Early Winter Activities

Even though snow makes everything softer and white, there are plenty of wintery and Lappish things to do in Rovaniemi during early winter season.

Farm Visits

By visiting a local reindeer farm or a husky farm you get an insight on the everyday life of the reindeer herders and husky mushers. Even with out bundles of snow you can cuddle the soft huskies and learn new things about the traditional Lapland inhabitants, the reindeer.

Short rides

Reindeer and husky farms are super memorable experiences on their own, and adding a short cart ride to your experience, you get a dose of excitement to remember. Many local husky farms offer short cart rides that won´t get cancelled due to lack of snow.

The Northern Lights

The marvels of the Northern skies do not need snow to happen, all you need are clear skies and a good guide to lead you to the best sights to observe the Auroras.

Enjoy the Arctic Nature

Nature trips

One thing is for sure, and it is that the locals are active hikers, some even sleep outdoors every now and then year-round. No matter the weather, Rovaniemi has amazing guides to lead you to nature trips to see the wonders around the area.

Easy access nature

Ounasvaara hill is a nature resort in just a few steps from the city centre on Rovaniemi. The sights and offering of Ounasvaara hill will not disappoint no matter the weather. The nature is equally mesmerizing in snowy, rainy, sunny and foggy weather.

Visit the Arctic Zoo

Ranua Wildlife Park offers the opportunity to observe arctic animals throughout the year, in an as authentic environment for the animals as possible. The park animals consist of approximately 50 wild animal species and 200 individuals.

Do Indoor sports

Rovaniemi offers many indoor opportunities for sports. You can go bowling and swimming at Santasport, not to mention climb and do yoga at Väki and have a day filled with action at Rollohalli.

Enjoy the local culture

Experience the Finnish Sauna

The Sauna experiences of Rovaniemi are amazing. Some include transfers, dinner, and best of all ice swimming! Browse the Sauna offering of Rovaniemi, you do not need snow to enjoy the fresh and purifying experience.

Explore the local culture

Snow and outdoors are not the only way to familiarize with the Finnish culture. Spend a day in the Top 3 culture attractions of Rovaniemi Arktikum Science Centre and Museum, Korundi House of Culture and Science Centre Pilke, with the Culture Pass. Culture Pass is a personal (non-transferable) multi-entry ticket valid for 7 days – visit the three attractions as many times as you like. www.culturepass.fi

Try traditional handicraft

You can join unique and traditional handicraft classes at LAURI Historical Manor, with also children-friendly family programmes. And by visiting the Kangasniemi family, you get to experience a traditional Lappish home and experience the making of Lappish traditional handicrafts.

Experience the magic of Christmas

Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle is like a real village offering dreamy services and amenities. You can visit the Santa Claus´ Main Post Office and choose from a variety of arctic delicacies at local restaurants and cafes, join the daily activities running year round and of course fall in love with the mellow happiness of Christmas and visit Santa Claus every day of the year, not to mention the Mrs. Santa Claus Christmas Cottage from November to January.

Rovaniemi offers the magic of Christmas in more ways than Santa Claus Village. Santa Park on the Arctic Circle, you can visit from the end of November till the beginning of January.

Tips for snow lovers:

Actually, planning a trip to Lapland after Christmas gives you more of everything. More snow, more space, more activities and so on. And you still get all the Christmas atmosphere, Santa Claus Village is decorated like shown above through out the snowy season, and snowy season continues till April here in Rovaniemi Lapland Finland!

Psst.. Also have a look at Lapland Cuisine!