Rovaniemi, often recognized as the official hometown of Santa Claus, is a city that has been able to transform itself remarkably over the decades. The city was devastated during World War II, but its reconstruction effort in the post-war years, including a major push towards tourism after a visit from Eleanor Roosevelt in 1950, saw it becoming a popular destination. It was in the 1980s when Santa Claus Village opened and Rovaniemi started being associated more firmly with the legendary man in the red suit.
Located along the Arctic Circle, Santa Claus Village greets tourists from all over the world. Though meeting Santa and posting a letter from Santa Claus Post Office bring festive joy, Rovaniemi offers much more to visitors. The city is ensconced in nature’s lap and activities like hiking, hunting for the northern lights, ice floating, dog sledding, and cross-country skiing give tourists a fascinating glimpse into Finnish Lapland’s countryside.
Preparing for the weather is crucial if you’re traveling to Rovaniemi. Therefore, it is essential to pack smartly, prioritizing layers over bulky clothing. A visit to this city is worth considering for anyone planning a distinctive, albeit chilly, winter getaway and here are some things to keep in mind:
– Top Activities: Staying the night in a glass-roofed igloo at Arctic SnowHotel, hunting for the aurora borealis on a snowmobile or photography tour, sending a letter from the Santa Claus Post Office, trying Finnish cuisine like sautéed reindeer, and visiting in the less crowded shoulder seasons should be on your to-do list.
– Accommodation: From luxury boutique properties like Arctic Light Hotel, the ice-constructed Arctic SnowHotel, standalone tree houses like Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, private island resort experience at Hotel Vartiosaari to more remote options atop Ounasvaara like Sky Ounasvaara, Rovaniemi offers a range of accommodation choices.
– Things to Do: Experience a husky safari in the scenic Lapland, hunt for the northern lights, go cross-country skiing for an authentic Finnish experience, explore the Santa Claus Village, and visit local museums like Arktikum and Pilke to learn about the Arctic and its people.
– Shopping: Shopping malls in Rovaniemi’s city center can cater to all needs, and don’t miss out on the local grocery store, Prisma, to get a glimpse into the local life and culture.
– Restaurants: For gourmet delights, try Restaurant Nili’s traditional Finnish cuisine, Gustav Kitchen & Bar’s local delicacies, or finish street food at Ravintola Roka.
The best time to plan a visit varies depending on the experience you’re seeking. For a winter wonderland, think December to March. For spectacular views of autumn leaves and a chance to see the aurora borealis reflecting in the ice-free lakes and rivers, consider mid-August to November.
To get to Rovaniemi, one usually flies into Helsinki and from there, you can either take a short flight or a train to reach Rovaniemi. Once in Rovaniemi, if you’re staying in the city center, most things are walkable or accessible by bus. So, gear up and make your way to this magical city for a unique holiday experience.
