Location: Rovaniemi
Top Things to do in Rovaniemi
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What to do and see in Rovaniemi, Lapland: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. 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.
2. Santa's House of Snowmobiles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
A building chock full of stories - on Santa's home turf! The Santa's House of Snowmobiles exhibition pays tribute to the unique snowmobiling culture of the north by displaying snowmobile treasures from various periods. The entertaining exhibition is perfect for visitors of all ages, sharing snowmobiling stories and showcasing technologies as part of Arctic history, nature and culture.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Santa Claus Express
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
The Finnish double-decker night train, known as the Santa Claus Express, travels from Helsinki to snow-covered Lapland in the north. The train stops at Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus, and then goes on to Kemijärvi, its final destination. See the beauty of Finland from the comfortable compartments of this train and wake up above the Arctic Circle the next morning.
Reviewed By minimoonflower
My 6yo twins and I travelled the 23:00 train. Cosy but comfortable. The water was a bit hit and miss in the bathroom. We had an upper deck cabin and waking to a white winterland sunrise at 10:30 was spectacular! We flew back...and super pleased we took the train to Rovaniemi on the way up. Highly recommend, super experience.
6. 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.
7. 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.
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. 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 :)
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.
