Itineraries for Your Trip to Rovaniemi
3 Days in Rovaniemi for First Timers
Home to Santa Claus, the northern lights, and more reindeer than people, I’d been dreaming about visiting Lapland since I was a child. The Lappish capital of Rovaniemi is the most strategic basecamp for exploring, perched right on the Arctic Circle. With three days in Rovaniemi, there’s plenty of time to take in the city sights and venture out into the Arctic wilderness. As well as hitting the must-see Rovaniemi attractions, this itinerary is peppered with unforgettable experiences, such as an overnight stay in an ice hotel and an ice floating excursion. Here are my top picks for what to do in Rovaniemi for first-time visitors.
Pack sunscreen and sunglasses, especially in winter—the sunlight reflecting off the snow can be dazzling.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a night in the Arctic SnowHotel.
The famous Santa Claus Village is just a 10-minute drive north of the city, but joining a tour that combines multiple activities is a time saver, especially if it’s your first time in Rovaniemi. Meet Santa, take a thrilling ride on a husky sled, then soak up the snowy scenery on a reindeer sleigh ride.
After a busy full-day tour, head out again in the evening, this time for a cozy dinner date in a glass igloo overlooking a frozen lake. Feast on a hearty 3-course meal around a crackling fire, and—if you’re lucky—perhaps catch your first glimpse of the aurora borealis.
Ranua Wildlife Park is home to Finland’s only polar bears, and animal lovers can also spot more than 50 Arctic species, including reindeer, wolves, arctic foxes, and wolverine. It’s about an hour’s drive from the city, so for the best value, choose a tour that includes hotel pickup, round-trip transfers, and a buffet lunch.
Wrap up warm for the afternoon’s adventure as you’ll be visiting a hotel carved entirely out of ice. Book a night’s stay at the SnowHotel, rebuilt each winter, or explore the complex on a guided tour, including the ice bar, ice chapel, and ice sculpture art gallery.
For the final day of your 3-day Rovaniemi itinerary, it’s time to experience Lapland’s real-life winter wonderland as you set out on a guided hike through Korouoma Canyon. Magnificent views are guaranteed as you trek through the snowy forests to a frozen waterfall, then warm up with a tasty barbecue lunch.
A northern lights tour is one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi for first timers, but for a truly memorable way to see the aurora, try ice floating. Don a waterproof, thermal floatation suit and drift along a frozen lake as you gaze up at the night’s sky. Even if the lights don’t show up, it will be a moment to remember.
