Rovaniemi, located in the northernmost province of Finland known as Lapland, serves as the province’s capital and is famous worldwide as the hometown of Santa Claus. Moreover, the city offers unmatched access to the Arctic Circle, lying only 6.4 kilometers south of the line, and all the exclusive attractions it has to offer.

While it serves as an ideal location for fishing and hiking enthusiasts during summer, Rovaniemi in winter is when this Arctic area truly shines, despite the reduced hours of daylight. Whether it’s staying up late to spot the colorful waves of the aurora borealis or taking sightseeing day trips out into the Finnish Lapland wilderness, Rovaniemi has something to offer everyone. Check out our list of things to do and places to visit in Rovaniemi to make the most of your trip.

1. Santa Claus Express

Rovaniemi is famously known as the official home of Santa Claus, and the “Santa Claus Express,” a sleek double-decker train that runs from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, has become an endearing nickname. With two daily departures, the later nighttime schedule is the most popular with both locals and tourists alike. You can snuggle into your private two-bunk sleeping cabin and wake up the next morning to the snowy landscape of Finnish Lapland.

The train covers a distance of about 885 kilometers and takes eight to 10 hours depending on scheduled stops. Each sleeper car is equipped with a shared bathroom, but the cabins themselves are fully furnished with a sink, fresh linens, power outlets, and a window. Though it may be dark when you board, the thrill of witnessing the sunrise over snow-covered pine trees while hurtling towards the Arctic Circle is a unique experience.

Tip: To avoid any hassle, pack your toothbrush and nighttime essentials in your hand luggage before boarding the train. The cabin doesn’t have enough space to fully open your main luggage, so it will be stored under the bunk beds.

2. Santa Claus Village

If the thought of meeting Santa Claus has you (or your children) excitedly anticipating your visit, then a trip to Santa Claus Village is an absolute must. Located just eight kilometers north of Rovaniemi city, either accessible via Highway 4 towards Ivalo or on the local #8 bus known as the “Santa Express,” this holiday village is the epicenter of all things Christmas and Kris Kringle-related. It’s worth noting that Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus in Lapland.

In this festive wonderland, the Main Post Office provides a direct mail route to Santa himself, while Mrs. Claus bakes traditional gingerbread cookies and narrates stories about Lapland at her Christmas Cottage. Santa also shares insights into how he and his elves prepare for Christmas each year in his work chambers.

This is also the perfect place to take a photo of yourself stepping over the Arctic Circle and receive a certificate with a painted sign indicating the circle of latitude running 66°33’45.9″ north of the Equator.

Tip: To meet Santa promptly, make sure you’re ready and waiting in line as soon as visiting hours begin. If you wait until later in the day, the line could take hours.

3. Reindeer Sled Rides

In Lapland, the indigenous Sami people have a long and intimate history with reindeer, to the point that there is roughly a one-to-one ratio of residents to these gentle beasts. While you may spy reindeer wandering unaccompanied through the snowy woods, they are actually owned by a specific Sami herder and have special identifying marks on their ears. Each year, they are rounded up and their owners sort them accordingly.

Reindeer sleds have been transporting families and goods across Europe’s Arctic for centuries. Settling into one of these specially designed wooden sleighs piled high with pillows and blankets behind the furry tails of a well-trained reindeer feels like you’re a part of living history. As their hooves quietly pad through a snowy forested trail and their harness bells gently ring, it’s hard not to be swept away by the picturesque magic of it all.

From Rovaniemi, there are plenty of options when it comes to visiting a local reindeer farm and booking a sleigh ride, such as Christmas House Safaris and Raitola Reindeer and Husky Farm.

Tip: Reindeer are naturally shy, and it takes years of training to get them to be comfortable around humans and sled ready. So, it’s important to remain as quiet and calm as possible and always respect the driver’s directions.

4. Visit a Village Made of Ice

Located almost two hours north of Rovaniemi, you’ll discover an incredible resort complex made entirely from snow and natural ice – an awe-inspiring feat that utilized 44 million pounds of snow and 772,000 pounds of ice. Every year, Lapland Hotels constructs a new SnowVillage, complete with hotel rooms, a wedding chapel, and dozens of spectacular snow and ice sculptures for visitors to enjoy.

The hotel rooms are kept below zero, but guests have access to real mattresses and sub-zero bedding, as well as a warmup room if needed. A team of talented Finnish designers and builders spends an entire year bringing the chosen theme to life. The theme for the 2018/19 season was Game of Thrones, which featured intricate figures of fearsome dragons, throne rooms, and a life-sized “weirwood” tree. In the 2019/2020 season, the theme is “Illusions,” where the designs will trick and tease the mind.

Tip: Head over to the on-site cafeteria, which is not made of ice, for a hearty lunch of traditional reindeer soup and a slice of buttered bread. Aim for a midday visit to avoid the crowds.

5. Korundi House of Culture

The Korundi House of Culture is a must-visit destination in Rovaniemi for anyone interested in local culture and history. Located on the edge of downtown Rovaniemi, the complex comprises the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland and the Rovaniemi Art Museum.

The art museum is housed in a former bus depot that miraculously survived the devastating bombing of Rovaniemi in WWII. The permanent and rotating collections showcase contemporary Finnish art from the 1940s onwards, with a special emphasis on northern-born artists. You can even enjoy a local artist’s work each month.

The Korundi concert hall boasts 340 seats and hosts various events throughout the year. It’s the home of the Lapland Chamber Orchestra and a prime destination for music and drama lovers.

Tip: Make sure to check Korundi’s events calendar before your trip to Rovaniemi, and book your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on the musical and dramatic delights of Finnish Lapland.

6. Cross-Country Skiing

Rovaniemi, known as the “gateway to the Arctic,” is the perfect starting point for outdoor activities in the wintertime. Cross-country skiing is one of the most popular activities in Finnish Lapland, with one in five Finns being active skiers. Lapland’s dry, consistent snow and gently rolling landscape make it a prime destination for cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

Government-maintained ski trails wind through the region’s extensive wooded parklands, as well as along the main highways and side roads. Finland frequently lands on the podium at the Winter Olympics for cross-country skiing, so it’s no surprise that most hotels and resorts offer ski rentals to their guests, as do local sports shops and tour operators.

Tip: If you’re new to skiing, consider taking a lesson with a trained instructor before setting out on your own to ensure you have a fun and safe experience on the trails.

7. Strap on Snowshoes

If skiing or dealing with rented equipment seems daunting, snowshoeing offers an excellent option to explore the well-groomed snow trails that crisscross Finnish Lapland. You can easily strap on lightweight aluminum snowshoes over your own snow boots and venture onto the paths that follow the curves of Rovaniemi’s Kemijoki River with minimal fuss (or snowshoeing experience).

To venture off the beaten path, consider connecting with a local tour company to organize a day trip further into the Arctic Circle. These experienced guides know the best spots to witness breathtaking views and increase your chances of spotting Arctic animals. They are also fully equipped to assist you if something goes wrong while exploring the silent wilderness. Additionally, your guide may carry tasty snacks and drinks (such as hot loganberry juice, a Lappish favorite) in their backpack to offer as needed.

Tip: Ensure your boots are insulated and comfortable enough to keep you warm and snug on the trails. If they aren’t, outdoor outfitters usually have different pairs for rent.

8. Sauna Time

Sauna culture is deeply ingrained in Finnish life, with the earliest written record of people enjoying a sauna dating back to 1112. Finland is estimated to have around two million saunas, with almost every household, apartment building, and hotel boasting at least one, if not more. With a population of 5.5 million, that’s one sauna for every 2.75 people.

The Finnish sauna experience involves heating up a wooden room to 230 degrees Fahrenheit, using silver-birch branches to gently beat the skin, and then cooling off by plunging into freezing water or diving into a nearby snowbank before repeating the process.

In Rovaniemi, visitors have several options to try out this Finnish tradition, from organized day trips to secluded Lappish lakeside saunas to using the sauna at their hotel or resort.

Tip: Before heading to a Finnish sauna, be sure to familiarize yourself with the strict rules and etiquette concerning what to wear and how to manage the heat inside the sauna.

9. Hunt for the Northern Lights

The northern lights are visible year-round in Finnish Lapland, but your chances of seeing them increase significantly between September and March, when the sky is particularly active. Most Rovaniemi adventure companies offer specific nighttime tours to see the aurora borealis in the surrounding Arctic Circle wilderness via snowmobile, snowshoeing, or skiing.

To get the best view of the natural light show, wait for a clear, starry night and ensure that you are far away from ambient light generated by streetlights or building windows. Also, find an elevated location with clear sight lines free of trees – for example, the top of a hill or the edge of a lake.

In addition, there are a number of apps that predict the likelihood of seeing the northern lights and give you the best viewing window daily by monitoring the solar winds and weather systems in your specific area, such as the My Aurora app.

Tip: Dress in more layers than you believe you will need, as you will be standing or sitting out in freezing conditions for a long time while waiting for the northern lights to appear. Additionally, have a hot drink on hand for immediate warmth.

10. Drive the Arctic Ocean Highway

Connecting Rovaniemi to the Liinakhamari port on the northern coast of Lapland, the Arctic Ocean Highway was the world’s first highway to extend all the way north to the Arctic Ocean, opening in 1931. It was built on ancient 16th-century cart tracks that linked the trading routes from Russia to Norway, and today it continues as Finnish National Road 4, which starts in Helsinki.

Driving on this snow-packed, double-lane highway in the heart of winter offers you the chance to explore the icy landscape and experience the vast open space unique to the Arctic Circle. Our list of things to do in Rovaniemi is as varied and extensive as this area of the world is wild and wonderful, making it the perfect place to explore.

Tip: To traverse this remote road that leads to the northern coast of Finland, you can either rent a 4×4 vehicle, take a tour bus from Rovaniemi, or book a private transport service.

11. Visit the Ranua Wildlife Park

Located just an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi, the Ranua Wildlife Park is a must-visit for animal lovers. With more than 200 animals from over 50 different arctic species, the park provides a unique opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close. Some species roam freely in the wildlife preserve areas, while others can be seen in enclosures.

The park’s most popular residents are undoubtedly Finland’s only polar bears, Manse and Venus, who have a spacious and comfortable habitat. Visitors can also spot reindeer, including wild forest reindeer, as well as white-tailed Siberian musk, and roe varieties of deer. Brown bears and moose are among other large animals that call the park home, while smaller mammals include lynx, otter, mink, wild boar, grey wolf, and the tiny stoat. The park is also a haven for bird lovers, with eight different varieties of owl, four types of geese, golden and white-tailed sea eagles, buzzards, ducks, and raven.

To explore the park, visitors can opt for a downloadable audio tour or take a guided tour led by naturalists for an additional charge. For a more immersive experience, wildlife safaris and camping are also available. The park has an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and lunch and a gift shop where purchases help support the animals.

Tip: Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes for walking as you will be outside for an extended period.