Discover the magic of Rovaniemi in the Arctic Circle

City holiday in the cultural capital of Lapland

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland and home to roughly 66,000 residents, holds a remarkable distinction: it is Europe's largest city by area. Yet its heart is surprisingly intimate – the most essential services and attractions are all within comfortable walking distance of each other. And as you stroll through the city centre, you are tracing the lines of the Reindeer Antler Town Plan, designed by one of Finland's most celebrated architects, Alvar Aalto.

Aalto's handprint runs deep in the cityscape. His main library on Hallituskatu is a quiet masterpiece – skylights drawing in soft, indirect natural light and Artek furniture lending the hall a warm, distinctive character. The library forms part of Aalto's broader cultural and administrative centre, alongside the City Hall and Lappia House, which serves as both a congress centre and a theatre space. Some of the city's residential buildings bear his mark too.

The undisputed centrepiece of Rovaniemi's cultural life is Arktikum, rising from the banks of the Ounasjoki. The building itself is already a destination – a spectacular 172-metre glass tube running through its length frames breathtaking views of the river, while the exhibition spaces unfold entirely underground. Here, the Arctic Centre and the Provincial Museum of Lapland bring to life the stories of the Arctic region, Lapland's history, and the rhythms of northern nature and life.

Before you leave, take a moment to wander through the Arctic Garden in front of the building, maintained by the University of Lapland – its naturally beautiful setting rewards a visit in any season. Nearby, the Science Center Pilke invites you to uncover the secrets of the northern forests.

Wander to the banks of the Kemijoki to take in the city's most iconic sight, the Jätkänkynttilä bridge – the Lumberjack's Candle Bridge. Contemporary art lovers will find a rewarding destination in Korundi House of Culture, one of the oldest buildings in the city and one of the few to survive the Second World War. Home to Rovaniemi Art Museum, with its focus on Finnish and northern contemporary art, and the Lapland Chamber Orchestra, it is a place where history and creative life converge. Also pause at Rovaniemi's main church, where an impressive altar fresco and a cross illuminated in red overhead make for a quietly striking experience.

Round off your cultural wander with a visit to the Arctic Design Shop, where works by designers from across Lapland await, and the historic log house Lauri, where a handicraft shop full of traditional items made in the courtyard's own workshop offers something genuinely worth bringing home.

Santa Claus Village – Christmas spirit every day of the year

Did you know that Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus? Only about eight kilometers to the north of the city center you’ll find Santa Claus Village, where Father Christmas receives guests from all over the world every day of the year. In this atmospheric village, you can enjoy an authentic Christmas feeling with the Christmas carols playing in the background all year round.

Santa Claus Village is located right on the border of the Arctic Circle. The boundary line is clearly marked on the ground, and you can easily take a picture of yourself crossing the magical Arctic Circle.

There is plenty of bustle in Santa Claus Village. In wintertime, you can try both husky and reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobiling. At the Santa Claus' Main Post Office, you can greet the hard-working elves at work. Don't forget to send a letter or card from the post office, because it will be stamped with a special Arctic Circle postmark stamp!

You can find plenty of restaurants, cafes and gift shops as well as Finnish design inside the Village’s cute wooden buildings. During peak Christmas season the village gets busy, but outside the season you can explore it at your own pace. If you want to stay longer in the charming Christmas atmosphere, you can also spend a night in the Santa Claus Village.

Another unforgettable Christmas destination is SantaPark, Santa's home cavern, located 50 meters below the ground. In this fairy-tale-like cave, you can go to the elf school to learn elf secrets and skills, decorate your own gingerbread cookie and get to know the elves' chores on the Magic Train.

Guided tours – let the experts show you the way

In addition to adventuring on your own, you can fall in love with nature on guided tours. The selection of guided tours includes, among other things, Northern Lights Tours, where guides lead travellers to special places to see the magical aurora borealis. Other attractive activities include husky tours through a fairy-tale-like forest, a visit to a reindeer farm and a reindeer sleigh ride, snowmobile safaris in wonderful snowscapes and floating in the middle of the wilderness perceiving the most amazing natural phenomena.

Unique accommodations and delicious tastes

Rovaniemi is a popular travel destination all year round, which is also reflected in the wide range of services: in the city, you will find excellent accommodation options and restaurants. The hotel gem in the heart of the city centre is the internationally awarded Arctic Light Hotel. This boutique hotel is located in a prestigious building with cultural and historical significance and offers the city's most famous breakfast, which not only treats your tongue but is also a pleasure for your eyes. 

If you want to wake up in the middle of a charming natural landscape or be mesmerised by snowfall or the midnight sun under the arctic sky, choose a glass igloo. At Arctic SnowHotel, guests can choose between the enchanting snow and ice hotel or retreat to the privacy of individual glass igloos. The huge windows of the Arctic Treehouse Hotel, located on the side of Santa Park, open up to the most beautiful scenery, and the hotel's brilliant design has been noted in international media.

Rovaniemi's restaurant offering is unparalleled. In addition to local cuisine, the city offers a variety of flavours around the world. Have dinner with the best views of the city on top of Ounasvaara hill at Sky Kitchen and View, whose dishes are modern works of art made from northern ingredients. In the centre, try authentic Lapland delicacies at Restaurant Nili, whose menu is full of fish, game, berries and mushrooms, and the interior emits traditional Lapland romance.

One of the new acquaintances is the trendy Gustav Kitchen & Bar, which draws its inspiration from the flavours of the world. Gustav's crusty bread is sinfully good, and the cosy, relaxed atmosphere invites you for a visit over and over again. In winter, you can also enjoy dinner in a cute glass igloo!

Stop by Cafe & Bar 21, a drink bar popular among the locals. The place is also famous for its waffles, for which you can choose a salty or sweet filling. At Kauppayhtiö’s Pure Pizza, you can find artisanal pizzas that are one of the best in Finland.

Finnair flies to Rovaniemi several times daily all year round.