providers often offer bike hire.

With a driver Finnish Lapland

Living standards are high in Norway, as in Finland and Sweden, and cab fares reflect this. However, public transport isn't available everywhere, and its frequency isn't always ideal, so it's never difficult to find a cab company, wherever you are. Most accommodations, train stations and airports will allow you to book with the local company. But remember to book well in advance. They have no particular color and are therefore not particularly recognizable, apart from the "cab" sign on the roof. As for unnecessary detours, don't worry, there's often only one possible route. VTCs like Uber are not an option.

By car Finnish Lapland

Lapland's roads are endless, but essential. The car is the easiest way to get around, and it's also the only way to get to places that will amaze even the most avid traveler. Roads are maintained in all seasons and remain passable despite sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfalls. While there's nothing complicated about driving on Lapland's roads in summer, conditions are quite different when snow and ice arrive. It's possible to get around by car even in the depths of winter, but you must be aware of the danger of venturing into these sometimes uninhabited wastelands for dozens of kilometers in extreme conditions. Here are a few tips for enjoying the most splendid landscapes Lapland has to offer, while staying safe:

Rent a car:

- Car rental companies are plentiful and present at all arrival and departure points. The main ones are Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt and Hertz.

- Don't do without a good car! It must be suitable for winter driving, ideally an elevated model, or even a 4×4, depending on where you plan to venture.

- Please note that some car rental companies only accept credit cards, not debit cards. Be sure to check before you book, because even if you book online with a debit card, you'll be asked for a credit card when you hand over the keys. This could play nasty tricks on you.

Tips and safety :

- Always carry windshield de-icer and a brush in your car. Depending on the temperature during your trip, a cable to connect the car to the engine block heater is essential! All this is normally provided by the rental agency. In winter, the car will automatically be fitted with studded tires - this is compulsory, even if you drive your own vehicle.

- It's imperative to check the weather forecast the day before and the day of departure! Don't venture out on the roads if the wind is too strong, as it will whirl up the snow and spoil visibility to the point of preventing you from driving. Play it safe! Remember that when temperatures rise above zero, the ice on the roads begins to melt, making them extremely slippery, so you'll need to be extra vigilant! If the weather is too bad, some roads may be closed by barriers. Don't force your way through! In some cases, especially in Norway, convoys of cars known as "Kolonnekjøring" are organized, with two snowploughs in charge of getting everyone to their destination. In single file, the cars follow the lights of the car in front, often with zero visibility. This is highly inadvisable. The locals are used to it, know the roads and don't hesitate to step on the gas. For uninitiated drivers, the experience is not very reassuring. Prefer a delayed start if possible. For your own safety, visit www.yr.no.

- Even if no storms are forecast, the weather can change very quickly. Wherever you think you're going, and especially if you're travelling on remote, hard-to-reach roads, make sure you always carry warm clothes, even a comforter, and enough to eat and drink! Temperatures can drop very suddenly, and it's never easy to predict the end of this kind of climatic episode - In winter, remember that your GPS only gives you an estimated driving time. You may need to add several hours, depending on the weather.

- Network is a rarity in the remote regions of Lapland, so remember to plan your journeys before leaving civilization, and it's a good idea to have a paper map with you, so you don't go on for miles and miles in the wrong direction. Charging your phone in the car is also a good idea. Always keep an emergency number for your rental car agency handy.

- Distances are infinitely long, and it's imperative to keep an eye on the gas gauge at all times. Find out in advance where you can fill up and don't skip a stop!

- In winter, animals are not absent from the roads. Stay vigilant and keep an eye on the roadside. Don't ignore signs warning you of elk and wild animal crossings. And don't ignore the signs indicating snow scooter routes! There are lots of them in winter, and in the dark all road and trail users need to watch out for each other.

- It's best to ride at the brightest times of day, between 9am in the south, 10am in the north, and 1pm in the south, 12pm in the north. If it's not completely daylight, you'll already be a little less tired. Outside these hours, be vigilant and take breaks if you plan to cover long distances - In summer, animals are the only real danger. Elks and reindeer cross without warning and cause many accidents. So be careful!

Lapland is crossed by two main roads: E8-21, the "Road of the Four Winds" (named after the Sami hat), follows the course of the Torniojoki and the border with Swedish Lapland, ending at Kilpisjärvi on the Norwegian border (457 km). The E75-4, known as the Arctic Route, links Kemi (north of the Gulf of Bothnia coast) to Rovaniemi before heading northeast to reach Utsjoki on the Norwegian border (540 km). Our favourite routes:

In Sweden: The road along the Torne river valley, between Vittangi and Haparanda. Route 395 then 99.

- The only road through the Stora Sjöfallet National Park, between Porjus and Ritsem. A grandiose setting in the heart of nature!

In Finland: The road between Muonio and Kautokeino through breathtaking desert landscapes. Routes E8 and 93.

- The road between Ivalo and Utsjoki, which takes you past numerous lakes and through the Kevo and Kaldoaivi parks. Route E75.

- The road between Ylläsjärvi and Pallastunturi, in the heart of Finland's wild hills. Routes 9401, 940, 79, 957.

In Norway: The tourist route along the coast, close to the Barents Sea, between Varangerbotn and Vardø on the coast. Route E75.

- The road between Tana and Kjollefjord via Ifjord. A spectacular route, especially in winter when the wide expanses are covered in snow and reflect the colors of the horizon. Tanafjordveien, 888 then 894.

- The road between Olderfjord and the North Cape, incredible landscapes between sea and mountains, at the end of the European continent. Route E69.

- The E10 route between Kiruna and Å in the Lofoten Islands. A famous and unmissable route, from the desert of the Lapland to the turquoise fjords of Lofoten.

- Route 816 to the mythical Lofoten village of Henningsvær. A not-to-be-missed section if you're ever in Lofoten!

Accessibility Finnish Lapland

The vast majority, if not all means of transport, sidewalks and public and private establishments are accessible to people with reduced mobility and baby carriages - in all three countries, even in such remote areas!