If you don’t find an answer to your question, please contact Tourist Information.

What does a word Rovaniemi mean?

The word Rovaniemi has often been considered to be of Lappish origin, as "roavve" in Sami denotes a forested ridge or hill or the site of an old forest fire. In the dialects of southern Lapland, however, "rova" means a heap of stones, a rock or a group of rocks in a stretch of rapids, or even a sauna stove.

When can I see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)?
The Northern Lights is a phenomenon that is seen in the northern skies on clear dark nights in the northern  polar regions. In Rovaniemi, the Northern Lights can be seen on average every third clear night from October until March. Read more about the Northern lights and their origin from Nature-site. 

What is the Midnight Sun?
Midnight Sun means that the sun doesn’t set below the horizon at all. This means that the sun shines also during the night. The period of the Midnight Sun in Rovaniemi is from 6th June to 7th July. You can admire this phenomenon every night if it’s not cloudy. Read more from Arctic Circle-site.

Where can I see reindeer?
There are more reindeer than people in Lapland. It is possible to see them in nature but the easiest way to get in touch with reindeer is to visit one of the reindeer farms by organised trips. Read more about those trips from activities-site. 

I will stay in Rovaniemi for a few days. What would you recommend me
to do?
There are plenty of things to do and see in Rovaniemi all year round. Interesting sights, versatile excursions.
Please visit or contact Rovaniemi Tourist Information for further information. 

Where can I taste Lappish food?
Local food is served in many restaurants in Rovaniemi. There is a special RovaniemiMenu which includes the most genuine local meals. By choosing that you can be sure that you have dinner in “Rovaniemi-way”. Read more about RovaniemiMenu and restaurants. It is also interesting that traditional Lappish ingredients are used in a new way in many restaurants. Have you ever tasted reindeer pizza for example?

Are there polar bears in Lapland? Where can I see them?
There are no wild polar bears in Lapland because their home districts are northern parts of Russia, western and northern Alaska, the arctic areas of Canada, Greenland, Spitzbergen and Middle Siberia. Anyway it is possible to see polar bears in Ranua Wildlife Park. The biggest polar bear of the park is Manasse, a male polar bear. There are also two young female bears called Venus and Valeska. Read more.

Is there snow in summer in Rovaniemi?
Spring comes to Rovaniemi in April or May when snow starts to melt. That means that in summer there is no snow. Usually the first snow falls in the middle or end of November. 
Read more about climate.

Who is the most famous person of Rovaniemi?
The most famous person is of course Santa Claus who is known all over the world, at least among children. Read more about Santa Claus. 
Other famous persons are our succeeded athletes like alpine skier Tanja Poutiainen and skiers Hannu and Pirjo Manninen.

Is it possible to meet Santa Claus in Rovaniemi?
Of course it is. Santa Claus receives guests in his own office every day of the year. Just stop at the Arctic Circle in the Santa Claus Village and you can whisper your wishes to Santa's ear. Read more. 

How does Santa Claus have time to deliver Christmas presents to all children
of the world during one day?
This is one of his biggest secrets but maybe you can find an explanation to this big mystery by visiting him in his office.