What to do and see in Rovaniemi, Finland: The Best Places and Tips

January 23, 2018 Chanda Heide

Rovaniemi (Finnish: [roʋɑˈniemi] ( listen)) is a city and municipality of Finland. It is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland's northernmost province, Lapland. It is situated about 6 kilometres (4 miles) south of the Arctic Circle and is between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara, at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. The city and the surrounding Rovaniemen maalaiskunta (Rural municipality of Rovaniemi) were consolidated into a single entity on 1 January 2006. The new municipality has an area of 8,016.75 square kilometres (3,095.28 sq mi), thus making it the largest city in the European Union by land. Rovaniemi has an approximate population of 62,000.
Restaurants in Rovaniemi

Pohjoisranta 4, Rovaniemi 96200, Finland +358 16 3223260
Excellent
41%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Arktikum

Arktikum in Rovaniemi is a museum, Arctic science centre and conference venue right on the Arctic Circle.

Reviewed By oztrader - kl

The visit to Arkikum was made interesting by the guide Frank. He makes this tour interesting and his humorous comments make the journey full of laughter.
The history, origin of Lapland and all the phenomenons like Northern Light, is well explained. The way of life of Lapland also well documented, pretty interesting and the movie show is nice.
Thanks again to Frank.

2. Santa Claus Office

Joulumaantie 1 | Arctic Circle, Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi 96930, Finland +358 20 799999
Excellent
48%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Santa Claus Office

Meet Santa Claus and his Elves in Santa Claus Office, Rovaniemi, Finland every day of the year. No entrance fees.

Reviewed By Gordon R S - Oxford, United Kingdom

Santa Claus was wonderful (l thought l was big, but he was ‘huge’ and so friendly); his helpers were amazing. Had a bit of a hiccup on return home when the code for the photos and DVD didn’t work, but Santa’s little helpers sorted it ...

3. Joulukka

Sierijarvi, Rovaniemi 96600, Finland +358 600 301203
Excellent
75%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Joulukka

Joulukka offers comprehensive experiences for the whole family deep in the mystical, authentic Lappish forest. Join the Elves in their daily chores in operating Santa's Secret Command Center or the Trolls' mighty Brotherhood. Also the Snowy Girl lives in Joulukka taking you on an exciting journey in finding Santa and his magic powers. You may also spend time doing Santa's favorite sports such as ice fishing, skiing, kick sledging and tobogganing and sit by an open fire viewing the stars and searching for Northern Lights. The highlight of the day is when the children whisper their toy wishes to Santa's ear and finish the thrilling day in Joulukka with a delicious meal.

Reviewed By Jen D

My husband and I surprised our little boy with a trip to Lapland last December. We travelled with Thomas cook. I had read about Joulukka on Trip Adviser and it sounded amazing. The elves at Joulukka were great at helping to arrange our visit to see them. I am not going to write about what you will see when you get there as I don't think you should spoil your experience. What you should know is that you will make all your dreams come true (no matter how young or old you are). I have wanted to visit Santa at his home since I was a little girl. How amazing it was to have the opportunity to go with my lovely little boy and husband. I can honestly say it was a truly magical experience. My little boy had a wonderful time (as did we all). He had been longing to build a snowman (we never get snow where we live). The elves at Joulukka were so much fun and they helped him to build the best snowman I have ever seen. ⛄️If you love Christmas and you want to experience true magic you have to go to Joulukka! We send our love to Santa and all his elves (especially to the lovely elf Ana who helped to make our dreams come true )

4. Rovaniemi Church

Rauhankatu 70, Rovaniemi 96100, Finland +358 3 5816335511
Excellent
35%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 141 reviews

Rovaniemi Church

Reviewed By Mfred57

The altar painting was beautiful and interesting, as were the other sculptures and paintings along the aisles. A simple place, but powerful art.

5. Lumberjack's Candle Bridge

Jatkankynttilasilta, Rovaniemi 96200, Finland
Excellent
39%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 86 reviews

Lumberjack's Candle Bridge

Reviewed By KhrizJustTravels - Orlando, Florida

Neat to see from land, gives the city a cool vibe. This is not like a most attraction but you should enjoy it if you find yourself in the area.

6. SantaPark

Tarvantie 1, Rovaniemi 96930, Finland +358 50 5176909
Excellent
44%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
7%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 756 reviews

SantaPark

Come and enjoy the Christmas of Your dreams in Santa Park!Santa Park is an exciting fantasy world built inside a series of underground caves, and is filled with the warm atmosphere of Christmas. The elves are doing their chores and the aroma of the gingerbread cookies fills the air. Santa Park offers a wide variety of sights and activities for the whole family!Please have a look at our website for our opening times before arriving!

Reviewed By mariocbernardo

Nice but old style place. They should upgrade the santa mailing pipe to make it more attractive. The elves is kind and friendly, but some new tech in this place will give younger generation more exciting

7. Santa Claus Village

Rovaniemi, Finland +358 16 3562096
Excellent
38%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 3 reviews

Santa Claus Village

Reviewed By melanie a - Newcastle, United Kingdom

It is indeed very touristy, and everything is being commercialised. But I don't think it hurts to go to the village once, especially to fulfill your childhood dream. There are a lot of shops that sell different type of souvenirs. Some are quite pricey though. Hence, you just need to find the right one

8. Pilke Science Centre

Ounasjoentie 6, Rovaniemi 96200, Finland +358 20 5647820
Excellent
46%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 147 reviews

Pilke Science Centre

Do you feel attracted by northern Forests? If so, your place is Pilke in Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland near the Arctic Circle. The exhibition of the science center will take you for an exploration of current forest issues, while the Pilke Shop offers forest products to all senses.

Reviewed By Marc S - Sandweiler, Luxembourg

Interesting to learn about mostly the finnish forest, some general info on the state of world forests; for kids and adults because of the interactive displays

9. Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy

Taunontie 14, Rovaniemi 96600, Finland +358 16 369045
Excellent
48%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 76 reviews

Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy

Reviewed By N D - Peterborough, United Kingdom

We took an organised trip, but there were only 5 of us. We put on snow boots, which were quite hard work, and ended up in a hut, cooking sausages and heating berry juice over an open fire. Scenery was of film-set beauty. Just stunning.

10. Lordi's Square

Excellent
21%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
38%
Poor
7%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 219 reviews

Lordi's Square

Reviewed By Halkidis - Naantali, Finland

Little Square in the middle of the pedestrian streets, that was renamed after Lordi's 2006 Eurovision Song Contest win(remember Hard Rock Hallelujah?). It's center of Rovaniemi and nearby you can find shopping malls, pubs, restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops etc.

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