Santa Claus’ Tips for Enjoying the Midnight Sun
What would Santa Claus do in summer in Rovaniemi, when the magnificent Midnight Sun shines through the days and nights?
Nature’s reply for Finland’s dark winters is 24 hours of daylight during the summer. It’s no wonder that public spaces and places come to life at this time of year. Here are some tips from Santa Claus himself on how to make the most of the endless sunlight.
Happiness Walk In Nature
Happiness Walk In Nature
Year after year, Finland ranks as the happiest country in the world. Our safe, clean and accessible nature is surely one of the reasons why. In Rovaniemi, Santa Claus has often been spotted enjoying the Midnight Sun along some of the city’s nature trails.
Within walking distance of the city centre, you’ll find two excellent options. Ounasvaara is perfect for those who love sweeping landscapes, offering panoramic views over Rovaniemi. Meanwhile, Koivusaari treats visitors to beautiful views of the Ounasjoki River and the surrounding riverside scenery. Both destinations feature nature trails – what birds can you hear during a peaceful evening walk beneath the magical summer light?
Evening Coffee by the Campfire
Evening Coffee by the Campfire
Combine two of Finland’s favourite pastimes – enjoying a cup of coffee and relaxing by a campfire – at one of Rovaniemi’s picturesque lean-tos, or laavu in Finnish. Lean-tos are public campfire shelters where visitors are welcome to make a fire. You’ll find them, for example, in the Arctic Circle Hiking Area and on Ounasvaara. Perhaps the most iconic lean-to in Rovaniemi is King’s Lean-to, located on top of Santavaara Hill.
In the spirit of Santa Claus, we show our love for nature by following Everyman’s Rights and leaving no trace behind. What you can carry with you, you can also carry away.
Relax by Listening to the Lapping of the Waves
Relax by Listening to the Lapping of the Waves
Rovaniemi’s fresh waters are an essential part of enjoying the light-filled summer nights – you have Santa Claus’ word on that! Why not set off on a canoeing excursion across one of the peaceful lakes of Finnish Lapland? Paddling beneath the Midnight Sun is a unique Arctic experience. Canoeing tours are suitable for beginners and families alike, and professional guides will teach you the basic techniques.
On summer nights, Santa Claus also enjoys travelling by traditional riverboat, and you can experience it too by joining a riverboat cruise. The Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers are also excellent places for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), with several rental services available.
Take Your Midnight Sun Memories Home
Take Your Midnight Sun Memories Home
Santa Claus highly recommends capturing your favourite Midnight Sun memories to cherish long after your visit. In Rovaniemi, the Midnight Sun paints the sky with spectacular colours as the sun slowly drifts towards the horizon. By joining a Midnight Sun photography tour, you’ll be taken to some of the best locations around Rovaniemi to photograph and experience this unique natural phenomenon.
….Last but Not Least: Midnight Sun Sauna
….Last but Not Least: Midnight Sun Sauna
We Finns love our saunas – especially in summer, when a relaxing sauna is often followed by a refreshing dip in Arctic waters. In Rovaniemi, you’ll find a variety of sauna experiences to choose from. For insance, on the banks of the Kemijoki River, both Kesärafla Sauna and Roiske Arctic Sauna Retreat offer public saunas where both locals and travellers gather to enjoy the summer.