Travel to Lapland by Train – The Santa Claus Express!
Take a magical summer, autumn or winter journey to Rovaniemi, Lapland sustainably aboard The Santa Claus Express by VR!
Santa Claus Express – Iconic Train Connection from Helsinki and Turku to Rovaniemi
Travel to Lapland by Train is a memorable experience by itself. This year-round VR train takes you sustainably to Rovaniemi – The Official Hometown of Santa Claus®. Travel in comfort aboard the double-decker night train, affectionately known as Santa Claus Express. Multiple daily departures allow you to choose the best time for your trip. Whether you prefer a cozy sleeper cabin or a seat with a view, the train accommodates your needs.
Travel to Lapland by Train – Your Adventure Starts Already on Board!
Train Journey Through Finland
Step aboard the Santa Claus Express and let your northern holiday begin the moment the train departs. As the train glides from the lively cities of southern Finland toward the peaceful wilderness of Lapland, you’ll witness a breathtaking cross-section of the country—from summer’s deep green forests and shimmering lakes to the warm golden tones of early autumn.
Modern Comforts
Aboard VR, enjoy delicious meals from the restaurant car menu, relax by your cabin window watching the summery scenery pass, and wake up refreshed in the morning with breakfast served right to your cabin. The Santa Claus Express is equipped with all the amenities to make your journey smooth and enjoyable. Stay connected with Wi-Fi, charge your devices with cabin power sockets, and if you like, select a private cabin with your own shower and toilet.
In Rovaniemi, summer invites families to paddle on shimmering rivers, hike sunlit trails, and meet reindeer under the Midnight Sun. As autumn arrives, nature turns golden, perfect for berry picking, cozy campfires, and watching the northern lights dance across the evening sky—every season an adventure to share together.”
Happy Days full of activities!
Winter Adventure Reindeer Safari in Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village
Secure your spot before today’s rides sell out.
4 km run for fun, Christmas Season
Husky tours at Korvala: 4 km sledding, including driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 4 sleds/departure. Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat. Price: €60/child & €120/adult.
Go on a Northern Lights Hunting and Photography Tour – No Aurora = Full Refund
Aurora Photography Tour LXT
Reindeer and Husky Experience, Rovaniemi
Meet two furry arctic favourites on one trip – and take rides with both!
Snowmobile & Animals Day Tour
Experience an action-packed day in the Arctic and get to know the different means of transportation of the locals!
Snowshoeing The white walk
Snowshoeing Adventure Where Every Step Unveils a Tale of Beauty and Bliss
Private Korouoma Canyon Summer and Autumn Tour
Enjoy the nature sceneries of Korouoma canyon! Tour for Your group or family only, flexible timing.
Snowmobile Safari in the Nature – Rovaniemi
Ride behind our guide on snowy hillsides and in forests crossing frozen rivers and swamps. You will also see plenty of nature during this half day trip into the wild! Great snacks included.
Rovaniemi: Insider Luggage Storage
Luggage storage
Kuoksa Reindeer Adventure
Welcome to experience a unique family friendly reindeer safari in in arctic landscapes
Rovaniemi: Insider Aurora Hunting
Rovaniemi Guided Aurora Hunting
Visit an Ethical Husky Kennel with 10 km Husky Sled Ride
Lead your own husky team like a musher through the beautiful winter landscapes of Lapland and live a thrilling experience of the Arctic!
Towards The Midnight Sun
In summer, the sun barely sets—the magical Midnight Sun bathes the landscape in a soft, glowing light even through the night, turning your journey into a dreamlike experience. Travel to Lapland by train is more than just travel—it’s an unforgettable part of your Arctic adventure. Settle into your cozy cabin, enjoy locally inspired dishes in the dining car, and watch Finland’s endless nature unfold outside your window. The Santa Claus Express is not just a way to reach Lapland—it’s where the adventure truly begins.
Accommodation options for Your Journey!
LAURI Guesthouse
We rent five studio apartments, each with an individual design combining the traditions of old log house architecture with the amenities of our modern time.
Hotel Aakenus
Hotel Aakenus – family owned hotel just few step away from city center of Rovaniemi. We offer good quality rooms with cozy atmosphere for affordable rates.
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Rovaniemi
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, located in the center of Rovaniemi, Lapland, is a high-class, international hotel featuring Lappish hospitality.
The Iconic Wikkelä Villa
The Wikkelä Villa is designed to be a place where you can truly experience a luxurious getaway.
Shaman Village – Resort & Glass Igloos
Stay in an authentic Aurora Log Cabin in Shaman Village, Rovaniemi. Built from traditional Finnish logs and designed with modern comforts, these cabins offer an unforgettable Arctic escape where nature and luxury meet.
Aino Private Island Hotel
Aino Private Island Hotel is an exclusive adults-only retreat just outside Rovaniemi, hidden in plain sight on a private island in the Kemijoki river.
Arctic City Hotel
Arctic City Hotel is a modern, family-owned hotel set in the very centre of the town of Rovaniemi. The warm and personal service as well as delicious cuisine create a cozy base for business and pleasure.
Lapland Hotels Bear’s Lodge
Lapland Hotels Bear’s Lodge in Rovaniemi is a magnificent wilderness hotel. This hotel will make a splendid setting for a relaxing holiday, a productive meeting or a special occasion.
Wilderness Hotel Muotka
This family owned hotel is a romantic place located in Kakslauttanen area. In Muotka you can accommodate in hotel rooms, log cabins, sauna suites and aurora cabins.
Santa Claus Holiday Village
From a classic rooms to families suites build in Lapish cottage style for sure you can find room which will suites your needs.
Villa Virpi
Villa Virpi was built in the mid-1900s. This wooden house is located in nearby Rovaniemi center.
Cottages and igloos in Vikajärvi
Fully equipped rental holiday homes and glass igloos by lake Vikajärvi 20 km from Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
Top Sights & Attractions in Rovaniemi!
Arctic Adventure Park Huima
Experience a great adventure at Arctic Adventure Park Huima and see the Lappish nature from totally different angle – from the tree tops of Ounasvaara!
Naava Café
The idyllic Naava Café is located in the heart of Rovaniemi, at Vanha tori.
Entrance ticket to Arctic SnowHotel
Entrance ticket to Arctic SnowHotel – day ticket
Roiske – Arctic Sauna Retreat
From our watersport activities you can choose huge floating waterpark, SUP-boards, kayaks, rowing boats, electric surfboards, wakeboarding and of course the most Finnish thing besides these – a sauna!
Fun on Ice skating
Fun On Ice offers outdoor ice skating in the heart of Rovaniemi, at Lordi´s Square.
Ounasvaara Nature Trail
The Ounasvaara Nature Trail is 2.9 km east of the city centre of Rovaniemi. It is an ideal day-trip destination because of its easy accessibility.
King’s Lean-to
King’s lean-to is a famous and extremely beautiful day hike destination in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland. The lean-to is reachable both in winter and in summer.
Ounasvaara Ski Resort
Ounasvaara Ski Resort is a family outdoor resort close by the city of Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle. Besides the downhill skiing slopes there are also several maintained cross-country skiing tracks in the area.
Ski Resort Pikku-Syöte
The profile of our slopes is easy and suitable for everyone, ensuring a happy and successful day outdoors.
Culture Pass Rovaniemi – 2 sights, 1 ticket, 7 days
Culture Pass: 3 top attractions in Rovaniemi with one ticket!
Angry Birds Activity Park
Children of all ages, and children at heart, can come and enjoy the fun, inspired by Angry Bird figures. The open-air playground is located within walking distance from the city centre.
Science Centre Pilke
Science Centre Pilke tells stories about the northern forests and the many connections we have with them.
Restaurant Options in Rovaniemi
Ice restaurant at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
The Ice Restaurant of Arctic SnowHotel is a spectacle, an attraction on its own. Enjoy an unforgettable 3-course dinner with dessert served on an ice plate!
Seaview Restaurant Lumihiutale
Seaview Restaurant Lumihiutale introduces constantly new menus with a Modern Arctic Taste, focusing on the local fresh seasonal tastes made from local ingredients.
Café Ensilumi in Snowman World
Café Ensilumi is a warm, peaceful, cozy and spacious café located next to the reception of Snowman World, right next to Santa Claus Village’ Main Square.
Gustav Kitchen & Bar
Mr. Gustav is a gentle grandfather, whose beard tickles as he hugs. He never says no for angling with his grandchildren and encourages them for yet another pancake.
Bull Bar & Grill
Bull Bar & Grill is an American style restaurant in the building of Arctic City Hotel and it offers amazing food in a great atmosphere.
Restaurant Nili
Restaurant Nili offers Lappish delicacies and warm atmosphere in the heart of Rovaniemi, near the hotels and the safari-companies.
Frans&Chérie Rovaniemi
This happy French bistro welcomes you to the pulsating heart of Rovaniemi, the restaurant at the base of Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi.
Restaurant Saihu and lounge bar
Restaurant Saihu and the lounge bar are open every day, both in summer and winter: Check our website for the…
Korvalan Komea – Traditional Finnish flavors in the peace of Lapland
Korvalan Komea is a Lappish restaurant set in the heart of a peaceful traditional tourist center, 60 km from Rovaniemi city.
Lappish restaurant Gaissa
Restaurant Gaissa’s menu includes modern Finnish and Lappish special delicacies. The restaurant is located in Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus.
Korundi Kitchen & Café
Korundi Kitchen & Café is a fresh lunch restaurant, an atmospheric art café and an enchanting meeting spot in a refurbished historical post bus depot in central Rovaniemi.
Roka Room
Roka Room is available for private celebrations, lunches, meetings, and evening gatherings – always with the guaranteed quality of Ravintola Roka.