Location: Rovaniemi
Top Things to do in Rovaniemi
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Rovaniemi, Lapland
Rovaniemi (Finnish: [roʋɑˈniemi] ( listen)) is a city and municipality of Finland. It is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland's northernmost province, Lapland. It is situated about 6 kilometres (4 miles) south of the Arctic Circle and is between the hills of Ounasvaara and Korkalovaara, at the confluence of the river Kemijoki and its tributary, the Ounasjoki. The city and the surrounding Rovaniemen maalaiskunta (Rural municipality of Rovaniemi) were consolidated into a single entity on 1 January 2006. The new municipality has an area of 8,016.75 square kilometres (3,095.28 sq mi), thus making it the largest city in the European Union by land. Rovaniemi has an approximate population of 62,000.
Restaurants in Rovaniemi
1. Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By Travelphiliac
We came here twice both visits on weekday afternoons during school term. The slopes are open till the evening under floodlights due to the short hours of daylight in winter. Hireage of gear is easy and straight forward. Prices are not cheap but considering its vicinity to town and the lack of crowds when we visited it made it worth it. Some of our party were on the easier slopes that finished near the office and the rest of us were in the beginner's area. During our 2 visits both areas had hardly anybody on them so it actually felt like quite a luxury to ski with noone else on the same part of the slope at the same time. If time permitted we would have been back again without hesitation to practice our skills. I cannot comment though on numbers on the slopes during weekends or school holidays.
2. Santa Claus Secret Forest - Joulukka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Hop on a journey and discover the secrets of the Elves, have an unforgettable meeting with Santa Claus, and take part in fun holiday activities! Santa Claus Secret Forest is an exclusive destination where you can experience the magic of Christmas either privately or in small groups. The unique surroundings and our enchanting programs, conducted with uncompromising expertise and world-renowned Christmas know-how, are guaranteed to delight even guests with the highest standards - kids and adults alike. Kindly note that Santa Claus Secret Forest is a private destination located on private grounds, and is therefore only accessible if you have made a booking in advance.
Reviewed By abiej - Meiningen, Germany
What to say...It was a dream come true for my kid(9 yr old)...Thanks a lot Santa park.The program was very good. Elves were fantastic and entertained my daughter.They built a snow man together...spoke to her about many things.They never lost their character and kept the character alive.The place was truely magical inside a forest...and finally Santa..He made her keep the magic of Santa alive in her heart forever. He patiently listened and answered all her questions. A big.. big....thanks to everyone who made this special for our little one... :)
3. Arctic Circle Information
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
We are the Tourist Information point in Santa Claus Village. Here you can have useful information, you can booked a guide for your stay in Rovaniemi, we have also a souvenir shop and the one and only original certificate of Crossing the Arctic Circle (Since 1950).
Reviewed By johannesab
This was our second crossing of the Arctic circle, previous trip crossed the arctic circle on a ship cruise in Norway. I experienced the adventure of the explores of yesteryear. The pictures and certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle will have a special place in my travelling room. This crossing was special as it was snowing.
4. Angry Birds Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By jlp9202 - Gold Coast, Australia
This park is a couple of blocks from the city centre (keep in mind the blocks aren’t very large). It’s maybe a 600m walk. It’s great to visit on the way to the Rovaniemi Church. The park has a variety of swings and a great hill to do tobogganing . It’s also a great place to build your snowman. Young kids are just happy to play in the snow, so if you are looking for something free to do, this is a must see.
5. SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,010 reviews
Come and enjoy the Christmas of Your dreams in Santa Park! Santa Park is an exciting fantasy world built inside a series of underground caves, and it is filled with the warm atmosphere of Christmas. The Elves are doing their chores and the aroma of gingerbread cookies fills the air. SantaPark offers a wide variety of sights and activities for the whole family! Please have a look at our website for our opening times before your arrival.
Reviewed By KemikOjstra - Maribor, Slovenia
Very special place for all people, not only children and children at heart. There you can visit Santa Claus in his office, take a magic train ride, see Santa's elves and their shows on stage, visit really amazing ice gallery, gingerbread room and eat in a restaurant. I had a nice conversation with Santa Claus in his office. SantaPark is surely a good place to make some lifelong memories.
6. Santa Claus Office
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,776 reviews
Santa Claus Office is the place to meet Santa Claus himself in Rovaniemi. Have a chat with him and have your photo taken with him. Open every day, free of charge!
Reviewed By theadahapalla - Vienna, Austria
Whichever time of the year you come here, it will always give you the Christmas vibes. Don't forget to take a picture in the Arctic circle post. Visit the post office of Santa and some postcards to your loved ones.
7. Santa Claus Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,202 reviews
Reviewed By watsonc - Johannesburg, South Africa
This is a resort type of place with everything to offer to the young and the old. Nothing is more wonderful than to allow your imagination to run wild in the snow magical fun filled place. From visiting Santa’s post office, husky petting, snow tubing, ice skating, reindeer sleighing & all the other excursions & adventures on offer, this is truly a remarkable place to visit. Unfortunately the grotto was closed when we visited but there was plenty to keep us busy for the 3 days. Visiting Santa was also a treat. Just be prepared to pay as this is a tourist kinda trap but worth every cent. A definite must visit regardless if you are an adult or a parent with small children.
8. Arktikum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,812 reviews
Open your eyes to the Arctic! Arktikum is a science centre and museum that lets you experience northern nature, culture, and history up close. Housing the University of Lapland’s Arctic Centre and the Regional Museum of Lapland, we stimulate thought, encourage debate, and provide a deeper understanding of the Arctic. See, explore and enjoy the Arctic stories shared through our experiential exhibitions and events! Arktikum Cafe serves daily lunch and great selection of northern delights. Arktikum Shop offers high-quality Lappish products and souvenirs.
Reviewed By 453isabelal - Tel Aviv, Israel
Amazing exhibitions about the polar region , Northern lights ( there is a northern lights theatre) , history and ethnography of Finland .Many of the exhibits are interactive and the museum has something for people of all ages :)
9. Pilke Science Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 193 reviews
Do you feel attracted by northern forests? If so, your place is Pilke in Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland near the Arctic Circle. The exhibition of the science center will take you for an exploration of current forest issues, while the Pilke Shop offers forest products to all senses.
Reviewed By PM19567
This large building has exploration of forest issues and has a shop also about forest products. It is close by to the Arktikum
10. Lordi's Square
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By 687paulinak - Tampere, Finland
I was very pleased when saw all the lights and 3 huuuge Christmas trees all in lights. Smaller ones around also were lighten up :). There were ice sculptures of 3 wise man and animals in the crib with baby Jesus Maria and Joseph. Nicely done!
