Location: Rovaniemi
Top Things to do in Rovaniemi
Countries
What to do and see in Rovaniemi, Lapland: The Best Free Things to do
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. Syvasenvaara Fell
2. LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
At Lauri we produce handcrafted local souvenirs and traditional artistic items from Lapland. Here you can see how artistic handicrafts are made on the spot, and buy them. You can also take a handicraft lesson and make you own souvenir. Lauri is a unique 19th century historical estate in the heart of Rovaniemi. The historical buildings are worth a visit. The place also features its own guest house, where guests can enjoy a stay in the unique historical premises of this property in the heart of Rovaniemi.
3. Auttikongas
4. Rovaniemi City Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By MikaelF413 - Vantaa, Finland
This library was completed in 1965. It is one of the many libraries designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto who also designed the Lappia House (Rovaniemi Theater) next to the library. All of his libraries are known for the spacious library hall, book recesses, and skylights. In addition to books, you can always find a small art exhibition at this library.
5. Marttiini Store Old Factory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
MARTTIINI KNIVES – Est. 1928. Welcome to Marttiini Store for sharp shopping! Marttiini knives are a combination of generations of craftsmanship expertise and modern technology. The knives use natural materials like leather, curly birch and reindeer antler bone. The ultra-sharp blade is always made from finest steel. Marttiini knives are created to match the needs and capabilities of the user – the range consists of high-quality knives for outdoors, fishing, hunting and kitchen, as well as unique design and collector’s items. Marttiini-made, Rapala-branded FNF filleting knife is the world’s most sold filleting knife. Over the years, Marttiini has produced over 50 million knives that are sold wordwide and continues to create products that all bear the Marttiini heritage: performance, beauty and uncompromising quality.
6. 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.
7. Arctic Circle Mall
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Christmas House Santa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 172 reviews
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, crossed by the Arctic Circle line, is a unique place to meet Santa Claus, also called Father Christmas. In Christmas House you can visit the Official Santa Claus of the Arctic Circle every day of the year. If you desire, our elves can create a lasting memory of your meeting with Santa Claus in the form of a high quality photo, that is sold both on paper and on a USB memory card, all according to your needs. Entrance to meet Santa in Christmas House is FREE.
Reviewed By rrr_tajeb - Helsinki, Finland
We visited here last week during our son’s ski holiday. The shop was neat and well arranged. The workers there wear face mask and luckily there wasn’t that many visitors yet so we can still keep our distances. I would say this is a regular souvenir shop, the price is reasonable for a souvenir shop. The lady who took care the cashier was really nice and we chatted a lot with her. She helped my wife chose the reindeer hide for our house decorations, pinpointed the price and quality differences. Their service was exceptional for us. All the staff there including the Santa were exceptionally nice. The Santa took his time to chat with all the kids and the parents. Definitely we will visit again if we come to Rovaniemi. Greetings from Turku.
