Introducing

Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi – a town full of vibrant life surrounded by arctic flora and fauna

Rovaniemi, located in Finnish Lapland, is the perfect place to experience the lifestyle of what constitutes Finnish happiness: closeness to a spectacular nature, exceptional culinary delicacies, Nordic simplicity, and the year-round around accessibility to Santa Claus. Explore the eight seasons of the year, meet Santa or cross the Arctic Circle any day of the year!

Best reasons to visit Rovaniemi in a nutshell

Rovaniemi, located on the Arctic Circle, is a place full of vibrant life and culture surrounded by pristine nature and breath-taking nature phenomena every day of the year. Explore the arctic nature by going on a autumn hike in a national park. Chase the magical arcs of the Northern Lights on the back of a husky sled. Sleep under the stars in a glass-covered cabin. Or, cosy up around a campfire at a nature hut and experience the nightless night while admiring the arctic fells in the summer.

Rovaniemi is known as the culinary capital of the North. Here you can enjoy the local culinary delights, including grilled whitefish and sautéed reindeer seasoned with wild herbs, mushrooms, and the sweetest berries that have ripened under the Midnight Sun.

If you are seeking for family-friendly activities Rovaniemi has a lot to offer, such as skiing tours at Ounasvaara Ski Resort and the world of Angry Bird in the Angry Birds Park. At the Science Centre Arktikum you can experience a stunning arctic expedition. Last but not least, do not forget to fulfil your childhood dream by visiting the most beloved resident of Lapland: the Santa Claus.

Discover Rovaniemi in summer

Best tips for an unforgettable summer holiday in Rovaniemi from experiences in arctic nature to exploring Alvar Aalto architecture and much more.

Credits: Visit Rovaniemi

Meet Santa Claus

Would you like to know more about Father Christmas, Rovaniemi's most famous resident? Look no further, here are some of the most important questions answered.

Credits: Riku Pihlanto

Sleep under the Northern lights

Here's a look at some of the most unforgettable accommodation in Finland, including Rovaniemi's Arctic Treehouse Hotel and many more.

Best places for winter photography in Finland

Discover tips from a professional photographer of the best places to take pictures in Finland in the winter, including Rovaniemi.

Credits: Julia Kivelä

Useful things to know about Rovaniemi

Where is Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi is located in the northernmost part of Finland, within Finnish Lapland and the Artic Circle. The destination is easily accessible by various modes of transportation including planes, trains, busses, and cars. From abroad, the easiest way to travel to Rovaniemi is connecting to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) via Helsinki Airport (HEL) by plane.

How do you travel from Helsinki to Rovaniemi?

The quickest way to reach Rovaniemi from Helsinki is by taking a direct flight between the two cities. If you are looking for a greener option, an overnight train is a great and convenient option. In Finland, public transportation, like trains and buses, are highly reliable. Both modes of transportation typically run on schedule, regardless of time of day or the weather conditions.

How to get around in Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi is a relatively small town, making it easy to explore by foot. Check out the online map of Visit Rovaniemi to help navigate in the area. If you plan on visiting destinations outside the city centre, such as for instance the Santa Claus village, the most convenient transportation option is the local bus. Information on local bus timetables, routes, and ticket prices can be found linkkari.fi. For other transportation options such as taxis and rental cars, check out Visit Rovaniemi’s pages.

Are there good restaurants in Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi is known as the culinary capital of North. The region has plenty of delicacies to offer due to the closeness to nature and the wide range of seasons it experiences. Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack or a full culinary adventure, Rovaniemi has a vast supply of restaurants to pick and choose from. Check out some of the restaurants here.

What is the weather like in Rovaniemi?

While Rovaniemi is renowned for its cold and crisp winters, the region experiences four distinct seasons worth exploring. Throughout the year, temperatures range from -25C to +25C degrees. The wide temperature range is why locals divide the year up to eight distinctive seasons. Eight seasons guarantee a variety of activities and natural phenomena. In the summer, you'll see magical nightless nights due to the sun barely setting, and in the winter you might catch a glimpse of the Northern lights. For more information about the weather in Rovaniemi and elsewhere in Finland, visit our weather page.

What is the population of Rovaniemi?

The population of Rovaniemi is 62 000 citizens (2016), which is one third of the population of Finnish Lapland. In addition, approximately 500 000 tourists visit Rovaniemi each year.

Fun fact!

As you may already know, Rovaniemi is the official hometown of the beloved Santa Claus. What you may not know is that Santa can be visited in Rovaniemi any day of the year, free of charge!