Your picks
0

Risen from Ashes – Alvar Aalto And Post-War Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi suffered badly in World War II, as approximately 90 percent of buildings in the town centre were destroyed in 1944. The rebuilding process started quickly after the tragedy, and was led by Alvar Aalto (1898-1976), who is widely regarded as one of Finland’s national architects.

The Reindeer Antler Town Plan

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, and what would be more fitting than to have the town shaped like a reindeer, the iconic animal of the area? Aalto’s genius vision has central Rovaniemi wrapped inside the reindeer’s head, with the Keskuskenttä sports stadium as the eye. Roads leading north, west and south make up the antlers.

Rovaniemi Administrative Centre

Aalto’s main work in Rovaniemi is the administrative and cultural centre, also known as the Aalto centre, which consists of Rovaniemi City Hall (pictured), Rovaniemi City Library and Lappia House, a congress venue and the home of Rovaniemi Theatre.
The library was constructed first, in 1965, followed by Lappia House in 1976, which was the last building Aalto saw completed before his death in the same year. The city hall was completed posthumously in 1986, the plans of which were finalized by Aalto’s architect wife Elissa Aalto.

Housing by Alvar Aalto in Rovaniemi

Besides large public projects, Alvar Aalto also designed housing in Rovaniemi. The Korkalorinne residential area features row houses and apartment buildings in parklike surroundings, and in central Rovaniemi, several buildings designed for the Aho business family were planned as part of a tight urban milieu.

A Wider Front of Architects

Another central figure in Rovaniemi architecture is Aalto’s contemporary Ferdinand Salokangas, who designed several administrative buildings and housing in town. The best known are Rovaniemi Fire Station and the Town Hall of Rovaniemi Market Town (pictured) that has since been refurbished into Arctic Light Hotel.

Arktikum – The Arctic Embodied

Besides housing the Regional Museum of Lapland and Arctic Science Centre, Arktikum is one of Rovaniemi’s most recognizable buildings. Opened to the public on December 6th, 1992 to mark the 75th anniversary of Finland’s independence, Arktikum was designed by Danish architect group Birch-Bonderup & Thorup-Waade. The building’s iconic glass tube represents the frozen finger of the north, the direction it points in.

Korundi – From Post Bus Depot to A House of Culture

One of the few buildings in Rovaniemi not destroyed in World War II was the post bus depot built in 1933. Having served multiple purposes over the decades, the depot was converted into Rovaniemi Art Museum in 1986, and later remodelled to Korundi House of Culture. Korundi was designed by architect Juhani Pallasmaa and is home to Rovaniemi Art Museum and Lapland Chamber Orchestra.

Pilke – An Extraordinary Wood Construction

Owned and operated by Metsähallitus, the Finnish Administration of Forests, Science Centre Pilke is entirely built of wood. The building represents Metsähallitus’ environmental policies and 90 percent of materials used come from inside Finland. Designed by wood building specialists APRT architectural studio and opened for the public in 2011, key guidelines for the building were set by sustainability, natural light and the surrounding hill and river landscapes.

The Jätkänkynttilä ("Lumberjack's Candle") Bridge – A Modern Icon

If there is one landmark Rovaniemi is known for, it’s the Jätkänkynttilä Bridge. Opened for traffic in 1989, the 320-metre bridge connects Ounasvaara to the town centre. Jätkänkynttilä takes its name and shape from a type of torch carved from wood by lumberjacks, a common trade in 20th century Rovaniemi.

Tour Rovaniemi Architecture

Most pieces of essential Rovaniemi architecture lie close to each other and can be toured on foot in a couple of hours. Even the outlines of the reindeer antler town plan can be followed to an extent. Directions for self-led tours are available at Rovaniemi Tourist Information on Lordi’s Square in the very centre of town.

love
Santa Claus
Santa Claus There’s no place like Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, for a genuine Christmas experience.
Sustainable Rovaniemi
Sustainable Rovaniemi We are a region up in the Arctic, we need our seasons, snowy winters and warm summers to provide a safe environment to our Arctic species. Welcome to our sustainable way of life!
Northern Lights
Northern Lights Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi.
Polar Night
Polar Night Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.
Arctic Capital
Arctic Capital Rovaniemi combines the northern nature with urban surroundings, self-confident localness and open-minded internationality. Rovaniemi is also the Official Hometown of Santa Claus®.
Northern Lights Secrets
Northern Lights Secrets Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi.
Midnight Sun
Midnight Sun The Midnight Sun – also known as the nightless night or polar day – can be seen in Rovaniemi from early June until early July, and nights are white throughout the summer.
Autumn Colors
Autumn Colors Let Rovaniemi surprise you with easy access to plenty of routes and scenery spots to marvel the fiery landscapes of Autumn Color.
Four Seasons
Four Seasons All four seasons are clearly present in the annual cycle of Rovaniemi. However, many locals would say the year consists of up to eight seasons, each with their own distinct characteristics.
Arctic Circle
Arctic Circle Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland situated right on the Arctic Circle, which makes the town a gateway to the Arctic.
Snow And Ice
Snow And Ice For many, Lapland is synonymous with snow. In Rovaniemi, there’s white stuff on the ground for approximately six months of the year.
Local Food
Local Food Lapland’s food culture is directly linked to its pristine nature, and Rovaniemi is a great place to explore the fresh produce of northern forests and waters.
Architecture
Architecture Rovaniemi is proud to have several major features designed by Alvar Aalto, one of Finland’s foremost architects. Other visionaries have also embellished the city with landmark structures.
Authenticity
Authenticity Rovaniemi is an urban outpost amidst wild nature, where age-old traditions meet modern life.
@visitrovaniemi
/VisitRovaniemi.fi
Youtube icon
@visitrovaniemi

Get the best of Rovaniemi in your inbox!

Sign up here to receive email from Rovaniemi for travel information, tips and offers. Please, complete your details below and click ”subscribe”.

* indicates required
Your preferred time of travel to Rovaniemi?