What to Do in Rovaniemi:Your Complete Travel Guide

Welcome to Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland and the enchanting home of Santa Claus! Located on the Arctic Circle, this popular destination serves as an excellent starting point for your first Lapland adventure, particularly if you’re traveling with children, especially during the magical Christmas season. Rovaniemi offers a wealth of attractions and activities that showcase the region’s natural beauty and rich culture. In this guide, we’ll explore the highlights of Rovaniemi and provide valuable tips to ensure an unforgettable visit. Get ready to discover the wonders of Rovaniemi and immerse yourself in the Arctic charm it has to offer!

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What to do, what to see in Rovaniemi?

Sled dog rides, Northern Lights observation, ice fishing – these are just a few examples of things to do in Rovaniemi. Below, I have listed all the activities that I find interesting to do during your stay, along with some great recommendations to assist you in making reservations. Please note that certain activities, like sled dog rides, tend to be in high demand. It’s advisable to make reservations in advance, especially if you’re visiting Rovaniemi in December. This guide is regularly updated with new information, and I maintain regular communication with the Rovaniemi Tourist Office to stay informed about the latest updates!

1. Visit Santa Claus Village.

Staying in Rovaniemi without visiting Santa Claus Village would be like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. The place is undoubtedly touristy, but it’s a must-do at least once. In the village, you can:

• Meet Santa Claus (who speaks many languages)
• Cross the Arctic Circle
• Get your passport stamped
• Write and send a postcard from Santa’s Post Office

Entry and meeting Santa Claus are free, but if you want a souvenir photo, you’ll need to pay.

You’ll also find various activities on-site (reindeer sleigh rides, restaurants, etc.), but I recommend exploring other places for those, as Santa Claus Village can be a bit too touristy and not always of the highest quality.

Tips: If you want a peaceful experience at Santa Claus Village, for example, to take photos and enjoy the place without crowds, go after the closing time of Santa’s House. There will be fewer people around, and the atmosphere will still be magical! However, if you want to see Santa Claus, you’ll need to go during the daytime when he is there. 😉

To help you pass the time and immerse yourself in the spirit, here’s a live view of Santa Claus Village 🙂

2. Go on a husky ride excursion.

The most popular activity in Lapland is dog sledding safari. There are numerous companies in Rovaniemi, as well as throughout Lapland. However, what you may not know is that some companies are not truly respectful towards the dogs they work with. Many customers are unaware of this, as everything may seem perfect. Yet, there are companies that practice euthanasia when the dogs are too old to run or don’t run well enough. Personally, I was shocked when I learned about this. Therefore, I make a great effort to find and recommend the right companies. In Rovaniemi, there is one company that stands out and operates exceptionally well: Bearhill Husky, located 20-30 minutes from Rovaniemi (see the link below to make a reservation).

At Bearhill Husky, the dogs are well treated, and their way of working is exemplary. Take a look at their Facebook page, and you’ll see that they communicate extensively to explain their work. If you choose another company, make sure they offer a kennel visit (so you can see where the dogs live and in what conditions) and try to ask them what they do with their older dogs or inquire about the average age of the dogs. If the average age is very young, it raises questions as to why they don’t have older dogs (especially if the company has been operating for a long time).

To fully enjoy this activity, I recommend going on a 20-kilometer safari to truly immerse yourself in the experience. If you’re traveling with young children, opt for shorter safaris (around 5 kilometers) as the little ones can get cold quickly in the sled. From my experience, I often see young children struggling during longer outings.

3. Embark on an Exciting Snowmobile Adventure

Another activity to discover in Lapland: snowmobiling! Some people are hesitant to try it for understandable reasons: it can be noisy and polluting. True! However, snowmobiling is a common means of transportation in Lapland. Many people here use them to get around. There are designated trails that are well-maintained and serve as pathways for travel. So, even if you’re not initially inclined, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the Lapland landscapes.

I had the chance to try something quite new: electric snowmobile safari! Now, you have no excuse not to give it a go 🙂 It’s Aurora Emotion, the company behind these electric snowmobiles, that offers these safaris. This is a significant breakthrough because they are currently the only company with electric snowmobiles that operate effectively in extreme cold temperatures. It took several years of research and development, but now it’s perfected.

I was genuinely amazed by the machine! At start-up, there was no noise at all. I even wondered if the snowmobile was running or not. But as we began to move, it was pure joy! Smooth acceleration and a noise level that was completely acceptable, nothing like a traditional snowmobile.

We went on a beautiful ride (there were four snowmobiles in our group) through the forest with an outstanding guide who shared his love for Lapland with us. We had a delightful break in a kota to warm up and grill sausages.

Visit a Reindeer Farm and Immerse Yourself in Sami Culture

The reindeer is the iconic animal of Lapland. By visiting a reindeer farm, you will learn a lot about this beautiful animal and also about the Sami culture. If you’re interested in this type of visit, you’ll find plenty of options when it comes to companies in Rovaniemi offering various services such as sleigh rides, feeding the reindeer, spending time with a Sami family, and more.

Personally, I recommend opting for a visit to a reindeer farm where you will have the opportunity to learn about the Sami culture and the life of a reindeer herder. Choose family-owned companies that will be happy to share their culture with you.

5. Chase the Northern Lights

If you want to see the Northern Lights, it’s a good idea to join a tour especially if you don’t have a car. These tours are designed to increase your chances of experiencing the stunning beauty of the auroras.

When you join a Northern Lights tour, you’ll have experienced guides who know the best places to see the lights and the optimal weather conditions. They know a lot about the science behind the Northern Lights and will share interesting information during the tour.

One great thing about taking a tour is that they take you away from areas with lots of lights, so you can go to remote places where the skies are darker. This improves your chances of seeing the auroras clearly. The tour operators choose the best spots based on weather forecasts and where the auroras are most likely to be visible.

Quick tip: It’s best to refrain from booking a dog sledding or snowmobile tour specifically for viewing the Northern Lights. Instead, consider a van tour, which offers the advantage of being able to drive away to better locations in case of poor weather conditions. I personally believe that tours encouraging waiting around a campfire when the sky is cloudy are not trustworthy.”

6. Explore the Arktikum Museum

If there is one museum to visit in Rovaniemi, it’s definitely the Arktikum. Here, you can explore both Sami culture and learn a lot about the Arctic. The museum is well-designed and I believe it will also appeal to children.

7. Try ice fishing

One unique activity to try in Lapland is ice fishing! This involves heading out onto frozen lakes, drilling a hole in the ice, and waiting for the fish to bite. It’s a fun and memorable experience.

However, it’s important to note that ice fishing in Lapland during December and January is more about the experience rather than catching fish. The fish are less active during this time, so don’t expect a big catch. The ideal season for ice fishing is in March or even April. Many Finns enjoy fishing on weekends during these months, as the days are longer, it’s not as cold, and the sun provides some warmth.

You can find companies that offer ice fishing experiences, often combined with other activities like snowmobiling. Alternatively, you can rent equipment and go ice fishing on your own, but you’ll need to find the right spots for a successful fishing adventure.

8. Visit Snowman World

I haven’t been there myself, but I know that many people with children enjoy visiting this park. It’s a playground for kids where they can run around with real snowmen, play in the snow, and even try ice skating. There is also an Ice bar and an Ice restaurant on-site.

9. Discover the Authentic Sauna Experience

Did you know that Finland has over 3 million saunas for its 5.5 million inhabitants? It may sound incredible, but it’s true. So, if you’re visiting Finland, you must try the sauna experience. Saunas are often available in rental cottages or hotels. After a day in the cold, you’ll appreciate the relaxing warmth of the sauna. To fully embrace the experience, you can choose to either roll in the snow (after spending some time in the sauna) or dip into the cold water of a lake. Afterward, you return to the warmth, and you’ll feel amazing.

10. Go Ice Floating

You can find various tours that provide ice floating experiences, allowing you to lie on the ice while wearing a protective cold weather suit and gaze up at the stars. I’ve tried this activity during the summer, but I haven’t experienced it in winter yet. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable activity, definitely worth trying if you have the time!

What to do around Rovaniemi ?

If you have some extra time during your visit to Rovaniemi, there are a few exciting attractions nearby that you can explore. Take a trip to the Ranua Wildlife Park and get up close with polar bears and other Arctic animals. Another option is to visit an amethyst mine and discover the fascinating world of gemstones. For a unique experience, head to Kemi and embark on a thrilling icebreaker adventure.

Day Trip an Amethyst Mine

In our ongoing journey through Rovaniemi, there is one more place that deserves mention. It is a bit of a drive away, but worth considering if you find yourself intrigued by the allure of the Finnish natural treasures. Just about 1,5 hours drive away, nestled in the heart of Lapland, lies an interesting discovery – the Amethyst Mine.

While it might not be on every tourist’s bucket list, this place holds its own unique charm. It’s not every day you get to visit a real-life amethyst mine, after all. The mine is open to the public and the journey there is quite scenic, letting you absorb the tranquil Finnish landscapes as you drive.

What’s special about this visit is that you are not just there to admire the sparkling amethysts, but also to search for your own little treasure. Yes, you get to dig and find your own amethyst! There’s something really exciting about sifting through the earth in search of these precious stones. If you find one that’s not too big, you’re even allowed to take it home as a souvenir.

Say hi to polar bears at the Ranua Wildlife Park

One of the must-visit attractions near Rovaniemi is the Ranua Zoo. Located just a short distance away, it offers a unique opportunity to observe Arctic wildlife up close. From polar bears to reindeer, the zoo showcases a diverse range of animals in their natural habitats. It’s a great family-friendly excursion and a chance to learn more about the fascinating wildlife of the region.

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