Rovaniemi
Western Europe · Finland
Did you know?
- Poronkäristys is sautéed reindeer, a traditional Lappish dish.
- Santa Claus Village combines meetings with Santa, souvenir shops and activities.
- White nights stretch from May into August.
See also
Overview
Rovaniemi is a transport base for exploring Finnish Lapland. Its Santa Claus identity adds a family-friendly focus to an Arctic city break.
Languages: Finnish, Swedish
Why go?
Rovaniemi is a transport and tourist hub for Finnish Lapland. Sitting on the Arctic Circle, it is the official home town of Santa Claus. Easily reachable, Rovaniemi still has rivers, a fell, mires, vast forests, Midnight Sun and Northern Lights. The city has several important museums, cultural venues and educational institutions, giving it the feel of a university town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Rovaniemi Airport is the largest in Lapland, with flights from Helsinki served by Finnair and Norwegian. The railway station has direct trains from Helsinki and other cities. Long-distance coaches also serve the city.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The city centre is compact and best explored on foot. Buses are sparse and most households have a car. Taxis are available, with several companies offering app-based booking and fixed pricing.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The famous Midnight Sun can be seen from June 6 to July 7, with white nights from May to mid-August. In winter, Northern Lights are visible on most clear nights. The climate is subarctic with cold winters and mild summers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
There are many short-term rental apartments and conventional lodging options, though peak season availability may be scarce. Budget options include Hostel Café Koti (dorms from €30) and campgrounds like Ounaskoski Camping. Guesthouses and hotels range from basic to luxurious, including glass igloos and treehouses.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Traditional Lappish cuisine includes sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys), salmon, and lavaret. Rieska flatbread and kampanisu pastry are local specialities. The city has a wide range of restaurants from cheap kebab joints to fine dining. Nightlife centres around Lordi's Square with pubs, bars and nightclubs.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Most tourists come to meet Santa at Santa Claus Village, which also has souvenir shops and activities. The Arktikum science centre and Pilke science centre offer insights into Arctic life. Outdoor activities include skiing at Ounasvaara, hiking on nature trails, bird watching towers, and beaches along the rivers. Northern lights and midnight sun viewing are seasonal highlights.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Rovaniemi is a safe city. For hiking or off-the-beaten-path destinations, tell somebody about your plans and a hard deadline, and know what you are doing.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Etiquette
Respect the right to access limits: do not disturb farm animals, reindeer, or wildlife. Signs saying 'yksityisalue' indicate private property with restricted access.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Downhill skiing from November to April at Levi, Luosto and Pyhä. Ranua has an Arctic wildlife park. Inari, 315 km north, is the Finnish capital for the Sámi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- buy
Alko Rovaniemi Keskusta
Alcoholic beverages.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Arctic Circle National Hiking Area
Hiking area with much infrastructure, such as lean-to shelters. There are three trailheads with parking areas. Coaches to Kemijärvi or Sodankylä stop at Lake Vikajärvi, near one of them. Two nature trails (200 m and 1.5 km) are suitable for wheelchairs and prams, the longer with assistance or motor. There are also longer or more demanding nature trails, as well as marked hiking trails, the longest, Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail of 12 km each way, requiring some hiking skills, suitable footwear and possibly equipment for an overnight stay.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Arctic Design Shop
Local design from local producers, most of them study or have graduated from the University of Lapland. Selection extends from clothes to sex toys(.).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
BioRex Rovaniemi
Five screen cinema with Dolby 7.1 sound system and Dolby 3D. Ticket sales in the ground floor, screens in the second floor.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Gift Shop Aarnivalkea
Souvenirs and some local delicacies.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Harjulampi bird watching tower
Wooden bird watching tower by the eutrophic lake Harjulampi, built in 1995. Over 80 bird species have been observed here, of which 32 nest here regularly. Easy to access as the tower is less than 100 m off the street and within walking distance from the centre. There is a sign by the street and the path is easy to walk. Best times to visit are May and August–September.
Recorded price: Free
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Hietavaaran Frisbeegolf Rata
Established autumn 2024. An 18-hole disc golf course in the former Hietavaara gravel pit with turf tees and prodigy T3 targets. A mixture of open and wooded terrain. Dog friendly. No water or restrooms.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
K Lohinivan Kyläkauppa
Small grocery store in the northernmost village.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
There are many apartments on short-term rental sites and conventional lodging options, but peak season availability may be scarce.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, libraries, and many cafes. Mobile coverage is good.
Culture
Respect private property and the right to access limits. Do not disturb reindeer or wildlife.
Food
Traditional meal is sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys) with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. Salmon and lavaret are common.
Health
Tap water is safe to drink. The Central Hospital of Lapland handles emergencies.
Language
Finnish is the main language (96%), but English is widely spoken.
Local transport
Bus line 8 goes to Santa Claus Village. Taxis can be hailed or booked via apps like Menevä.
Money
Credit cards are widely accepted, but some cash may be useful for markets. ATMs are plentiful.
Safety
Rovaniemi is a safe city. You're unlikely to face any major dangers. For hiking, tell someone your plans.
Transport
Best way to get around the city is on foot. Buses are sparse.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.