Rovaniemi –
Arctic Capital

• Rovaniemi has approximately 64 000 residents and 12 450 reindeer.
• With a total area of 8017 km², Rovaniemi is the largest town in Europe by area.
• The total area comprises 7601 km² of land and 415 km² of water.
• The town is surrounded by approximately 30 villages.
• The area has hundreds of kilometers of marked hiking trails and hundreds of lean-to shelters.

Rovaniemi is a growing Arctic city where northern nature and city life come together. The Arctic is present in the city in many ways – in the landscape around you, in the local knowledge built up over generations and in the way the seasons shape everyday life.

Despite being surrounded by nature, Rovaniemi has a lively city centre with cafés, pubs, and restaurants, as well as art galleries, museums and theatres. Students, locals and visitors add their own energy to the city, creating an atmosphere that is distinctly northern yet open and international.

Rovaniemi is also a university city and a place where architecture is part of the cityscape. Several of its major buildings were designed by Alvar Aalto, one of Finland’s foremost architects. His work is part of the story of Rovaniemi, helping shape a city where Arctic surroundings meet Finnish design and modern urban life.

Rovaniemi is a gateway to Finnish Lapland, with excellent flight connections from around the world and convenient train and bus connections.

Rovaniemi is also The Official Hometown of Santa Claus®, welcoming more than 700 000 visitors to Santa Claus Village every year. Here, in a city of the Midnight Sun, Polar Night and Northern Lights, the magic of Christmas is part of everyday life.

Santa Claus himself is here – the world-famous ambassador of goodwill – together with his Christmas elves and more than 12 000 reindeer. For visitors from around the world, meeting Santa Claus, crossing the Arctic Circle and experiencing the festive spirit in his official hometown can be a truly memorable part of a trip to Rovaniemi.