Plan your stay in Rovaniemi
In the capital of Lapland and the official town of Santa Claus, there are endless possibilities for adventure and discovery. Whether you wish to enjoy family activities, experience local culture, or dive into thrilling winter adventures, this guide will help you plan your perfect stay in Rovaniemi.
Dog sledding
Experience the magic of husky sledding in Lapland as you glide through snowy forests and across frozen lakes, led by a team of eager, energetic huskies. Having worked in a husky kennel, I place great importance on the care and well-being of the dogs. For an ethical and unforgettable adventure in Rovaniemi, I recommend Bearhill Husky.
Snowmobiling
Discover the excitement of snowmobiling in Lapland as you race across frozen lakes and weave through pristine snowy forests, surrounded by breathtaking Arctic landscapes. Safety and responsible riding are key to a great experience, and with their knowledgeable guides and well-maintained equipment, I highly recommend Arctic Attitude for a private an unforgettable snowmobiling adventure.
Reindeer Sleigh Ride and Meeting with Santa
Your magical journey begins with a serene reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forests of Lapland. As you glide through the winter wonderland, you’ll encounter a friendly elf who will guide you deeper into the woods. Following winding, snow-covered paths, the elf will lead you to Santa’s secret hideaway cabin, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive, private meeting with Santa Claus himself. This unforgettable experience is perfect for families and anyone looking to embrace the true spirit of Christmas. Book this enchanting adventure with Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park.
The official village of Santa Claus
Rovaniemi features the famous official Santa Claus Village, where you can have your picture taken with Santa, enjoy Christmas shopping, visit Santa’s official post office, and send Christmas cards. During the winter months, Santa Claus Village also hosts Snowman World, a magical construction of snow and ice where both adults and children can enjoy snow tubing, an ice bar, and intricate ice sculptures.
Snow Hotel & Ice Restaurant
Just a 30-minute drive from Rovaniemi city center, the Arctic SnowHotel and Ice Restaurant offer a truly unique Arctic experience. Explore the beautifully crafted SnowHotel, where each room is a work of icy art, or enjoy a drink in the Ice Bar surrounded by shimmering sculptures. Afterward, indulge in a delicious meal at the Ice Restaurant, where traditional Lappish flavors are served on ice tables in a magical, frosty setting.
Sauna & Ice Dipping
Experience the ultimate Arctic adventure with a traditional sauna and ice dipping experience at Roiske or Kesarafla Winter Sauna. Start by relaxing in the warm, soothing heat of the sauna, then take a brave plunge into the icy waters called “avanto” for an exhilarating dip. This age-old Finnish tradition offers a perfect balance of relaxation and refreshment, helping you rejuvenate your body and mind.
Horse riding & Horse sleigh ride
Discover the magic of Lapland with a horse riding or horse sleigh ride experience. Ride through snowy forests and peaceful winter landscapes, guided by skilled instructors. Whether you prefer the rhythm of horseback riding or the cozy comfort of a sleigh ride, this adventure offers a unique and tranquil way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Lapland’s winter wonderland. Kultarannan Talli provides an authentic, unforgettable experience for both beginners and experienced riders.
Backcountry skiing & Snowshoeing
Experience the peaceful beauty of backcountry skiing or snowshoeing in Lapland. Rent your gear or book a guided tour with Beyond Arctic or Nordic Odyssey. If you’re venturing on your own with backcountry skis, head to Ounasvaara, where you can park near the Sky Hotel and set off into the deep powder next to the nature trail. This relaxing adventure lets you explore the serene winter landscape, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Lapland’s forests and hills. In -20°C or colder, add some fun to the experience by bringing hot water in a thermos—just throw it into the air and watch it instantly turn to snow! Make sure you throw it to your side to avoid burning yourself.
Hunting Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a captivating natural phenomenon caused by solar particles interacting with Earth’s atmosphere. While you can sometimes spot them from Rovaniemi, sightings are never guaranteed due to factors like solar activity and cloud cover. To improve your chances, expert guides like Into North can drive you further north or to locations with clearer skies, based on the latest forecasts, for the best opportunity to experience this breathtaking spectacle.
Hiking in the Lappish Wilderness
Vikakongas and Vaattunkiköngäs offer stunning hiking trails for those looking to explore Lapland’s natural beauty independently. These areas are known for their picturesque landscapes, featuring tranquil rivers, lush forests, and scenic waterfalls. With well-marked paths, you can enjoy a peaceful hike through the heart of nature, taking in the serene atmosphere and wildlife. Enhance your hiking day by making a fire in a laavu (lean-to-shelter) and grilling sausages and banana-chocolate, experiencing a cherished Finnish tradition while enjoying the tranquility of Lapland’s nature
Ice Skating
Enjoy a charming ice skating experience at Vanhantorin Leikkipaikka, where you can rent skates from Naava Café. After gliding across the ice, warm up with a delicious hot chocolate, perfect for relaxing and taking in the winter scenery. It’s a fun and cozy way to spend a day outdoors in Rovaniemi!
Reindeers
To meet reindeer in a way that’s different from the standard sleigh ride, join Piia from Local Lifestyle Rovaniemi for an intimate reindeer walk through the peaceful countryside. With only a few guests at a time, you’ll enjoy a quiet, authentic experience with these lively animals—one of whom even went viral on Instagram!
During your holiday, you might also spot free-roaming reindeer along the roads or in the forest, as some ‘forget’ to return to their farms in winter. So be careful when driving on the Lappoish roads!
More to do in Rovaniemi
There are many more things to do in Rovaniemi, like ice karting on a frozen track, ice fishing on a peaceful lake, fat biking through snowy trails, watching an exciting local hockey game, or learning about the Arctic at the Arktikum Science Museum.
Around Rovaniemi
There are also epic activities further from Rovaniemi, such as an unforgettable icebreaker cruise and ice floating in the frozen sea, or exploring the stunning Korouoma Canyon and its breathtaking frozen waterfalls.
Where to eat
Rovaniemi offers a variety of dining options to satisfy every craving. For a taste of traditional Lappish cuisine, Restaurant Nili serves local delicacies in a cozy, authentic setting. Santamus offers a unique lunch experience with an indoor forest and a small pond, with the possibility to try gold panning. If you’re in the mood for casual yet delicious food, Roka Street Bistro is known for its creative street food with a gourmet twist. For brunch or sweet treats, Café 21 is a local favorite, especially for their famous waffles. Craving pizza or burgers? Kauppayhtiö combines great comfort food with a laid-back, artsy atmosphere.
I hope you now have everything you need to plan your ideal time in Rovaniemi. For more inspiration and a glimpse into everyday life in Lapland, I regularly share updates and adventures on Instagram—come follow along Emily in Lapland!
