santa trips to rovaniemi

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Santa Claus Tours

Aaahhh, santa claus.

Everyone knows Santa – the one and only – comes from Finland. What some people don’t know, however, is that it is possible to meet him in person all year round. Santa’s official office, situated on the mysterious Arctic Circle, is open to each and everyone. Welcome! Open each day of the year in the city of Rovaniemi, children and adults can visit Santa’s office, enjoy a private chat with him and revel in the enchanted atmosphere. As we all know, Santa’s annual mission is to deliver happiness around the world with the help of his team of furry reindeer friends. Santa may only visit your home once a year, but he welcomes everybody to visit him during the rest of the year. Don’t pass up the invitation.

Rovaniemi Sightseeing & Santa Village Guided Tour

Discover the charming city of Rovaniemi and meet Santa Claus in his village office. This tour is an excellent opportunity to immerse in the local culture and go on guided sightseeing.

Santa's Village & Arctic Circle Guided Tour 🎅

For those who always wanted to meet Santa Claus, we have good news! Now you can come to Lapland Christmas village, the official town of Santa Claus and meet the man himself.

Santa's Village and Arctic Animals Adventure

What would you do if you wanted to experience an ultimate winter adventure? Well, of course, you would visit Santa's village and try husky and reindeer sleigh rides!

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Santa Claus Express Finland, the route to winter wonderland

Embark on a journey. A journey from Helsinki to Lapland. You’ll travel through wintery landscapes, passing cities and forests with snow capped trees. The Santa Claus Express takes you comfortably to either Rovaniemi, Kolari or Kemijärvi.

Travel to Lapland by taking the original Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The unique Finnish nature awaits you and invites you to experience the magic of winter in Lapland. The Santa train takes you to the doorstep of Santa himself, the arctic circle and the Finnish winter wonderland.

Santa train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi

The double-decker night train, the Santa train, is a comfortable way to travel to Lapland. There are several daily connections to choose from and you can select between having a seat or your very own sleeper cabin. Onboard you may taste the delicious food on the menu of the restaurant car, relax in front of the big window of your cabin before going to bed and wake up in the morning refreshed having breakfast delivered to you.

The Santa Express train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi has all the amenities to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. The trains feature wifi, cabins are equipped with power sockets and at your choice even your own shower and toilet. Should you need to, you can book a spot for your car, take a bike with you and also bring luggage. The Santa train is also the greenest way to travel to Lapland. Have a look at our tips here to make your trip smooth.

Visit the Arctic Circle in Finland

Rovaniemi, the destination of the Santa express, is situated where the arctic circle begins. The buzzing hometown of Santa Claus is home to some 63 000 people. The city plan is designed to shape the head of a reindeer, a design planned by Alvar Aalto who is one of the national architects of Finland.

There are plenty of winter activities to suit all ages in Rovaniemi. The Santa Claus Village  , Opens in a new tab is situated just a few kilometers from the city centre, where you can meet Santa himself and his reindeers making it a great family activity. Traveling with a loved one or spending time with friends? The Ice Bar or Ice Restaurant  , Opens in a new tab treat you with a unique cocktail or dinner experience.

The area is great for spotting northern lights too, in Finnish: “Revontulet”. The Finnish name dates centuries back and comes from a myth in which a fox sweeps its tail against the arctic hills, creating sparks and friction that cause the amazing light phenomena. Autumn and late winter are the best times to spot the northern lights. Rovaniemi is also a gateway to many other destinations in Lapland, some of which we gathered for you here.

Experience the winter of a lifetime and book your trip to meet Santa!

Book your Santa Claus Express now

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Welcome to Santa Claus Village & the Arctic Circle!

Experience the magic of Christmas every day of the year!

Santa Claus Village is located in Rovaniemi, Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Santa Claus has made Lapland in Northern Finland his home for centuries, and the Arctic Circle is close to his heart because many Christmas secrets are rooted in this magical place. Santa Claus Village is a family destination with plenty to see and do for all ages. Here’s wishing you an unforgettable visit!

Greetings, the Santa Claus Village family

Meet Santa Claus 

You can meet Santa Claus every day of the year at Santa Claus Village. Meeting Santa is a unique experience, no matter what time of year you visit us. Santa’s gift sack is always filled with good cheer, warmth, and friendship. He reminds us of a world of fairy tales and stories where everyone is welcome, not just the children. 

Cross the magical Arctic Circle 

Did you know that the Arctic Circle runs right through the Santa Claus Village? As the Arctic Circle line is marked in Santa Claus Village’s central square, you can experience something uniquely exciting here – you get to cross the magical Arctic Circle! You can hop, step, jump or even do a cartwheel!

Experience the wonder of the Northern Lights 

The colourful Northern Lights playing in the sky are one of the most beautiful phenomena in nature. The geographical location of Santa Claus Village and the surrounding area makes it a suitable area to encounter the Northern Lights. It’s important to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. This means that while there’s no guarantee you’ll see them, the search will be even more exciting!

Be enchanted by Lapland’s nature 

Every season is different in Rovaniemi. In this Arctic nature wonderland, you can breathe in the silence of snow-covered forests, experience the magic of the midnight sun in summer, and admire the famously colourful autumnal hues of “Ruska” in Lapland. Explore the enchanting natural sites and landscapes of Santa Claus Village.

Outstanding flavours of the North

Santa´s Pizza & Burger

Santa’s Pizza & Burger is a traditional fast food restaurant at the Arctic Circle in Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi.

Golden Bowl Dim Sum Restaurant

Restaurant located in Santa’s Gift House in Santa Claus Village, seats 65 people. If you’re in the mood for some Asian cuisine, Golden Bowl Dim Sum is the right place to be.

Restaurant Kota in Apukka Resort

Atmospheric Restaurant Kota in Apukka Resort Rovaniemi located some 10 km from Santa Claus Village. Come to discover authentic Lappish flavors!

Atmospheric accommodation

Nova Skyland Hotel

Nova Skyland high-class hotel is located in the Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle, near the Santa Claus Office.

BestPark Arctic Circle Rovaniemi

A safe caravan park for camper vans and trailers next to Santa’s Village. All facilities needed included to the low parking fee; electricity, water, toilet, shower, waste disposal, terrace, barbecue area, sauna, etc..

Nova Galaxy Village

Located 15 km from Rovaniemi’s centre & 19 km from Santa’s Village, by the side of the Ounasjoki River, Nova Galaxy Village is a resort of unique Scandinavian style Aurora huts. Activities such as husky & snowmobile safaris are available almost every day.

Delightful souvenirs

Shopping in Santa Claus Main Post Office

An official, full-service post office, a world of unique stamps, special postcards & souvenirs with cozy Christmas feeling all year round.

Pokka Reindeer Hides

High-quality reindeer hides for interior decoration purposes. Consumers can purchase reindeer hides from well-stocked shops in Santa Claus Village or online.

Rovaniemi Souvenirs Shop

Reindeer Horn Products Shop of Lahjatuote Markku Valkama is located in the historical Roosevelt Cottage next to Arctic Circle line at Santa Claus Village.

Watch the Santa Claus Village livestream!

Looking for more?

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Plan your stay

How to get to the Santa Claus Village? What should you know before visiting? We’ve put together some useful tips for you!

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CHOOSING THE BEST ROVANIEMI SANTA CLAUS TO VISIT – HELPFUL GUIDE

INSIDE: Roam the Gnome’s Comparison Guide to the Rovaniemi Santa Claus options  

There are at least FIVE different Santas you can meet in Rovaniemi Lapland. 

Maybe more?

Want to know how to prioritise which Santa/s to visit during your Lapland Christmas vacation? 

Take a look at our insider’s guide to choosing the BEST Rovaniemi Santa Claus experience below.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links . If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, we may receive a small commission at NO extra cost to you.

THE INSIDE SCOOP: “Which is the best Rovaniemi Santa Claus” Guide 

Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome . Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in euro, unless otherwise stated

Let’s start with ELVES. 

Meeting a real life ELF on your way to meet  Santa is an EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS. 

Don’t you think?

Elves definitely sway our ratings guide. Without a doubt.

There’s two ways to meet REAL LIFE ELVES.

• On one of the FOREST OF JOULUKKA tours
• At SantaPark Rovaniemi

The Best Place to Visit Santa in Lapland 

For the money, our bet is on Secret Forest of Joulukka.

Those elves are the real deal.

Totally loveable and in character 100% of the time, wearing adorable outfits full of magical Christmas charm, and if you are lucky enough to meet the elves we did, living large in their elf life.

No wonder Santa employs them! 

With that understood, let’s rate the Santa experiences from 1 to 5. 

No.1: Santa Claus Secret Forest of Joulukka – Santa’s Toy Factory Experience

THIS whole Santa Claus in Finland experience was our family’s favourite adventure on our Christmas trip to Lapland.

(Until we met the Husky dogs of course, but that’s just because Ned is an animal lover.)

The Santa’s Toy Factory tour in Rovaniemi was the best money we spent in Lapland too.

I would pay double for this magical treat, for the joy of reliving the wonder of childhood and sharing that with my boys, and our Roam the Gnome.

This tour takes place OUTSIDE, surrounded by the magnificent snow-topped pine trees, with chances to dance, sing, play, learn from, and cuddle the elves. 

Kids are able to:

• toast marshmallows, and
• drink berry juice, and later,
• take a walk through the forest to the Kota hut for hot chocolate warmed on the fire pit. 

The highlight, without giving too much away, was being SURPRISED by the big man himself on our exit after our elf-led tour of Santa’s Toy Factory.

A bonus surprise was that Santa gave the boys a small soft toy as a gift, something they will have forever to remind them of this adventure. 

The WHOLE experience is what elevates this to the number one spot.

When planning our Lapland holiday , this was always going to our opportunity to meet THE REAL Santa.

Because, as I told the kids, the real Santa is a very busy man, working in the toy factory with the elves to have everything ready on time, and as much as he’d love to, he simply doesn’t have the time to meet EVERYONE. 

You have to make a special appointment months or perhaps a year in advance to visit the forest, and, if you are very lucky , and time permits, Santa may pop his head up from his work to say hello to you.

The secluded location and the ‘North Pole’-like snow-covered landscape lent credibility to my story. 

Save up all your pennies and book it. 

If you are independently wealthy, you can also book a private tour.

But to be honest, going on the bus with others was all I could manage on my budget, and it was perfectly handled so we all had our turn with Santa in private. 

I’d say every single adult would back me when I say that we all shared a deep sense of how privileged we were to have partaken in this spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime meeting with the REAL SANTA.

I cried. 

Other mums did too. 

If it’s beyond your budget, find a way to make it happen. 

Everyone there would agree with me that it’s worth every penny-pinching sacrifice, including saying no to your daily coffee purchase for a while!  

No.2: Santa Claus in the Main Office at Santa Claus Village

This is the Santa most visitors and day trippers to Santa Claus Holiday Village head for.

The location of this Santa is smack bang in the centre of the village, in the MAIN OFFICE building. 

To get there from the car park, you’ll also walk across the Arctic Circle line and see the distinctive pyramid shape roof of the building as you walk up from the bus drop off area.

If you are arriving by bus, the drop off point is at the Information Centre. Walk through the building to the back, and out, and you’ll see the roofline of the Main Office building to your right. 

If you’ve ever looked on Youtube, or have seen pictures of the Santa Claus Village in preparation for your trip, you’ll recognise it straight away. 

Outside the door, there are two Red Gnomes (painted logs) waiting to invite you inside. 

The Santa Claus Main Office opens at 9am.

Be there as close to opening as you can, to avoid the crowds arriving on the day tour buses, and on the Santa Express bus from city hotels and the airport. 

Otherwise, if you are staying on site in the Santa Village Hotel Cottages or Suites, plan your visit for the late afternoon. 

You’ll wander through a winding pathway of interesting Christmas surprises on your way to meet Santa.

Be sure to keep an eye out for interactive spots on the journey. 

Main Office of Santa Claus Finland

We LOVED this Santa because he was warm and friendly, and his room was inviting.

This is also the BEST most unique Santa Photo backdrop, as far as we are concerned. 

And check out his RAINBOW STOCKINGS! 

I mean, he’s simply loveable!  

If you are on a mission to get your Christmas photo in Lapland, don’t miss THIS Santa experience.

Professional photos of your visit are for sale as you leave the office.

Hot tip: You can also buy the digital download so you can share it with friends and family. 

We decided this Santa is the PNP Santa, because he looks just like the Santa who sends the boys a personalised video each year. 

(PNP stands for Portable North Pole . If you don’t know this website yet, you MUST check it out.) 

I also explained the existence of THIS duplicate Santa to my 6 year and 11 year old (who was VERY skeptical about Santa’s existence until we met the REAL Santa in Joulukka the day before) in this way:

• That REAL Santa appointed a very special second-in-charge to help him greet ALL the families who make the trek to Lapland to see him.
• That this Santa is THE Santa who does all the official Santa jobs, such as reading the piles of letters that arrive each year from children from all over the world. 

He also has the task of making and sending out all the videos and handwritten reply letters to children who’ve written to him this year.

They were happy enough with that story. 

RELATED: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to the Santa Claus Main Office & Shop in Santa Claus Village

Image credit: Santa Park Finland Instagram

No.3: Santa Park Santa 

Santa Park is the next most obvious place to meet Santa in real life. 

If you are on a day tour to Lapland, this may be the one you are guided to. 

Santa’s Office in Santa Park sits inside his own little cottage.

The line to enter the cottage is to the right of the Magic Train ride,  or to the left of the Elf Workshop where the craft activity is held. 

This is also a coveted place to have your family Christmas photo taken, as the backdrop behind Santa is a traditional Christmas scene of garlands of greenery, a red brick wall, bright red curtains with sash ties, and frosty windows.

Santa sits on an ornately decorated chair, and invites families – one by one- to sit on leather seats next to him. 

He’s also very friendly, and warm. 

The BIG BONUS here is being able to take as many pictures on your own camera as you like.

You can also buy the official Santa photo if you wish too. 

The downside is it is expensive to enter, and expensive on the inside too. 

Hot tip: This place is better suited for young children only. 

RELATED: Roam the Gnome’s Ultimate Guide to SANTA PARK ROVANIEMI 

No.4: Invite Santa Claus to your cabin

If you are lucky enough to be staying onsite in one of the Classic Cottages, suites or cabins at the Santa Claus Holiday Village hotel , you can arrange to have Santa and a friend visit your kids in your classic SCHV cottage one evening. 

While we didn’t do this, we watched as he was driven in a black van from cabin to cabin around the village, visiting family after family, gifts in tow.

This is one for those families who have a spare 150 Euro up their sleeve, and who want a very special personalised experience with Santa in your own private space.

Santa stays for around 10-15 minutes. 

I think it’s the perfect Santa meet-and-greet for children under 5, especially if you only want to make your ONE Santa experience as magical as can be, and will simply avoid/skip the other ones in town.

(That’s actually quite easy to do, without them knowing.) 

Hot tip: Parents do need to supply the gifts for this experience. Drop your wrapped treasures to the reception before your booking. If you haven’t brought any from home, drop into the Christmas House shop secretly, and pick up a soft toy you can wrap up in a jiffy. 

PS: The answer to ‘Can I hire a Santa in Rovaniemi’ is YES. 

No.5: Christmas House Santa

Options 4 & 5 are interchangeable.

Either of these should be your back-up option if you can’t manage one of the first three options for some reason. 

Christmas House Santa is friendly, and chatty.

But nothing special compared to the others. 

The Christmas Exhibition will fill in some time after a visit to the Christmas House shop, or while you are waiting to be collected for a tour. 

But unless you are stuck, this would not be my first, second or third choice. 

RELATED: Roam the Gnome’s Insider’s Guide to the CHRISTMAS HOUSE SANTA & CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION

Where to see Santa in Lapland? 

So in a nutshell, 

Point 1: Don’t miss Joulukka.

Either the “Dream of Joulukka” or “Santa’s Toy Factory” weekly departure.

This elfin day out to visit Santa Claus is THE best thing you can do in Rovaniemi.

As far as we are concerned, Joulukka is home to the REAL Santa – it’s the only place where you can meet Santa AND his real elf helpers.

Point 2:   The Santa in the Main Office at Santa Claus Holiday Village should be your first alternative if you are not visiting Joulukka. 

Point 3: If either of the two options above are not available, substitute a visit with the Santa Park Santa.

OR, if you are heading to Santa Park on day one of your Lapland trip, and the kids simply can’t wait, join the Santa queue here. 

Hopefully, this guide has helped you decide where to see Santa in real life! 

Have you met another Santa in Rovaniemi?

Let us know, and we’ll add him to the list. 

Looking for More Things to Do at Santa Claus Holiday Village?

Click the blue links for a sneak peek at these Christmas activities in  Lapland

Ultimate Guide to SANTA CLAUS HOLIDAY VILLAGE Activities, Attractions, Shopping & Dining

The ultimate guide of things to do in rovaniemi lapland, what to wear in lapland in winter, what to buy in rovaniemi at santa village shops.

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ROVANIEMI TOURS IN LAPLAND

Sami traditions abound and the holidays never end in Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus. Experience the Arctic way of life in Finnish Lapland.

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Rovaniemi Santa Claus Adventure

Stay in a cosy cottage at the Santa Claus Holiday Village just outside Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. This is a true winter wonderland for all the family. Meet Santa Claus every day of the year, cross the Arctic Circle and enjoy an included dog sledding safari and a reindeer safari.  

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Accommodation at good tourist class hotels equal to 3 stars according to Scandinavian standard.

Inside cabin included during overnight cruises.

See Silver accommodation

Services included: 

• 3 nights accommodation in a standard cottage at Santa Claus Holiday Village with private shower/WC, including breakfast.
• Thermal clothing (thermal overall and boots) during your stay.
• 2-hour dog-sledding excursion, including transfer, husky farm visit, 45-60 minutes dog-sledding of 7-10 km, hot drinks, warm clothing (thermal overall, winter boots, woollen socks, woollen scarf, beanie and gloves). 
• 2,5-3-hour reindeer excursion, including transfer, visit to a reindeer farm, 1-hour reindeer safari, hot drinks and pastry, warm clothing (thermal overall, winter boots, woollen socks, woollen scarf, beanie and gloves).
• Electronic travel documentation, including a detailed travel itinerary and travel vouchers.
• 24/7 emergency phone service while travelling. 

Special terms and conditions apply:

Full payment is due at the time of booking. Please note that bookings for stays between 1st of November until 31st of March at Santa Claus Holiday Village are non-refundable once confirmed with the hotel.  Please refer to our terms and conditions  for details regarding cancellation. 

Please note:

• Santa Claus Holiday Village does not allow check in or check out on December 24 or 25.

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Visit Santa Claus in Lapland

You are here.

Have you ever dreamed of visiting the magical homeland of Santa Claus and his helpers in the North Pole? Lapland trips to see Santa are bucket list journeys of thousands of adults and children around the world. Let’s find out more about the magical experience.

Trips to see Santa in Lapland

Located in the city of Rovaniemi , Finland, the official Santa Claus Residence is open all year round and annually welcomes hundreds of guests who travel to Lapland to see Santa.

​Of course, Christmas Santa trips at the end of December are the most popular time of the year to go there with the highest demand. For this reason, in order to avoid little or no availability or sky-rocket prices during this season, it is recommended to book trips to visit Santa as early in advance as possible.

​​The Santa Village boasts a large territory and is made up of numerous buildings and areas. The holiday spirit is all around, starting from Santa’s office, where you can meet the honoree.

There’s also a husky park offering sled rides onsite, a couple of restaurants, a snowmobile park, the legendary icy Snowman World, several unique hotels, as well as the popular Santa post office, from which you can send a letter or postcard back home or to your friends from the North Pole.

Of course, holidays to Lapland to meet Santa don't stop at that as here you can also meet his charming reindeer, a character that we can't imagine a proper winter fairytale without.

​Those who prefer to stay right by the village sometimes choose several one-of-a-kind nearby options, for instance, glass igloos with panoramic roofs for watching Northern Lights or the unique Treehouse hotel.

​And as for getting there, one of the most popular ways to reach the destination apart from flights is taking the Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The train itself isn't themed but carries the name due to its scenic route from the capital city all the way above the Arctic Circle.

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The Official Hometown of Santa Claus ®

Your ultimate 365 Christmas experience

Christmas spirit is a matter of the heart, a state of mind. Your magical journey here at Arctic Circle , Rovaniemi is guided by the values of authenticity, giving, creativity and constant presence. It’s also your moment to meet Santa Claus any day of the year and write a chapter in your life’s story while exploring Rovaniemi rich in history and curious details.

“I’m an ambassador of good will, love and peace, and wish nothing but happiness to the people of the world” Santa Claus

From the fell to the city office – the magical story of Santa Claus

Santa Claus’ original home lies in the mysterious Korvatunturi (“Ear Fell”) in Finnish Lapland. Since the exact location of the remote fell is a secret only known to a chosen few, he decided to establish an office in Rovaniemi in 1985. At the Arctic Circle Santa Claus can meet visitors and share his wisdom of happiness with people all around the world.

500 000 annual visitors in Santa Claus Village

Rovaniemi is the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, and the city’s most famous resident can be visited all year round in Santa Claus Village . The village is situated right on the Arctic Circle, just minutes away from Rovaniemi centre. Santa Claus Village is a must see attraction that draws more than 500 000 annual visitors from all around the world.

Santa Claus Village is full of original Christmas charm, for example the Santa Claus Main Post Office . It’s also the home of reindeer and huskies and other lovely creatures.

In Santa Claus Main Post Office all letters and cards are stamped with a special Santa Claus postage stamp! Santa Claus Main Post Office Elf

Santa Claus’ beloved reindeer

The gentle and kind reindeer play a special role in Santa Claus’ life, transporting him cross the snowy land. Getting to know reindeer is easy in Rovaniemi, as many reindeer sleigh rides and farm visits are available. Kindly notice: flying reindeer are reserved for Santa only, as they require expert driving skills that take centuries to master.

Santa Claus in On His Way 23.12.

December 23rd, Santa Claus departs from the Arctic Circle, on his mission to hand out presents to children all over the world. The free event will be held on Santa Claus Village in Lapland, Finland.

Is the ultimate Christmas moment when you meet Santa Claus at the Arctic Circle while it is snowing outside, or enjoying a bit of Christmas magic in the middle of the summer, under the Midnight Sun? The magic lives inside us all, no matter who we are, what we do, where we live and how we cherish Christmas time.

Questions about Santa Claus?

Can i meet santa claus all year around.

In Rovaniemi, you can visit  Santa Claus  every single day of the year in  Santa Claus Village  on the  Arctic Circle .

How do I get from Rovaniemi city centre to Santa Claus Village?

Local transport bus number 8 and Santa Claus Bus will take you there. Please find the timetables here:

Local bus 8 (all year around): timetable (valid 16.10.2023-2.6.2024)

Santa Claus Bus

Is it possible to meet Santa Claus also somewhere else than in the Santa Claus Village?

Elsewhere than in Santa Claus Village, you can meet him for example in SantaPark – the Home Cavern of Santa Claus , Santa’s Secret Forest – Joulukka and Santa Claus City Office .

How do I send a letter to Santa Claus?

You can send Santa a letter to this address:

Santa Claus Santa Claus’ Main Post Office Tähtikuja 1 96930 Arctic Circle FINLAND

Because Santa receives more than 700 000 letters a year, he can’t possibly reply to all of them. However, together with his elves, he reads every one of them and tries to answer as many as possible. If you want to be sure of Santa’s reply, you can  order a letter from Santa Claus .

5 snowy months in Rovaniemi

Lapland is synonymous with snow and ice – and no wonder, in Rovaniemi we are lucky to enjoy snow around five months of the year. We also have a lovely Midnight Sun and beautiful Autumn with colours and Northern Lights.

More things to love about Rovaniemi

Arctic Capital

Rovaniemi combines the northern nature with urban surroundings, self-confident localness and open-minded internationality. Rovaniemi is also the Official Hometown of Santa Claus®.

Arctic Circle

Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus and the capital of Lapland, lies right on the Arctic Circle, which makes the town a gateway to the arctic. See more here.

Sustainable Rovaniemi

The local companies have been joining forces for Sustainable Travel Finland trademark that offers a concrete toolkit for travel destinations to help Finland’s travel destinations to adopt sustainable procedures and to make sustainable choices in their business.

Northern Lights

Experience the magic of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Rovaniemi. Find out viewing spots, times and more here.

Midnight Sun

The Midnight Sun, the nightless night or polar day – can be seen only here in Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle or above. From early June until early July, and nights are white throughout the summer. See more here.

Polar Night

Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.

Snow And Ice

For many, Lapland is synonymous with snow. In Rovaniemi, there’s white stuff on the ground for approximately six months of the year. Find out more here!

Autumn Colours

When bright arctic summer ends and nature is preparing for winter at the Arctic Circle, we are enchanted by the changing colors of the season. In Rovaniemi this amazing nature’s display is at its best in September when trees and ground is covered with spectacular colours. Get your cameras out and head to nature!

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• Winter Vacations

Trip review to the fairy tale Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi, Lapland – Finland

Another Christmas season is coming, children all over the world wish to receive gifts from Santa Claus. At Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, Lapland in Finland – which is considered the hometown of Santa Claus, all wishes can come true! Finland is also one of the coldest yet beautiful countries in Northern Europe. Through this blog, I would like to share photos of my family during last Christmas with some useful tips. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Santa Claus Village rovaniemi (Santa Claus Village Lapland, Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi Finland) for the first-time? Let’s check out our detailed Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi review from how to get there, where to stay, top things to do to as well as traveling costs to find out the answer!

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Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi review: How long shouldyou stay in Rovaniemi?

It is recommended to stay in Rovaniemi for at least 2 to 4 nights to be able to experience all the services here comfortably. The best time to go to Rovaniemi is in the winter months (November to March), when the snow has covered all branches and roads, creating a very magical scene.

How to get to Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi Finland and getting around the city

Getting there: In Rovaniemi, you can’t search for buses by using Gmaps like in other cities. If you have to travel by bus, use this website to searching for bus routes. Bus to the airport is No. 8 bus(3.5 Euros/way) or Bus Santa Express (6.6 Euros/way). Traveling from Rovaniemi airport to the city center, you can take a shuttle bus (price is about 10 Euros/person depending on how far your hotel is).

Rovaniemi is a small city, so most people only travel by bus. Taking a taxi here is quite difficult. There are 2 buses from Rovaniemi center to Santa Claus Village which are bus number 8 and Santa Express Bus. These are 2 different transportation companies, so tickets cannot be shared. Bus fare in the city is 3.5 euros/person/way and Santa Express is 6.6 euros/person/2-way. The bus runs very punctually on its schedule, so you can easily control your schedule.

Where to stay when coming to Santa Claus Village – Rovaniemi?

There are many places to stay options in Rovaniemi. If you want to stay in luxury hotels, closest to Santa village, you can book hotels right in Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi. Some super beautiful and luxurious resorts that you must have seen in pictures on the Internet you can refer to such as Arctic TreeHouse Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) built in a high hill area, panoramic windows with beautiful Aurora view. Or Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Igloos and Chalets ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) is as enchanting as the shelters in the snowy white forest.

We can’t afford to stay in a such luxury, so we book an Airbnb apartment in Rovaniemi. An apartment a bit far from the center but located in the forest, so the experience is also great and the price is cheaper! Honestly, this is the most beautiful Airbnb apartment I’ve ever stayed in! The house is spacious, clean, fully equipped and feels like home. I think this is a pretty good choice because it’s expensive in Santa’s village but there are no activities at night because there’s nothing to do after 7PM.

I rented a house for my whole family on Airbnb. The owner is very nice, the 2-bedroom house is clean, there is floor heating in the rooms, kitchen appliances, washing machine and dryer all are equipped. Near the house there is a bus stop to go to Rovaniemi center to change another bus to Santa Claus Village. The house is suitable for families or groups of 4-5 people. However, when I just checked, this house changed owners because the old owner just moved back to Helsinki. Probably okay, no matter who is owner, as long as the house is beautiful and convenient as well as cheap. We stayed from Jan 3 – Jan 7 for 387 euros.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Santa Claus Holiday Village ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Scandic Rovaniemi City ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Arctic City Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top and best hotels in Rovaniemi on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Things to do in Santa Claus Village and Lapland

Many of you inbox me asking if Lapland is bored because many visitors after visiting Lapland, go home and say it’s boring, cold, nothing to play. My opinion is to be happy or not is up to each person. My family, from adult and young, all have had a lot of fun, interesting and impressive experiences. Even this year, my family still wants to come back for other experiences.

There are many tours to explore Rovaniemi such as: Hunting the Northern Lights, visiting reindeer farm, husky sledding (this is different from Santa Claus village), skiing, snowmobiling, hiking or even climbing. You can learn more at this link . A little note is that my family only experience reindeer riding and husky sledding in Santa Claus village, but did not have time to participate in private tours at the farms outside.

Activities in Santa Claus Village

In addition to the main purpose of meeting the legendary Santa Claus (taking photos, receiving gifts, sending postcards stamped with Santa’s post ..), there are also many other interesting activities:

• Reindeer riding: Although the speed is very “turtle”, this is an interesting experience not to be missed. You will see slowly the snowy pine forest and your reindeer’s squirming butts :))
• Husky sledding: Although the price is quite expensive compared to reindeer riding tour, the feeling is very sasisfied. Just like what is seen in the movies hehe. At the end of the trip you can even take pictures with these lovely and strong husky dogs.
• Join the snow games at the recreational area: Ride a snow motorcycle through the forest in the cold -15 degrees Celsius.
• Visit Santa park.

Hunting the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

From my experience suggests that you should hire a local tour guide to lead you to explore, and also have to regularly check the radar app to see what day it is clear and most likely to see the Northern Lights. Prepared to hunt but I was worried because I read 50 reviews, 50 of them said not see the Northern Lights. Sitting in the car and went out of the city 20km, then walking through the forest for 30 minutes under the temperature of (-22) degrees Celsius, but in the end the results were not bad.

In addition to the shuttle service to the aurora hunting spots, the tour also provides grilled sausages on the spot, coffee and tea to fight the cold in the mountains and forests. Being able to celebrate Christmas once in a lifetime in Santa’s hometown must be a memorable experience, right?

This is the information about the Northern Lights tour that I participated in or simply book a tour via Klook , the tour operator will take it all for you. Host Antti is a very nice and pleasant person! You will be guided all when booking the tour and will be picked up + dropped off at your accommodation. However, remember to dress warmly. Tour price is 69 euros/person. There are also many other tourguides that you can explore on Airbnb, maybe even better.

Cost for Rovaniemi trip

I do not save the total cost for the trip, but in general, in Rovaniemi, the tour fee and experience are expensive, but eating and drinking, my family buy everything in advance to cook, so it doesn’t cost much.

Some more information about service packages for you refer to:

• Reindeer ride service (29 Euros/adult; 23 Euros/child) Snowmobile (198 Euros for my whole family)
• Husky sledding (135 Euros for my family)
• Take and print photos with Santa Claus (65 Euros)
• Shuttle bus service from the airport to accommodation (20 Euros)

The cost that my family (3 people) spent on accommodation and participating in activities is about 863 Euros.

Happy traveling!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Lapland you can refer to

• Lapland 2 Day Tour from Rovaniemi
• Highlights of Rovaniemi Day Tour
• The Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma Day Tour from Rovaniemi
• [DISCONTINUED] Lapland Wellness and Relaxation Tour
• Aurora Borealis Small Group Tour with Free Photos from Rovaniemi

Read more Lapland travel blog — The ultimate Lapland travel guide: How to travel & what to do in Lapland Finland and Finland travel guide here .

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The home of Santa Claus and the most visited town in Lapland.

The home of Santa Claus and the most visited town in Lapland, Rovaniemi is best in winter when the landscape is clad in a winter white blanket of snow. The city of Rovaniemi thrives on tourism and has abundant holiday activities on offer, such as reindeer sledding and snow mobile rides. There are also abundant wellness centres with spas and saunas for the more leisure traveller.

Just outside the centre of town is Santa Claus Village & the Santa Park, which undoubtedly are the main attractions during the month of December. Views of the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) are also frequent in winter time.

Below are tours that stay in Rovaniemi or close by.

Tour standard.

Arctic TreeHouse Stay in Finland

5 days - Follow Eugene Levy's travels with a stay in the TreeHouse Hotel.

Christmas at Sunday Morning Resort

6 days - Family Christmas Tour with Sustainable Focus

Polar Bears & Santa in Lapland

6 days - Stay at a self-catering apartment near Rovaniemi and visit Santa's secret hideout

• FULLY BOOKED 2024
• PRE-XMAS DATE AVAILABLE

Rovaniemi and Wilderness Aurora Lodge

6 days - Visit Rovaniemi and Salla with winter wonderland experiences

Christmas at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel Escorted

5 days - Visit Rovaniemi with a stay in the TreeHouse Hotel.

Arctic Winter Wildlife Tour

5 days - Encounter winter wildlife in Finland's Ranua Wildlife Park and a stay in an Igloo

Aurora Wilderness Hideaway in Finland

6 days - Boutique Beana Laponia Hotel | Rovaniemi | Snowmobiling | Adults only

Beana Laponia and Levi Glass Igloos

5 days - Independent adults only stay at two luxury properties in Finnish Lapland

• Best Seller

Christmas in Kurula’s Resort

6 days - Family Lakeside Stay in Finland with Christmas Activities

Lapland Family Adventure for Teenagers

5 days - Get set go - Active teenager adventure in Finland

• Premium with 7 active adventures included

Northern Lights & Arctic Sky in Kurula's Resort

5 days - Family Lakeside Suites in Finland with winter activities

Northern Lights Village in Pyhä

6 days - Stay at this new resort, opened December 2023 near Rovaniemi

• NEW TOUR FOR 2024

Norwegian Coastal Voyage & Nordic Capitals Tour

23 days - Independent cruise and tour of Scandinavia's coast and capitals.

Polar Bears & Glass Igloos in Ranua

5 days - Pre-Christmas tour near Rovaniemi with Santa's secret hideout

Polar Bears and New Year's Eve in Lapland

5 days - Celebrate the New Year in Finland staying in modern apartments and overnight in Glass Igloo.

Wilderness Aurora Lodge in Salla for Autumn

5 days - Visit Salla with authentic and wild autumn experiences

ROVANIEMI ITINERARY (2024/2025): A MAGICAL 5 DAY WINTER IN LAPLAND GUIDE & THINGS TO DO!

LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE ROVANIEMI ITINERARY FOR A MAGICAL WINTER IN LAPLAND?

Check out our blog post below to plan an unforgettable Rovaniemi itinerary for Winter 2024! It includes the full 5 days in Rovaniemi, the charming capital town of Finnish Lapland and the “official home of Santa Claus”! It also includes the best things to do in Rovaniemi in Winter, the best tours in Rovaniemi , where to stay in Rovaniemi and more!

ROVANIEMI ITINERARY: THE ULTIMATE 5 DAY GUIDE!

For our 5 days in Rovaniemi itinerary for Winter listed below, we begin at the magical Santa Claus village. After this, we undertake all the magical Lapland activities and tours that this Winter Wonderland has to offer. Finish the itinerary in an affordable glass igloo in search of the Northern Lights!

DAY 1: ARRIVE & SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE

MORNING: ARRIVE INTO ROVANIEMI AIRPORT The best way to get to Rovaniemi is by flying directly into its airport, Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). From here, you can jump into one of many taxi’s waiting outside Rovaniemi Airport to take you to into the city centre or to your accommodation.

We recommend staying in a “Mystique De Luxe Premium room with Sauna” at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara .

AFTERNOON: VISIT SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE Any Rovaniemi itinerary must begin at the real Santa Claus village: The “official home of Santa Claus” himself!

Head to Santa Claus office to meet Santa, take a photo by the dazzling Christmas tree, officially cross the border of the Arctic Circle, send Christmas letters home at Santa’s Post Office and meander the wholesome souvenir shops.

One of the most magical things to do in Rovaniemi in Winter for everyone. Just an afternoon is a good amount of time to spend at Santa Claus village, especially if you don’t have kids.

Top tip : There is no entrance fee to visit Santa Claus village. It is free to enter and explore freely during its daily opening times .

Top tip : You do not have to pay to meet Santa at Santa Claus village, it is free to do so. However, the videos and photos they take are expensive to buy, and you cannot take your own photos. It is €90 for the full digital pack, €50 for 1 digital photo and the video (€20 extra for every 1 photo added on) and €35 for one physical printed photo copy.

The good news is, you do not have to buy it there and then. They give you a QR code (accessible for up to 400 days after) to pay for your photos online.

Top tip : If you are staying in Rovaniemi city centre, you can catch the low-cost “ Santa Bus ” there and back to Santa Claus village .

If you are not staying in Rovaniemi city centre and do not have direct access to the “Santa Bus”, Santa Claus Village is in very close proximity to Rovaniemi Airport, with a 5-minute drive between the two.

In this case, we suggest going straight to Santa Claus village from Rovaniemi airport and utilising their luggage storage facilities before then heading to your accommodation. This way, you do not have to spend an extortionate amount on taxi fares driving back and forth.

Next, why not head to Finland’s capital city to experience the Christmas Markets in Helsinki ?

DAY 2: SNOWMOBILING & NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR

HALF DAY: SNOWMOBILING TOUR No Rovaniemi itinerary is complete without a Snowmobiling In Rovaniemi experience through the magical landscapes of Lapland in Winter! After getting suited and booted at Safartica’s office, be taken deep into an idyllic woodland blanketed in snow for this exciting and thrilling experience.

This 2-hour half day tour with Safartica is the perfect option for beginners. It is the snowmobiling tour we did in Rovaniemi and highly recommend!

Top Tip : Ideally book the morning slot for your snowmobiling tour to experience the pastel colours of the morning skies.

Top Tip : As part of the snowmobiling tour, Safartica will pick up / drop off at any accommodation within 10km of Rovaniemi centre, just be sure to contact them and confirm beforehand.

Top Tip : All necessary Winter clothing is provided by Safartica for your tour, including: full thermal suits, thermal socks and gloves, snow boots, balaclavas and safety helmets.

Click to book this half-day Rovaniemi snowmobiling tour with Safartica! 🛷

EVENING: NORTHERN LIGHTS SAFARI TOUR Now, here is one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi in Winter. You’re in luck, Finnish Lapland is actually one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights!

Maximise your chances to see the dancing Aurora by venturing to the dark clear skies outside of Rovaniemi centre with a Northern lights tour from Rovaniemi .

Along with a small group, be driven to multiple remote locations where the incredible guides from Nordic Odyssey will follow live solar forecasts and use their expertise with sheer determination to find the lights.

Once you’ve found the Northern Lights, stand mesmerised, stunned and riddled with goosebumps as you witness the magical Aurora for the first time.

We highly recommend the Northern Lights Photography Hunting experience with Nordic Odyssey . They are a small company that vow to bring their customers the best tailored experiences, and are fully against mass tourism practises.

Top Tip: The best time to see the Northern lights in Rovaniemi is during the Winter months. During our time in Rovaniemi, the local guides said early March is the best time to see the Northern lights.

Fun Fact : The Northern lights do not always appear green to the human eye. Weak solar activity can be a grey ‘arched shaped’ cloud in the night sky. If you see this, take a slow-shutter speed photograph – if it is the Aurora – your photograph will capture green! Likewise, strong solar activity are vibrant greens, whites and even purples seen very clearly by the human eye.

Top Tip : Other great destinations to see the Northern Lights in Winter are Tromso, Norway and Iceland .

Click to book your Rovaniemi Northern Lights tour with Nordic Odyssey! 🌌

DAY 3: ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL & ICE FLOATING

HALF DAY: ARCTIC SNOW HOTEL One of the most unique things to do on a Rovaniemi itinerary in Winter is a guided tour around the Arctic Snow Hotel, a fully functioning hotel masterfully sculpted completely out of ice and snow!

Open in the Winter months from mid-December to March, this spectacle has to be seen to be believed. Public areas to explore include an ice restaurant, an ice bar and even an ice chapel!

Located 30km (approx. 30 minutes) outside of Rovaniemi centre with little public transport options, booking an inclusive guided day tour with Arctic Snow Hotel is the best option if you wanted to simply visit the hotel in the day. There is also the option to book an overnight stay in the Snow Hotel , a special experience you won’t forget in a hurry!

Fun Fact : This is one of the few Snow Hotels in the world! Another one to visit is the Tromso Ice Domes in Tromso Norway, which we cover in our 5 day Tromso itinerary !

Click to book the guided half-day tour with Arctic Snow Hotel! 🚌🍙🧊

EVENING: ICE FLOATING UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS An upcoming and popular activity, ice floating has levelled up the way to see the Northern lights and has to be one of the most unique things to do in Rovaniemi in Winter!

During this ice floating night tour with Safartica , venture to an enchanting frozen lake (on rented land by Safartica), pop on the waterproof and almost comical thermal suits and float comfortably in the -20 waters!

Set away from all light pollution deep in the idyllic Lappish countryside, relax your entire body and gently bob around below a mesmerising display of stars, shooting stars and – if you’re lucky – the Northern lights!

Warm up after in a traditional Kota tent next to a roaring fire and soothingly hot berry juice and cookies.

Top Tip: We recommend wearing layers of socks and gloves underneath the waterproof thermal suit, your hands and feet beginning to feel slightly cold in the suit after 10/15 minutes otherwise.

Top Tip: For the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights during this ice floating tour, you need an evening with a clear sky.

Click to book this ice floating with Northern lights tour with Safartica! 🧥🧊

DAY 4: FROZEN WATERFALLS OF KOROUOMA & SKY RESTAURANT

FULL DAY: FROZEN WATERFALLS OF KOROUOMA TOUR One of the best day tours to see the idyllic landscape of Lapland in Winter is the Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma tour . For this full day tour, Nordic Odyssey drives you 160km out from Rovaniemi to the enchanting Posio forest to begin the 5km walking trail into the Korouoma Canyon. Here, see a maximum of 14 colossal waterfalls frozen in time as they tumbled down the canyon edge. This mesmerising sight has to be seen to be believed. After your circular trail, enjoy a traditional Finish BBQ of roasted sausages and marshmallows on a roaring open fire. Look out for the colourful Siberian Jay birds, who will cheekily be hovering around for the chance of some food! This is hands down one of the best Rovaniemi nature activities to do in Winter!

Fun Fact : The Korouoma Canyon was formed over 600 million years ago, and is one of the deepest subsidences in Europe! In some places, the steep rocky walls of the canyon rise more than 100 metres!

Click to book this full day Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma walking tour! 🌬️🌲🥾

EVENING: IN-ROOM SAUNA & SKY RESTAURANT Staying at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara , spend your last night here unwinding in the in-room sauna in your “Mystique De Luxe Premium room with Sauna” option.

After you are rejuvenated, enjoy the most delicious meal in the on-site Sky Restaurant, an atmospheric restaurant with panoramic views of the Lapland forest.

The Sky Restaurant one of the best places to eat in Rovaniemi, and is popular with visitors and locals. Book in advance your dinner slots when you arrive as it gets booked up quickly.

DAY 5: EXPLORE ROVANIEMI CITY & OVERNIGHT STAY IN A GLASS IGLOO!

MORNING: ARKTIKUM MUSEUM After checking out of your Rovaniemi city accommodation, book a taxi to Arktikum Museum – one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi centre! First drop off all your bags into their luggage store for free, before venturing into the museum itself. Adult tickets are €15 each. Allow an hour to immerse yourself within the interactive displays exploring the intriguing nature, science, culture and history of Northern Scandinavia. Click here to check opening times during your dates.

Top Tip : The staff at the Arktikum Museum are extremely accommodating. Leave your luggage safely in the store room while you head out and explore Rovaniemi city.

Top Tip : At the museum, there are free toilets, coat hooks and WiFi to use. There are also a few small gift shop areas selling high quality souvenirs.

AFTERNOON: EXPLORE ROVANIEMI CITY CENTRE Prior to checking into your special affordable igloo accommodation at 3pm ( LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos ), take time to wander the Rovaniemi’s quaint city centre. Pop into the Revontuli shopping centre before wandering down the main high street to find a great lunch spot. We recommend Amarillo (who do the best fajitas!) but other recommended places to eat in Rovaniemi are Restaurant Nili and Gustav Kitchen and Bar. Your next accommodation is self-catering and not near any shops, so be sure to stop off at the large K-Market supermarket to stock up on bottled water, treats, a small carton of milk for tea or coffee and some bits for breakfast tomorrow. Enjoy the most organised and visually pleasing supermarket aisles! Head back to Arktikum museum to collect your luggage and book a taxi to LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos .

EVENING: STAY OVERNIGHT IN A GLASS IGLOO Make your final night on your Rovaniemi itinerary extra special by staying in one of the two igloo structures at LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos , an affordable Finland glass igloo experience at approximately £170 per night.

Set directly against an enchanting frozen lake with little light pollution, snuggle up in your warm igloo as you watch millions of stars, shooting stars and – if you’re lucky – the Northern lights!

Top Tip : LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos is a 10/15 minute drive away from Rovaniemi airport .

Top Tip : There is no WiFi currently at LakeLodge, though you do get phone data signal (if your provider allows you to use roaming free of charge). If not, we recommend pre-booking your taxi to the airport on the Menevä Taxi app for the next day back at Arktikum Museum with their free WiFi.

DAY 6: CATCH YOUR FLIGHT HOME

You’ve now finished your incredible 5 day Rovaniemi itinerary and experienced a once in a lifetime trip to Lapland in Winter! Now it’s time to head to Rovaniemi airport to catch your flight home. Check Skyscanner for the best deals on your dates .

OTHER ROVANIEMI TOURS & ACTIVITIES

Rovaniemi half day tours & activities.

• 2-hour snowshoeing walking tour from Rovaniemi 🎿

• 2-hour authentic reindeer farm experience tour from Rovaniemi 🦌

• 2-hour forest skiing tour from Rovaniemi 🎿

• 2-hour Ice fishing tour from Rovaniemi 🐟🧊

• 3-hour Finnish Home & Wood Burned Sauna tour from Rovaniemi 🧖‍♀️🌡️

ROVANIEMI FULL DAY TOURS & ACTIVITIES

• Ice Skating on a 500 meter long ice-skating forest trail at Kotatieva Park. Transfer from Rovaniemi included ⛸️

ROVANIEMI EVENING TOURS & ACTIVITIES

• Ski trekking under the Northern lights from Rovaniemi 🌌🎿

• Snowmobile sleigh ride under the Northern lights from Rovaniemi 🌙🛷

WHERE TO STAY IN ROVANIEMI

There are two main options to consider when deciding where to stay in Rovaniemi: Rovaniemi city centre or outside of the city centre .

The best area to stay in Rovaniemi depends entirely on what you find most important:

BENEFITS OF STAYING IN ROVANIEMI CITY CENTRE:

All of the available Rovaniemi tour companies are based in Rovaniemi city centre, as are all the main restaurants. You also are closer to bus connections to i.e. Santa Claus village. It also easily allows you to walk to each tour operators office before each tour. However, staying in Rovaniemi city centre reduces your chances of seeing the Northern lights independently (not on a tour) due to the light pollution. Check out all available Rovaniemi hotels for your dates here !

BENEFITS OF STAYING JUST OUTSIDE OF ROVANIEMI CITY CENTRE

If you are in search of a quieter and more idyllic Lapland in Winter experience, the best place to stay for you is just outside of Rovaniemi city centre.

We personally stayed just outside of Rovaniemi at two separate accommodations for our 5 day Rovaniemi itinerary, and we can highly recommend:

LAPLAND HOTELS SKY OUNASVAARA 📍

Our Review ✔    Great location just 5-minute drive from Rovaniemi city centre set deep in the forests of Ounasvaara, a location famed for its skiing. ✔    Beautiful walking trails, included one to a watch tower for amazing views of Rovaniemi city. ✔    Incredible breakfast included in the room rate. ✔    Wonderful restaurant on-site, Sky Restaurant, with panoramic views of the forest. Book in advance! ✔    Direct access to Ounasvaara Ski Resort on Ounasvaara Fell. Because of this, Lapland Sky is included in our list of best Finland Ski Resorts !

Tips •    Book the “Mystique De Luxe Premium with Sauna” room.

Click here to reserve your stay at “Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara”! 🌲🌲🌲

LAKELODGE KIEHINEN & IGLOOS 📍

Our Review ✔    Incredible affordable Finland igloo experience set against a frozen lake. ✔    Brilliant spot to watch the Northern lights on clear nights due to limited light pollution. ✔    Igloo structures are modern and very warm. ✔    USB and 230V main plugs in igloo. ✔    Dry toilet located in the igloo, or shared toilet and shower facility block nearby. ✔    Shared communal lounge space (kitchen including kettle, microwave, under-counter fridge, sink and assortment of tea bags and coffees). Comfortable lounge area, board games and open fire place. ✔    Small kitchenette in igloo (tap / sink / 2x gas hobs / teapot / pans, cutlery and cleaning equipment) ✔    Private sauna and open air jacuzzi to book in advance for 1.5 hours for €60.

Tips •    The igloo is fully self-catering and there is not a shop nearby. Be sure to buy all food, drinks and snacks you need at a Rovaniemi supermarket prior to arrival. •    The tap water in the igloo is not recommended for drinking. Though you are provided with complimentary bottled water, bring more just in case.

Click here to reserve your stay at “LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos”! 🍙🌌

ALL GLASS IGLOOS IN ROVANIEMI OPTIONS

BUDGET GLASS IGLOOS IN ROVANIEMI OPTIONS :

💰 LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos (20 minutes from Rovaniemi)

💰 Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (30 minutes from Rovaniemi)

PREMIUM GLASS IGLOOS IN ROVANIEMI OPTIONS :

💎 Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle (Next to Santa Claus village)

💎 Glass Resort (Next to Santa Claus village)

💎 Apukka Resort (15 minutes from Rovaniemi)

GETTING TO ROVANIEMI

What is the best way to get to rovaniemi.

When deciding how to get to Rovaniemi, the best way is undoubtedly to fly into its main airport, Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). It’s also incredibly convenient, with Rovaniemi airport being located just a short 10 minute drive from the city centre!

If coming from Helsinki, there’s the option to catch a connecting flight or spend the night on an overnight sleeper train !

CAN YOU FLY DIRECT TO ROVANIEMI?

It is possible to fly direct to Rovaniemi from the UK in just over 3 hours. There are multiple direct flights available to Rovaniemi with EasyJet, either from London Gatwick or Bristol airports.

Ryanair also has direct flights to Rovaniemi from London Stansted. The direct flight time from the UK to Rovaniemi is roughly 3 hours 15 minutes.

For anywhere outside of continental Europe, you may have to fly into Helsinki and catch a very short connecting flight to Rovaniemi. Check Skyscanner for the best deals on your dates .

HOW TO GET AROUND ROVANIEMI

Getting around rovaniemi: walking🚶🏻‍♀️.

Once in Rovaniemi city centre, its relatively small size means it is easy to navigate around the main high street, including walking to the Arktikum museum!

GETTING AROUND ROVANIEMI: PUBLIC TRANSPORT 🚍

There are multiple public bus services available, whether it’s to / from the Airport from Rovaniemi or using the super convenient “ Santa Claus Bus ” to get to and from the city to the infamous Rovaniemi Santa Claus village.

GETTING AROUND ROVANIEMI: TAXI SERVICES 🚕

Menevä  is a brilliantly convenient and reliable taxi provider in Rovaniemi (and across Finland).

It is so easy to book for immediate taxi services via their app, you are rarely waiting more than 5 minutes. The app is a very similar interface to Uber, with the exception that you pay either by cash or easily by contactless at the end of your ride.

Note : Taxi fares in Rovaniemi are very expensive (approx. €35 from the airport to the city one way).

GETTING AROUND ROVANIEMI: RENT A CAR 🚗

Or, you can always rent a car to get around Rovaniemi and surrounding areas yourself.

This option would give you total freedom to venture to attractions outside of the city that are usually difficult to get to without a designated tour or without incurring large taxi fees!

Click here to check out the best deals with DiscoverCars.com for your dates !

WEATHER IN ROVANIEMI IN WINTER

Weather in rovaniemi in winter: how cold does rovaniemi get.

The weather in Rovaniemi in Winter can be extremely cold, especially during the peak Winter month of January: the coldest month in Rovaniemi with an average high of -8°c / low of -16°c.

However, this is always open to change. When we visited in November 2022 for example, we experienced a cold spell of -20°c for a few days, which was actually bearable when correctly suited up in thermals. This was when there was little to no wind.

Any additional wind however makes it feel even colder and bitter at times. Likewise, temperatures drop during the evening, so wrap up even warmer if you head out on a night tour ( a Rovaniemi Northern Lights tour for example)!

DOES IT SNOW IN ROVANIEMI IN WINTER?

Yes! The snow in Rovaniemi is what makes visiting Finnish Lapland in Winter so magical. Expect to see lots of fallen snow especially around the later Winter months (January – March) where snow is stockpiled nice and high!

WHAT TO PACK AND WEAR FOR ROVANIEMI IN WINTER?

When visiting Rovaniemi Lapland in Winter, one of our top Lapland tips is to pack LAYERS: vests, thermal tops, wooly jumpers and then finally at least one big thermal puffer coat!

For accessories, a bobble hat and thick ear muffs are a must. Likewise, pack two pairs of gloves (one is likely to get wet in the snow).

For your feet, thick thermal socks must be worn with water-proof, well-gripped walking boots.

Top Lapland tip : For most booked tours, they will take you back to their offices prior to the tour commencing to give you their thermal overalls, snow boots and thermal accessories for you to use during the trip.

ROVANIEMI USEFUL FACTS

Euro £1 (GBP) = €1.16 (EUR) (figures as per 2024)

Time Zone Rovaniemi’s time zone is 2 hours ahead of the United Kingdom.

Plug Adaptors You will require an adaptor to suit Type C & F (Europlug). Their standard voltage is 230V.

Supermarkets Supermarkets found in Rovaniemi are: K-Market (the largest and best selection), S-Market (mid-sized) and Sale (smaller). Click here to see the full list of supermarkets available in Rovaniemi .

Rovaniemi Weather and Seasons Rovaniemi Summer: June-August Rovaniemi Autumn: September-November * Rovaniemi Winter: December-February Rovaniemi Spring: March-May * = The best period to see the Northern Lights!

Best Time To Visit For Northern Lights The optimal time to see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi is the Winter (or Polar Night season) where it’s at its darkest. Locals told us the best time to visit Rovaniemi for the Northern lights is ideally early March , or between January – March.

ABOUT ROVANIEMI: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

Where and what is finnish lapland.

Lapland is not a country, it is the largest and northernmost region of Finland. Incredibly, Lapland makes up almost one third of Finland’s total land mass, beginning from the middle at the Arctic Circle and stretching North up to the borders of both Norway and Sweden. Visiting Lapland in Winter is most famous for idyllic landscapes blanketed in snow, enchanting spruce forests stretching as far as the eye can see, dreamy pastel skies and the phenomena of the Northern Lights. One of the most popular towns to visit in Finnish Lapland in Winter is Rovaniemi :

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT ROVANIEMI? IS ROVANIEMI WORTH VISITING?

Why should you visit Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland? What is so special about visiting Rovaniemi in Winter? Rovaniemi, located deep in Arctic Finland, is one of the most special places in the world to visit in Winter! Rovaniemi is mostly famous for being the official hometown of Santa Claus himself, with the chance to meet him at Santa Claus village everyday throughout the year. Whether visiting as a young family, a couple on a romantic getaway or even friends looking for thrilling tours – Rovaniemi is a once-in-a-lifetime Winter destination for everyone to enjoy!

WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT ROVANIEMI LAPLAND?

The best months for visiting Rovaniemi are the Winter months (November – March), as this is where the magic of Finnish Lapland in Winter truly comes alive with its magical Winter activities !

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT ROVANIEMI LAPLAND FOR SNOW ON THE GROUND?

The best months to visit Rovaniemi and be guaranteed lots of snow on the ground are the later Winter months, December to March. Snow is not guaranteed in November, in fact when we visited late November 2022, there was hardly any snow on the ground. Visiting Rovaniemi from mid-December to early March is the safest bet to guarantee snow on the ground.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT ROVANIEMI LAPLAND FOR THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

Though it is possible for the Northern Lights to be spotted just outside of Rovaniemi city during any of the Winter months (October – March), locals informed us that in fact February – March are the best months to visit Rovaniemi for the Northern Lights, due to the reduced snowfall (and cloud cover). On the flip side, the high probability of snowfall in November reduces the chance to spot the Northern Lights due to constant cloud cover.

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT ROVANIEMI LAPLAND FOR WINTER TOURS AND ACTIVITIES?

It is crucial to know that not all Winter tours from Rovaniemi are open and available at the start of Winter. Things such as snowmobiling, visiting an Ice Hotel and ice skating for example are completely reliant on long spells of cold weather and a decent amount of snowfall to function. If you want the full selection of all Rovaniemi Winter tours, the earliest you should visit is mid-December!

WHO ARE THE BEST TOUR OPERATORS IN ROVANIEMI?

During our time in Rovaniemi, we experienced many tours with multiple different tour operators in Rovaniemi. From our unbiased and honest experience, we can wholeheartedly recommend the quality service of two tour operators in Rovaniemi: Safartica and Nordic Odyssey (for Northern Lights tours) . Throughout this blog, we have highlighted when we directly link to their specific tours to ensure you have the best experiences on your Rovaniemi itinerary!

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN ROVANIEMI IN WINTER?

As there are so many incredible tours and things to do in Rovaniemi in Winter, we suggest your Rovaniemi itinerary should be at least full 5 days to really make the most of your time here.

CONCLUSION: ROVANIEMI ITINERARY

To conclude – Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland is one of the most special destinations to visit during Winter and must be firmly on anyone’s bucket list! From meeting the real Santa Claus, watching the dazzling Northern lights, exhilarating snowmobiling rides through white landscapes, ice floating, frozen waterfalls and even hotels completely made of ice, Rovaniemi offers a bit of magic to suit everyone visiting. We hope you have the best time following our Rovaniemi itinerary, and make memories that will last a lifetime!

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

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Things to do in Rovaniemi

Our recommendations in  rovaniemi.

Price (per adult)

Pickup at hotel.

• Lumimaa - Snowland
• HAAWE Boutique Apart Hotel
• Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna,Rovaniemi
• Hostel Café Koti (Meeting at the safari office 5 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Hotelli Aakenus
• Nova Skyland Hotel (40 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Lapland Hotel Ounasvaara Chalets (30 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara (30 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna (Meeting at the safari office 5 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Scandic Rovaniemi City
• Scandic Polar
• Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (35 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Santa's Hotel Santa Claus
• Guesthouse Borealis (15 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Hotel Santa Claus (Meeting at the safari office 5 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Santa Claus Holiday Village (40 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Scandic Pohjanhovi
• Arctic City Hotel
• Hotel Aakenus (20 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Hostel Ibedcity (35 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
• Rovaniemi Airport
• Arctic Light Hotel
• Kotareitti (25 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Holiday House Lapland (30 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Lomavekarit (35 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle (40 minutes before the tour starting time)
• SantaSport (25 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Snowman World (40 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Napapiirin Saarituvat (35 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Arctic City Hotel (Meeting at the safari office 5 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Apukka resort (50 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Hostel Rudolf (20 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Rovaniemi Airport (30 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Santa Claus Holiday Village
• Ounasvaara Lakituvat Chalets (30 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Motelli Rovaniemi (40 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Arctic Light Hotel (Meeting at the safari office 5 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Hotel Scandic Rovaniemi (Meeting at the safari office 5 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Scandic Pohjanhovi (Meeting at the safari office 5 minutes before the tour starting time)
• Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara
• Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi
• Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park, Santa Claus Village
• Arctic delight resort
• Hostel Tikka
• Lapland hotels Ounasvaara Chalets
• Hotel Vartiosaari
• Ounasvaara Lakituvat Chalets
• Motelli Rovaniemi
• Railway station
• Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park, City office, Shopping Center Rinteenkulma
• Apukka resort
• Saarituvat cottages
• Napapiirin Saarituvat Cottages
• Hostel Ibedcity
• Walk in the office / City Centre accommodation
• Arctic Snow Hotel (Transfer fee is € 60 / one-way - please contact us)
• Santa Claus Holiday Village Reception
• Vaattunki Wilderness Resort (Transfer fee is € 60 / one-way - please contact us)
• Läkituvat Cottages / Meeting point
• Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets
• Guesthouse Borealis
• Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle
• Lomavekarit / Arctic Resort Delight resort
• Apukka Resort (Transfer fee is € 40 / one-way - please contact us)
• Vartiosaari (parking place)
• Santa Claus Holiday Village reception
• Glass resort
• Beyond Arctic Office
• Lomavekarit
• Nova Skyland reception
• Santa's Igloos reception
• Arctic Treehouse reception
• Aakenus Hotel reception
• Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara reception
• Santa Sport reception
• Lapland Bear's Lodge
• Santa´s Igloos Arctic Cicle Hotel
• Glass Resort
• Snowy Cottages, Lakituvat
• Christmas Cottages
• Santa Sport Hotel
• Rantasipi Pohjanhovi
• Forest Heights Hotel & Apartments
• Santa Claus Hotel
• Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park, City Office
• Rovaniemi Railway Station
• Apukka Resort
• Scandic Rovaniemi
• Nova Skyland Hotel
• Wonderlapland
• Napapiirin Saarituvat

Tickets option

Activity languages.

Rovaniemi Elf Adventure Tour

Set in the heart of the magical forest, this is an adventure for all the family - what's more, it's hosted by Santa's specially chosen helpers. You'll get to hang out with Mrs Claus, too, sing Christmas songs, decorate a Christmas tree and gather round for a hot drink.

Rovaniemi Husky Sleigh Tour

This is what a Lapland Christmas is all about. Where else can your family go on a husky trail with elves? Accompanied by a team of dedicated elves, your trail begins at a husky camp where you'll gain a wonderful insight into the lives and training of these friendly, hard-working Arctic dogs.

Rovaniemi Reindeer Sleigh Tour

Nothing says Lapland more than a traditional sleigh ride through dreamy snowy landscape. You'll enjoy a Santa-style sleigh ride pulled by reindeers past wintery scenes, and warm up your fingertips at the end with a hot berry drink and Lappish snack over an open fire as you learn all about reindeer herding.

Rovaniemi Snowmobile Day Tour

This adventure will see you revving through the frostbitten landscapes of Lapland. You'll hop on a snowmobile and zoom past snow-capped forests to enjoy the beauty of the region - with an injection of adrenaline - during this two-hour guided daytime exploration.

Rovaniemi Snowmobile Night Tour

Every winter, Lapland is covered in a healthy dusting of snow – ideal for zooming across on an exciting snowmobile adventure. But what makes this trip even more thrilling is that you'll do it all at night. Tearing over the ice, you'll follow your guide through the snow-capped forests and frosty landscapes of this magical white, wintry land.This nighttime snowmobile adventure is bound to get pulses racing. In your own snowmobile you'll rip over the ice and snow as you make your way through Lapland's wintry wilds with total ease and speed.Follow your guide along routes and tracks, and feel the exhilaration of zipping through this enchanting scenery with the cold air biting your cheeks. A hot drink marks the end of your snowy adventure. There's no better, or more fun way to explore Lapland and if you're lucky, you may even get to spot the Northern Lights too.

Snowmobile Adventure by Night - Adults Only

For an Arctic adventure that combines stars, snow and fun, look no further than this adult-only night-time snowmobile safari. You'll zoom along under the stars with one eye on the skies for signs of the Northern Lights.

Family Snowmobile Safari to Elves Cabin

Strap in for a rip-roaring ride across Rovaniemi's icy tundra on a three-hour snowmobile safari. Hop on and carve through the wintry wilderness, dashing past snow-capped forests and frostbitten glades, before an extra special treat – a chance encounter with one of Santa's elves. Spend time learning about Lappish traditions and sipping cocoa over the warmth of a campfire – a memory for the whole family to cherish.After the kids are loaded onto a comfy sleigh, you'll jump on your snowmobile for an adventure like no other. Whisk through the snow, following your guide along blizzard-swept routes and tracks. You'll feel the exhilaration of zipping through this magical scenery, with the cold air biting your cheeks.And just as the thrill of the chill peaks, we'll skid to a storybook halt at an elf's cabin nestled in a nook of the Narnian-like forest. Over a cosy campfire, hot chocolate flows and laughter rings, mingling with the faint echo of sleigh bells. It's a heartwarming interlude where time pauses, and the only shivers are from the tales and treats Santa's elf shares.

Day trip to Ranua Zoo with husky farm and reindeer farm visit

Meet the polar bear family and other arctic animals in Ranua Zoo. Enjoy a husky and a reindeer sled ride and savor a traditional Lappish lunch.

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Arctic day tour with ice fishing and floating

Enjoy a multi-activity safari in the Finnish Lapland and experience the many things snow and ice have to offer, including ice fishing and ice floating.

Arctic forest sauna and hot tub experience with northern lights

Experience the Finnish sauna and an outdoor hot tub with northern lights. Venture out into the Arctic Forest and enjoy a real Lapland adventure.

Arctic river fishing tour

Experience a fishing tour and feel like a true Arctic fisherman. Test your fishing skills from the arctic riverbank and enjoy a campfire and grilled salmon and wild pork sausages.

Arctic Snowcastle with dinner in ice restaurant

Visit the Arctic snow castle and the ice chapel and enjoy the Arctic peace. Experience a dinner in the largest ice restaurant in Rovaniemi.

View all activities in Rovaniemi