How to Plan Your Tour to Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle

Are you considering visiting Rovaniemi and experiencing the magic of Christmas all year round? Look no further! With the Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle tour, you’ll be able to meet Santa himself, cross the Arctic Circle, and enjoy a delicious Lappish buffet lunch. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan your tour to Rovaniemi and ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Experience

This full-day tour will take you to the highlights of Rovaniemi, including the famous Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle. You’ll have the chance to meet Santa in person, enjoy a private meeting, receive a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle, and indulge in a traditional Lappish buffet lunch. The tour will pick you up from your accommodation in Rovaniemi and ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Highlights

Here are some of the highlights of the Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle tour:

Meet Santa Claus

No visit to Rovaniemi is complete without meeting Santa himself! The tour provides you with the opportunity to visit Santa’s office and have a private meeting with him. You’ll also get to send greetings to your loved ones from Santa’s Post Office and get a picture with him, making for an unforgettable souvenir.

Cross the Arctic Circle and Get Certificated

The Arctic Circle, which runs through Rovaniemi, is an extraordinary line that marks the region’s northernmost point where the sun does not set at the height of summer and does not rise at the depth of winter. You’ll get to cross the line and enter the Arctic region, where you’ll receive a certificate as proof of crossing the Circle.

Visit the Santa Claus Village

The Santa Claus Village is a fairytale-like place that will leave you spellbound. You’ll get free time to stroll around the village and see Santa’s reindeer and his helpers up close. You can also enjoy shopping for traditional Lappish souvenirs, Santa Claus-themed items, or even send a letter from the Santa Claus Main Post Office.

Treat Yourself to Private Meeting with Santa Claus

If you want a more personalized experience with Santa Claus, you can arrange a private meeting where you’ll have more time with Santa to share your Christmas wishes and make unforgettable memories. This can be added to the tour package for an extra fee.

Enjoy a Buffet Lunch

After meeting Santa and crossing the Arctic Circle, you’ll have worked up an appetite! Enjoy a traditional Lappish buffet lunch at a local restaurant. The meal includes local specialties such as reindeer meat, salmon, and delicious Lappish potatoes.

How to Book

The tour can be booked through the GetYourGuide website, using the following link: book the tour here. Simply enter the number of participants, select the date, and proceed to check out. The tour provides pick-up and drop-off services for most of the hotels in Rovaniemi, and the tour guide will be easily recognizable by their company uniform.

Tips for Your Tour

Here are some tips to make your tour to Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle a memorable one:

Dress Warmly

Rovaniemi can get quite cold, especially during the winter months, so make sure you dress in warm, comfortable layers. Remember to wear waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat to stay warm and dry during the tour.

Bring Your Camera

The Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle tour offers some of the best photo opportunities in Lapland. Make sure your camera is fully charged, and you have enough storage space for all the memories you’ll make during the tour.

Don’t Forget Souvenirs

The Santa Claus Village offers a variety of traditional Lappish souvenirs and Santa Claus-themed items. Take the opportunity to shop around and bring back a piece of Lapland back home with you.

Book Your Tour Now

Planning your tour to Rovaniemi’s Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle is easy and hassle-free with the GetYourGuide website. With the opportunity to meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle and get a certificate, and indulge in a traditional Lappish buffet lunch, you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Remember to dress warmly, bring your camera, and don’t forget to buy some souvenirs! Book your tour today!

Rovaniemi City FAQ – Everything You Need to Know

Rovaniemi is the capital city of Lapland, Finland. It is known for being the official home of Santa Claus and as the gateway to the Arctic. If you are planning a trip to Rovaniemi, read through this FAQ to answer some of the most common questions about the city.

1. What is the best time to visit Rovaniemi?

The best time to visit Rovaniemi is during winter, from November to March, when the city is covered in snow and you can enjoy winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and of course, meeting Santa Claus. In summer, the days are long and bright, and you can enjoy activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing.

2. How can I get to Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi is easily accessible by plane or train. The Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is located about 10km from the city center, and there are daily flights from Helsinki and other major cities in Finland. Alternatively, you can take the train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, which takes about 8 hours.

3. What are some of the top attractions in Rovaniemi?

Some of the top attractions in Rovaniemi include: – Santa Claus Village: this is the official home of Santa Claus, where you can meet him and his elves, and cross the Arctic Circle. – Arktikum: this is a museum and science center that showcases the culture, history, and nature of Lapland and the Arctic. – Rovaniemi Church: this is an impressive church made entirely of wood, located in the city center. – Ounasvaara Ski Resort: this is a popular ski resort located just a few kilometers from Rovaniemi, with slopes suitable for all levels.

4. What are some of the best winter activities to do in Rovaniemi?

Here are some of the top winter activities to do in Rovaniemi: – Meet Santa Claus and cross the Arctic Circle at Santa Claus Village. – Go on a reindeer sleigh ride and learn about the traditional Sami way of life. – Take a dog sled ride through the snowy wilderness. – Go snowmobiling across frozen lakes and forests. – Marvel at the Northern Lights, which can be seen on clear winter nights.

5. What are some of the best summer activities to do in Rovaniemi?

Here are some of the top summer activities to do in Rovaniemi: – Go hiking or biking in the surrounding forests and hills. – Go fishing in the many lakes and rivers around Rovaniemi. – Visit a summer cottage and experience the traditional Finnish way of life. – Take a canoe or kayak trip down a river. – Enjoy the long days and midnight sun, which means the sun sets very late or not at all in the summer months.

6. What is the weather like in Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi has a subarctic climate, with cold and snowy winters and mild summers. In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -30°C, while in summer, temperatures rarely exceed 25°C. It is important to dress warmly in winter, with layers, a hat, gloves, and thick socks.

7. What is the currency used in Rovaniemi?

The currency used in Rovaniemi and throughout Finland is the Euro (EUR).

8. What are some traditional Finnish foods to try in Rovaniemi?

Some traditional Finnish foods to try in Rovaniemi include: – Reindeer meat: this is a staple of Finnish cuisine, often served as a stew or in sausages. – Karelian pasties: these are small pastries filled with rice pudding or potatoes. – Kalakukko: this is a type of fish pie, made with rye crust and filled with freshwater fish. – Salmiakki: this is a popular Finnish candy, made with ammonium chloride, which gives it a salty taste.

9. What is the Aurora Borealis?

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural phenomenon that occurs in high-latitude regions, including Lapland. It is caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun and the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in beautiful displays of colorful lights that dance across the sky.

10. Is it safe to visit Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, it is important to be aware of the weather conditions and dress appropriately, especially in winter. It is also important to follow any safety instructions given by guides during activities such as snowmobiling or dog sledding.

Book Your Tour Now

Rovaniemi is a unique and special city, with its combination of winter wonderland activities and summer adventures. Whether you want to meet Santa Claus, experience the Northern Lights, or explore the beautiful Finnish nature, Rovaniemi is a great destination to consider. Just remember to dress warmly, be prepared for the weather conditions, and enjoy all that this magical city has to offer.

How to Spend your Time as a Tourist in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus, located in the heart of Lapland, Northern Finland. It is a perfect place to explore nature, culture, and experience Lapland’s unique way of life. Here’s a guide on how you can spend your time as a tourist in Rovaniemi.

1. Visit Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village is located just 8km north of Rovaniemi, and it is the official hometown of Santa Claus. You can take a bus or taxi from the city to the village. This place is perfect for families, and it’s open all year round. There are many things to do and see inside the village, such as meeting Santa Claus and his helpers, sending a postcard from the post office, and visiting the official Santa Claus main post office. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as sledding, reindeer rides, and snowmobile tours.

2. Explore Arctic Wildlife and Nature

If you want to experience nature up close, you can take a guided tour of the forest or book a husky, reindeer, or snowmobile safari. There are many tour operators in Rovaniemi that offer different tours, and you can choose from short tours to multi-day tours. You can also visit Ranua Wildlife Park, which is located about 80km south of Rovaniemi. The park is home to many Arctic animals such as polar bears, lynx, and wolves.

3. Discover Lapland’s Culture and History

Rovaniemi has a rich culture and history, and you can discover it by visiting several museums and attractions. Arktikum is a science center and museum that showcases the history and culture of the Arctic region. You can learn about the Sami people, who are the indigenous people of Lapland, and their way of life. Another museum worth visiting is the Rovaniemi Art Museum, which exhibits contemporary art and design from local artists.

4. Experience the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful natural phenomenon in the world, and you can experience it in Rovaniemi. The best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to April, and there are many tour operators that offer Northern Light tours. You can choose from Northern Light hunting on a snowmobile or a reindeer sleigh ride.

5. Shop at Rovaniemi’s Markets and Stores

Rovaniemi has many markets and stores where you buy authentic Lapland products such as reindeer skins, handmade jewelry, and Sami handicrafts. One of the best places to shop is the local market, located in the city center, which sells fresh vegetables, fruits, and berries during the summer season. There are also several souvenir shops and boutiques where you can buy traditional Lapland clothing and accessories.

6. Enjoy the Local Cuisines

Lapland has its unique cuisine, and you can try it in Rovaniemi. Some of the popular dishes include reindeer meat, salmon soup, and cloudberry desserts. There are many restaurants in Rovaniemi that offer traditional Lapland dishes, and you can also try some of the international cuisines.

7. Attend Festivals and Events

Rovaniemi hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Arctic Design Week, Rovaniemi Summer Market, and Rovaniemi Christmas Market. These events offer a great opportunity to experience Lapland’s culture and traditions and meet locals. Check the event calendar before planning your trip to Rovaniemi.

Book Your Tour Now

Rovaniemi is a unique destination, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. From visiting Santa Claus Village to experiencing the Northern Lights and enjoying traditional Lapland cuisine, there are many things to do and see. Plan your trip now and make unforgettable memories in Rovaniemi.