Rovaniemi in 4 days
A town of about 65,000 on the Arctic Circle, where two rivers meet, Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and the home of Santa Claus, who receives visitors all year in his village 8 km from the centre. Around it: husky and reindeer farms, snowmobiling on the frozen Kemijoki and frequent northern lights on clear winter nights.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- Morning
Arktikum2 to 3 hA museum of 1992 with a 172-metre glass gallery reaching towards the Ounasjoki, covering Lapland, Sámi culture, Rovaniemi's rebuilding after 1944 and the Arctic.
- Afternoon
Lumberjack's Candle Bridge and the Kemijokifree · about 30 minOpened in 1989 over the Kemijoki, its pylon topped by a flame lit all night recalls the log floaters who worked the river for decades.
Day 2
- Morning
Ounasvaara hillfree · half a dayA wooded hill of 204 m across the Kemijoki from the centre, with a small floodlit ski area, cross-country trails and a toboggan run.
Day 3
- Morning
SantaPark2 to 3 hAn indoor park opened in 1998 in a cavern under Syväsenvaara hill, with an ice gallery, an elf school, gingerbread decorating and a Christmas train.
- Afternoon
Husky sledding safari2 to 3 hFarms around the town keep dozens of huskies each; a typical outing covers 10 to 15 km of forest trail, two to a sled.
Day 4
- Morning
Ranua Wildlife Park2 to 3 h80 km south of Rovaniemi, a 2.8 km boardwalk passes some fifty Arctic species in wooded enclosures, from brown bears to wolverines and lynx.
- Afternoon
Santa Claus Villagefree · 2 to 3 hBuilt in 1985 on the Arctic Circle, 8 km north of the centre, around a cabin put up for Eleanor Roosevelt's visit in 1950.
Where to sleep in Rovaniemi
- Hostel Café Koti · €45 a night
- Hostel Tikka · €55 a night
- Guesthouse Arctic Heart · €80 a night
- Arctic City Hotel · €120 a night
- Santa's Hotel Santa Claus · €140 a night
- Scandic Rovaniemi City · €130 a night
- Arctic TreeHouse Hotel · €400 a night
- Nova Skyland Hotel · €300 a night
- Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle · €350 a night
Plan this trip
Hotel prices per room per night, checked when written. Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.