Fihrist:
Rovaniemi at a glance
Where is Rovaniemi?
How to get to Rovaniemi?
When to visit Rovaniemi?
15 things to do in Rovaniemi
Don’t forget to pack these
How many days do you need in Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi at a glance
- Country / region: Finland, Lapland
- Population: Around 65,000
- Highlights: Northern Lights, Santa Claus Village, husky and reindeer safaris, glass igloos, the Sampo icebreaker
- Best time: November–March (winter experiences), June–July (midnight sun)
- Ideal length of stay: 3–5 days
- Getting there: Around 5–6 hours from Istanbul via Helsinki
Where is Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi lies in northern Finland, where the Ounasjoki and Kemijoki rivers meet. The Arctic Circle (66°33’) runs just north of the city, straight through Santa Claus Village. It is roughly 700 km from Helsinki and 115 km from Kemi.
How to get to Rovaniemi?
Fly Turkish Airlines from Istanbul Airport to Helsinki and connect onwards to Rovaniemi. The Istanbul–Helsinki leg takes around 3.5 hours and the Helsinki–Rovaniemi connection about 1.5 hours. Domestic departures run frequently throughout the day. Rovaniemi Airport is only 10 km from the city centre. Buses, taxis and hotel shuttles get you into town in 15 minutes. If you are coming from Helsinki, the overnight train is a charming alternative: 10–12 hours in a sleeper cabin and you wake up in Lapland.
Explore Rovaniemi flight ticket options to take the first step of your journey.
When to visit Rovaniemi?
- December–January: Christmas atmosphere, New Year events and the polar night known as “kaamos”. Only 2–3 hours of daylight; ideal for the Northern Lights but the busiest and priciest period.
- February–March: Snow at its deepest, longer days and clearer skies. The best balance for snowmobiling, husky safaris and icebreaker cruises.
- April: End of season, quieter and better value, with snow still on the ground.
- June–July: Midnight sun. Canoeing, cycling and hiking make summer Lapland a completely different experience.
15 things to do in Rovaniemi
1. Watch the Northern Lights
The aurora season in Rovaniemi runs from September to April. The peak period is between November and March. Since you need to get away from the city lights, guided “aurora hunts” are the surest bet: by minibus, snowmobile or even sled, you are taken to wherever the sky is clearest that night. Set up notifications on an aurora forecast app too: the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s free Auroras Now! service shows real-time magnetic activity over Lapland, while apps such as My Aurora Forecast and Aurora Alerts combine the Kp index, cloud cover and viewing probability and ping your phone when the sky starts to move. Curious where else to see them? Read our post on where the Northern Lights are best seen.
2. Go on an ice fishing excursion
Try ice fishing in Rovaniemi. All you need is fishing gear. Once you have your fishing gear, look for small holes in the ice floes and dip your fishing rod in the first hole you come across. In the evening you can cook and eat your fish on a campfire.
3. Enjoy a warm sauna on an icy day
If you are looking for an authentic Finnish experience, you must arrange a visit to a sauna. Discover the prominent spa culture of Finland at a special spa, 20 kilometers away from Rovaniemi. Warm-up in the warm pool after stepping into the spa from freezing -20 degree temperatures. You can enjoy warm beverages and ginger biscuits at the sauna.
4. Send cards to loved ones from the Santa Claus Village
Don’t forget to send a card to your loved ones all the way from the Santa Claus Village post office. If you visit coincides with Christmas time, what is a nicer way to celebrate the Christmas spirit with your loved ones and reminisce on all Christmases you have shared?
5. Go on a husky and reindeer tour
Leave the city, head for the snowy wilderness and go on a husky dog and reindeer tour escorted by guides dressed in local wear. Find out more about places to see in the city, as you explore the white-capped forest. Short tours include visits to the Santa Claus Village. Pay extra and go on longer tours you in which you can discover all of Rovaniemi. A thrilling sleigh adventure awaits with the rapid maneuvers of the huskies and reindeer and the open treeless spaces that are icy lakes. On certain tours, provided you have a driving license from a designated place, you can take the reins on your husky and reindeer sleigh ride.
6. Explore the reindeer farms
The reindeer of Finland are national treasures and you can visit local farms to meet some. Feed the elegant reindeers and learn some interesting facts from shepherds that work there. The farms offer delicious local delicacies and warm coffee and biscuit after the trip.
7. Walk in the snow
Breathing in the fresh air and hearing the snow crunch under your boots as you take in the beauty of the forest may seem like a calming activity during the day but a bit scary by night. Yet, why not try something new? Grab your snow boots and go on a night walk tour. All you need is warm clothes, balance and snow boots as they make it easier to walk in the snow.
8. See Kemi’s SnowCastle and SnowExperience365
Easily combined with the Sampo cruise on the same day, Kemi’s SnowCastle is rebuilt every year in mid-January and stands until April. Alongside slides, a snow maze and ice sculptures, there is a snow hotel and restaurant. Next door, the SnowExperience365 building keeps an ice bar, ice slide and ice sculptures open even in summer.
9. Go on an icebreaker ship
Board an icebreaker for a pleasant journey through the frozen waters of Laponia’s Bothnian Sea. Enjoy being on the ice in your warm clothes and drinking special local hot beverages during the journey. You can reach the ship by special shuttle buses departing from Rovaniemi.
10. Snowmobile on icy lakes
Another exciting activity you can try in Rovaniemi is snowmobiling on the ice lakes. There are many lakes in the region, but the lakes only freeze over when the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall from the start of autumn until mid-April. If you are there during this time frame, grab the opportunity and rent a snowmobile. Snowmobiling is difficult so remember to follow the instructions carefully.
11. Join in the Christmas festivities
You will feel like you are living in a fairytale in Rovaniemi, surrounded by snow-covered forests, shops with red ornaments, multi-colored lights, and cookie-scented streets! If you plan to be in Rovaniemi for Christmas, make sure to find out what Christmas events are on. Discover the Christmas markets that hold lively events. Don’t forget to visit other quaint shops selling local products. Such as items made from the horn of the reindeer, a symbol of the country and the city. Don’t worry, it’s a natural process because deer’s antlers fall off at certain times of the year. After exploring the markets, it is time for a Christmas feast. Don’t forget to book in advance for this special night at one of the many specialty restaurants that serve a delicious Christmas menu. Don’t miss the fireworks at the end of the night where you will view double the amount of fireworks, on the arctic circle, on the border of two countries, with two different time zones!
12. Visit or stay at the Igloo or ice hotels
bed of a heated glass igloo. Resorts such as Apukka and the Arctic SnowHotel offer glass igloos as well as ice-hotel rooms and an ice restaurant rebuilt from scratch every year. If it doesn’t fit your budget, guided day tours of the ice hotel are available. In season, nights start at around €400 and sell out months ahead.
13. Go on a Laponian cuisine food course
Don’t leave without trying sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys), salmon soup (lohikeitto), lingonberries and leipäjuusto, the Lapland “bread cheese”. Alongside Lappish restaurants in the centre such as Nili, cooking workshops held in local homes let you make these dishes yourself. For more, see our post on what to eat in Rovaniemi.
14. Learn about the North at Arktikum and Pilke
Have an indoor plan ready for when the weather turns brutal. Arktikum, the city’s landmark museum with its glass tunnel, tells the story of Arctic nature and Sámi culture. Next door, the Pilke Science Centre explores Finnish forests, while the Korundi House of Culture hosts contemporary Finnish art and the Lapland Chamber Orchestra. A “Culture Pass” covering all three venues works out cheaper.
15. See polar bears at Ranua
Ranua Wildlife Park, 80 km from Rovaniemi, is the northernmost zoo in the world. Polar bears, lynx, wolves and musk oxen live in their natural snowy setting. Reachable on day tours or by rental car, it is one of the best days out for families with children.
Don’t forget to pack these
Rovaniemi is better during the winter, but don’t forget that this cold region drops to temperatures of -40. Therefore, it is important to take precautions before going to the region. First of all, the right choice of clothes. Wear clothes that cover your mouth and nose completely, and wear thermal underwear. Don’t forget to take cold and waterproof boots with you. Wind and waterproof coats are also a must. Keep accessories such as hand and foot warmers, snow glasses, hand cream with you. Each will protect you from the cold and provide the comfort necessary for a perfect holiday.
How many days do you need in Rovaniemi?
Three days are enough for Santa Claus Village, a husky or reindeer safari, an aurora tour and the museums. Add the Sampo icebreaker and Ranua as day trips and you’ll want 4–5 days.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Rovaniemi?
Finland is a Schengen country. Travellers with a Turkish passport need a Schengen visa.
How likely am I to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?
On a clear night in season, quite likely, but never guaranteed. Staying 3–4 nights and joining guided tours significantly improves your odds.
Is Rovaniemi expensive?
Lapland is one of Finland’s priciest regions. Accommodation and safari tours make up most of the budget; booking early and travelling between February and April helps.
Is it good for children?
Absolutely. Santa Claus Village, SantaPark, reindeer sleigh rides and Ranua are just some of the experiences designed with families in mind.
Is Rovaniemi worth visiting in summer?
Yes. In June and July the sun never sets; canoeing on the river, cycling and hiking in the forest, and a crowd-free visit to Santa Claus Village await.
Currency and language in Rovaniemi?
The currency is the euro. The official language is Finnish; English is widely spoken in tourism.
