The 12 things to do in Rovaniemi

Do you dream of visiting Santa Claus? Embark on a little magic with our selection of incontournable to visit Rovaniemi!

Rebuilt after the war, Rovaniemi, although designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto, has no special appeals. Its region, however, does not lack charms. Its location near the Arctic Circle allows it to offer new activities. And the presence of Santa's house makes it a must-see place when you want to visit Finland. Let us examine together the experiences that you will be able to live during your stay in the capital of Lapland. However, some of the activities can only be done in winter, because they require a snow coat!

1. Meet Santa

This is often the first goal when you decide to visit Rovaniemi: see Santa’s office. After crossing a maze of shops dedicated to the famous party, you can enter the office for free. A picture with Santa Claus? It’s possible, of course, but now you’ll have to pay! Whatever the time of the year, even in the summer, you are sure to meet the famous character. Enjoy it also to make you immortalize on the line of the polar circle, which passes in the middle.

The village is located 8 km from Rovaniemi and you can go there with bus no. 8 or Santa Express Bus .

2. Have fun in Santa Park

Santa Claus amusement park is located right next to Santa Claus village. It has the peculiarity of being underground, because it was arranged in a cave. You can walk through the ice gallery, take part in a number of workshops, including the production of epice-bread characters, to be enjoyed afterwards. You can also go to the Elves School, attend shows and meet Santa again. An unforgettable moment for children.

3. Visit the Arktikum Museum

It is the museum that must not be missed when visiting Lapland. He's really full and captivating. It is dedicated to Arctic culture and study. You will see the traditional lapon costumes, the Northern animals and learn how you can live in a sometimes hostile environment. You can spend two hours without anyone getting bored, many animations make the visit very accessible to all.

Note : it is possible to couple the visit with that of the Centre des Sciences Pilke, on the theme of the forest.

4. Growing in the Korundi Museum

What to do in Rovaniemi when it rains? Spend the day at the Korundi culture house! The old red brick bus depot is one of the few buildings to have been spared by the bombings of the Second World War. Renovated by the architect Juhani Pallasmaa , it was transformed to host a museum and a concert center. The museum presents contemporary works by Finnish artists. In the concert hall, you can hear classical or modern works. Acoustics are particularly cared for.

5. Admire Lappia House

Another concert hall, coupled with a theatre, but this time in a futuristic building, which alone deserves the visit. Alvar Aalto once again demonstrated his talent by designing a building where light is staged. You will also be able to admire the city hall and library in this area, with the same innovative architecture.

6. Walk to the Zoo de Ranua

Do you dream of seeing white bears, wolves, lynx or arctic birds? Take a trip to the Ranua Zoo about 30 kilometers from Rovaniemi. You will see the animals following a path of nearly 3 km in the forest. A beautiful walk where you will have wonderful meetings with local wildlife. The park also has a playground and an adventure route.

7. Dinner in an ice restaurant

What to do in Rovaniemi to warm up? Tasting good local dishes in a sculpted ice decor! The adventure will start with the bar, where you will drink in ice glasses, then continue in the restaurant room. Come with your winter clothes, even if the atmosphere is very warm.

Will you take the Wild Lapland or Arctic Sea menu? The Snowman World is on the polar circle in the village of Santa Claus and the restaurant of the Arctic Hotel is located at Lake Lehtojärvi, about thirty kilometers away.

8. Walking by dog sled

The people of the North use the dogs to move around a long time. At present, this linkage is increasingly replaced by snowmobile. The owners of sled dogs (mushers) have thus gradually replaced the sled tool to replace it with the playful sled and offer exits to the tourists. After explanations about the work of the musher and the life of the dogs, you will be able to run on snowy tracks, in turn pilot or passenger.

9. Experimenting the reindeer sled

In Lapland, it is rather the reindeer, plentiful in the region, which was used to pull the sleds. Visiting Rovaniemi is also going through this well-established tradition! You will also have many opportunities to practice it, including in the very heart of the village of Santa Claus. Reindeer are very mild animals and they go more slowly than dogs. This activity is therefore quite suitable for young children, who can ride on the trail with an adult.

10. Snowmobile

Do you like speed? If you have a driver's license, you'll be able to experience the snowmobile. The walks are often in the form of safari, where you will go in search of the forest animals. Other activities are generally included, such as a traditional farm visit or ice fishing. This form of rapid displacement allows to explore the Rovaniemi region more widely.

11. Hide them Northern

Who did not dream of attending this magnificent show of green light veils dancing in the sky? When you come to visit Rovaniemi, you will be able to contemplate this electromagnetic phenomenon. Learn about the best places and time to observe them or, better yet, join an organized expedition. You're going to make great shots – if you're able to detach your eyes from the show!

12. Bathing in ice water

Do you dare enter a water at 4°? Just like the Finns and spend a few minutes in the water of the Kemijoki River, between two sauna sessions. A dreaming experience!

How to go to Rovaniemi?

You have several solutions to visit Rovaniemi.

• By plane : the fastest way, especially if you choose the option of direct flight Paris-Rovaniemi, which will take you less than 6 hours. Think about consulting Ulysses to find the best rate options according to your departure dates. From the airport, you can borrow one bus or taxi for downtown, located 3 km away.
• By train or bus : the journey is long enough and will take you between two and three days. This journey can quite be entered in a stage trip, which will make you cross a large part of Eastern Europe, with an incursion in Russia. Upon arrival, buses are available every hour to connect the city centre in half an hour. The taxi race lasts less than 10 minutes.

Where to stay in Rovaniemi?

You won’t have to worry about finding accommodation to visit Rovaniemi, the offer is important. You will find rooms or apartments Airbnb only classic hotels. Do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to make your choice and benefit from the best rates according to your dates of stay. For winter and Christmas, it is best to book a few months in advance. You can even reside in the very heart of the village of Santa Claus. You can also choose the city centre and have many services on site. If you want nature, look on the side of Lake Lehtojärvi, you will be on foot for snow activities.