A local’s guide to Rovaniemi’s nature from forest trails to the river delta

The Bridge loop – Where two rivers meet

In Rovaniemi, nature really begins right in the city centre. The distinctive landscape is shaped by the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers that intersect near the centre, and by Ounasvaara hill rising just a stone's throw to the east. The best way to take in the city's silhouette is along the roughly eight-kilometre bridge loop, either on foot or by bike. You can start the route from Koskenranta in the centre, heading south along the Kemijoki. The route takes you along the riverbanks and across three bridges: the Ounaskoski railway bridge, Suutarinkorva bridge, and the Route 4 bridge. The scenery rewards you in every season.

Ounasvaara – Juhannuskallio, viewing tower and diverse hiking trails

Just over 200 metres high, Ounasvaara – or "Oukku" to locals – is a year-round recreation area and an ideal destination thanks to its easy accessibility. You can reach Ounasvaara on foot, by bus, or by car, with only about four kilometres from the centre to the top of Oukku. Whether you're after downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, cycling, or hiking on nature trails, Oukku has you covered in every season.

Ounasvaara has dozens of kilometres of marked trails. In the snow-free months, you can walk, run, cycle, and recharge in nature close to home. In late summer, you might even pick a handful or two of bilberries. In winter, the routes are perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Ounasvaara also has a ski centre, disc golf course, and orienteering checkpoints.

Even if outdoor activities aren't your primary interest, Ounasvaara is worth visiting for the views alone. From Juhannuskallio at the top of the hill, you'll enjoy magnificent views over the Kemijoki and Saarenkylä. It's an easy walk from the hotel at the top of Ounasvaara, next to the ski lifts – just a few hundred metres. The viewing tower on Oukku's western slopes offers panoramic views over the city – a wonderful spot to admire the midnight sun in summer or the city lights glittering in winter. In winter, you can reach the tower along Ounasvaara's winter walking trail.

Arctic Circle Hiking Area – The region's finest outdoor routes

Just over 20 kilometres north of the centre along the Sodankylä road, the Arctic Circle hiking area is one of the region's most beautiful natural destinations. The absolute highlights are the rushing rapids of Vikaköngäs and Vaattunkiköngäs, vast aapa mires, old forests, and stunning fell landscapes.

The hiking routes are clearly marked and, best of all, suitable for year-round outdoor activities. Near the car parks of both rapids, you'll also find accessible short routes that are excellent for the whole family.

If you're wondering which route to choose, here are a couple of tips:

1. The Mire Nature Trail, a roughly seven-kilometre easy loop trail. The route takes you along duckboards through beautiful aapa mires. It's particularly stunning during cloudberry season.
2. For more wilderness scenery, head to the Vaattunkivaara nature trail. This route is slightly more challenging as it climbs 80 metres to the top of the fell. The climb is rewarded, though, as the viewing tower among the old pines offers breathtaking views far beyond the horizon.
3. If you want to take in the full breadth of the area, consider the ten-kilometre Könkäiden polku trail, which leads you through arctic landscapes: beautiful Vaattunkivaara Hill, open swamps, and the spectacular rapids.

Whatever route you choose, don't forget your packed lunch! There are several campfire sites along the trails, and enjoying your food is an essential part of the hiking experience.

Kuninkaanlaavu – Iconic views over the winding Ounasjoki

If you want to see the most impressive sunset, head about eight kilometres north of the centre to Kuninkaanlaavu, or King’s Lean-to in English, on top of Santavaara. From the open rock formations surrounding this log shelter, you'll enjoy stunning views over the Ounasjoki valley – the sky coloured in shades of purple as the evening light settles over the river.

A gravel road leads to the top of the hill, with just a few hundred metres to the shelter. However, the gravel road is in very poor condition in places, so if you're arriving by car, be prepared to leave your vehicle at the bottom and climb up under your own steam. And Kuninkaanlaavu is just one of dozens of lean-tos scattered around Rovaniemi – each a quiet spot to rest and soak in the peace of the surrounding nature.

Enjoy the Midnight Sun in the river delta

The Ounasjoki delta area north of the centre is a charming destination in summer. Head to the roughly two-kilometre easy Koivusaari nature trail, which runs along duckboards through low flood islands and sand bars in the middle of a picture-perfect river landscape. The nature trail is most conveniently accessed from the Ounaspaviljonki car park.

The delta area is also worth exploring from a SUP board. You can hire them from Ounaspaviljonki, for example. While paddle boarding, you can stop to rest on the sand bars, the largest of which is under the Route 4 bridge. You can also reach this bar on foot from the Route 4 bridge. The bar is a unique spot to enjoy a summer day at the confluence of two rivers.

If you enjoy river landscapes, also drop by a summer restaurant Kesärafla Sauna, about three kilometres from the centre. The terrace restaurant offers charcoal-grilled dishes plus the opportunity for a session in the wood-fired sauna and a dip in the Kemijoki. You can also arrive by water.

Where to go to see the Northern Lights?

The best places for spotting the northern lights are dark areas far from the city lights. Popular spots near the centre include the previously mentioned Ounasvaara, the Arctic Circle hiking area, and the Arctic Garden nearby the city centre. The Arctic Garden is one of Rovaniemi's most beautiful green spaces – and during the Northern Lights season, it's also one of the best places to catch the aurora, just a short walk from the city centre. Pack plenty of patience, as the northern lights can appear suddenly, fade, and intensify. Please respect locals' gardens and privacy, and don't enter private property without permission.