Rovaniemi: A Magical Polar Land in Northern Finland

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

Lapland is a winter fairy tale filled with snow, northern lights, and Nordic traditions. For more travel tips beyond Rovaniemi, check this article.

How to Get to Rovaniemi

Traveling from Slovakia to Finnish Lapland can feel like an adventure with several transportation options. You can plan your journey with ease.

By Air

The quickest way to reach Rovaniemi is by air travel, though there are no direct flights from Slovakia. Options include short layovers in Bratislava, Budapest, Vienna, or Krakow. Common transfer airports are Stockholm, Copenhagen, or Helsinki, followed by a domestic flight to Rovaniemi. Finnair and Norwegian primarily serve this route, allowing you to explore other Scandinavian cities.

By Train and Plane

For a deeper Finnish experience, consider flying to Helsinki and then taking the Santa Claus Express night train to Rovaniemi. This 12-hour journey costs 50 to 150 € depending on class and booking time. Many see this as part of the Arctic adventure, with children often believing they're traveling to meet Santa.

The train travels through a northern landscape where you might glimpse 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, take the Tallink ferry or Viking Line to Helsinki, then drive along the E75 highway to Rovaniemi.

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

What to See in Rovaniemi and Its Surroundings

Rovaniemi's location near the Arctic Circle makes it ideal for observing the northern lights. For a better view, 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. Experience a Christmas atmosphere, meet Santa Claus, ride reindeer sleighs, or send a postcard from the official Santa's Post Office with a unique stamp. Open year-round with free entry.

Santa's village is about 8 km from Rovaniemi's center. Take bus line number 8 from the main train station. Tickets cost 3.60 € for adults and 1.80 € for children aged 0–16, available from the driver. Santa is present year-round, not just during Christmas. The official post office receives letters from children worldwide.

The village also offers reindeer farms and sleigh rides. For a unique stay, try glass igloos or hotels where you can watch the night sky from your bed.

Santa Claus Village embodies peace, joy, and the Christmas spirit. It celebrates Finnish traditions, nature, and northern culture, inviting visitors of all ages to a magical fairy tale world.

In 1950, Eleanor Roosevelt visited Rovaniemi, prompting the Finns to build a small wooden cabin near the Arctic Circle, marking the start of Santa Claus's diary.

Arctic SnowHotel

Visiting the ice hotel in Rovaniemi is a unique winter activity. It's one of the few in the world, with others near Abisko in Sweden and Tromso in Norway. Though a night's stay is pricey, you can tour the Arctic SnowHotel to soak in its atmosphere.

This hotel is rebuilt annually by Finns and opens every December 16. It's available for only a few months each year.

Dog Sledding

In winter, try dog sledding in Rovaniemi. A 15-minute drive from the city, the Apukka area hosts a popular husky farm. Meet the dogs and experience snow sledding firsthand.

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

Reindeer at the Sámi Farm

The Sámi people live in northern Norway, Sweden, Russia, and Finland, herding reindeer for millennia. Today, reindeer are crucial to the economy and tourism.

Instead of herding reindeer across icy landscapes, herders have established a reindeer farm offering tourist activities. During sledding, you'll meet Sámi reindeer herders who answer tourists' questions.

SantaPark in Rovaniemi

This underground attraction celebrates Christmas. At SantaPark, visit Santa Claus'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 years) and are valid for two consecutive days. The park caters more to children and is similar to Santa's village.

Arktikum Science Center and Museum

This venue offers interactive exhibits for all ages. Four permanent exhibitions cover Arctic seasonal changes, life in the north, climate shifts, and Arctic Ocean history.

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

Staying in a Finnish Sauna

For Finns, sauna bathing is a tradition. When visiting, don't miss a traditional sauna experience. Most households have one heated by wood.

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

In Rovaniemi, Arctos Lapland spa is praised for its peaceful atmosphere and authentic Finnish experience. Three hours of relaxation costs about 149 € per person, including snacks, drinks, and sauna equipment.

Arctic Wilderness in the Wildlife Park

About an hour south of Rovaniemi, Ranua Wildlife is the second northernmost zoo in the world. It 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, closely resembling the animals' natural Arctic habitat.

Conclusion

Rovaniemi, the largest city in Lapland, is a top destination in Finland. In winter, it transforms into a magical place where the northern lights dance near the Arctic Circle, so book accommodation and tickets early.