The capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi draws wintertime visitors in search of the northern lights and Santa Claus—it’s Christmas all year round at the whimsical Santa Claus Village. Other cold-weather activities in this gateway to the Arctic include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and husky or reindeer sledding. During the warmer months, venture into the surrounding wilderness on foot in search of wildlife such as moose. But whenever you visit, don’t skip the Arktikum museum to learn about the culture and history of the Arctic.
Winter is the most popular season in Rovaniemi, as most visitors come to visit Santa Claus Village and enjoy snowy activities like snowshoeing and dog sledding. Fall, however, also has plenty to offer: If you visit between September and November, you’ll have a less-crowded experience and enjoy vibrant foliage and lots of clear skies (for viewing the northern lights). Fall also boasts harvest events and festivals, such as Riverlights (Jokivalkeat), which takes place in November and features elaborate sculptures built to be set on fire.
Rovaniemi is a small town, so everything of interest is within walking distance. Taxis are expensive, so if you want to visit attractions outside the city center (including Santa Claus Village), take a local bus. For adventures further afield—such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and northern lights chasing—book a tour; most companies offer pick-up from guests’ hotels or from the city center.
Design lovers will be pleased to find several works by Alvar Aalto in Rovaniemi. After the town was destroyed in World War II, the famous Finnish architect was responsible for planning the new town, which he designed to resemble a reindeer. His most prominent work is the multi-use Aalto Centre, which includes the town hall, the library, and the fjell-shaped Lappia House, home of the Rovaniemi Theatre.
