Best things to do in Rovaniemi
Find out more about those top places in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi: Where Santa Lives Year-Round (and the Wilderness is Seriously Wild!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to Finnish Lapland's Coolest Capital!
Ho ho hold on there, adventure seekers! Ever wondered where Santa Claus kicks back when he's not delivering presents? Well, the "official" word on the snowy street is Rovaniemi, nestled in the rolling tundra practically close enough to the Arctic Circle to borrow Mrs. Claus's mittens. Yes, this Finnish town's claim to fame is its year-round Santa residency, and the main drag is certainly decked out with enough Christmas trinkets to make even Buddy the Elf blush.
But hold your reindeer! Peel back the tinsel-lined facade, and you'll discover that Rovaniemi is actually Finland's seriously cool hidden gem, a fantastic launchpad for exploring the vast, breathtaking wilderness of Lapland. Think beyond the jingle bells and imagine yourself surrounded by endless snow-covered landscapes, under the magical glow of the Northern Lights.
Now, despite its jolly image, Rovaniemi has a history that's seen a bit of frost. The town was completely flattened by the retreating German army during World War Two. Talk about a Christmas you wouldn't want to repeat! Thankfully, like a phoenix rising from the snowy ashes (or maybe a well-decorated Christmas tree rising from the snow?), Rovaniemi was rebuilt according to the visionary plans of the renowned modernist architect Alvar Aalto. Architectural buffs from around the globe get giddy over his flowing Lappia Hall and the sleek minimalism of the Central Library. Who knew a town rebuilt from scratch could be so stylish?
Beyond its architectural cred and its famous resident, Rovaniemi is your gateway to some seriously epic Lapland adventures. Fancy strapping on some snowshoes and crunching through pristine snow? How about gliding across the winter wonderland on cross-country skis? Or maybe you've always dreamed of mushing through the snowy wilderness behind a team of enthusiastic huskies? Rovaniemi makes it all happen!
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and things to do in this captivating Arctic town and its surrounding wilderness. Get ready for some unforgettable sightseeing, from meeting the big man himself to exploring stunning natural landscapes, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Rovaniemi a truly magical destination.
Top Attractions: From Santa's Village to Architectural Wonders (and Beyond!)
Rovaniemi offers a unique blend of festive fun and Arctic adventure. Here are some of the top attractions you absolutely shouldn't miss:
Santa Claus Village: Meet the Legend Year-Round (and Cross the Arctic Circle!)
No trip to Rovaniemi is complete without a visit to Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa himself, cross the Arctic Circle (and get a certificate to prove it!), send postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office, and experience the year-round Christmas cheer. It's a quintessential Rovaniemi experience and a must-do for any visitor, regardless of age.
Arktikum Science Centre and Museum: Journey to the Arctic
Delve into the fascinating world of the Arctic at the Arktikum Science Centre and Museum. Explore exhibits on Lapland's nature, culture, and the Sami people, as well as the wonders of the Northern Lights. It's an engaging and informative place to visit that will deepen your understanding of this unique region.
Alvar Aalto's Architecture: Modernist Marvels in the Arctic
Architecture enthusiasts will be in heaven exploring Alvar Aalto's masterpieces in Rovaniemi, including the striking Lappia Hall and the elegantly minimalist Central Library. These buildings are testaments to Aalto's genius and offer a unique cultural sightseeing experience in the Arctic.
Ounasvaara Fell: Nature, Activities, and Stunning Views
Just a stone's throw from the city center, Ounasvaara Fell offers a year-round playground for outdoor activities. In winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In summer, hike or bike the scenic trails and take in the panoramic views of Rovaniemi and the surrounding landscape. It's a fantastic place to visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Things to Do Beyond the City Lights: Embracing the Lapland Wilderness!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some unforgettable things to do in the stunning Lapland wilderness surrounding Rovaniemi:
- Northern Lights Hunting: Witnessing the Aurora Borealis is a bucket-list experience for many, and Rovaniemi is a prime location for sightseeing this natural wonder during the winter months. Join a guided tour for the best chances.
- Dog Sledding: Experience the thrill of mushing through the snowy landscapes behind a team of enthusiastic huskies. It's an exhilarating and unforgettable Lapland adventure.
- Snowmobiling: Explore the vast wilderness on a snowmobile, venturing into areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. Guided tours cater to all skill levels.
- Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing: Embrace the tranquility of the winter landscape with a cross-country skiing or snowshoeing excursion on the numerous well-maintained trails.
- Reindeer Sleigh Rides: Experience a traditional Lapland way of travel with a peaceful reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forests.
- Visit a Sami Reindeer Farm: Learn about the indigenous Sami culture and their deep connection to reindeer herding with a visit to a local reindeer farm.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a magical blend of festive charm and Arctic adventure, Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable experience filled with unique top attractions and thrilling things to do. Just be prepared for some serious winter wonderland vibes (even in summer!), the chance to meet Santa, and the breathtaking beauty of the Lapland wilderness. Hyvää matkaa (have a good trip)!
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Santa Claus Village
Likely Finland’s most visited tourist attraction, Santa Claus Village is built directly atop the Arctic Circle. Filled with a mixture of stalls selling kitsch Christmas related souvenirs and traditional Sami handcrafts, the village is buzzing year round. Especially exciting for younger visitors is the chance to pay a visit to Santa’s Grotto where you can meet Saint Nicholas himself.
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Ounasvaara
Ounasvaara is the highest point in Rovaniemi and forms a focal point for the town during summer and winter months. In the former it transforms into a lush hillside park where locals retreat for picnics, forested walks and views of the surrounding lakes while in the winter the perfectly groomed piste of Finland’s premier ski resort unfurl down its slopes.
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Ranua Zoo
One of the most rewarding tours available in Rovaniemi is a trip to Ranua Zoo – the only zoo above the Arctic Circle in the world. Home to an astounding array of Arctic wildlife, including wolves, polar bears, reindeer and Arctic foxes, the zoo is a perfect day out for all ages.
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Pyhä-Luosto National Park
Easily reached from Rovaniemi via organized tours, the jaw dropping beautiful Phyä-Luosto National Park gives you a taste of the true Arctic wilderness. What is more, tours offer the unique opportunity to explore the area’s rich amethyst mines and dig for the precious stones yourself.
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Reindeer Sleigh Ride
No visit to the Arctic Circle would be complete without a reindeer sleigh ride. Tours from Rovaniemi allow you to immerse yourself in this traditional form of Lappish transport.
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Northern Lights
With long starry nights, the weather in Rovaniemi is perfect for seeing nature’s greatest light show: the Aurora Borealis. For an unforgettable experience, tours from Lapland’s capital take you to icy lagoons where you can don special thermal wet suits and float in the water while watching the light show unfold above.
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Snowmobile Safari
Head into the Arctic wilderness on snowmobile tours departing from Rovaniemi where you will learn about traditional Lappish culture and catch glimpses of elusive northern mammals.
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Ice Fishing
For an authentic Nordic experience, take an ice fishing tour of the plethora of lakes surrounding Rovaniemi. Expert guides will help you master the art of ice fishing and cook a delicious Lappish meal using the fish you caught.
