Rovaniemi is the most popular place to fly into Lapland, and after spending time there, it’s easy to see why. Lapland’s capital works brilliantly as both a base for classic Lapland experiences and a destination in its own right, with restaurants, museums, and winter activities all within easy reach. It’s just south of the Arctic Circle, which runs a few kilometres north of the city through Santa Claus Village.
Whether you’re travelling with children, planning a bucket-list winter adventure, or you’re simply looking for somewhere completely different from the usual European city break, Rovaniemi is a great choice.
In this post:
Planning a Winter Trip to Rovaniemi
When to Visit and What the Weather’s Like
The weather around Rovaniemi varies hugely, with the snow season running from late November to early April (sometimes earlier, sometimes later). Temperatures usually range from -5 °C to -15 °C, but cold snaps can drop to -30°C. December is the most popular time to visit, and it’s easy to see the appeal. Snow-covered landscapes, festive lights, and Christmas experiences make it feel magical, but December and early January are also the most expensive times to visit.
Destinations like Santa Claus Village are open all year round, and there’s still plenty of snow and more daylight hours in February and March. You’ll also find cheaper accommodation and flights.
During our late December visit, it was “warm”, varying from 0°C to -10°C, which was perfect for us, but soon after we left, temperatures dropped to -25°C, so you always need to be prepared. We were ok with a base layer, a mid layer, a coat, wool socks, snow boots, a hat, and ski gloves. If you ski, you’ll likely have most of the clothing you’ll need anyway. Daylight hours were just over 2 hours, but this wasn’t a problem for us either.
Getting to Rovaniemi
Getting to RVN is becoming easier each year, though these options are not Business Class. To travel in Business, you’ll need to book via Finnair and change in Helsinki. The domestic leg does not have Business Class, and Rovaniemi Airport does not have a lounge.
If flying in Economy or opting for a simpler journey, getting to RVN is becoming easier. More airlines are launching direct seasonal routes. This includes EasyJet and Ryanair, and routes cover a range of UK airports, not just London. Norwegian is also an option from Gatwick.
Booking a Lapland Package vs DIY
Lapland packages are becoming very popular, especially for first-time visitors and families. You’ll have less to plan, get your flight included, often from an airport closer to you, as well as transfers and accommodation. Many of the top accommodation options are booked by tour companies in high season, so booking through a tour operator may be the only way to secure a room.
I opted for a TUI package for this trip because it was our first visit. The main draw was flights from Bristol, a hotel in central Rovaniemi, and a day of activities, including warm clothing hire, a private Santa meeting, and a group dinner on the last night. I’m happy with our decision, but on our next visit, we will be going DIY.
Arrival transfers
Rovaniemi Airport is only 10km from the city centre, and the journey takes just 10-15 minutes.
Your options are:
- Taxi or Uber – Averages €26-€33
- Airport Express Shuttle via Santa Village – €8
- Private Transfer – Averages €35-€120 – Many hotels can arrange this
Options are in abundance, and you won’t be stuck at the airport. This isn’t a reason to book a package.
Things to Do in Rovaniemi City
You may know that Rovaniemi is an excellent base for evening dining, but it’s worth planning to spend some time in the city itself, rather than just using it as a base. Distances are short, and getting around is straightforward.
Here are some of the best things to do in Rovaniemi:
Sightseeing
Rovaniemi is compact and easy to explore on foot. One of the best walks is along the riverside paths where the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers meet, with views of the city’s most recognisable landmark, the Jätkänkynttilä Bridge.
Shopping
The main street is well worth a wander. There are Christmas displays, an ice sleigh, skating and a very festive atmosphere.
You can pop into the souvenir shops and explore the two main shopping centres, Revontuli and Sampokeskus, where you’ll find winter clothing, souvenirs, Finnish design brands, and higher-end outdoor gear. There’s also a supermarket, pharmacy, and plenty of dining options.
Ice Skating and Sledging
Right in the city centre, in Lordi’s Square, you’ll find an ice rink (weather permitting). You can hire skates from the attached kiosk (€10), where you can also enjoy hot chocolate in the main square.
Another popular spot just down the road is the Naava Cafe Ice Rink at Vanha tori (a few minutes’ walk from Lordi’s Square), which also has a children’s playground and the city’s designated sledging hill. You can hire skates (€10-€15) and sledges here too, or use the rink or sledging hill free if you bring your own equipment.
Science Centre Pilke
Cost: Adults €7 / Kids & Concessions €5 / Under 7 – Free
Make sure you drop by the Science Centre Pilke, a great stop to warm up. You’ll get a hands-on look at the forests, sustainability, and Arctic nature of Finnish Lapland. It’s very educational and perfect for all ages. There are even interactive exhibits that cover everything from forestry and sustainability to how communities adapt to long winters and short summers.
Arktikum Museum
Cost: Adults €22 /Concessions €17/Kids €10 / Under 7 – Free
Arktikum is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The building itself is a sight in itself, with a long glass corridor with views towards the river. Inside, the permanent exhibitions cover Arctic history, Sámi culture, climate, and modern life in the far north.
Bucket List Lapland from Rovaniemi
If you’ve never been to Lapland, I’m sure you’ve seen a handful of experiences all over social media, from husky rides to Northern lights hunting, reindeer rides and Santa trips. Using Rovaniemi as a base, there’s a wide range of activities for all ages.
Santa Claus Village
Though very commercial, Santa Claus Village is one of the top bucket-list experiences, especially if travelling with children. Entry is free, and you can wander at your own pace, making it easy to dip in for an hour.
- Crossing the Arctic Circle
- Waving to family and friends on the live camera
- Shopping for souvenirs
- Send a postcard from Santa’s post office
- Visit Santa (free, but you can pay for the photo if you wish)
Paid activities include:
- Arctic Circle Husky Park: Short rides and a chance to meet the huskies and learn more about them.
- Santa’s Reindeer: If you don’t want to book a whole half/full day reindeer experience during your trip, a short ride at Santa Village is a good option. Queues can get big, but the wait was only around 10 minutes for us, so we decided to go for it. You get the choice of the long or short path.
- Santa’s Pets: A small, child-friendly animal area that has excellent reviews. Meet reindeer, sheep, goats, and rabbits (and you may also see alpacas, donkeys, and occasionally a pony), with the option to buy a treat bag to feed the reindeer.
- Mrs Claus: A chance to have a meet and greet with a photo.
- Elf Hat Academy: A short elf training session with a ceremony at the end.
Snowman World
Cost: Adults €35 / Early Access + Tour €59
This is what we visited Santa Village for. We had booked an early entry ticket directly via the website, and we were welcomed in at 9:00 rather than 10:00.
I initially booked early due to reviews of crowds and people not enjoying the experience. There were just us and one other family, and we were given a tour of the ice carvings with thorough explanations.
We were also shown around the ice bar, tried out the slides before everyone else was let in, and given plenty of tips.
We also met one of the resident snowmen and had a photo opportunity. This is an excellent option for early entry, even if you’re not visiting with children.
Santa Park
Cost: From €42 per adult / €37 for children. Plenty of VEP Packages to choose from, but pricing varies by time of year.
This is the other option in Rovaniemi for a day of Santa Experiences. Inside, you’ll find workshops, rides, and themed spaces that focus on Christmas traditions. Tickets include a variety of activities, including a meeting with Santa, elf school, a magic train ride and themed areas.
Santa Park is well organised but can get very busy. Everything is indoors and underground, which is why I chose Santa Village for our trip.
Private Santa Experiences
Cost: €100-€2,200
You can visit Santa at Santa Village, Santa Park, and his office in Rovaniemi City Centre, but you can also book him privately to your accommodation or on a guided search for Santa trip, where you’ll find his cabin deep in the forest.
Our package included a snowmobile ride through the forest to a secret cabin where Santa and his elves met us. It’s a more authentic option, albeit more expensive.
Chase the Northern Lights
Cost: Free – Group tour from €75 to private van €500+
Northern lights tours are one of the most popular evening activities in the city, offered by multiple companies. You’ll be driven to a spot where there’s less light pollution, where there’s a high chance of spotting the lights. That said, there are never any guarantees.
For a DIY adventure, keeping an eye on local aurora borealis forecasts can make a big difference. There are some good apps for finding the right time to go out. We were fortunate enough to spot the Northern lights while eating just outside the city on our final night.
Enjoy a Husky Safari
Cost: €60-€240+
Husky sledging is one of those activities that most people want to try when visiting Lapland. The dogs are in their element, noisy and impatient before the run, then laser-focused once you’re moving, especially during the winter season, when trails are fully blanketed in snow.
For a more immersive experience, it’s worth booking a longer safari outside Santa village. These take you deeper into the forest on quieter trails, with more time on the sledge and fewer crowds.
You’ll usually drive the sledge yourself, swapping halfway, although musher-driven options are available if you’d prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery. Don’t underestimate how much colder the temperatures will be once you’re at high speed!
Snowmobiling into the wilderness
Cost: €100-€300 (mini snowmobiling from €25)
Snowmobiling is an ideal adrenaline-fuelled way to take in the stunning landscapes, whisking you far beyond the city in a short time.
Snowmobiling covers more ground than most winter activities and is one of the best ways to experience a true winter wonderland.
Most routes pass through frozen rivers, forest trails, and open spaces where the snowy landscape stretches uninterrupted, giving a real sense of the arctic wilderness. There are also options to pair snowmobiling with Northern Lights searches.
Note: You must have a driver’s license to drive one.
Reindeer Safari
Cost: €30-€260+
There’s a range of experiences offered in the Rovaniemi area. The shorter option is the 400m and 800m track rides at Santa Village, but there are also more immersive experiences and reindeer farms in the Rovaniemi area with trails of up to 3.5km, where you can also learn more about the reindeer and meet them.
Other Amazing Things to Do
Playing in the Snow
If you’re planning a trip with children, you should also try to incorporate some time with no activities scheduled. Don’t underestimate how much the children will want to play in the snow.
Experience Finnish Sauna Culture
Cost: Free to €65
Saunas are an essential part of life in Finland, and experiencing one in Lapland is ideal in winter! Many accommodation options come with private saunas, while others offer communal saunas.
You’ll also find larger sauna complexes just outside the city, such as Sauna World at Lapland Winter Park. Combining a sauna visit with a cold plunge is also a bucket-list experience.
Ice Floating on a Frozen Lake
Cost: €100-€210
Ice floating is one of those activities that sounds extreme but is far calmer than you’d expect. You’re zipped into a full thermal survival suit and gently float in a section of open water cut into a frozen lake, staying warm and completely buoyant.
Snowshoeing in Arctic Wilderness
Cost: €18-€150 (rental vs guided)
Wide trails and guided routes take you through snow-covered forest and across frozen terrain that’s otherwise difficult to reach on foot. It’s a great activity to try! You can join a guided tour or hire equipment.
Skiing and cross-country at Ounasvaara
Cost: €100 for 1 day on average, including lift pass and rental / 1 week €390
Ounasvaara is close to the city and offers downhill skiing as well as extensive cross-country trails. It’s not a major ski resort, which is part of the appeal. The slopes here are manageable, lift lines are short, and it’s a perfect place to enjoy winter sports without the crowds.
Lapland Winter Park
Cost: Adult €69 / Child €39 – Lunch add-ons available
Lapland Winter Park is a convenient spot where you can enjoy several activities in one place. Here, you can try sledging, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, feeding the reindeer, kids’ snowmobiling, forest walks, and sauna experiences.
There’s also the option of a buffet lunch. It’s the perfect place for families who want variety without travelling between different locations. The park is easily reached by complimentary shuttle from the city, and taxis are readily available.
Dining in Rovaniemi and Nearby
One of the main benefits of living close to the city is the many fantastic dining spots available. Here are some of the top options:
- Restaurant Sky Kitchen & View, Ounasvaara: fine‑dining restaurant specialising in seasonal Nordic cuisine, with panoramic views.
- Arctic Restaurant: An elegant Scandinavian restaurant in the centre of Rovaniemi, specialising in local game and fish.
- Ravintola Monte Rosa: A long‑standing family-run Rovaniemi favourite for refined European and Nordic dishes with an excellent wine list.
- Snowman World Ice Restaurant: A novelty dining experience open for lunch in Santa Claus Village, where everything from the tables to the seats is made of ice.
Luxury Stays
In Rovaniemi City, many options are self-catering apartments. However, there’s a scattering of good hotels if you book early, but you won’t find the big hotel chains with loyalty programmes.
Within a short drive of the city, you’ll find some fantastic cabins, resorts and unique accommodation.
Something to know about Lapland in high season is that accommodation prices are high, so the standard you can usually get within your budget won’t be the same here.
Some of the top options outside the city include:
- Apukka Resort Glass Igloos
- Lapland Winter Park Chalets
- Santa Claus Holiday Village and Santa’s Igloos
- Arctic Treehouse Hotel
In the city centre, you’ll find:
- Santa Claus Hotel (Review coming soon)
- Arctic Light Hotel
- Arctic City Hotel
- Scandic Rovaniemi City
A Multi-Destination Trip?
Next time we visit Lapland, we plan to return to Rovaniemi, as well as visit a few other places. Helsinki is a good option on the way home, especially if you’re flying with Finnair via Helsinki anyway. There are 5 airports in Lapland, so you can return home from a different destination. We plan to travel to Levi and fly back from Kitila Airport.
Map of the Top Things to do in Rovaniemi
Final Words
If you want a winter trip that feels truly different from the usual European breaks, Rovaniemi deserves its place on your travel list. It’s not the wilderness experience you might get elsewhere in Lapland, but it worked well for us thanks to the attractions, transport, shopping and dining options right on our doorstep.
Have you visited Rovaniemi in winter, or is it still on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments below:
