7 safety instructions for winter travellers

Rovaniemi is generally a very safe city to travel to, yet there’s certain things to keep in mind due our arctic conditions. Here you can find tips and instructions on how to have a safe holiday in Rovaniemi during winter. Wish to have fun the safe way? Keep on reading!

A woman skiing on ice during a sunny winter day in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Snowmobile tracks on the river ice with Jatkankynttila bridge in the background, close to central Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Lapland Rescue Department has created safety instructions to everyone visiting Lapland during winter. You can find tips and practical information from the links below.

We wish you a safe holiday in Lapland!

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The weather is cold and crispy in Rovaniemi! Keep yourself warm during these frosty days by wearing layers of winter clothes in Rovaniemi:

Underlayer is the first layer next to your skin and it should keep you dry. Woollen set of underwear is soft and warm option.

Middle Layer is a set of clothes: fleece, another woollen layer or other warm pair of clothes.

Outside layer covers you from wind, rain and snow. You should wear water resistant pants and jacket or overalls. Remember a hat and mittens!

Extra clothing is important, if it is very cold. You can wear or take with you another thicker jacket or extra pair of mittens and scarf. You can wear this layer during the tour or activity, for example when you stay still a longer time.

TIP! It’s possible to rent winter clothing in Rovaniemi, or find variety of shopping possibilities.

How to dress for winter

The river in Rovaniemi city freezes every year, but the ice is dangerously thin. Walking on the ice can be life-threatening.

It is impossible to know if the ice is thick enough and you should never try it. Due to the changes in nature, the safe spots can also change during the days and weeks. In other words, one step on top of the ice might be safe when the next is unsafe.

How can you safely experience the ice?

Never go to the ice by yourself or let your kids play at the ice if you are not familiar with the area. Please book a tour with a guide, the local guides knows where is safe to do activities on ice. The local companies and tour opetators are aware of the ice conditions.

Stay safe on your holiday and read our Q&A about ice.

Find ice activities in Lapland:

Driving in harsh winter conditions requires a lot of focus on driving and we recommend to drive extra carefully

If your car breaks down or you drive off the road, call to towing service. Emergency number 112 is only for real emergencies.

Good visibility is needed while driving: Car interior air circulation should not be used as it causes glass fogging. If the car glasses are frozen/covered with snow, they must be cleaned before setting off.

When moving by car one must wear warm enough clothes. In case of an accident it may take time for help to arrive.

On an icy road it is more difficult to stop the car and this is important for drivers and for pedestrians, so please cross the road carefully keeping in mind that the cars can’t break as easily as at summertime.

If you stop to photograph reindeer or northern lights, do it in a safe place. Do not stop the car middle of the road. It’s dangerous for you and the others.

Driving in Finland

Rovaniemi city centre has quite a lot of traffic, cars, buses and other vehicles. Everyone should follow the common traffic rules.

Walk only on pedestrian streets.
Don’t cross the street dangerously, as cars can’t break quickly on an icy road. Following the traffic rules is important for your own safety.
Don’t cross the street with a sled! Cars won’t see you.

Everyone loves sledding from travellers to locals. It is however very important to find the correct places for sledding, as sledding to thin ice or traffic can be life threatening. Here’s a few TIPS for more safe and fun holiday!

Don’t pull the sledge on the road. Cars won’t see you!
Find dedicated places for sledding (for example Rovaniemi Old Market Square)
Don’t do sledding in places, where there’s traffic. Cars won’t see you!
Don’t go sledding on ski tracks. Speed of the skiers is fast and they wont see you.
Have fun while staying safe!

In case of emergency or sickness, contact local heath care.

Rovaniemi has private heath care centres, that will help you in different kinds of health related issues:

Terveystalo in shopping centre Revontulikeskus, phone: +358900 30000 (24h)
Terveystalo emergency services for travellers, phone: +358 30 6338650
Pihlajalinna in shopping centre Revontulikeskus, phone: +35810312010 (24h)
Mehiläinen in Lampelankatu 6, phohne: +3581041400 (24h)

The Lapland Central Hospital has an emergency ward that handles the primary healthcare and special medical care emergency services around the clock. In case of primary healthcare emergency, call: +358 16 322 4800. In case of urgent emergency, call emergency number 112.