Best things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland (winter)

1. Visit Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village is located on the Arctic Circle. It is one of the most popular attractions in Rovaniemi.

This magical destination is perfect for those who are young at heart and want to experience a Christmas wonderland. Visitors can meet with Santa Claus himself, cross the Arctic Circle line, send postcards from the official Santa’s Post Office, and even ride on a reindeer sleigh.

Where is the Santa Claus Village? It is located approximately 8km from Rovaniemi city center. You can easily reach there by taking local bus number 8 from the main railway station or along the way. The bus ticket prices are 3,60 € for adults and 1,80 € for children (0-16 years old). You can purchase tickets directly from the bus driver.

Santa Claus Village is open every day of the year and there is no admission fee.

Tip! Wear warm clothes and shoes as you’ll be spending a lot of time outside.

2. Experience the Northern Lights

It’s possible to see Northern Lights even in Rovaniemi city center. It is recommended to join a Northern Lights tour or attempt to spot them on your own by driving outside the city center.

There are apps and websites available to help you determine when the conditions are favourable.

The best time to see the lights is from September to March. You can enjoy this natural wonder by participating in a guided tour, embarking on a reindeer or husky safari, or staying in a glass igloo.

Tip! The Northern Lights can be unpredictable, so be patient and allow yourself multiple nights for the best opportunity to see them.

3. Visit Arctic SnowHotel and Glass Igloos

For a truly unique experience, visit the Arctic Snow Hotel and Glass Igloos. Just 30km outside of Rovaniemi, you have the option to stay in a snow igloo or glass igloo. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the stunning Northern Lights right from your room.

You can also simply visit the Snow Hotel. They offer various visiting packages, such as chilling and dining at the ice restaurant and/or experiencing the snow sauna.

The SnowHotel welcomes visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. between December 15 and April 1.

4. Relax in a traditional Finnish sauna

After a day filled with winter activities, there’s no better way to unwind than by sweating it out in a traditional Finnish sauna. Many hotels and resorts offer saunas for guests to enjoy.

Please also take a look at the guide below for Ice swimming (avanto) in Rovaniemi.

5. Try Ice swimming -Avanto in Rovaniemi

For the adventurous, give ice swimming or “avanto” a try. This Finnish tradition involves taking a dip in a frozen lake or river through a hole made in the ice. It’s believed to have many health benefits and is definitely an unforgettable experience.

Looking for places to enjoy a sauna and avanto in Rovaniemi?

In Rovaniemi, you can visit Kesätekemisen Keskus Roiske for sauna and ice swimming (avanto). Roiske is located 4km away from the Rovaniemi railway station. The single ticket price is 19.90 €. It is recommended to book in advance and arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time. The saunas at Roiske are unisex, so please remember to wear a swimming suit. The avanto season starts on November 10, 2023, and continues until mid-April.

If you’re feeling adventurous and up for a thrilling ice swimming experience without a sauna, head over to Koskipuisto in Rovaniemi, where Ounasvaaran Latu offers a designated ice swimming spot. A single admission ticket costs just 5€.

In Rovaniemi, you can also discover various private sauna and ice swimming (avanto) experiences available at a higher price.

6. Experience the thrill of adventure tours offered by Beyond Arctic

Beyond Artic is the leading tour company in Rovaniemi. They provide a range of activities such as snowshoe adventures, ice climbing, and ice floating. Take a look at the available tours and reserve one.

7. Rent a fatbike and go to the Ounasvaara fatbike trails

If you’re a fan of cycling, rent a fatbike and hit the Ounasvaara fatbike trails. These are some of the best winter biking trails in Finland, offering breathtaking views and an exciting ride through snowy forests.

You can rent a fatbike from Santasport Equipment Rental. The price for 3 hours is 32€, or you can rent it for 1 day at 55€.

8. Go sledging in Rovaniemi!

For a fun and unique winter activity, try sledging in Rovaniemi. The snowy landscapes of Lapland make for the perfect sledging experience. Some guesthouses offer sledges, and you can also rent one from companies like Santasport Equipment Rental.

Where to stay in Rovaniemi?

There are plenty of options for accommodation in Rovaniemi, from cozy guesthouses to luxury hotels. For a traditional and authentic experience, consider staying at a Finnish cottage or cabin. These can be found in the surrounding areas and offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

If you prefer to stay in the city center, there are several hotels and hostels available that cater to different budgets. Some popular options include Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus and Arctic Light Hotel.

You can also find traditional Finnish apartments on Airbnb. These apartments have their own kitchen for you to cook your own meals. Some even come with their own saunas.

Where to eat in Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi has a variety of restaurants and cafes to choose from, offering both traditional Finnish cuisine and international flavours.

Don’t forget to taste reindeer meat – it’s a delicious and popular delicacy in Lapland. You can enjoy it in dishes like reindeer stew or smoked reindeer.

For a unique dining experience, try the famous Snow Restaurant. The restaurant is made entirely of snow and ice, offering a truly one-of-a-kind meal.

Finally, don’t forget to warm up with some hot mulled wine or glögi, a traditional Finnish drink made with spices and red wine. It’s the perfect way to end a cold day of exploring in Rovaniemi.

When should I visit Rovaniemi?

The best time to experience the magical winter wonderland and participate in various winter activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledging is during the winter months, from December to the beginning of April.

Christmas and New Year time can be particularly busy, resulting in higher accommodation prices and limited availability. Therefore, it is advisable to book well in advance.

Typically, January and February are the coldest months of the year, with temperatures occasionally falling below -30 degrees Celsius.

Apart from the busy Christmas and New Year period, Finnish schools usually have winter holidays in mid to late February. During this time, there may be higher prices and potential challenges in finding accommodation.

How to get around in Rovaniemi?

The most convenient way to get around Rovaniemi is by renting a car or using public transportation. The city has a well-connected bus system that can take you to most major attractions. Taxis are also available but can be quite expensive.

The city center of Rovaniemi is small, so you can easily explore it on foot.

How long to stay in Rovaniemi?

The duration of your stay in Rovaniemi depends on your travel preferences and the activities you want to do. A typical visit can range from 2-3 days to a week.

If you want to experience the full range of winter activities and explore nearby areas, we recommend staying for at least 5 days.

How to get to Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi has its own airport, located only 10 minutes from the city center. Frequent flights are available from Helsinki.

You can also travel to Rovaniemi from Helsinki or nearby cities by train or bus. Train tickets are cheaper if booked in advance and their prices increase later. The train journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes approximately 8 to 12 hours.

You can rent a car in Helsinki and drive to Rovaniemi, which is approximately 830km away. The journey typically takes around 10-12 hours, depending on weather conditions and the need for stops along the way. Driving in winter can be challenging, especially if you’re not accustomed to it. That’s why we suggest flying to Rovaniemi and renting a car there.

Read more –> Exploring Finnish Lapland: An In-Depth Guide to Transportation