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Visit Rovaniemi

Experience Snow And Ice in Rovaniemi

For many, Lapland is synonymous with snow. In Rovaniemi, there’s white stuff on the ground for approximately six months of the year.

From November until April

There is annual fluctuation in amounts of snow and in the time it stays on the ground in Rovaniemi. First snow usually falls during October, sometimes as soon as late September. A permanent snow cover is expected in late November, and April is still considered a snowy month – there’s often a bit of it left even in early May.

As Soon As The Snow Falls

Locals and visitors alike are keen to make the most out of the snow as soon as it covers the ground. When permanent snow arrives in late November or December, and there’s enough of it for winter activities, Rovaniemi becomes a vast white playground.

Snow And Ice: Building Materials

Thanks to the abundance of snow in Finland, Finns are experts in building with snow. In Rovaniemi, you can sleep in a snow hotel or an igloo, get married in a snow chapel, build an igloo under expert guidance (and sleep in it!), dine in a snow restaurant, have a drink in an ice bar, and play in snow castles with slides and such. For more on snow constructions in Rovaniemi, please see here.

When Waters Freeze

In Rovaniemi, you can walk on water – frozen bodies of water, that is. Waters are generally frozen from December until March, and provide huge extra space for activities like cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling. However, there’s no sure way of telling when the ice is thick enough to carry people, and visitors should take extra care and check with local experts before endeavouring out on the ice.

Snowy Forest Magic

A walk in fairytale-like white crystal forests, surrounded by snowy trees is like stepping into another world. In Rovaniemi, there are many forested areas just outside the town centre – for example Ounasvaara outdoor area – with crisscrossing paths ideal for shorter outings. Taking a guided snowshoe tour is a great way of enjoying the magic of the snow-covered woods.

Snow Creates Calmness

Snow has an unmatched quality of creating a peaceful atmosphere. Even in Rovaniemi town centre, when covered in snow, the general mood is rather calm. Walking in and around the city in crisp winter weather is recommended, as is stopping for a hot drink in between.

Try an Icy Dip

Feel like conquering yourself and doing something really Finnish? Winter swimming is the way to go! It may sound frightening, but the feeling afterwards is pure exhilaration – you’ve never felt more alive. Local winter swimmers have a spot on Ounaskoski beach, but for first-timers, guided sessions including sauna are safer starting points.

So Many Kinds, So Many Words

The quality of snow varies with the weather, and in Rovaniemi you get everything from the fresh and soft powder of midwinter to wet, sleet-like spring snow – and the whole scale in between. There are dozens of different types of snow, and there’s a word for each one (and related phenomena) in the Finnish language, meaning “hanki”, “pyry“, “loska”, “puuteri”, “räntä”, “hile”, “viti” and “tuisku” are just the tip of the iceberg!

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 Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.

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®.

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 Let Rovaniemi surprise you with easy access to plenty of routes and scenery spots to marvel the fiery landscapes of Autumn Color.

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 Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland situated right on the Arctic Circle, which makes the town a gateway to the Arctic.

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 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 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 Rovaniemi is an urban outpost amidst wild nature, where age-old traditions meet modern life.

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Summer (May-Aug)
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