Lapland’s Food Culture in Rovaniemi

From late July through September, you may notice cars parked along the roads around Rovaniemi and across Lapland. They belong to locals heading into the forests and bogs in search of one of the North’s seasonal treasures: wild berries. The cloudberry is often considered the crown jewel of Lapland’s berries, with its golden orange colour and distinctive sweet-tart flavour. But it is far from the only berry worth discovering. Bilberries (European blueberries), lingonberries and cranberries are also abundant and enjoyed fresh, preserved, or used in desserts, pastries, sauces and drinks.

Potatoes are a staple of Lappish cuisine and can be prepared in countless ways. Lapland even has its own traditional variety, the small, oval-shaped almond potato, known for its distinctive flavour and texture. Carrots, turnips and other root vegetables also feature in local cooking, reflecting the northern tradition of making the most of what can be grown and gathered in the region.

Lapland’s forests and wetlands are home to a rich variety of wildlife, and the natural areas around Rovaniemi are no exception. Game birds and waterfowl, as well as larger game such as elk and even bears are part of the region’s food traditions and can be enjoyed alongside seasonal ingredients gathered from the surrounding nature. Hunting in Finland is regulated and guided by respect for nature and sustainable practices. Hunters follow established seasons, quotas and regulations, helping to ensure the balance of the natural environment.

Did you know? Finns are among the world’s biggest coffee drinkers! Perhaps the long, dark winters of Lapland make a warm cup of coffee all the more inviting. Most Finns drink brewed filter coffee, either black or with a splash of milk, and coffee breaks are an important part of everyday life. From a quick cup in a café to a leisurely coffee break with friends, there is almost always a good reason to put the kettle on and enjoy a cup.

A must-try on any trip to Rovaniemi is leipäjuusto, a traditional Finnish cheese often enjoyed as a dessert. This soft, lightly browned cheese is delicious served warm with fresh cloudberries or cloudberry jam, creating a wonderful combination of savoury cheese and sweet, tangy berries. Leipäjuusto is also known as “squeaky cheese” because of the distinctive sound it can make when you bite into it.

With its rivers, lakes and abundant waters, Lapland has long been a destination for fishing enthusiasts. Rovaniemi sits at the meeting point of two major rivers, the Ounasjoki and Kemijoki, and fishing has been an important part of life and local food traditions here for generations. Salmon, trout, pikeperch and Arctic char are among the fish that find their way onto northern plates. One of Lapland’s best-known fish dishes is salmon soup, a comforting local favourite that can be enjoyed in restaurants throughout Rovaniemi.

Finns have a deep appreciation for freshly baked treats, and no visit to Lapland would be complete without sampling some local favourites. One of the region’s traditional staples is rieska, a soft flatbread that is often enjoyed simply with butter. For those with a sweet tooth, Lapland also has its own selection of traditional pastries. One distinctive example is kampanisu, a sweet pastry whose name means “comb scone” and refers to its characteristic comb-like shape.

Reindeer have been an important part of life in Lapland for centuries, and reindeer husbandry remains a traditional livelihood in the region. Reindeer meat is also a key part of Lappish cuisine. The classic dish of sautéed reindeer is traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes and tart lingonberries or lingonberry jam. In traditional Lappish cuisine, nothing goes to waste, with reindeer meat prepared in many forms, including fillets, cold cuts, jerky, mince and sausages.