12 Best Things to Do in Rovaniemi, Finland in the Winter

Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus and the capital of Finnish Lapland offers a blend of magical experiences and Arctic adventures. Whether you’re seeking the tranquillity of Nature, chasing the Northern Lights, the thrill of winter sports, or a deep dive into Lappish culture, Rovaniemi has something for everyone.

Here’s a list of the 12 best things to do in this enchanting city.

1. Visit the Santa Claus Village

The Santa Claus Village is arguably the most iconic place to visit in Rovaniemi. It is open all year round, but nothing can beat the charm of Santa’s home during the winter. Here you can meet Santa himself, cross the Arctic Circle line, send postcards from the official post office of Santa Claus, and explore the enchanting shops and eateries around.

To visit Santa in his office is possible any day of the year and is completely free of charge. Beware that in December, and especially around Christmas the queue might be anything between 1 and 4 hours.

If you decide that waiting is not worth it, I won’t blame you. In this case, you can still enjoy your visit by walking around the beautiful village and taking a photo of the Arctic Circle line which is the easiest thing to spot when you’re there. Make sure you send your postcards from the official post office of Santa Claus!

You don’t need to book your visit with a local tourist company if you don’t want to (although in a small or a privately organized group things are way easier for you). You can just go by yourself hopping on bus No 9 from Rovaniemi, or take a taxi. For those who enjoy more physical activity, in the warmer months of the year, it is even a good idea to walk or bike to the village (during the winter it can be colder than -20 degrees Celsius and this would be more of a challenge). Santa Claus village is located 8 km away from Rovaniemi downtown, and there is an amazing cycling/walking line all the way. N.B. remember to never walk on the car roads! It is dangerous and very annoying for the locals. You have that cycling/walking path to get you anywhere you wanna go.

2. Experience the Northern Lights

Rovaniemi is among the world’s most popular destinations to view the Aurora Borealis (the Northern Lights). Join a guided tour or find a dark spot outside the city for a chance to witness this natural wonder. The best months to see the Northern Lights are between late August and early April. But the very best Northern Lights you can witness from early September until early March. Remember to avoid the biggest companies as you might end up in a group of 40 or more people. Having so many people around itself isn’t too bad, but many problems may occur, such as:

waiting for those who are late; picking up too many people from their hotels may result in spending in the bus over two hours; having many children or even infants being noisy or crying from the cold and exhaustion; or some company may sell you a trip when they know there is no chance to see Aurora that particular night, etc.

If you want to make sure you will have a chance to take a good photo of Aurora and have a quiet authentic experience, make sure the group size is up to 8 people in total. If you can afford it, ask for private departures.

Aurora can be seen also from downtown if the forecast is good and Aurora is strong. However, getting out of the light pollution of the city will help you get about twice the experience. I mean, from a dark place you can see Aurora twice better.

3. Explore the Arktikum Museum

Discover the history and culture of the Arctic region in this fascinating museum and science centre. It is located a 5-minute walk from the Rovaniemi city center. This is a good history-nature museum of the Finnish Lapland. It is suitable for children too because it is very interactive. Ask for a Culture Pass, which allows you to visit three places at a very affordable price. The three places are Arktikum Museum; Pilke Science Center; and Korundi Art Gallery (the three are within walking distance from each other). Tip: make sure during lunchtime you’re gonna be in Korundi, as the lunch buffet there is one of the best in town. 

4. Visit a husky farm

The Huskies are one of the top attractions. Visiting a farm gives the opportunity to pet the dogs, take a sledge ride, and participate in a presentation about the huskies.

Don’t feel obliged to take the sledge ride as there are many ethical considerations about that activity (the same applies to the reindeer sledge ride), but if you decide to give it a try, consider some small family-owned farm as they treat their dogs with care and love. 

5. Enjoy a Reindeer Safari

Reindeer are probably the most authentic experience you can get in the Finnish Lapland. Unlike the huskies who were brought to Lapland during the 50’s, reindeer have always been there.

Embark on a traditional reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy forests, an experience deeply rooted in Sami culture. Just like with the husky farms, it is best to choose a small farm that takes good care of its animals. 

6. Snowmobile Adventures

Explore the winter wilderness on a snowmobile, an exciting way to traverse the frozen rivers and forest trails. I’ve been a snowmobiling guide since 2014 and you better consider my tips: Do it during the day when you can see the landscape. In the evening in my opinion it sucks, unless you can see the Northern Lights, which is happening very rarely as the snowmobiling safaris end up around 11 pm. Northern lights are usually at their best between 22:30 – 00:00. 

Similar to any other activity, but mostly during a snowmobile safari, aim for a small group. There is not much fun driving in a group of 30 people. Note that by default you are going to be two people on one snowmobile. If you’re with your partner that’s fine, but if you’re a solo traveler, you might end up sharing a snowmobile with a stranger. In this scenario, it is better to pay a bit more for a solo driver.

If you have kids with you, it all depends on their age and size. I do not recommend at all bringing anyone under the age of 6 on a snowmobile safari. Children will be put in a sledge that will be attached to the guide’s snowmobile. It is dangerous for infants, so they have to stay in the sledge with one of the parents, but it is still dangerous because of the cold. Only after the age of 7 kids can somewhat enjoy the sledge ride. Children will be allowed to sit as a passenger behind one of their parents only if their feet can reach the foot platforms of the snowmobile, otherwise, it is unsafe. This is usually achieved around the age of 8. But if you wanna take your kid on the snowmobile you’d need to pay an adult price for her/him. To drive a snowmobile as a tourist you need to be at least 18 y.o. And possess a valid driving license.

Last but not least, obey the rules: No alcohol before or during the ride; do not play with the snowmobile as you might cause an accident; stay on the track, and keep distance between your snowmobile and the snowmobile in front of you.

7. Ice Fishing

Try your hand at ice fishing, a popular local pastime, and enjoy the serene surroundings. This is a very relaxing and authentic experience, suitable for adults and children. Do not expect to catch a fish easily, better enjoy the experience itself.

8. Take a Dip in an Ice Hole

For the brave-hearted, ice swimming in a frozen lake is a uniquely Finnish experience, often followed by a warm sauna. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and not many visitors are willing to give it a try, but if you don’t have some serious health condition just do it! 

Some companies offer the so-called ice-floating program as an alternative to this traditional activity. For this, you’d get a neoprene dry suit to get in the water. Some people like it, but in my opinion you can skip that. The suits are not very hygienic and are quite uncomfortable, plus they’re often leaking.

9. Relax in a Finnish Sauna

Experience a traditional Finnish sauna, an essential part of the local culture. It is amazing for relaxation and rejuvenation. The health benefits of using a sauna are scientifically proven. 

Practical tip: it is not well accepted to go to a public sauna in a swimsuit as its fabric usually contains lots of plastic that gets released in the air under high temperatures. Just cover yourself with a cotton towel and all will be fine.

10. Go hiking! 

There are plenty of well-marked and maintained hiking trails around Rovaniemi. The closest one is in Ounasvaara Park, whose closest trail starts when you cross the Candle Bridge (Lumberjack Bridge). 

The best advice here is to never, in any condition, walk on a ski track! If you do so, you will very quickly realize it is a mistake. So, stick to the trails with the hiking sign indication. For more diverse and longer tracks you will have to go outside Rovaniemi, and the best is to hire a local guide. 

11. Enjoy Lappish Cuisine

Savour traditional Lappish dishes like reindeer meat, fresh fish, and berries in local restaurants.

12. Participate in a Sami Cultural Experience

Learn about the indigenous Sami people through cultural experiences, including visits to their traditional workshops. Cultural tours often include storytelling sessions, where ancient tales and Sami folklore are shared, and opportunities to savour traditional Sami cuisine. Additionally, visitors can participate in craft workshops, learning the art of Sami handicrafts, adding a hands-on dimension to their cultural exploration.

In conclusion, Rovaniemi offers a plethora of activities that cater to all ages and interests. From its unique Arctic nature to its rich cultural heritage and the myriad of adventurous activities, Rovaniemi is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Whether you’re here to chase the Northern Lights or to meet Santa Claus himself, the memories made in Rovaniemi will last a lifetime.