Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi

Have you ever wanted to visit Santa Claus in his own village and to explore the beauty of the Arctic Circle? Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is the top destination for visitors who want to explore the realistic fairytale world of the North. Every year, thousands of visitors travel to Rovaniemi to experience some winter fun and to learn about the unique culture of the region.In this guide, we’ll share all you need to know about visiting the iconic Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Finland. Rovaniemi has a unique winter time charm, so make sure to add it to your bucket list if you’re looking for a cold-weather getaway!

Where is Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle located?

Rovaniemi is located in the northern part of Finland, right on the Arctic Circle. It’s set on the banks of the Kemijoki River and is surrounded by arboreal forest for miles. Rovaniemi is known for its incredible nature and wildlife, and is a popular spot for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, canoeing, skiing, and snowmobiling. The Arctic Circle crosses into the Finnish province of Lapland at 66° 33′ 44″ N, and a short distance from Rovaniemi, at 66° 4′ N. It marks the northernmost point at which the sun can be seen during the nightless summertime. This phenomenon occurs about two weeks either side of the summer solstice in June, when the sun shines above the horizon for 24 hours.

What to do and see in Santa Claus Village?

No visit to Santa Claus Village would be complete without meeting Santa himself! During your visit, you can meet and greet Santa in his office – be sure to bring your Christmas list with you! There are lots of other fun attractions too, such as the Santa Claus Reindeer Center and the Elf’s Workshop. There’s also a restaurant serving delicious food and a great selection of souvenirs to buy.Outside of Santa Claus Village, you can also explore nearby Arctic Circle Marker, reconstructed Arctic Post Office, and Rovakaira Machine Museum. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try husky sledding or take an arctic snowmobile safari? For those who are after a unique way to see Rovaniemi, you could try ice fishing or take a floatplane tour of the surrounding area.

What about the night time in Rovaniemi?

If you’re looking for something special during your stay in Rovaniemi, then a visit to the Aurora Borealis Observatory is a must. Many experienced guides will take you up to the observatory where you can witness first-hand the spectacular Northern Lights. Seeing the Aurora Borealis is an incredibly beautiful experience and one not easily forgotten! If you’d rather stay closer to Santa Claus Village during your visit then why not enjoy a night-time snowmobile safari or rent a reindeer sleigh for a unique experience? There are also local bars and restaurants where you can enjoy some traditional Finnish cuisine such as smoked meats, reindeer steaks, and Salmon fish soup.

How to get to Rovaniemi?

The easiest way to get to Rovaniemi is by plane. Rovaniemi Airport is located 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from Santa Claus Village and offers regular flights from Helsinki, Stockholm and many other international cities. The flight time from Helsinki is just one hour and fifteen minutes. Additionally, there are also regular buses and trains running from Helsinki to Rovaniemi.

Conclusion: Visit Santa Claus Village and Explore the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi!

Rovaniemi is the perfect choice for an unforgettable winter getaway in Finland. From snowmobiling across snow-covered landscapes to ice fishing on frozen rivers, there is something for everyone in this arctic wonderland. You can explore Santa Claus Village and see for yourself why so many people travel year after year for an authentic Christmas adventure! Make your visit even more special with a guided tour or activity from GetYourGuide – book now and make memories to last a lifetime!

An Insider’s Guide to Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village and Arctic Circle in Lapland

Are you planning to visit Rovaniemi, the magical Finnish city, located on the Arctic Circle? This beautiful city is widely known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. In addition to that, it is also famous for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and friendly people. Here is an insider’s guide to Rovaniemi that will help you to explore and experience the city like a local.

Local Attractions beyond the Tourist Spots

When in Rovaniemi, no trip is complete without visiting Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle, and Ranua Wildlife Park. But there’s much more to explore beyond the popular tourist spots. For instance, you can visit the Arktikum Science Center to learn about the unique flora, fauna, and rich cultural history of Lapland. Another place worth checking out is the Korundi House of Culture, which showcases contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, and events.

One of the lesser-known attractions that locals prefer is the local market at Hakaniemi Square. At this bustling seasonal marketplace, you will find various local farm-fresh foods, handcrafted goods, and souvenirs at reasonable prices. Besides, you can also explore the gorgeous Ounasvaara hill, which offers fantastic views of the city and Arctic landscapes.

Dining Local Cuisine and Experiencing Food Culture

Rovaniemi’s local cuisine is unique and authentic, influenced by the city’s long history and culture. The most famous dish is the traditional Lapland stew, made from reindeer meat and seasonal vegetables. You can also try smoked salmon, fish soup, and different types of berries such as lingonberries, cloudberries, and blueberries.

One of the most interesting anecdotes about Rovaniemi’s food culture is that locals are fond of consuming food from nature, like wild berries, mushrooms, and sap. You can immerse in Arctic food culture by joining a food tour or visiting local restaurants such as Nili or Arctic Restaurant, which serve locally sourced and organic food.

Cultural Experiences in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is rich in cultural heritage, traditions, and festivals. The city has a long history of Sámi culture, which is the northern indigenous people. You can learn about their unique history, handicrafts, and traditions by visiting Siida – The Sámi Museum and Nature Centre.

The city is also known for its diverse music scene, including metal, folk, and classical music. Every year, Rovaniemi hosts various music festivals such as the Rovaniemi Summer Sounds and the Arctic Sounds festival. Besides, you can also attend the famous Northern Lights Festival, which showcases contemporary music and dance performances.

Local History and Captivating Stories

One of the most fascinating stories about Rovaniemi is how the city was destroyed and rebuilt after World War II. In 1944, the German Army evacuated the city and set it on fire, destroying 90% of Rovaniemi. After the war ended, the city was rebuilt from scratch, and the locals took great pride to restore the city. You can learn more about this history in the local museum, Rovaniemi Local History Museum.

Another story from Rovaniemi’s history is about the famous Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, who designed several buildings in the city. You can explore these buildings, including the Rovaniemi Church, which is known for Aalto’s unique designs and features.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a uniquely unforgettable experience, we recommend going on a husky safari to explore Rovaniemi’s winter wonderland. You can try snowshoeing, ice fishing, and skiing under the Northern Lights. Additionally, you can join a reindeer sleigh ride to learn about Lapland’s indigenous people’s history and life.

Another exciting off-the-beaten-path activity is visiting the Ranua Zoo, where you can see over 200 Arctic species, including polar bears, reindeer, and wolverines.

In conclusion, Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is full of surprises, wonders, and hidden gems for tourists to explore. The city’s unique culture, food, history, and hidden spots make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for magical experiences in the Arctic Circle.