Rovaniemi Travel Guide: Best Tips for Arctic Adventures
- rovaniemitrips
- Aug 9
- 6 min read
Updated: Oct 16
About Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the heart of Finnish Lapland, a place where wild nature, Arctic adventures and timeless stories meet. Just a few kilometres south of the Arctic Circle, the city is surrounded by rivers and endless forests, offering snowy winters with Northern Lights and bright summers under the Midnight Sun.
-With nearly 8,000 km² of land, Rovaniemi is the largest city in Europe by area — bigger than many countries! Despite its size, it feels warm and welcoming, with a unique blend of urban life and untouched wilderness right at your doorstep.
Rovaniemi also carries a story of resilience. During World War II, the town was almost completely destroyed. It was later redesigned by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, who gave the new city center the shape of reindeer antlers — a symbol of Lapland itself.
-Today, Rovaniemi is best known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Visitors come from all over the world to meet Santa at his Arctic Circle village, discover the history of the North at the Arktikum Museum, enjoy skiing and husky rides, or simply soak in the magic of Lapland’s nature and culture.
In this travel guide, we will explore the best tips for making the most of your Arctic adventure in Rovaniemi. From winter sports to cultural experiences, you will find everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip.
Getting There
-Rovaniemi is accessible by various means of transportation. The most common way to reach the city is by flying into Rovaniemi Airport. The airport is well-connected to major cities in Finland and worldwide , and offers seasonal flights from various European destinations.
-If you prefer to travel by train, Rovaniemi is also reachable by train from Helsinki. The journey takes about 8 to 12 hours, depending on the service. The scenic views along the way make this option quite appealing.
-For those who enjoy road trips, renting a car is a great way to explore the surrounding areas. The drive from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes approximately 10 hours, and you can stop at various attractions along the way.
Best Time to Visit
There is no best time to visit Rovaniemi, but it depends on the experiences you seek.
Rovaniemi is magical all the year but...
Winter Wonderland (December to March): If you want to experience the Arctic magic, winter is the ideal time. You can enjoy activities like snowmobiling, husky sledding, and witnessing the Northern Lights.
Summer Adventures (June to August): For those who prefer milder weather, summer offers a different kind of beauty. You can hike, fish, and enjoy the midnight sun. Sometimes you can feel also the Arctic summer with temperatures up to 30°C
with the midnight sun. Have you ever think to go for a walk, with a bike, for swimming to the river or a lake in the night and with sun?
Autumn Colors - Ruska,(September to November): Fall is a great time to see the stunning autumn foliage. The weather is still mild, and you can enjoy fewer crowds.
Where to Stay
Rovaniemi offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget.
Luxury Hotels: For a lavish experience, consider staying at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. This unique hotel offers cozy suites with stunning views of the surrounding forest.
Mid-Range Options: The Santa Claus Holiday Village is a family-friendly option with comfortable cabins and easy access to Santa's Village.
The Family-Friendly option of the Airbnb type houses and apartments. Use platforms like Booking and make a search to family friendly, free breakfast, pet friendly and vacation house and live like home away from home.
Budget-Friendly Choices: If you are traveling on a budget, consider staying at a hostel or guesthouse. The Rovaniemi Hostel is a popular choice among backpackers.
Must-See Attractions
Rovaniemi is home to several attractions that you should not miss.
Santa Claus Village
No trip to Rovaniemi is complete without a visit to Santa Claus Village. This enchanting place is open year-round place, 7km away from the center and free parking space.
Arktikum
The Arktikum Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the Arctic region's history and culture. The museum features fascinating exhibits about the indigenous Sámi people, the Arctic environment, and the history of Lapland.
Ounasvaara Hill
For outdoor enthusiasts, Ounasvaara is a great spot for hiking and skiing. In winter, the hill transforms into a ski resort with slopes for all skill levels. You can hike to the top for breath-taking views of Rovaniemi and the surrounding landscape.
Outdoor Activities
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter activities in Rovaniemi. You can rent a snowmobile or join a group of tourism activities ,and explore the snowy landscapes at your own pace. Guided tours are also available for those who prefer a more structured experience.
Husky Sledding
Experience the thrill of husky sledding through the pristine Arctic wilderness. Many tour operators offer packages that include a ride through the snow and a chance to meet the adorable huskies.
Northern Lights Hunting
One of the highlights of visiting Rovaniemi is the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. The best time to witness this natural phenomenon is from late September to early April. You can see the Revontuli - Northern Lights by join a guided tour or by yourself if you have an Aurora app. If you want to increase your chances of seeing the lights join a Guarantee Aurora Hunting Group. For these groups the guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights is 100% and many times if you cannot see the Northern Lights at the Finnish Lapland, they travel to Swedish Or Norwegian Lapland. It is good to avoid big groups because sometimes you can just see the Northern Lights to a Projector eating sausages.
Icebreaker Cruises from Rovaniemi
-A once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventure awaits just a few hours from Rovaniemi. Step aboard a powerful icebreaker as it carves its way through the frozen waters of the Gulf of Bothnia. Feel the thrill of walking on the vast sea ice, and even take a dip in the icy water wearing a special survival suit.
Whether in Finland or nearby Sweden, an icebreaker cruise combines breathtaking scenery, pure Arctic air, and unforgettable memories — a true highlight of any Lapland journey.
Reindeer Farm Visiting
Rovaniemi has a lot of reindeer farms. Some of them are for tourism purposes and some are Traditional Reindeer Farms.
Rovaniemi - Keskusta
-The center of the town. Every timie of the year the town has to give you something magical. Just walking near the Kemijoki river between the 2 bridges of the town, and no matter if the river is frozen or no you can see and feel the magic.
-The pedestrian roads at the center. If its summer are full of flowers and if its winter are full also of celebrating lights
Ounasvaara Ski Resort.
Ounasvaara ski resort is located almost in the centre of the city of Rovaniemi. From the Northern site of Ounasvaara hill, you will find a modern ski resort, where you can downhill ski, snowboard, or learning for the new starters, and all of these in a beautiful international environment
Cultural Experiences
Rovaniemi is rich in culture and traditions. Here are some cultural experiences to consider:
Sámi Culture
Learn about the indigenous Sámi people and their way of life. You can visit a Sámi village and participate in traditional activities such as reindeer herding and handicrafts.
Local Cuisine
Don't miss the chance to try traditional Finnish or Lappish dishes. Visit local restaurants to sample dishes like reindeer stew, salmon soup, and cloudberry jam.
Festivals
If your visit coincides with local festivals, be sure to participate. The Rovaniemi Christmas Market is a delightful event that features local crafts, food, and entertainment.
Tips for Your Winter Holidays in Rovaniemi
🧥 Dress Warmly
Layer up: thermal base, fleece or wool middle layer, windproof outer layer.
Gloves, warm hat, scarf, and thick socks are essential.
👢 Footwear
Insulated winter boots with good grip. Snow and icy streets are common.
Consider crampons or ice grips if you plan long walks outdoors.
📅 Booking & Planning
Winter is peak season (Dec–Mar). Book tours, accommodations, and activities early.
Allow extra travel time: snowy or icy roads may slow down transfers.
❄️ Outdoor Conditions
Arctic temperatures can drop well below freezing.
Watch out for icy patches on sidewalks and trails; walk carefully.
🛷 Activities & Excursions
Dress for the activity: husky rides, snowmobiling, or ice-floating require proper gear.
Check weather forecasts for excursions, as some may be affected by extreme cold.
💡 Extra Tips
Sunscreen & sunglasses: snow reflects sunlight strongly, even in winter.
Keep a reusable water bottle; cold weather can be dehydrating.
Charge your devices: cold drains battery faster.
Final Thoughts
Rovaniemi is a destination that offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are visiting to meet Santa Claus, experience the thrill of winter sports, or immerse yourself in Sámi culture, you are sure to create lasting memories.
With this travel guide, you are now equipped with the best tips for your Arctic adventure. Embrace the magic of Rovaniemi and enjoy every moment of your journey in this enchanting part of the world.
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