Rovaniemi: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
A trip to Rovaniemi takes you to the capital of Lapland in northern Finland, with a population of 63,000. Look forward to a city trip surrounded by breathtaking nature with seemingly endless forests. According to legend, Santa Claus is said to live not far from Rovaniemi.
Table of contents
Rovaniemi - Must-see attractions
Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi
The Santa Claus Village near Rovaniemi was built in 1985 and is open all year round. There is always a Christmas atmosphere here, and all sorts of Christmas souvenirs and treats are sold. You can even stay overnight in the Santa Claus Village. Children are especially delighted by a visit to the Santa Claus Village, where they can meet Santa Claus in person. Almost as interesting is the main post office: in the cozy cabin, you can write your Christmas mail at any time of the year.
Arcticum
The Arktikum includes the Provincial Museum of Lapland as well as the Arctic Centre. It was built in 1992 and deals with the history, nature, and culture of Lapland. The centerpiece is the 172-meter-long glass tunnel, which is symbolically considered the gateway to the far north. A special attraction is the Northern Lights, which make the sky flare up in pastel colors and can be very well observed from the Arktikum. Children especially enjoy the animal exhibitions.
Science Center Pilke
The Science Center Pilke in Rovaniemi is open year-round from Tuesday to Sunday. In the interactive exhibitions, visitors learn more about the unique flora and fauna of Lapland, with a particular focus on sustainability. The many experiments are very popular with children, who learn more about nature in a playful way. The participatory stations, the forests of the far north, and their impact on the entire world are at the center.
Korundi Cultural Center
The two-story building with red bricks is the best-preserved building in Rovaniemi that survived World War II. The cultural center was opened in 2011. The festive concert hall regularly hosts performances by the Lapland Chamber Orchestra. Changing exhibitions of contemporary art bring the world closer to visitors from a Nordic perspective. In addition to paintings, one can also admire installations and figures. The latter are occasionally made from corundum, the Lapland mineral that gave the cultural center its name.
Elven Garden
What would Santa Claus be without his loyal reindeer? The good-natured animals pull the sleigh with Santa and the many gifts around the world. However, the reindeer are truly at home in Santa's village. Those who want to get to know Santa's sweet helpers better can do so at the Elf Garden petting zoo. In addition to reindeer, there are llamas, alpacas, sheep, goats, and rabbits. A special experience is a reindeer tour through the nearby forest.
Arctic Circle Husky Park
Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is located on the Arctic Circle. The city is known for its Northern Lights, Santa Claus, and the Arctic Circle Husky Park. Both young and old enjoy the friendly sled dogs, which can be petted during a visit. In both summer and winter, you can book a dog sled tour. A team of about eight to ten dogs races through the wild and romantic landscape of Northern Finland, allowing you to experience this region at its most beautiful.