Itineraries for Your Trip to Rovaniemi
2 Days in Rovaniemi for First Timers
Surrounded by snow-cloaked Arctic forests, frosted lakes, and reindeer farms, Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is like a Christmas movie brought to life. Did I mention it’s also the official hometown of Santa Claus? If, like me, you love outdoor adventures, planning a short trip to Lapland is no easy feat. You’ll be tempted to cram activities into every waking hour, but with just two days in Rovaniemi, the best advice is to pace yourself. Prioritize the must-see Rovaniemi attractions and mix up high-thrill activities with cultural encounters that you couldn’t experience outside of Lapland. Here’s how to spend your 48 hours.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a northern lights tour.
Lapland is magical in winter, but Rovaniemi is great fun at any time of year.
Start by checking off one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi for first timers, the Santa Claus Village. A guided tour means you can beat the crowds and guarantee a timeslot to meet Santa, but make sure you also visit the elves’ workshops, pose for photos on the Arctic Circle line, and send some Christmas cards from Santa’s post office.
Back in Rovaniemi, learn more about life on the Arctic Circle at the Arktikum museum, which covers everything from Lappish culture to the region’s geological wonders. Along the way, visit sights such as Lordi’s Square and the Sampokeskus Shopping Centre, and stop at Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge for a view along the Kemijoki river.
Step inside Europe’s biggest Snow Hotel for a guided tour of the impressive ice complex, carved anew each winter. It’s an unforgettable experience, including hotel rooms, a bar, and a restaurant all sculpted entirely from ice. Close out your visit with a 3-course dinner at the Ice Restaurant, where the table, chairs, and glasses are all made of ice.
There are few more thrilling ways to explore Lapland’s snow-glazed landscapes than from the back of a snowmobile, so leave the city behind this morning for a backcountry tour. Zip along snowy forest trails, pass frozen lakes, and blast through the thick snow for the ultimate adrenaline rush.
No first time in Rovaniemi is complete without sampling some traditional Lappish cuisine, so join a food-tasting tour for a deep dive into local culture. Warm up with a hearty bowl of salmon soup, sample reindeer and other meat dishes, and try typical Finnish drinks and desserts.
Round out your 3-day Rovaniemi itinerary with a memorable northern lights tour (available from September through March) or, for summer visitors, a midnight sun excursion. Watching the sky light up with streaks of electric green, pink, and purple is an unparalleled sight, and local guides have the inside track on the most strategic viewing spots.
