Places to visit in Rovaniemi
Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is the official hometown of Santa Claus, located at the Arctic Circle, where you can even cross it. The village is open every day of the year, and you can visit a lot of houses and even companies.
Arctic Circle, 96930 Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi
www.santaclausvillage.info
Santa Claus Office
Meet Santa Claus every day in his office, and catch a glimpse of Santa’s secrets.
Santa Claus’ main post office
Get your beautiful card with unique stamps of the Arctic Circle at this post office. If you put your letter in the red post box, every letter will be held and sent for Christmas. Santa receives around half million letters to his post office every year.
Mrs. Santa Claus Christmas Cottage
Also located in Santa Claus Village, you find Mrs Santa, where you can meet here and create your own Lappish souvenir. It is located at the Santa Claus Reindeer resort, where you can go for a ride in the winter season, or go pay a visit in the summer.
Santapark
Get the experience of crossing the Arctic Circle underground and discover Santa’s secret cavern where Christmas never ends. You can join with the merry Elves and play in an indoor Christmas theme park.
Santa Claus Secret Forest – Joulukka
Join the Elves and get to know the daily traditions in the cozy home of Christmas. You can build your own house made out of gingerbread, make unique Christmas crafts, watch northern lights, listen to Christmas stories and get your degree in Santa’s Helpers Training.
It’s possible to visit privately or in small groups.
info@santapark.com
+358 600 301 203
www.santaparkarcticworld.com
Snowman World Winter Zone
Situated in Santa Claus Village, a unique snow and ice world provides you an amazing time and activities for all ages. Activities can be: sledging, ice skating, etc.. You can combine it with a visit to Ice Restaurant and Ice Bar.
info@snowmanworld.fi
+358 40 519 4444
Joulumaantie 5, 96930 Arctic Circle Rovaniemi
www.snowmanworld.fi
Elf’s Farmyard
Next door of Santa Claus, you will find a little farm that is home to alpacas, goats, reindeers, peacocks, rabbits, chicks, roosters and hens in their daily activities in Arctic weather. You have the possibility to say hi, pet and feed them. Besides the animals, Elf’s Farmayrd offers Lappish original wooden skis. After activity, you can use their kota, Lappish hut to make a campfire or have a barbecue.
taillitontunpiha@gmail.com
+358 406 458 903
Pukinpolku 12, 96930 Rovaniemi
Culture Pass
Before talking about the Culture sights of Rovaniemi, the city has developed a Culture Pass that gives you entrance to 3 top culture attractions in the city.
www.culturepass.fi
Prices:
Adults 20 €
Seniors, student, unemployed 15 €
Family 50 €
2 adults and 2 children (7–15 yrs.) OR
1 adult and 3 children (7–15 yrs.) + all children under 7 yrs
Children 7–15 yrs. 10 €
Children under 7 yrs No charge
Arktikum
An introduction to the life in the north
Arktikum is a museum and science centre where you can experience and let’s you discover the typical northern culture, history and nature. The aim is to understand the Arctic better en deeper. It also is home for the University of Lapland’s Arctic Centre and REgional Museum of Lapland. Several events and exhibitions find place in the unique centre. You can also take a walk in the Artikum garden, which is a really good place to spot the magic Northern Lights at night. Or end your visit with some hot beverages at Arktikum Café.
info@arktikum.fi
+358 16 322 3260
Pohjoisranta 4, 96200 Rovaniemi
www.arktikum.fi
Korundi House of Culture
Experience alternative and intersting northern perspectives trough contemporary art
Explore the House of Culture where Rovaniemi Art Museum and Lapland Chamber Orchestra is located, a place that gives you the chance to see things from a northern perspective. The exhibitions and concerts constantly change, so always a new reason to pay a visit. The art house also works global, which means it brings art from everywhere over the globe and Lapland Chamber Orchestra follows to play the northern sounds. Korundi his post bus depot has survived the second world war and has now a function of delivering messages through an art way.
info@korundi.fi
+358 16 322 2822
Lapinkävijäntie 4, 96100 Rovaniemi
www.korundi.fi
Science Centre Pilke
Discover the northern forests
If you are interest in the northern forest, don’t forget to pay a visit to Science Centre Pilke, it gives you an opportunity to see and listen to unique stories about the forests and how many connections we have. All ages are welcome!
pilke@metsa.fi
+358 206 39 7820
Ounasjoentie 6, 96200 Rovaniemi
www.sciencecentrepilke.fi
Villa Vinkkeli
In Ounasmetsä (Rovaniemi), photographer Kaisa Sirén opened a new art center. Inside, you can find an art gallery and photo studio. It is home to cultural events, such as: art gallery shows, photography show evenings, courses, local culture events for travelers, workshops, courses and giving the opportunity to buy art.
kuva@kaisasiren.fi
+358 40 776 9706
Vuopajantie 15, 96400 Rovaniemi
www.villavinkkeli.com
Forestry Museum of Lapland
A unique museum where you discover a wide perspective of how people have lived and worked in the Lappish forests during 1870 and 1950. In total, there are nine buildings on the museum site, which all individual tell their unique story and history about the harsh conditions they had to face during 19th century. Indigenous tools and equipments can be found in the museum, with their sense of history. You learn that forestry was the best way for earning money, and how much influence this had on Lapland. The museum is close to Salmijärvi lake.
With your visit, you contribute to support local cultural history and original Lappish cultural heritage.
lapinmetsamuseo@gmail.com
+358 40 536 0080
Metsämuseontie 7, 96460 Rovaniemi
www.lapinmetsamuseo.fi / www.lapinmuseot.fi
Local Heritage Museum
Discover the museum that demonstrates how a farmer lived a hundred years ago. You can find unique items in their original state, for example, fishing gear, cattle-rearing, hunting, and reindeer husbandry. One the ground floor, you find a photographic exhibition of Rovaniemi’s history.
totto.rovaniemi@gmail.com
+358 50 325 2017
Pöykköläntie 4, 96400 Rovaniemi
www.totto.fi
Cultural Centre
Architect Alvar Aalto’s designed Lappia House, Rovaniemi’s Library and Town Hall. Lappia House was first in use as a congress hall and a theatre. The three buildings form a formation of a spacious plaza. The library has a lending section, Lappia House has arched roof and the town hall is unique by his high council tower.
Library +358 50 315 1485
Hallituskatu 7, 96100 Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi Church
In 1950, architect Bertil Liljequist completed the Rovaniemi church. Inside, you find a huge fresco located behind the altar, called the Source of Life. 850 can fit into the church and it is home to a 45-key organ coming from the Christensen Organ Factory.
+358 16 335 511
Yliopistonkatu 2, 96100 Rovaniemi
Arctic Adventure Park Huima
Explore the Lappish nature inside the trees! The adventure park located at Ounasvaara, offers ten different routes that variate from easy to difficulty, hanging seven meters above the ground. It is also possible to combine it with minigolf, rent fat bikes or golf equipment.
info@santasport.fi
+358 20 798 4202
Hiihtomajantie 2, 96400 Rovaniemi
www.santasport.fi
Ounasvaara scenery lift & summer sled track
In summer period, you can experience the Summer Sled Track, take a ride down of the huge hill landscape and enjoy the view! No need to worry, the sled track is safe, since everyone can choose for themselves how fast they will go.
ski.ounasvaara@laplandhotels.com
+358 44 764 2830
Ounasvaara Ski Resort, Taunontie 14, 96600 Rovaniemi
www.ounasvaara.fi
Ounasvaara ski resort
The ski resort of Ounasvaara is a family business. You have the option to go downhill skiing on the slopes or there is also the possibility of cross country skiing in winter time. Ten slopes are located at Ounasvaara, the longest track is in length 600 meters. Five lifts will take you up and it’s a good place if you are a beginner or advanced downhill skier.
If you pay a visit during the summer, you can go for down hill biking or summer-tobogganging. The hill on top of Ounasvaara gives you an amazing view in every season of the year.
ski.ounasvaara@laplandhotels.com
+358 44 764 2830
Tuanontie 14, 96600 Rovaniemi
www.ounasvaara.fi
Ranua Wildlife Park
In the Wildlife Park of Ranua, you can find 50 wild arctic animals and 200 individuals in their authentic environment. It’s the perfect occasion to go with your family, who also provides a wide variety of quality services. It’s open every day and in the summer, it’s home to a domestic animal park in the park grounds.
raunawildlife@ranua.fi
+358 40 517 7436
Rovaniementie 29, 97700 Ranua
www.english.ranuazoo.com
HopLop Exercise Adventure Park
HopLop presents a multi-layered adventure labyrinths, bouncy castles, pipes, ball pits, slides, climbing walls, and a wide range of electronic games. Lively action promised for kids and adults!
info.rovaniemi@hoplop.fi
+358 400 807 555
Napapiirintie 14, 96900 Rovaniemi
www.hoplop.fi
Angry Birds Activity Park
In 2012, manufacturer Lappset built this park close to the city centre. It is an open-air playground including swings, space for ball games, slides, ropewalk and climbing frames. The entire park is inspired by the Angry Bird figures.
Valtakatu 4, 96100 Rovaniemi
King’s Lean-to
A well-known place in Rovaniemi is King’s Lean-to, 8 km’s distance north from the city center of Rovaniemi. It is a perfect destination for a hike in every season. However, you will need snowshoes in winter if you are walking independent. Once you reach the top, you have a splendid view over villages Ylikylä and Nivankylä and the Ounjasjoki river. You can make a campfire, with wood that is provided in the woodshed.
Koskikatu 12, 96200 Rovaniemi
German Soldiers’ Cemetery
On 31 August of 1963, German Soldiers’ Cemetery was created and contains over 2.500 German soldiers that lost their lives due the Second World War. Ursula Querner created a sculpture at the entrance lobby of the mausoleum is “Mother and Son”. The names are engraved on eight rows of limestone panels line, located in the main hall.
Lentosatamantie, Norvajärvi, 96900 Rovaniemi
Theatre of Rovaniemi
The Regional Theatre of Lapland hosts around 230 theatrical performances each year, and is home to a wide range of different performances. In general, the performances are dependent on Lappish writers and contain nordic themes. The aim of Kari Väänänen, the director of the Theatre, is to bring a message about people to people.
teatteri@rovaniementeatteri.fi
+358 400 282 484
Lappia-House, Jorma Eton tie 8, 96100 Rovaniemi
www.rovaniementeatteri.fi
Santasport
Santasport is the home for wellbeing, education, recreation and sports in Rovaniemi. You have the option to dine there and many recreation services, for example: a bowling alley, gym, pool area, rental service. They also offer accommodation. It is located next to the fell of Ounasvaara and only 2 km from the city centre.
info@santasport.fi
+358 20 798 4202
Hiihtomajantie 2, 96400 Rovaniemi
www.santasport.fi
Hiking
Arctic Circle Hiking area
At the Arctic Circle Hiking area, you can find many well-marked rapids that will get you to lean-to-shelter sites with a campfire. Or also various options for a longer hike, or a forest trail. During summer, you can combine the hike with fishing or canoeing in the wild rapids. In winter season, you can ski or use snowshoes in the snow. You can easily park your car at the parking areas of Vaattunkiköngäs or Vikaköngäs.
Find on the following link all the trails: https://www.nationalparks.fi/en/arcticcircle
pilke@metsa.fi
+358 20 639 7820
Vaattunkikönkääntie, 96930 Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi
www.nationalparks.fi
Ounasvaara year-round Winter Trail
Beside the well known sports centre, you can find many marked and mantained trails in Ounasvaara. Along the trails, you will not get lost due to information boards. One-way length is around 6 km in total. You have a few options, such as lean-tos or observation tower which allows you to view a splendid point over the city centre and the Kemijoki River. You can start your hike from several points.
For in the winter, Ounasvaara is a perfect place to practice your favourite winter sports, such as downhill or cross-country skiing, toboggan track, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. While in summer, it is perfect for hiking or summer sled track.
Ounasvaara Nature Trail
The 4.4 km trail takes you along the southern edge of the hill eastward to a lean-to. It’s the perfect occasion for a day hike and has a difficulty level of medium. The hike takes you into the herb-rich forests, passing a lean-to, viewing point over Saarenkylä and Kemijoki river and passing the shore of an ancient lake. It is doable for any age, just that the trail can sometimes be rocky and coved by roots.
info@visitrovaniemi.fi
96200 Rovaniemi
Koivusaari Nature Trail
The idyllic place if you are interested in bird-watching and photography. The best period to go for a hike is spring, summer and autumn. It is one of the small island in the Ounas River that offers a shelter for birds.
Auttiköngäs
An hour located from Rovaniemi, you can spot waterfalls in Taiga forest. The 3.5 km trail takes you along a hike trough old-growth forest with a viewing point at the hilltop. You can access during the whole year. But it is recommended to go with snowhoes in winter. There is a possibility to make a campfire next to the River Auttijoki, that also has a lean-to-shelter.
pilke@metsa.fi
+358 20 639 7820
Auttikönkääntie, 97655 Autti
Devil’s churns
25 km from the city centre, you discover fourteen pothols, or also known as ‘devil’s churns’, on the rocky slopes of Sukulanrakka. They were created over 10.000 years ago, on the fringes of the menting continental ice sheet. The largest pothole with a diameter of 8 metres and 15 metres deep is located at the foot of the hill but is partly collapsed.
Hiidenkirnuntie 165, 97110 Rovaniemi
