Why May has become one of our favourite months in Lapland

For many years I thought May was the ugliest month in Lapland.

After a long winter, the snow begins to melt, the landscape turns brown and patchy, and the endless white beauty of winter slowly disappears. Compared to the magical snowy forests of January or the colourful autumn of September, May never seemed particularly impressive.

But a few years ago I realised I was completely wrong.

The more time we spent living in Lapland, the more we began to appreciate this unique season of change. Today, May has become one of our favourite months of the year.

A chance to slow down

For us, May marks the end of the busy winter season. After months of very busy winter season at Foxfires and working long days, life now start to slow down. There is still work to do, but the pace changes. We have more time to enjoy our surroundings and appreciate the small things that often get overlooked during the busiest months of winter. As the snow melts away, our winter tiredness seems to disappear with it.

Winter isn’t quite finished yet

Many people are surprised that May often begins with plenty of snow still on the ground.

Levi ski resort is still open and conditions can remain good for spring skiing. The difference is that now we actually have time to enjoy it ourselves. Sunny days, longer daylight hours and quieter slopes make spring one of the most enjoyable times to be outdoors.

The arrival of the Midnight Sun

One of the biggest changes during May is the return of the Midnight Sun.

By the end of the month, the sun no longer sets. Daylight fills every hour and the landscape takes on a completely different feeling. The arrival of continuous daylight feels like somebody has pressed a fast-forward button on nature. Everything suddenly starts growing. This is how midnight looked like on the 17th May at Foxfires.

A forest full of life

The forest becomes incredibly busy. Not with people, but with wildlife. Birds sing around the clock under the Midnight Sun. Many of the bird houses around Foxfires become occupied by families raising their chicks. Their constant activity and song create a soundtrack that lasts throughout the day and night. Reindeer become regular companions on our walks, quietly grazing among the trees as spring arrives. Baby squirrels begin exploring their surroundings and seem to appear everywhere at once. Arctic hares transition from their white winter coats to grey summer fur, spending a few weeks looking wonderfully scruffy as they struggle to decide which season they belong to. Butterflies return. Bumblebees emerge from their winter sleep. The entire forest feels alive again.

Nature wastes no time

Summer in Lapland is short and nature knows it. As soon as the snow disappears, plants immediately begin growing. Berry bushes produce fresh leaves and flowers. Birch trees develop their first tiny green leaves. When sunlight shines through them, Paul always says they look like Christmas lights hanging throughout the forest. Spruce trees produce fresh spruce tips, one of our favourite seasonal ingredients. Their bright green colour stands out beautifully against the darker forest. Pine trees begin another year of growth. Every spring we measure a few of them against Paul and are reminded just how slowly they grow. One of our favourite traditions is searching for tiny new tree seedlings around Foxfires. These small trees may still be standing here long after we are gone.

Back to outdoor living

As temperatures rise, we begin spending more time outside again. Our outdoor kitchen comes back to life and barbecue season officially begins. Simple meals cooked outdoors somehow taste better after a long winter. The forests dry out, the evenings become brighter and everyday life naturally shifts outside.

Why this May has been special

This year May has felt especially good. We have made steady progress on several important projects while still keeping up with the everyday jobs around Foxfires. At the same time, we have been able to prioritise our own wellbeing again through running, yoga, swim and regular exercise after the busy winter season. The balance has felt right.

May might not be the most spectacular month in Lapland at first glance. But if you slow down and pay attention, you’ll discover a forest full of life, endless daylight and the quiet excitement of another summer beginning.

And perhaps that is why May has quietly become one of our favourite months in Lapland.

Have a beautiful day,

Aggie, Paul & Gooseberry 🐾