The Arctic blue shades of the Polar Nights
Rovaniemi in the magical midwinter
When the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon in late December, the Arctic Capital rests in a bewildering beauty of light blue and pink hues, and sparkling crystal whites. The stunning Polar Night phenomenon only occurs high up in the north, on the Arctic Circle and above it.
The blue wonders of the Polar Night
The blue wonders of the Polar Night
Contrary to what one might think, the Polar Night – the opposite of the Midnight Sun – is not completely dark. As the sunrays hit the upper layers of the atmosphere, they create the exquisite colours of a sunset. Thanks to the Polar Night season the middays in midwinter are filled with truly incredible and photogenic blue tones.
Short, magical winter days
Short, magical winter days
While the sun stays below the horizon, the natural light on the Arctic Circle is a delicate, hazy blue. The photogenic blue hour is short in the north in midwinter, hence the locals rather call it the blue moment.
Snowy white with blue shades
Snowy white with blue shades
And though the days are short, the much-loved white blanket of snow reflects light softly during the darkest months, altering the view to magical. Some say this is the most beautiful time of the year in Lapland, Finland.
Get active and catch the memories
Get active and catch the memories
Polar Nights can be enjoyed on soft and slow adventures, or fast and furious, whatever suits your needs. From hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing to reindeer sleigh rides, winter floating, and snowmobiling – the Polar Nights call for witnessing the photogenic moments outdoors. This is also a favoured time for catching memories on camera, so why not take a photography tour with a local guide.
5 snowy months in Rovaniemi
Lapland is synonymous with snow and ice – and no wonder, in Rovaniemi we are lucky to enjoy snow around five months of the year. We also have the lovely Midnight Sun, beautiful Autumn with colours and the magical Northern Lights.
More things to love about Rovaniemi
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®.
Santa Claus
There’s no place like Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, for genuine Christmas experiences. See here for some Rovaniemi Christmas magic.
Arctic Circle
Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus and the capital of Lapland, lies right on the Arctic Circle, which makes the town a gateway to the arctic. See more here.
Sustainable Rovaniemi
The local companies have been joining forces for Sustainable Travel Finland trademark that offers a concrete toolkit for travel destinations to help Finland’s travel destinations to adopt sustainable procedures and to make sustainable choices in their business.
Northern Lights
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Rovaniemi. Find out viewing spots, times and more here.
Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun, the nightless night or polar day – can be seen only here in Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle or above. From early June until early July, and nights are white throughout the summer. See more here.
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. Find out more here!
Autumn Colours
When bright arctic summer ends and nature is preparing for winter at the Arctic Circle, we are enchanted by the changing colors of the season. In Rovaniemi this amazing nature’s display is at its best in September when trees and ground is covered with spectacular colours. Get your cameras out and head to nature!