Exploring Rovaniemi: Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village

Do you have a wish to explore the Lapland of the North? A destination filled with wonders, from the untamed majestic nature to the remarkable culture of the region? There’s no better place than Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, located within the Arctic Circle. In Rovaniemi, you can discover the nature’s incredible beauty and learn about the unique culture and traditions of the region.
A visit to Rovaniemi is filled with unforgettable experiences, such as reindeer safaris, husky sledding, and a visit to Santa Claus Village and Santa’s Post Office. Nowadays, there are many activities and tour companies that can be booked online that offer these experiences, such as GetYourGuide.

What is the most popular activity to do in Rovaniemi?

The most popular activity in Rovaniemi is undoubtedly a visit to Santa Claus Village and Santa’s Post Office. Santa Claus Village is located 8 km north of Rovaniemi city center, along the Arctic Circle. Santa Claus Village consists of two main attractions: Santa’s Office, and Santa’s House. Every day all year round, tourists, locals and even postmen from all over the world visit Santa’s Office to mail their postcards. Open 365 days a year, it is one of the busiest postal services in Finland. You can also visit Santa’s House and have a private meeting with him, as well as explore a unique theme park which includes an art gallery, a theatre and souvenir boutiques. During Christmas time, many people visit Santa’s House to take pictures with Santa himself!

Other than Santa’s House, tourists can also enjoy many activities in Rovaniemi such as reindeer safaris and husky sledding. With a reindeer safari, visitors will enjoy an unforgettable experience in the beautiful nature of Lapland. The safari tour can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours and will take you on a journey through forests, mountains, swamps and rivers. During the safari, visitors get to meet and interact with real reindeer and hear stories from the reindeer breeders.

Husky safaris are another popular activity in Rovaniemi. These safaris involve an exciting ride in a sled pulled by 2 to 5 huskies in stunning Arctic terrain. Even those who have never driven a sled before can participate in this activity. Before starting the tour, husky owners will explain how to drive the huskies safely and will answer any questions you may have. During the guided tour, you can stop to take pictures of the beautiful Arctic landscape or cuddle with the huskies while they take a break.

If you’re looking for activities that your entire family can enjoy in Rovaniemi, then don’t forget to head over to Adventure Park Korundi. This adventure park offers something fun for everyone – from family-friendly activities such as treasure hunts and mini-golf to more intense attractions like zip-lining and paintballing. The park also includes a restaurant from where you can enjoy delicious regional dishes while watching the beautiful nature surrounding you.

Finally, when visiting Rovaniemi you cannot leave without exploring the cultural side of Lapland. The north of Finland is home to many indigenous people such as the Sami people – sometimes known as Lapps – who have been living in this harsh environment for thousands of years. You can explore their culture by visiting museums such as Sámi Museum Siida or take one of their cultural tours including visits to traditional Sami villages and homesteads. Either way, it’s an experience you won’t forget!

Overall, a trip to Rovaniemi will offer an incredibly memorable experience overflowing with magical moments. From enjoying reindeer safaris, husky sledding and visiting Santa Claus Village to exploring the culture of the region’s indigenous people – an experience like no other awaits visitors in this extraordinary destination.
If you want to experience all that Rovaniemi has to offer, why not book a selection of activities with GetYourGuide now so that you can start your journey right away? Discover Rovaniemi with GetYourGuide and explore Lapland for a truly unforgettable experience!

An Insider’s Guide to Rovaniemi

If you want to explore Rovaniemi beyond the typical tourist attractions and experience the local culture, you are in the right place! Here is a comprehensive guide to help you discover the hidden gems of this magical city.

Local Attractions

While Santa Claus Village is a must-visit spot, there are so many other hidden gems to explore. Take a scenic hike to witness the beautiful Korundi House of Culture, home to the Lapland Chamber Orchestra and some of Rovaniemi’s most incredible exhibitions. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, head over to Ounasvaara. It is not just a winter sports center but also a great spot for summer hiking with a view.

Do not miss out on a visit to Arktikum, an iconic museum providing a fascinating glimpse into Lapland’s geology, history, and culture. You’ll find extensive exhibits, including interactive media and virtual reality, showcasing Lapland’s natural phenomena, people, and history.

Dining spots

Rovaniemi’s food culture is a reflection of its past and present, shaped by the region’s local ingredients. Being the home of reindeer, traditional sami cuisine is a must-try here. Visit Nili Restaurant, a local institution serving up traditional meals, such as reindeer soup, forest mushroom stew, and baked salmon. To try something unconventional, head to Venda’s Café & Bar, famous for its reindeer burgers. With some luck, you may even spot Santa enjoying a reindeer burger or two!

Cultural Experiences

Rovaniemi has a rich culture, and experiencing it firsthand can be truly mesmerizing. The Midnight Sun Film Festival, held annually in June, is a significant event for cinephiles worldwide. Besides the movie screenings, it is a celebration of Rovaniemi’s nature and the nightless night. For art lovers, the Korundi House of Culture holds exciting events all year round, including exhibitions, concerts, and performances.

Local History

Did you know Rovaniemi was destroyed during World War II, and only a handful of buildings remained standing? This is where the city’s post-war architecture comes in. While we all love cozy log cabins and Nordic design, a guided tour of the city’s brutalist architecture is a peek into its history. It’s refreshing to learn how Rovaniemi has evolved over the years and find pieces of its post-war story in the buildings’ intricate designs.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

When traveling, we all want to try something different, something that makes our trip unforgettable. Ever heard of roasting sausages over a campfire while watching the Northern Lights dance in the sky? Well, Rovaniemi’s Aurora Safari Camp makes this unique experience possible. Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is a snowmobiling trip to Sampo Icebreaker, where you can take a dip in the freezing ocean while wearing a survival suit. It sounds surreal, but trust us, it’s an unforgettable experience.

Rovaniemi may be most famous for Santa Claus and his Reindeer, but it has so much more to offer. We hope this insider’s guide has proved insightful, provided a glimpse of the hidden gems, and helped you explore the city off-the-beaten-path. Let Rovaniemi’s magic sweep you away!