Rovaniemi is the largest city in the northernmost Finnish province of Lapland. This area is famous around the world as the birthplace of Santa Claus, but it offers much more than just the fairytale land of Santa Claus.
The city, which is located not far from the Arctic Circle, offers a wide range of attractions and activities. If in summer it attracts fishing and hiking enthusiasts, in winter it shines in all its glory. In addition to the unforgettable scenes of the Northern Lights, to the Lapland Wilderness and a visit to Santa's Village. Rovaniemi is considered the official residence of Santa Claus, and you can experience Christmas magic at every turn. From Santa's Village to reindeer and sleighs. Then there are the wide variety of animals that you can admire both in the wild and in Ranua Zoo.
When in Rovaniemi?
In winter, the area turns into polar darkness, a few more rays of the sun shine only in February. October to March is the perfect time to see the Northern Lights, plus winter offers a range of outdoor activities, you just need a few more layers of clothing. But do not miss Rovaniemi during the festive season in December, when the temperatures are freezing (from -20 to -10 C), which is why the festive events are so much more varied. Even in the summer, there is no shortage of events. Bright days and nights from June to August represent the peak of summer activities and events. September is the time for autumn leaves to color and nature practically explodes in a spectacular display of earth tones.
Photo: Unsplash/Maria VojovicovaWhat can I see in Rovaniemi?
Your adventure can start on the way to Rovaniemi. An elegant double-decker train affectionately known as the takes you there from Helsinki "Santa Claus Express". In the Finnish capital, you lie down in a private sleeping cabin, and the next morning you wake up in the snowy landscape of Lapland. The route is approximately 885 kilometers long and takes eight to ten hours, depending on the planned stops. Each sleeping car has a shared bathroom, but the cabins are equipped with a private sink, fresh linen, electrical outlets and a window. When you arrive in style in the north of Finland, don't miss a visit Santa's village.
As mentioned, Rovaniemi is the official birthplace of Santa Claus in Lapland. Just eight kilometers north of the city of Rovaniemi is a festive holiday village where you will find everything related to Christmas and Mr. Santa Claus. Mrs. Santa bakes traditional gingerbread and tells stories about Lapland in her Christmas cottage, while Santa explains how he and his merry elves prepare for Christmas every year in their study. Even the deer, these inhabitants of the north, are a feast for the eyes. There are about as many reindeer in Lapland as there are inhabitants. The indigenous population has a very special connection with these gentle creatures. Although you can see reindeer wandering unaccompanied in the snow-covered forests, they are actually owned by a specific herder, and they are also counted every year.
Photo: Unsplash/Fox JiaIce and snow. More "exotic" residences are also suitable for this. Almost a two-hour drive north of Rovaniemi, you'll find a breathtaking resort complex built from snow and natural ice. Almost every year, Lapland Hotels designs and builds a new one SnowVillage, complete with hotel rooms, a wedding chapel and dozens of stunning snow and ice sculptures for day pass visitors and overnight guests to enjoy. A team of talented Finnish designers and builders come up with a theme and then bring it to life within a year. The Korundi Cultural Center in Rovaniemi gives you a better insight into the local culture and history of the area, and will also appeal to keen athletes. The region is perfect for cross-country skiing, but if that's not your thing, snowshoeing is also a great way to explore the landscape.
At the end of the day, treat yourself to a traditional Finnish sauna. Saunas are written in the Finnish genetic code, so today there are almost two million saunas in Finland. There are plenty of options in Rovaniemi when it comes to trying this Finnish tradition, from organized day trips to a secluded lakeside Lappish sauna to simply using the one at your hotel or resort. Before you even close your eyes, look up at the sky. The northern lights are in Lapland visible throughout the year, but mostly between September and March. Most adventure agencies in Rovaniemi offer special night trips into the surrounding wilderness of the Arctic Circle by snowmobile, snowshoe or skis that promise to see the Northern Lights. It is essential to wait for a clear, starry night, far away from light pollution.
Photo: Unsplash/Maria VojovicovaHow to explore Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi is a relatively small town, but you can explore its center on foot. If you have to cover longer distances, it makes sense to choose a bus, which is the only form of public transport in this part of Finland. If you don't feel like it, you can also choose a taxi.
How much is a plane ticket to Rovaniemi?
For a plane ticket from Milan to Rovaniemi, you will pay from 112 euros. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.
Photo: Unsplash/Jesson MataCovid-19 restrictions in Finland
On June 30, Finland lifted the last restrictions on tourist arrivals. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.
Accommodation in Rovaniemi
Accommodations are anything but affordable, so expect to shell out at least 100 euros per person per night.
Log cabin in Lapland by the river
In the town, you can come across a series of beautiful wooden houses tucked away in the wilderness. Log cabin in Lapland by the river has a bedroom and an open living area with a kitchen and a bathroom with a shower. As part of the accommodation, they also offer water sports equipment and a private sauna. The house is located 8.4 km from Božičkova vas.
Lapland Sunrise Cottage with lakefront Sauna
Ten kilometers away from Božičkova village, you can find another nice wooden cabin with a large outdoor terrace, which also boasts a private sauna. It offers beautiful views of the lake and can accommodate a larger family or company, as it has as many as 3 bedrooms.
