Rovaniemi: A Magical Polar Land in Northern Finland

The capital of the Finnish region of Lapland, Rovaniemi, lies just south of the Arctic Circle in northern Finland. It's surrounded by wild forests, lakes, and the Arctic tundra, offering unique activities.

Lapland is a winter wonderland full of snow, northern lights, and Nordic traditions. More tips for exploring beyond Rovaniemi are available in this article.

How to Get to Rovaniemi

Traveling from Slovakia to Finnish Lapland might seem daunting, but it's manageable with several transport options.

By Air

The quickest way to reach Rovaniemi is by air travel. While there are no direct flights from Slovakia, you can plan with short layovers.

Options include airports in Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna, or Krakow. Common layover airports are Stockholm, Copenhagen, or Helsinki, followed by a domestic flight to Rovaniemi. Carriers like Finnair and Norwegian provide these routes, allowing you to explore other Scandinavian cities.

By Train and Plane

For a broader Finnish experience, combine flying with a train journey. First, fly to Helsinki, Finland's capital, ideally on a direct flight.

From Helsinki, the Santa Claus Express night train heads to Rovaniemi. The 12-hour journey costs between 50 and 150 €, depending on class and booking time. This trip is part of the Arctic adventure, with children often imagining they’re on their way to meet Santa.

The route offers a fairy-tale northern landscape, and with luck, you might see the northern lights.

By Car

Driving is an option for road trip enthusiasts, though it's lengthy. The route Slovakia – Poland – Lithuania – Latvia – Estonia – Finland takes 30 to 35 hours.

From Estonia, ferries from Tallink or Viking Line go directly to Helsinki. From there, take the E75 highway to Rovaniemi.

In winter, some travel agencies offer organized trips to Rovaniemi, including transport, accommodation, and activities, usually lasting 5 to 7 days.

What to See in Rovaniemi and Its Surroundings

Rovaniemi's location near the Arctic Circle makes it a prime spot in Scandinavia for viewing the northern lights. For better views, venture outside the city. Locals offer small group tours into the Finnish wilderness, away from light pollution.

Santa Claus Village

Located near the Arctic Circle, this village is a top attraction in Rovaniemi. Visitors can enjoy a Christmas atmosphere, meet Santa Claus, ride reindeer sleighs, or send a postcard from the official Santa's Post Office. Open year-round with free entry, it's perfect for those seeking holiday magic.

The village is about 8 km from Rovaniemi's center. Reach it via bus line 8, departing from the main train station. Tickets are 3.60 € for adults and 1.80 € for children aged 0–16, available from the bus driver. Santa is present all year, not just at Christmas. The official post office receives thousands of letters from children worldwide.

The village also features reindeer farms and sleigh rides. For a unique stay, tourists can book glass igloos and hotels to watch the night sky from bed.

Santa Claus Village embodies peace, joy, and Christmas spirit. It supports Finnish traditions and the unique northern culture, offering a return to a magical fairy tale world.

In 1950, Eleanor Roosevelt visited Rovaniemi. The Finns built a small wooden cabin near the Arctic Circle for her, marking the start of Santa Claus's diary.

Arctic SnowHotel

A visit to the ice hotel in Rovaniemi is a unique winter activity. It's one of the few worldwide, with others near Abisko in Sweden and Tromso in Norway. Though a night's stay is pricey, tours offer a taste of the Arctic SnowHotel atmosphere.

Remarkably, this hotel is rebuilt annually by Finns and opens on December 16. It's available for only a few months each year.

Dog Sledding

In Rovaniemi during winter, try dog sledding. About 15 minutes from the city is the Apukka area with a well-known husky farm. Meet the fluffy dogs and experience snow dog sledding firsthand.

Experienced guides will teach you to control the sled and manage the energetic dogs safely.

Reindeer at the Sámi Farm

The Sámi people, indigenous to northern Norway, Sweden, Russia, and Finland, have herded reindeer for millennia. Once a livelihood, reindeer now play a key role in tourism and the economy.

Instead of herding reindeer across icy landscapes, herders established a reindeer farm with tourist activities. During sledding, you'll meet Sámi reindeer herders ready to answer questions.

SantaPark in Rovaniemi

This enchanting underground attraction is dedicated to Christmas. At SantaPark, explore Santa's office, attend elf school, and ride a magical train to the elves' workshop.

Visitors can chat with Santa, decorate gingerbread cookies, explore the ice gallery, or enjoy live performances. Tickets cost about 39 € for adults and 33 € for children (aged 3-12) and are valid for two days. The park is more suited for children and is similar to Santa's village.

Arktikum Science Center and Museum

This intriguing place offers interactive exhibits for all ages. Four permanent exhibitions detail the Arctic's dramatic seasonal changes, life in the north, climate shifts, and the Arctic Ocean's history.

Entry to Arktikum in Rovaniemi costs 15 € per adult and 5 € for children aged 7 to 15 years.

Staying in a Finnish Sauna

Sauna bathing is a Finnish tradition, so don't miss a traditional sauna stay when visiting. Most households have one, heated by wood.

After warming up, step outside to immerse yourself in the snow or jump into an icy lake, then return to the sauna. Alternatively, try a hot tub in freezing weather.

In Rovaniemi, Arctos Lapland spa is praised for its authentic Finnish experience. Three hours of relaxation cost around 149 € per person, including snacks, drinks, and sauna gear.

Arctic Wilderness in the Wildlife Park

The second northernmost zoo in the world, Ranua Wildlife, is about an hour south of Rovaniemi. This nature park houses over 50 species of Arctic animals, including polar bears, foxes, and wolverines.

The park features a 2.5-kilometer promenade through a forested winter landscape. The animals' environment closely resembles their natural Arctic habitat.

Conclusion

As Lapland's largest city, Rovaniemi is a top destination in Finland. In winter, it transforms into a magical place where the northern lights illuminate the Arctic Circle. Be sure to book accommodations and tickets well in advance.