A Lapland vacation for families with special needs

Planning a vacation with a child who needs special support means thinking about many things in advance.

You know your child and what they need. You want to find a vacation spot that meets your needs so the whole family can simply enjoy spending time together.

We want to tell you about a special kind of vacation. One where the surroundings are peaceful, the tour guide already understands your children’s needs, and the moments that will stay with you aren’t the logistics, but the laughter, the warmth of the campfire, and the look on your child’s face when a reindeer breathes on their hand.

Your accommodation is a private, barrier-free home – a cottage nestled in the tranquility of nature, entirely at your disposal, yet with the warmth of a host. In short, it’s a far better option than a hotel.

This is Sense Lapland, in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland.

Your Experience Guide, Kristiina

At the heart of Sense Lapland’s outdoor experiences is Kristiina Rentola, a professional nature guide who now leads special groups through the forests of Lapland and who previously worked for many years as a certified nursing assistant with people on the autism spectrum, those with dementia, and people with disabilities and special needs.

When Kristiina is with your child, she doesn’t improvise. She knows how to be present without being intrusive. She knows when to speak and when to let the forest speak. She communicates in Finnish, English, sign language, and with picture cards, depending on your child’s individual needs. Kristiina takes her time. She gives her clients her full attention.

Parents repeatedly describe the same thing: the relief of not having to explain everything to the guide, who adapts naturally to the situation and meets the child exactly where they are.

And soon, laughter can be heard. That’s what happens when a child feels safe: they play, they explore, and they form connections.

What's it like to spend a day with Sense Lapland?

A day with Sense Lapland might look like this: ice fishing on the quiet, secluded Lake Norvajärvi, just your family, the ice, and the silence.

After that, we’ll get to know the reindeer. Your child can get close to the reindeer, feed it, and touch it. Reindeer are calm animals, and their calmness is contagious.

Then we gather together at an accessible lean-to – a traditional Finnish covered fire pit – where reindeer soup simmers over the fire. Kristiina tells stories. No one is in a hurry to go anywhere. These moments are usually the ones that family members remember most fondly.

Your private retreat: Villa Arcticmint and hostess Jaana

Your family will stay at Villa Arcticmint, a cozy, beautifully designed villa on the shores of Lake Norvajärvi, surrounded by forest and just 20 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport.

The villa sleeps eight people and is available exclusively for your group. No other guests. No shared spaces. Just your family, in your own home in Lapland.

The ground floor of the villa is wheelchair accessible. It features wide doorways, an accessible bathroom with a shower chair, and a sauna that the whole family can enjoy together.

Your hostess, Jaana, is warm, attentive, and genuinely committed to making your family feel at home.

For every family

Sense Lapland is designed for families who want a vacation where the whole group – everyone – can truly enjoy themselves. Not just get by. But enjoy themselves.

It’s designed for parents who want their children to feel the breath of a reindeer. For a sister who wants to go ice fishing alongside her brother. For a family who wants to sit together by the campfire and enjoy a delicious meal.

Family vacations at Sense Lapland in Rovaniemi are available year-round.

Every visit is planned together with Jaana and Kristiina, starting with a discussion to go over your family’s needs and wishes.

Personal assistants are always welcome at no extra charge.

Get in touch and tell us about your family —we'll take care of the rest.