About Rovaniemi, Finland
Nestled on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is where fairytales meet the wild beauty of Lapland. This charming Finnish city is more than just a winter wonderland; it is a gateway to adventure throughout the year. While here, you can chase the Northern Lights across starry skies, wander through endless pine forests or greet reindeer in their snowy homeland.
Blending modern Nordic design with deep rooted traditions, the capital of Lapland offers a magical mix of serenity and excitement. Whether you are sipping hot chocolate by a crackling fire or crossing the Arctic Circle with a heart full of wonder, every moment here is magical.
What is Rovaniemi known for?
Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus and is a city where Christmas lights shine all year round. At Santa Claus Village, you can meet Santa himself, cross the Arctic Circle and send postcards stamped with the world’s most festive postmark.
However, Rovaniemi’s charm is beyond Christmas sparkle. It is also a front row seat to the Northern Lights, a playground for husky rides and snowmobile safaris and a cozy haven for dreamers who love the wild. Here, every season writes its own story of wonder.
Best things to do in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi offers a magical blend of Arctic adventure, cultural experiences and festive charm. Here are some of our favorite things that you can do while on your journey.
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Meet Santa at Santa Claus Village
No trip to Rovaniemi is complete without visiting Santa Claus Village. Click pictures with Santa, send postcards from his post office and cross the Arctic Circle line.
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Chase the northern lights
Head to spots like the Arktikum Science Centre or along the Kemijoki River to witness the Northern Lights. These are some of the best spots to witness the Aurora.
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Experience Arctic wildlife
Engage with Arctic animals through activities like reindeer sleigh rides and husky sledding. These experiences offer a unique way to explore the snowy landscapes.
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Explore Arktikum Science Centre
Dive into the Arctic's natural history and culture at the Arktikum Science Centre. It offers fascinating insights into the region's people and takes you deep into stories, science and spirit of the North.
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Visit Korundi House of Culture
For art enthusiasts, the Korundi House of Culture is a must-visit. Home to the Rovaniemi Art Museum, it showcases contemporary art and hosts various cultural events throughout the year.
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Snowshoeing in Arctic forests
As you wander between snow-laden pines and birches, you might spot reindeer tracks or catch the soft glow of the low winter sun painting the horizon pink and gold.
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Experience snowmobile adventures
Rovaeniemi snowmobile adventures are all about speeding across a frozen river or gliding over snowy hills with nothing but endless white ahead. You can also stop in the wilderness hut for hot berry juice and a campfire break.
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Stay in an Aurora glass igloo
Falling asleep under the blanket of stars and Aurora and waking up to snow-dusted trees and morning light filtering through glass is what you experience in a glass igloo.
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Relax in lakeside sauna
Reset your body and soul by first taking a sauna session in the wooden cabinet and then dipping yourself in an ice hole in the lake. The rush of cold followed by hot is completely rejuvenating.
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Shop for local handicrafts
Tradition blended with creativity, each handicraft item of Rovaniemi tells a story of Lapland’s rugged beauty and craftsmanship. From here, you not only take souvenirs, you take some pieces of the Arctic’s heart.
Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is an exceptionally popular destination that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. Here, the air sparkles with laughter with a faint scent of cinnamon, elves hurry through snowy paths and fairy lights twinkle even under the polar night. The place is truly enchanting and offers several exciting activities that you can do and have a magical experience of your life.
Every moment here feels like childhood dipped in wonder, wrapped in the gentle glow of lanterns. While here, you will feel like snow has been sprinkled with fairy dust, bells tinkle in the distance, reindeer prance like they have stepped out of storybook as the world outside fades, leaving only warmth, joy and endless enchantment.
Santa Claus Village map
Santa Claus Village weather
Rovaniemi’s weather is a tale of contrasts. From frozen wonderlands in winter to golden glow in summer, it has a touch of magic in every season. Here is a month wise breakdown of its average temperature and daylight hours.
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Daylight Hours |
| January | -14°C to -6°C | 2–4 hrs |
| February | -13°C to -7°C | 5–7 hrs |
| March | -10°C to -4°C | 10–12 hrs |
| April | -4°C to +3°C | 14–16 hrs |
| May | +2°C to +10°C | 18–20 hrs |
| June | +8°C to +18°C | 24 hrs (Midnight Sun) |
| July | +10°C to +20°C | 24 hrs (Midnight Sun) |
| August | +8°C to +16°C | 18–20 hrs |
| September | +3°C to +10°C | 12–14 hrs |
| October | -2°C to +4°C | 8–10 hrs |
| November | -8°C to -2°C | 4–6 hrs |
| December | -12°C to -6°C | 2–3 hrs |
Santa Claus Village opening hours
The village is open all year round, welcoming visitors every day, especially on Christmas! Most attractions, including Santa’s Office and the Post Office, are open roughly from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, however, hours may extend during peak seasons. Shops and restaurants follow similar schedules, ensuring festive magic all year long.
Santa Claus Village hotels
Santa Claus Village offers cozy stays that will make you feel at home. Below is a list of types of accommodations that you can find here.
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Unique themed stays
Several hotels offer Santa-inspired motifs, twinkling lights and playful Nordic accents to magnify the festive theme. Some of them also offer Christmas-themed food which brings a smile to your inner child.
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Glass igloo
If you love watching the Northern Lights, you must stay in a glass igloo where you can watch the sky dance with green and purple auroras without leaving the warmth of your bed.
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Cozy cabins and log hotels
Many hotels have wooden cabins and log-style rooms to give an authentic touch to customers. These rooms have fireplaces that will keep you warm and you will wake up to the snow-covered forests around you.
Santa Claus Village fun facts
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The Rovaniemi Airport is nicknamed the Official Airport of Santa Claus and even has festive decorations year-round to welcome travelers into the Christmas spirit.
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Several lodges here use renewable energy, hence promoting eco-friendly tourism.
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The famous Arctic Circle line is illuminated after sunset, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy photo spots in Finland.
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The elves at Santa Claus Village are multilingual and greet visitors in dozens of languages. Hence, the language barrier does not hinder you from having fun here.
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Near the village, travelers can sleep under the Northern Lights in cozy glass igloos, a bucket-list Arctic experience.
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In summer, the sun does not set for weeks, bathing Santa’s Village in 24 hours of daylight that gives a surreal experience.
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You can send postcards from Santa’s mailbox. Letters sent from Santa’s Post Office carry a special Arctic Circle postmark, making them the ultimate Christmas souvenir.
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You can take a reindeer sleigh ride and earn an “Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate” signed by Santa’s reindeer herder.
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Beyond reindeer, you can also visit nearby husky farms and even polar animal parks, offering family-friendly encounters with Lapland’s wildlife.
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At the village, when people say, “Santa Time,” they are referring to the playful idea that time works differently in Santa’s world. After all, how else could Santa deliver gifts to millions of children across every continent in just one night? Intriguing, right?
Things to do in Lapland
Although we have mentioned a lot of things above, here is a list of things that you can do in Lapland and make the most out of your journey.
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Husky safaris and reindeer sleigh rides
Dive into the adventure of a husky sled across the snow-covered forests or reindeer sleigh rides that cut through the fresh snow as you pave your way through.
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Skiing and snowboarding
Due to its location in the Arctic Circle, Lapland is a hub for winter sports. Resorts like Levi, Ylläs and Ruka offer skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and even snowkiting, suitable for both beginners and pros.
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Taste local arctic cuisine
Savour smoked fish, cloudberry desserts and hearty Finnish stews made with authentic local herbs that serve the perfect Arctic flavours.
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Experience Sami culture
Visit Inari and get in touch with local people to hear their stories. Join communities and learn their culture of reindeer herding, joik music and handicrafts.
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Go ice fishing
You can go ice fishing on the frozen lakes with your friends and family and enjoy the fresh fish with them. You can also take part in ice skating and click funny pictures to create long lasting memories.
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Explore national parks
Discover the pristine wilderness of Urho Kekkonen National Park, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park or Pyhä-Luosto National Park.
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Midnight sun adventures
Go hiking, kayaking and cycling even at Midnight when sun never sets. This happens only in the summer season from June to July.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How to get from Rovaniemi to Santa Claus Village?
The best way to travel from Rovaniemi to Santa Claus Village is by rental car. You can get one from various prime locations such as airport, railway station, etc. In addition to this, you can take the vehicle to other cities as well and avail the freedom to explore more while on your journey.
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How much time to spend in Santa Claus Village?
A day or two is sufficient to spend in Santa Claus Village to enjoy what it offers. Take rides, meet Santa, send postcards, hunt Aurora and have a relaxed meal by the fireplace when here.
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What are the free things to do in Lapland?
Here is a list of free activities that you can do in Lapland.
- Stargazing
- Enjoy free public sauna
- Make campfire in wilderness
- Visit local trails and chapels
- Hiking and cycling
- Watch Northern Lights
- Spot reindeer in the wild
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What is the best time to visit Rovaniemi, Lapland?
The best time to visit Rovaniemi is between December and March. If you wish to see Aurora with fewer crowds, the best time is between September and November.
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How far is Santa Claus Village from Rovaniemi?
Santa Claus Village is located about 8 Kilometers north of Rovaniemi city center. By car, it would take you about 15 minutes.
