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.
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.
Restaurant Options in Rovaniemi
Korvala Komea Home-Style Lunch
Visiting Korvala’s restaurant and café is like taking a step back in time.
Kota Restaurant at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Kota Restaurant serves lunch and 3-course dinner in a magical atmosphere by an open fire.
Log Restaurant at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Log Restaurant Lumikartano is made entirely of massive logs, giving it a rustic and cozy atmosphere that is sure to transport you to a world of relaxation and comfort.
Restaurant Kotva
An intimate and peaceful evening restaurant serving dishes inspired by the local cuisine.
Café & Bar 21
Cafe & Bar 21 is the coolest Cafeteria and Cocktail Bar in Rovaniemi! 21 is situated right in the city center of Rovaniemi, address Rovakatu 21.
Piparina Restaurant
In the restaurant the guests can enjoy our new food concept, Taste of Lapland menu.
SantaPark Restaurant
In SantaPark You can host bigger parties for up to thousands of guests in SantaPark Kota –restaurant. Taste the delicious dinner while enjoying romantic and exciting SantaPark Show performed by professional dancers on the main stage.
Ranch Kuulas restaurant Loimu
Set in a beautifully restored historic log building, Ranch Kuulas Restaurant “Loimu” is a charming and intimate dining retreat nestled amid the serene wilderness just 35 minutes from Rovaniemi.
Restaurant at Wilderness Hotel Nellim
Traditional Lappish cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. Explore our celebration packages and catering services
Restaurant Valdemari
The local Restaurant Valdemari in Rovaniemi, Lapland is home to an easy going mood all year around.
Ice Bar at Arctic SnowHotel
Inside of Arctic SnowHotel you can find a bar made of ice and snow! At the Ice Bar you don’t order a drink with ice, you order a drink in ice.
Lapland Brewery Pub
Lapland Brewery is craft beer brewery In Rovaniemi, Lapland. There is also a pub in the brewery where you can always get fresh and tasty beer served by professionals.
Top Sights & Attractions in Rovaniemi!
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.
City Elf Hat Academy
Welcome to the Elf Hat Academy, located in Rovaniemi City Center. Learn the elf wisdom and graduate as an elf in this interactive show!
Entrance ticket to Arctic SnowHotel
Entrance ticket to Arctic SnowHotel – day ticket
Naava Café
The idyllic Naava Café is located in the heart of Rovaniemi, at Vanha tori.
Science Centre Pilke
Science Centre Pilke tells stories about the northern forests and the many connections we have with them.
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.
Santa Claus Village – Rovaniemi, Arctic Circle, Lapland, Finland
You can meet Santa Claus and cross the magical Arctic Circle every day at the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
Ski Resort Pikku-Syöte
The profile of our slopes is easy and suitable for everyone, ensuring a happy and successful day outdoors.
Santa Claus’ Main Post Office
Santa Claus’ Main Post Office is the only official post office of Santa Claus. Here you can feel the Christmas spirit every day of the year and be served by the merry post office elves in several languages!
Koivusaari Nature Trail
Photogenic Koivusaari Nature Trail is a popular day hike destination nearby Rovaniemi city in Lapland, Finland.
Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka
Santa Claus Secret Forest is an exclusive destination where you can experience the magic of Christmas either privately or in small groups.
Climbing and Yoga Center Väki
We are small family business providing wellness to people in Rovaniemi. Väki-name is considered as an immaterial power in Finnish…
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.
Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets
In Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets, quality accommodation and the traditional Lappish menus of restaurant Thulia will guarantee you an enjoyable stay only 3 km from the center of Rovaniemi.
SkyView Igloo Suite
SkyView Igloo Resort is a boutique Arctic hideaway offering 14 identical SkyView Igloo Suites – luxurious 50 m² glass-roofed accommodations designed to maximize comfort, privacy, and direct views of the Northern Lights.
Wald Villas – Premium Log Cabins in Aavasaksa
Our atmospheric and cozy log cabins (Villa Huhta, Villa Siimes and Villa Outa) offer you a perfect setting for a relaxing vacation and enjoying nature!
Nova Galaxy Village
Located 15km north from Rovaniemi’s city centre, by the side of the Ounas River, Nova Galaxy Village is a resort of unique Scandinavian style Aurora huts.
Skýra Retreat
Hidden by the still waters of Lake Norvajärvi, just 20 km from Rovaniemi, Skýra Retreat is an exclusive 15-room destination where timeless Nordic heritage meets contemporary wellness.
Aava Riverside
Aava Riverside offers a peaceful escape just outside Rovaniemi, nestled in a beautiful riverside setting surrounded by nature.
Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle
Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle, 71 luxurious, spacious glass igloos, reception and Restaurant Arctic Eye are located at the Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi.
Octola Private Wilderness
Octola is the most exclusive five star luxury accommodation in Lapland, Finland and Arctic region with its own private wilderness and wildlife.
Hostel Café Koti
Hostel Café Koti is located in the heart of Rovaniemi. The building was originally a bank and the old feeling is kept in renovation but spiced it up with modern and cosy touch.
Hotel Golden Circle Suites
With these exclusive Golden Circle Suites, we want You to find happiness, excitement, magic and beauty of Lapland, at the Arctic Circle.
Napapiirin Saarituvat Cottages
Napapiirin Saarituvat is situated along the beautiful river Kemijoki, 7 km from Rovaniemi. We offer self-catering accommodation in cosy and tiny red cottages.
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!
Snowmobile Safari into Arctic Wilderness
Snowmobile experience in the real Arctic nature.
Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls
This Korouoma expedition takes you to this outstanding photography location led by a professional photographer.
Husky Park Visit with Enjoying the Feeling Five (5 km) Husky ride
Enjoy Lapland’s beautiful nature sitting in the sled! Meet after the tour our lovely Siberian Huskies in our Park.
Lappish Lunch Break – Snowmobiling, ice fishing and tasty food
Today we do what the locals do on their day offs: snowmobile to a frozen lake for ice-fishing!
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi
Riisitunturi National Park
Discover with us the beauty of Lapland with its snowy landscapes and take photos of this winter wonderland.
Snowmobile Sleigh Ride to the Aurora Cabin (Northern Lights)
Snowmobile Sleigh Ride to the Aurora Cabin (Northern Lights)
Trip to Santa’s Hideaway 24.12, Rovaniemi
Discover Santa’s secret spot and join his helpers on the Christmas fun!
Wilderness E-Bike Adventure
Join us for an electric fat bike adventure, taking you through peaceful forests and exciting uphill and downhill paths.
Private Ranua Zoo tour
Private tour to Ranua Zoo. Your group or family only, flexible timing.
Ranua Wildlife Park Tour
in the Wildlife Park you can see a polar bear, as well as 50 different other arctic animal species living in the middle of the Northern woods.
Floating Sauna and Swimming in the Ounasjoki River, 3 hours (Private Tour)
An invigorating private experience on a floating sauna and swimming!