Rovaniemi – the Snowy Dream City
A Winter Wonderland from November to April
When the first snow falls, Rovaniemi transforms into a winter wonderland. Trees and hills become frosted in white, the streets take on a magical winter glow, and snow crunches softly beneath your feet. For locals and visitors alike, winter brings a sense of wonder and opens the door to countless ways to experience the snowy season.
Snowy Calm and Winter Adventure
Snowy Calm and Winter Adventure
There is something wonderfully soothing about Rovaniemi when the first snow arrives. As snowflakes fall and the city is covered in white, the familiar landscape takes on a new look and a sense of quiet settles in. Yet snow and ice are not only made for admiring – they open the door to a whole new season of experiences.
Once winter arrives, you can head out on skis or snowshoes, take a refreshing winter swim, or set off on a snowmobile adventure. Whether you are looking for peaceful moments in the snow or an exciting way to explore the winter landscape, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season!
A World Made of Snow and Ice
A World Made of Snow and Ice
In the north, snow and ice are more than part of the winter landscape – they become building materials, works of art, and places to gather. In Rovaniemi, winter takes shape in all kinds of imaginative ways.
You can spend the night in a snow hotel or igloo, say “I do” in a snow chapel, or learn to build your own igloo with expert guidance before spending the night inside. Enjoy a meal in a snow restaurant, have a drink at an ice bar, or let your inner child loose in a snow castle complete with slides and other playful features. Here, snow and ice become part of the experience in ways you might never expect.
When the Waters Freeze
When the Waters Freeze
When winter arrives, snow and ice transform Rovaniemi’s landscape. Frozen lakes and waterways become part of the winter scenery, and you may even find yourself walking on water – frozen water, that is.
The frozen waterways offer plenty of space for winter activities such as cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. However, ice is never something to take for granted.
The waters are generally frozen from December to March, but the timing and thickness of the ice can vary greatly depending on the weather and location. Never venture onto the ice unless you know it is safe. Always check local conditions and follow the advice of local experts or guides before heading out. When in doubt, stay off the ice.
For the latest information, check our Right Now page for current ice conditions and safety advice before heading out.
5 Snowy Months in Rovaniemi
Lapland is synonymous with snow and ice, and Rovaniemi enjoys around five months of snow each year. But there is magic in every season: the Midnight Sun illuminates the summer nights, autumn brings vibrant colours to the forests, and the Northern Lights brighten the dark Arctic skies.
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.
Polar Night
Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.
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!