Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is a city that offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or the ultimate Christmas holiday in Lapland, Rovaniemi attracts visitors from around the world. Here are just a few of the many things to do in Rovaniemi:
1. Visit Santa Claus Village: No trip to Rovaniemi would be complete without a visit to Santa Claus Village. This magical destination is the ‘official’ home to Santa Claus himself, as well as his elves and reindeer. Visitors can take a tour of Santa’s office, send postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office, and even meet Santa in person on the perfect Lapland excursion for families. For a more exclusive experience, journey to the depths of the Secret Forest and discover the home of the Elves on this private Santa Claus experience.
2. Explore the Arctic Circle: Rovaniemi is located right on the edge of the Arctic Circle, making it the perfect place to experience the unique natural beauty of the Arctic. Snow-covered forests, vast fells and frozen lakes and rivers are easily accessible from Rovaniemi, and exploring this otherworldly landscape can be a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Visitors can take a tour of the Arctic Circle, which includes a visit to the Arctic Circle visitor centre, a trip to the Arctic Circle crossing point, and a chance to see the Northern Lights.
3. Experience the Northern Lights: The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural phenomenon that can be seen in Rovaniemi during the winter months. Travellers could take a tour by snowmobile, snowshoe or heated sleigh to see the Northern Lights, or book a stay in a glass-roofed cabin for the best chance of seeing them. A Northern Lights holiday in Finland is ideal, thanks to Lapland being one of the very best places on earth for spotting them thanks to the long, dark winter nights and lack of light pollution.
4 Night Glass Igloo Aurora Adventure in Rovaniemi
4 Nights
Finland
Enjoy this amazing break in Lapland, staying is a magical glass igloo. Immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of the ..
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Apukka 3 Night Family Adventure
3 Nights *flights not included
Finland
Escape to the Winter wonderland that is Lapland and enjoy a 3 night adventure in this stunning village of glass roofed i..
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4 Night Aurora Adventure in Luosto
4 Nights / 5 Days
Finland
Enjoy this short break to Lapland and experience all the best that it has to offer. Opportunity to see the Northern Ligh..
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Apukka 3 Night Aurora Adventure
3 Nights
Finland
Immerse yourself in a stunning Winter Wonderland with this one-of-a-kind, 3-night escape to Lapland. Create lasting memo..
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4. Go on a Husky or Reindeer Safari: Rovaniemi is home to many husky and reindeer farms, where visitors can take a safari to experience the thrill of riding on a sled pulled by these beautiful animals, all whilst learning about the importance of each animal in local history and culture.
5. Visit the Rovaniemi Art Museum: For culture vultures who want to combine their outdoor explorations with a bit of intellectual stimulation, the Rovaniemi Art Museum is a must-see destination. The museum features an impressive collection of contemporary art from Finland and other countries.
6. Go Skiing or Snowmobiling: Rovaniemi is a winter sports paradise, with many ski resorts and snowmobile trails to choose from. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the beautiful Lapland wilderness, before relaxing in a sauna or their glass-roofed cabin after a day of white-knuckle thrills.
7. Take a Boat Trip on the Kemijoki River: The Kemijoki River is the longest river in Finland, and offers visitors the opportunity to take a boat trip and admire the beautiful scenery. Of course, this is only possible in the summer, but with such an endless expanse of beautiful scenery, it would be foolish to write Rovaniemi off as a winter destination only.
Whether on the hunt for the ideal family holiday in Lapland, a Christmas adventure or simply just the opportunity to tick seeing the Northern Lights off your bucket list, Rovaniemi provides the ideal base for all these things and more. Make your way to Lapland with Not In The Guidebooks, for a trip that will live long in the memory thanks to unique accommodation, and authentic, local activities you won’t find anywhere else.
15/06/2022 
Local Insights 
