Holiday tips for Rovaniemi all year round

Nature

Kuninkaanlaavu lean-to is a perfect day trip destination when you wish to enjoy natural scenery and admire the autumn colors. The lean-to has amazing views over Ounasjoki River. Along the Ounasvaara nature trail you can admire the breathtaking scenery, close to the city center. In the Arctic Circle Hiking Area (approx. 25 km away) there are many trails of different lengths and levels. The Giant’s kettles in Rautiosaari village are some of the largest in Finland. Auttiköngäs (approx. 80 km away) is a convenient day trip destination with a stunning waterfall and taiga forest. The colors of autumn are at their most beautiful in Lapland from September to October, when the trees take on glorious autumn colors.

You can see the Northern Lights in Lapland already in September. The top of Ounasvaara and the Arctic Garden next to Arktikum are popular places for spotting the Northern Lights. Check out Aurora Alert, which tells you when the Northern Lights can be seen. You can go on a guided Northern Lights excursion wearing snowshoes or by husky sled.

Sights

In Rovaniemi, you will find numerous museums and cultural delights for all ages. The Science Center Arktikum provides the opportunity to explore the nature and history of the North. At Science Center Pilke, you can explore the northern forests with all senses. The Forestry Museum of Lapland offers plenty to see if you’re interested in Lapland’s forestry traditions. At Culture House Korundi you can discover northern perspectives through modern art. Jätkänkynttilä bridge is an iconic landmark that crosses the Kemijoki River.

You will find many shopping opportunities and restaurants in downtown Rovaniemi. The small city center is quite compact. All the necessary services are located within walking distance of each other. Check out arctic design products and try flavors from Lapland in local restaurants.

Fun things to do round the year

Trail of the bridges is a walking and cycling trail popular among the locals, which crosses over three bridges. In addition, you can walk the poronsarviasemakaava (“reindeer antler city plan”) trail, designed by the famous Alvar Aalto. You can learn about the operations of the local brewery during a brewery tour at Lapland Brewery. The Angry Birds Activity Park and Rollohalli indoor activity center provide fun for the whole family. Ranua Zoo is the northernmost zoo in Finland, and it is located approx. 80 km from Rovaniemi.

Nightless nights in the summer

In the summer, you can experience the midnight sun on the Jätkänkynttilä or Ounasjoki bridges, on the banks of the Ounasjoki river or on the top of Ounasvaara hill. Try fishing or paddling on the Kemijoki river. For more speed, ride a water scooter, water ski or wakeboard. Admire the beautiful views from a ski lift at the Ounasvaara ski center. Lapland forests also offer plenty of nature trails and guided tours, such as trek riding and husky rides in a summer cart.

In the summer, many events are held in the center of Rovaniemi for the entertainment of both local residents and tourists.

Versatile winter activities

Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle are guaranteed to have snow, and it is ideal for all kinds of outdoor pursuits and arctic activities. The possibilities are almost infinite, from skating to snowshoeing and from sleigh rides to snowmobile safaris. Pristine nature and snowy scenery invite you to the great outdoors. Lonely Planet has chosen Rovaniemi as the most interesting destination in Europe for the winter season 2020-2021.

The Ounasvaara Ski Resort is located very close to Rovaniemi city center. There are slopes for different levels and you can find ski jumps, rails and presses in the Snow Park. In addition to slopes and trails, there is a toboggan run, and ski jumps in Ounasvaara.

Christmas in Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle

Santa Claus. Picture: Visit Finland, Juha Kuva

It’s easy to meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi because it’s the official hometown of Santa. In Santa Claus Village you can meet Santa any day of the year. There are also many kinds of activities, from reindeer rides to the Snowman World.