Looking for some deeper knowledge on Rovaniemi, its people, phenomena, and things to do and see? We’ve put together tips, lists and articles on quite a few interesting subjects concerning local life on the Arctic Circle. Please find our features below – sort the stories by category or browse through them in chronological order. Enjoy!
When to See The Northern Lights in Rovaniemi + Other FAQ’s
Where to find the northern lights, when to see the aurora borealis and other important information.
Explore rugged wilderness and old pine and spruce forests, climb to a top of an ancient mountain, fjell, and wander in relaxing sounds of nature. You'll find more than hundred lean-to's and altogether hundreds of kilometers of marked hiking trails around Rovaniemi.
Action, PlacesSeptember 10, 2023Hiking in Rovaniemi: Explore Dozens of Epic Day Hi...
What to experience in Rovaniemi in early winter season when there is snow, but not enough for all kinds of activities? Rovaniemi has snowy winter´s and we have snow on the ground over 6 months a year, statistically around 200 snowy days every year.
While the winter of Rovaniemi has taken all the attention with its magic, there might be something that has gone unnoticed. What if the Arctic Summer is the undiscovered gem, something magical, yet not found by big crowds.
Are you the type of traveler, who is not just looking for relaxation and pampering – but wants to get active, go outdoors, and explore nature? To feel the adrenaline and excitement, like the locals? Keep reading: we wrote the best tips to get the most out of your adventure in Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi is The Official Hometown of Santa Claus® and Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle is like a real village offering dreamy services and amenities. You can choose form a variety of magical accommodations, enjoy arctic delicacies at local restaurants and cafes, join the daily arctic activities and of course fall in love with the mellow happiness of Christmas magic all year round.
Ounasjoki river deltas in Rovaniemi are a spectacular place for all kinds of summer activities. Go on a day hike, try SUP-board or spend an unforgettable day on river!
Phenomena, PlacesMay 11, 2023Discover The Scenic Beauty of Ounasjoki’s Deltas...
Welcome to a Finnish sauna! We Finns love our Sauna, and when you visit Finland, you must experience sauna. A traditional Finnish sauna is like Finnish food culture, pure and simple.
What if I told you we have an overall population density of 1,98 persons per square kilometer, which is one of the lowest in Europe, more reindeer then people, the cleanest air and waters in the world. Yet we live in a modern city filled with services and even luxury. Our summer nights are light like the most romantic pink twilight, and that our summer temperatures are mild like the birds milk, as we Finnish people like to say. Would you believe me? And the list goes on...
Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, is a city of two big rivers and local people gather around the Arctic waters in the river valley, as soon as the ice on the rivers melt. Admire the city and the Midnight Sun from Ounasjoki river deltas on a SUP-board or go on a canoe trip or join a tranquil river boat cruise or spend a day in a floating water park. The Midnight Sun shines in Rovaniemi through the summer, creating a magical light phenomena for all waterfronts.
Action, TipsMay 11, 2023Enjoy Rovaniemi summer on Arctic waters
Rovaniemi has a surprising restaurant scene, with flavours of the world combined to Lappish tastes and numerous summer terraces to offer a relaxed evening out. Midnight Sun causes Finnish Happiness, through soulful moments surrounded by Arctic nature, embraced by Lapland phenomena and flavours. Hop on to this city of summer madness, to a way of life only experienced here, on and above the Arctic Circle, and spend an evening out on summer terraces, under the Midnight Sun.
The Midnight Sun – also known as the nightless night or polar day, is a unique natural phenomena, of white nights all summer in Rovaniemi. For us locals the summer light is empowering comfort that creates the basis of Finnish Happiness. There is actually endless amount of things to do under the Midnight Sun, have a look at our list of must do things under the Midnight Sun of Lapland.
Action, TipsMay 11, 20239 must things to do under the Midnight Sun
Midnight Sun is about staying up through white summer nights and listening to the wind in Arctic forests, and to the song of a black-throated diver echoing on the pure arctic waters, in utter peace and natural comfort.
Phenomena, TipsMay 11, 2023Experience The Midnight Sun in Lapland Rovaniemi
The nightless nights of midsummer and the dancing Northern Lights of autumn provide an incredible backdrop for your bike ride that will surely be memorable. Experience Rovaniemi and the exotic beauty of Lapland on a mountain bike – adventure awaits!
UncategorizedMay 8, 2023Mountain Biking in Rovaniemi: Magical Midnight Sun...
Traveling to Lapland in winter with kids is a dream come true in many ways. As The Official Hometown of Santa Claus® Rovaniemi offers a one-of-a-kind winter wonderland. Rovaniemi offers so much wonders on top of eternal Christmas Magic that we had to make a list:
Looking for that must do, once in a lifetime experience to add to your Lapland bucket list? Introducing Polar Explorer, Icebreaker in the frozen waters of Bothnian sea in Lapland harnessed to take you on an adventurous 3-hour cruise of your lifetime.
Rovaniemi is The Official Hometown of Santa Claus, and therefore it is only natural that there is also a small village full of magical Christmas atmosphere in the Arctic Circle. You can spend a memorable day visiting Santa Claus Village or stay overnight.
Action, Lists, Places, TipsNovember 30, 2022Santa Claus Village is full of magic and versatile...
The Lappish food culture is unpretentious and best enjoyed slow. We Northern people like to take time to cook our food. It is all about socializing and enjoying the moment – cooking on an open fire relaxes us and increases happiness. Local restaurants serve Lappish classics, they have either menu´s based on the local fresh produce of northern forests and waters, or Lappish tastes infused with cuisines of the world.
On Arctic Reindeer Farm, high above the Arctic Circle lives Miia Ylinampa, reindeer herder, a woman who decided to become a herder at the age of five. Reindeer play a major role in Miia´s life. Miia`s own wellbeing, is twined with the wellbeing of her reindeer. “I spend all my days with them in nature, their happiness makes me feel at peace” Miia says. Welcome to a Sustainable Rovaniemi blog series, where our local people tell their arctic lifestyle stories.
On Arctic Reindeer Farm, high above the Arctic Circle lives Miia Ylinampa, reindeer herder, a woman who decided to become a herder at the age of five. Reindeer play a major role in Miia´s life. Miia`s own wellbeing, is twined with the wellbeing of her reindeer. “I spend all my days with them in nature, their happiness makes me feel at peace” Miia says. Welcome to a Sustainable Rovaniemi blog series, where our local people tell their arctic lifestyle stories.
On Arctic Reindeer Farm, high above the Arctic Circle lives Miia Ylinampa, reindeer herder, a woman who decided to become a herder at the age of five. Reindeer play a major role in Miia´s life. Miia`s own wellbeing, is twined with the wellbeing of her reindeer. “I spend all my days with them in nature, their happiness makes me feel at peace” Miia says. Welcome to a Sustainable Rovaniemi blog series, where our local people tell their arctic lifestyle stories.
On Arctic Reindeer Farm, high above the Arctic Circle lives Miia Ylinampa, reindeer herder, a woman who decided to become a herder at the age of five. Reindeer play a major role in Miia´s life. Miia`s own wellbeing, is twined with the wellbeing of her reindeer. “I spend all my days with them in nature, their happiness makes me feel at peace” Miia says. Welcome to a Sustainable Rovaniemi blog series, where our local people tell their arctic lifestyle stories.
Rovaniemi has the most surprising restaurant scene in Finland, catering the flavors of the world combined in to traditional kitchens of the North and Lapland. Rovaniemi is also the home of Arctic Design and shopping, and as the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi offers a vast variety of shopping opportunities from Finnish brands and design to local traditional handcrafts and three shopping centres.
Lists, TipsFebruary 23, 2022Dining & Shopping in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is a true winter wonderland, but some winter months are snowier than others. If snow is your key driver, wait until January, February and March to experience the powdery white landscapes.
Lists, TipsFebruary 7, 2022Planning a trip to Rovaniemi? 8 Reasons to Visit R...
Ounasvaara is a famous sports centre and also a year-round recreation area near the city centre, with marked and maintained trails and several great vantage points. Here you can find accommodation, spa and wellbeing services not to mention activities and equipment rental.
Places, TipsJanuary 1, 2022Ounasvaara – Rovaniemi year-round Sport Reso...
Rovaniemi is the home for Arctic experiences we bet you didn´t even know were real! Introducing Snow and Ice MUST DOS to add to your Lapland bucket list!
It is beautiful, and kind of magical how the letters find their way to Arctic Circle even if there is no clear address written on them, just “Santa Claus”. Katja the main postal Elf says that even if the letters are written to be delivered to the North Pole all the post offices around the world know that Santa Claus lives in the Arctic Circle Rovaniemi, so the letters are referred to Santa Claus Main Post Office.
People, Phenomena, PlacesDecember 12, 2021Santa Claus hears the world through the letters
Cool things are happening in the Capital of Lapland Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is not only the home of Christmas, but also a home of Lapland ingenuity! Did you know that in Rovaniemi you can eat in an Igloo in the middle of the city, shop for sustainable style & preloved clothing, experience art within a menu and combat climate change with a lunch?
For many, Lapland is synonymous with snow and no wonder because in Rovaniemi, we get to enjoy snow a full six to seven months of the year, and we have even accommodation made out of snow. And we love snow so much we even store snow from previous winter to use it for skiing the next autumn, amazing right? Take a tour around snowy Rovaniemi with Santatelevision. See Santa Claus and his reindeer, snowy attractions of Rovaniemi and even the city center turned into a winter wonderland. Get familiar with the sights, sports, nature and above all the winter of Rovaniemi.
Check out Rovaniemi TOP 10 Instagrammable winter venues. Rovaniemi is perfectly located to enjoy those snowy views as well as those arctic nature phenomena. Check out our Rovaniemi Winter TOP 10 venues to add to your to do list!
Lists, Places, TipsSeptember 29, 2021Instagrammable TOP 10 of Rovaniemi Lapland Winter
We all love pictures, to have memories, but to also share them on Instagram and social media. We listed the five most picturesque activities to do in winter.
Uncategorized, Lists, TipsSeptember 15, 20215 Most Instagrammable winter activities in Rovanie...
Feel comfortable to travel to Rovaniemi the Arctic Capital of Lapland, where the infrastructure and health-safe procedures are of highest quality and ready to welcome all travellers.
Uncategorized, TipsSeptember 9, 2021Health-safe Rovaniemi – Ready to welcome all...
Planning and buying a Lapland Road trip has never been this easy. With our Road trip planning tool you can create and design a Road trip of your dreams online.
Uncategorized, TipsAugust 10, 2021Plan and buy your Lapland Road trip – made e...
Rovaniemi summer selection of restaurants is relaxed, courageous and lush. The restaurants of Rovaniemi are anything but humble, we dare to say the hottest in Finland! The capital of Lapland offers not only unique restaurants and relaxed summer terraces but also local specialities and urban flavours from around the world. This summer capital has a capasity to serve over a 1000 summer terrace customers - double the amount of the grand terrace of Helsinki.
Santa Claus Village is the place to meet Santa Claus every day of year. In addition, the village area offers activities, restaurants, accommodation and shops to make your stay memorable.
Lists, TipsMay 9, 2021The Ultimate Guide: 10 Things to Do in Santa Claus...
Kimmo Ketola and Sami Riekki from Helsinki, accustomed to globetrotter lifestyle, discovered Rovaniemi from Finnish Lapland to ease their travel fever. -We are so taken with Rovaniemi atmosphere that we will from now on, return at least for one weekend every winter. We still have many hotels, exotic accommodations and restaurants left to discover, Sami reveals.
Finland was just named the happiest country in the world for a fourth year running, but what makes Roavaniemi the best place in the world to call a home for Kaisa Sirén? The Rovaniemi locals know Kaisa Sirén as a skilled magazine photographer and the beloved owner of Villa Vinkkeli – the house of art. Where does this Northern artist absorb her inspiration, how did the Villa Vinkkeli get started and what are the core values that drive Sirén. Read also the professional photographers tips of Rovaniemi.
Even when the locals see the Northern Lights every year, we never get bored with them or lose the feel of childhood magic and fairytale. Here the #visitrovaniemi social media went crazy again in nights of dreamy Auroras:
It’s fair to say everybody fell for Finland last week, with WRC2 winner Esapekka Lappi summing it up better than anybody. “What’s not to love with this event?” he questioned. “We have the perfect roads, minus conditions, great ice and blue skies. This is why we go rallying.”
In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Take a look at the story of French Véronique, who transforms her living room in Troyes every year as a miniature Christmas Village. In 2020, Véronique finally got to visit Rovaniemi – The Official Hometown of Santa Claus®.
People, PhenomenaMarch 3, 2021Changed by Rovaniemi – Véronique, the biggest f...
History was made, Rovaniemi attracted a star-studded line-up for the first ever Arctic Rally Finland powered by CapitalBox, and the world’s best rally drivers were seen driving the snowy roads of Lapland. Read all the drivers comments from Shakedown to Wolf Power Stage from our Flash.
"For reasons like this the Arctic Rally Finland is the most exotic race of the year. The event carries years and years of family traditions and stories told from generation to another - attracting a staggering 600 volunteers."
People, PhenomenaFebruary 26, 2021Undoubtedly the most exotic FIA World Rally Champi...
The first ever Arctic Rally Finland Powered by CapitalBox is raced in Rovaniemi this weekend February 26-28. Snowy and arctic landscapes of Rovaniemi are now the stage for high-speed action on snow and ice of the FIA World Rally Championship. Due to appropriate safety measures, spectators are not allowed, so the best way to get into Rally mood is in the comfort of your own home. Meet the teams, check the schedule and find out the best ways to tune in to Rally mood!
UncategorizedFebruary 25, 2021The Teams, schedules and ways to follow the WRC Ar...
We all want to travel and we have heard about health-safe travel, but what does it actually mean? We wrote a list of health-safe procedures and actions that help to take notice of each other and our own well-being during our travel and even beforehand - well begun is half done!
Uncategorized, TipsFebruary 24, 2021Safe is the new – and only – way of tr...
In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of Carin, who visited Lapland with her five colleagues all the way from South Africa.
PeopleJanuary 19, 2021Changed by Rovaniemi – South Africans at the Arc...
In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of German Anni, who’s dog Sola has met Santa Claus already twice.
Can you imagine a place more Christmassy than Rovaniemi Lapland Finland? As the official hometown of Santa Claus® Rovaniemi is truly the home of Christmas magic. But what are the things and traditions that make a Finnish Christmas?
Santa’s video call is all-year-round product of Santa Claus Office offering a warm-hearted chat with Santa regardless of your location and no matter what time of the year
Uncategorized, People, TipsDecember 12, 2020This Christmas calls for something special – A S...
This is a special post for all true lovers of Lapland, to ease the longing until we meet again! We listed the TOP web shops of Lapland to order your very own piece of Lapland, online.
Uncategorized, Lists, TipsNovember 26, 2020Get your very own piece of Lapland – Now availab...
In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of Irish Andrew, who’s daughter started to believe in Santa Claus right upon the arrival to Rovaniemi Airport.
People, Places, TipsNovember 11, 2020Changed by Rovaniemi – Believing in Santa Claus ...
In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of Marco from Germany, who visits the Arctic Rally -event in Rovaniemi every year.
In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of Helen from Taiwan, who’s childhood dream came true at the Arctic Circle.
Uncategorized, PeopleOctober 2, 2020Changed by Rovaniemi – Childhood dream came true...
In our new “Changed by Rovaniemi”- blog series, we share unique stories from travelers of Rovaniemi. We asked, what makes Lapland so special to them, why they have fallen in love with Lapland, and what makes some of them return time after time. Have a look at the story of Australian Jayde, who got proposed at the Arctic Circle.
Uncategorized, PeopleSeptember 28, 2020Changed by Rovaniemi – Proposal at the Arctic Ci...
The autumn is an overlooked season when it comes to visiting Rovaniemi. Spanning from late August until late November, it's an ideal time for activities.
Action, Lists, TipsSeptember 12, 2020Top autumn activities in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi bathing in an amazing full 8 nights in a row of Northern Lights. September just beginning and we are already having a full sky-spectacle for over a week, amazing right? All arctic people have their own beautiful mythology, believes and names for this heavenly phenomena. In Finnish the Northern Lights are called ”Revontulet”.
In our new Sustainable Rovaniemi blog series Irene describes the surrounding nature to be her supermarket, her living room as well as her church. It is obvious, that Irene is happiest at nature.
Missing Rovaniemi? We miss you too! As travelling is not possible at the moment, we wanted to bring Rovaniemi closer to you. Read our tips to enjoy the Arctic Circle from your own couch.
Action, Lists, Places, TipsMay 20, 2020How to explore Rovaniemi while staying at home
People have always told stories, to lift spirits and raise faith and to educate the new generations about bravery. We believe this is the time for inspiring stories, stories of dreams worth fighting for, maybe even dreams built from the ashes.
People, PhenomenaMarch 24, 2020Rovaniemi, a living proof why keep The Dream Alive
Who could have known that we would all be in this situation together, globally? That the way we knew our daily life would change and the hurry that had become our pulse would be replaced by a still mode of confusion.
People, PhenomenaMarch 17, 2020Stay calm – Stay home – This too shall pas...
Traditional Arctic Lapland Rally brought F1 driver Valtteri Bottas to Rovaniemi. The weekend is one of the bustling ones of the year in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.
Action, PhenomenaJanuary 13, 2020Arctic Lapland Rally Brings F1 Drivers to Rovaniem...
Canadian singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen came to Lapland for inspiration. Read from here what the artist did in Rovaniemi and what was the highlight of her trip.
Action, People, PhenomenaOctober 24, 2019Carly Rae Jepsen’s Visit to Rovaniemi Was Ab...
The Kardashians visited Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, last April and the Rovaniemi episode of Keeping Up with The Kardashians premiere is on Sunday 6th of October in USA. Read from here how to discover Rovaniemi like the Kardashians.
People, PhenomenaOctober 4, 2019Do It Like The Kardashians – What to Do in Rovan...
Rovaniemi is a versatile destination for a family holiday. Experience Lapland's unique nature with its phenomena and plenty children-friendly activities.
UncategorizedAugust 21, 2019Experience Rovaniemi with Kids – Activities, Pla...
There are plenty things to do during the summer in Rovaniemi, in Lapland, Finland. Here are a selection of different programs to choose from for a short city break.
Lists, TipsMay 2, 2019Two Days in Rovaniemi – 10 Things You Don’t Wa...
This article will include a few tips to wrapping up warm, getting about and what activities to consider with Children during your cold but magical trip to Rovaniemi.
TipsFebruary 6, 2019Guide to enjoying winter holiday in Rovaniemi with...
Visit Rovaniemi - your true Midnight Sun experience on the Arctic Circle, Lapland FinlandWelcome to the Official Hometown of Santa Claus® and a place full of magic! https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/ Situated on the Arctic ...
The Grand Opening of Christmas Season 2022Rovaniemi celebrated The Grand Opening of Christmas Season in 19th of November 2022 in the Santa Claus Village at the Arctic ...
Riding against cancer - Alexandra HustaMeet Alexandra! She is riding a bicycle against cancer! 4000 km already travelled, 6000 km still left to go. Watch her crossing the ...
Fishing trip under the midnight sun at the Arctic Circle, RovaniemiFishing trip under the midnight sun? That is what some cast and the production members of the movie Routa chose to have after ...
Become a Lapland Midnight Sun Ambassador in June - July 2022. Apply now!Media influencer or news media representative? Become a Lapland Midnight Sun Ambassador! Application period ends 20th of ...
Inspired by Midnight Sun of LaplandBecome a Lapland Midnight Sun Ambassador! Experience the Midnight Sun only on the Arctic Circle and above. There is more to ...
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