Rovaniemi

Lapland’s capital stands as one of the most popular travel destinations in Finland, captivating visitors with its exhilarating activities, world-class facilities, and unique attractions. And it’s time to explore the 10 best things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland.

For those interested in venturing beyond the region’s capital, discover more about the best things to do in Lapland on our website.

Chase the mesmerising Northern Lights

Situated on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is an excellent destination for viewing the Northern Lights. This town is considered one of Europe’s premier locations for witnessing the Aurora Borealis, providing visitors with a wonderful mix of world-class facilities, the magical home of Santa Claus, and a wealth of exciting winter activities.

The most popular way to experience the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi is by joining a dedicated Aurora chase — an ideal option for travellers without their own transportation or local knowledge. Alternatively, visitors can combine their Northern Lights safari with a variety of other exhilarating winter activities, including snowmobiling, reindeer sledding, husky sledding, and even ice floating.

For a truly unforgettable show, guests can opt for an overnight stay in a glass igloo and gaze at the sky from the comfort of their beds — these remote wilderness cabins and igloos provide an especially immersive experience. The best time to visit Rovaniemi for Northern Lights is from late October to late March, when the nights are long enough, offering ample opportunities to enjoy this breathtaking light show.

Given that this Arctic town is among Europe’s top destinations for Aurora safaris, chasing the Northern Lights is undeniably among the best things to do in Rovaniemi in winter.

Visit the enchanting Santa Claus Village

Lapland is world-famous as the land of Santa Claus, and the official headquarters of the jolly man himself is located right in Rovaniemi! As the town’s main attraction, the magical Santa Claus Village draws all types of travellers, but especially families with children, who flock to Rovaniemi around Christmas time. This charming village — undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Rovaniemi — evokes a festive, magical, and warm Christmas atmosphere, leaving guests with unforgettable memories.

The number one activity for travellers is, naturally, meeting Santa Claus in his office, where he works every single day of the year. While there is no entrance fee, visitors can purchase professional photos with Santa, taken by elves on site. Travellers can also send postcards from Santa Claus’s main post office to their families and friends across the globe — a truly special souvenir for the loved ones.

Guests are also welcome to cross the Arctic Circle in the village’s central square or visit the reindeer and husky farms, which provide the opportunity to embark on a dog or reindeer sledding adventure. The Santa Claus Village is also home to numerous shops and boutiques, where travellers can browse a wide range of goods — from Christmas items and Lappish handicrafts to renowned Finnish brands.

During the wintertime, this magical village transforms into a truly fabulous place. Guests and their children can have fun at Snowman World, a snow activity park featuring ice slides, an ice-skating rink, and a bar and restaurant made entirely of ice and snow. Furthermore, the Santa Claus Village entices visitors with absolutely remarkable accommodation, offering cosy stays in glass igloos, wilderness cabins, or even a snow hotel. Overall, these exciting activities firmly place a visit to this enchanting village at the top of the list of the best things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Explore the fascinating Arktikum Museum

Travellers wondering what to do in Rovaniemi should definitely include a visit to the immersive Arktikum Museum, a prominent science centre and museum.

Arktikum uniquely houses two distinct educational institutions under one roof: the Arctic Centre, which focuses on Arctic research, and the Regional Museum of Lapland, showcasing the heritage, history, and nature of Finnish Lapland, with extensive insights into Sámi culture. Located near the city centre, the museum also boasts a striking exterior, notably defined by a long, glass-roofed central hall that extends northwards, symbolising a “gateway to the Arctic.”

At the Arctic Centre, visitors can explore the engaging permanent exhibition “Arctic Opposites,” which covers diverse themes, including Arctic ecosystems, the cryosphere, and the region’s seasonal variations. Guests can also gain fascinating insights into the science and folklore behind the mesmerising Northern Lights.

The Regional Museum of Lapland, in contrast, showcases the traditional livelihoods of the Sámi people, including reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting. Visitors can explore the traditions, history, clothing, and art of this indigenous population before delving into the local flora and fauna that thrive in the harsh Arctic environment.

Additionally, this educational space features an incredible Arctic Garden, a cosy café, and the Arktikum shop, where visitors can purchase Lappish handicrafts, books, and souvenirs. Paying a visit to this fascinating museum is undoubtedly among the top things to do in Rovaniemi, Lapland.

Experience reindeer and dog sledding

Rovaniemi is surrounded by vast wilderness, and there is no better way to explore this Arctic expanse in winter than on a comfortable sled, pulled by spirited and extremely cute animals.

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi is visiting a local reindeer farm, where guests can learn about the traditions of reindeer herding, an important part of the indigenous Sámi culture. Afterwards, visitors can settle into a sled and explore the captivating snowy landscapes of the Arctic in a peaceful and traditional manner — a true highlight of any journey to Lapland.

For a faster pace, travellers can head to a husky farm and meet these energetic animals, always eager and excited for an adventure. At the farm, visitors can learn about the huskies’ care and training, followed by detailed instructions on how to handle the sled. The experience culminates in an exhilarating ride through the local forest at an impressive speed, which will delight every participant.

Both reindeer and dog sledding are among the most popular activities to do in Rovaniemi. The only choice left is selecting your preferred pace.

Set out on a thrilling snowmobiling adventure

Snowmobiling is one of the essential activities to do in Rovaniemi, offering travellers an exhilarating opportunity to drive — or ride as a passenger — a powerful machine through diverse winter landscapes. Participants can traverse snowy Arctic forests, skim across frozen lakes, and navigate rolling fells, all while taking in the beauty of the vast Lappish scenery.

Daytime wilderness safaris are the most common snowmobiling tours, although travellers are welcome to choose from more specialised options. Evening tours, for instance, allow participants to venture into the dark wilderness specifically to chase the mesmerising Northern Lights. Snowmobiling tours can also be combined with other activities, including ice fishing or visits to husky and reindeer farms.

Every snowmobiling experience typically begins with a comprehensive safety briefing and detailed instructions on how to handle the machine, with tour operators providing all necessary gear. Participants wishing to drive a snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence; otherwise, they can take the passenger seats.

Altogether, those wondering what to do in Rovaniemi must undoubtedly explore the vast Arctic expanse near the town on this thrilling winter adventure.

Shop for souvenirs at the local markets

Travellers in Rovaniemi can also head downtown and embark on a rewarding shopping excursion at local markets, browsing for authentic Lappish products, tasting regional delicacies, and connecting with the local culture.

Kauppatori, the town’s main square, hosts Rovaniemi’s local market, where various stalls sell local produce, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and Finnish specialities. It’s an excellent place to sample local flavours and interact with residents. In August, visitors can also attend the Rovaniemi Old Fair, an annual event featuring traditional crafts, stalls with various authentic products, local performers, and activities.

As December approaches, numerous Christmas markets begin to appear around the town, offering both locals and visitors a wide selection of unique local handicrafts, reindeer fur products, glass art, and traditional Finnish festive treats. This is an ideal time to sample traditional Finnish Christmas ham and gingerbread or savour splendid hot drinks.

Tourists especially enjoy the country market at Santa Claus Village, which usually features an impressive variety of products, including high-quality handicrafts, reindeer leather accessories, unique Lappish wool items, traditional wooden crafts, and delicious local delicacies. Overall, spending time shopping in the town is certainly one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi, Lapland.

Make a trip to the Ranua Wildlife Park

Regarded as one of the world’s northernmost zoos and open year-round, Ranua Wildlife Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Rovaniemi. This fascinating zoo specialises exclusively in Arctic and northern animal species, boasting spacious enclosures that seamlessly blend into the surrounding northern coniferous forest.

Visitors can walk the park’s 3-kilometre long wooden boardwalk and observe over 50 northern animal species, most notably polar and brown bears, wolves, lynxes, musk oxen, and Arctic foxes. Children will particularly enjoy a visit to the petting zoo — open only in summer — where they can freely interact with farm animals.

Given that Ranua Wildlife Park is located approximately 80 kilometres southwest of Rovaniemi, travellers should plan their transfers in advance. Options include public bus services, taxis, or organised tours. Overall, those wondering what to see in Rovaniemi should definitely consider a day trip to this engaging and truly fascinating place.

Taste authentic Lappish cuisine

Leipäjuusto, Lappish baked cheese, being cooked over open fire.

One of the essential things to do in Rovaniemi is sampling the traditional Lappish cuisine, characterised by its simple flavours, locally sourced ingredients, and hearty portions. The town itself offers a wealth of cosy, high-quality restaurants where guests can experience the best tastes of the Arctic, with reindeer meat, fish, and wild berries serving as the cuisine’s staples.

Poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer) is the iconic Lappish meal and a must-try for every traveller in Rovaniemi. Other classic dishes include a hearty and creamy salmon soup (lohikeitto), a rich wild mushroom soup (metsäsienikeitto), soft bread cheese (leipäjuusto), and simple barley flatbread (rieska). Guests seeking a more upscale experience should try reindeer steak, while a delicious cloudberry dessert provides a perfect sweet finish.

Altogether, exploring the rich and flavourful tastes of the Arctic is undoubtedly a must for those seeking what to do in Rovaniemi, Lapland.

Stay overnight in a fancy glass igloo

For an unforgettable and luxurious experience in Lapland, travellers in the town can opt for an overnight stay in a glass igloo — an ideal choice for those wondering where to stay in Rovaniemi to see Northern Lights. This unique accommodation, designed with a heated glass roof, provides panoramic views of the night sky, allowing guests to witness the mesmerising Aurora Borealis from the comfort of their beds. These igloos are typically situated in remote locations, further increasing their potential for optimal aurora viewing.

Multiple resorts in Rovaniemi offer stays in a glass igloo. Among the most renowned is SnowHotel, meticulously rebuilt from ice and snow each year. This extraordinary hotel boasts world-class facilities, including luxurious glass igloos, the main SnowHotel structure, a sauna, and an ice restaurant with a bar. Other popular resorts providing glass igloo stays in Rovaniemi include Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, Apukka Resort, and Nova Skyland Hotel.

Without a doubt, spending the night in such a unique — and undeniably special — accommodation is one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Explore the vast Arctic wilderness on skis or snowshoes

While sledding tours and snowmobiling offer easy ways to traverse the captivating winter landscapes near Rovaniemi, travellers seeking a challenge can explore the Arctic expanse around the town on skis or snowshoes, or even indulge in downhill skiing or snowboarding.

Ounasvaara Ski Resort, conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from the city centre, is a family-friendly destination offering slopes of all difficulties for downhill skiing and snowboarding. The resort also boasts a network of well-maintained trails for cross-country skiing. Beyond Ounasvaara, the areas surrounding Rovaniemi feature an extensive network of trails for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, perfect for experiencing the Arctic and its beautiful nature.

Both guided tours and ski or snowshoe rentals are readily available around Rovaniemi, making it easy to explore the vast wilderness surrounding the town. Overall, venturing outdoors on a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing adventure certainly deserves a spot on the list of the top things to do in Rovaniemi in winter.

With a population of under 8,000, Rovaniemi is a remarkably compact town, making navigation effortless. The city centre is exceptionally walkable, particularly its main shopping streets and restaurant areas. Cycling is also a popular way to get around Rovaniemi; the town boasts an extensive network of bicycle lanes, which locals enjoy even amidst the challenging Arctic climate.

The local bus network, operated by Linkkari, serves as the primary mode of public transport, connecting all Rovaniemi neighbourhoods, Santa Claus Village, the airport, the ski resort, and other key areas. Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus or via the Linkkari mobile app.

The main railway station in Rovaniemi.

Taxis and car rentals are readily available in Rovaniemi, though prices tend to be steep. While renting a car can be a convenient way to explore the wider Lapland region, parking spaces in Rovaniemi — especially in the city centre — are quite limited.

Rovaniemi Airport is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from the city centre and is served by a dedicated airport bus, local buses, taxis, and car rentals. This ensures that getting to and from the airport is hassle-free. The city is also well-connected to the rest of the country by railway, providing an easy and comfortable way of travelling to Lapland from Helsinki.