20 Fabulous Rovaniemi Attractions to See

Rovaniemi, popularly known as Santa Claus's hometown, is one of the most enchanting places in Finland and the bustling capital of Lapland. Nestled at the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi becomes a winter wonderland during the cold season. There is a myriad of Rovaniemi tourist attractions that are eye-catching and worth exploring.

During winter, every corner of this city is covered with heaps of snow, with temperatures dropping below freezing frequently. However, the snow-filled landscapes are worth admiring when it is Christmas time as the city ducked up with all the Christmas decorations and fairy lights.

Besides, the summertime is also the best time to visit as there are so many things to do in Rovaniemi. Be it hiking, cycling, or just strolling around the city, there is no dearth of adventures to unfold in Rovaniemi. If you are flying to Rovaniemi and wondering what is there to see & do, this post is for you. We have added every must-do thing below for you to note down:

1. Santa Claus Village

When we talk about Rovaniemi, the first thing that comes to our mind is Santa Claus. As Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa Claus, there is a chance you might meet Santa Claus. Santa Claus Village is one of the most magnificent places to visit in Rovaniemi. The moment you enter this place; all your Christmas imaginations will come to life.

Many things about this place are interesting that you should know. One is that there is a Santa Post Office, which remains open throughout the year. You can meet Santa’s reindeer and Santa & Mrs. Clause at their Christmas Cottage. Apart from meeting Santa Claus in real life, you can visit the souvenir shops to buy the beautiful souvenir for your home.

2. Northern Lights

Northern Lights is one of the most majestic Rovaniemi attractions to witness in Finnish Lapland. It is the home to the most attractive natural phenomenon, i.e., northern lights. If you are lucky, you can see the northern lights at any time of the year. However, the best times to see Aurora Borealis are during the fall and winter seasons.

Rovaniemi offers various ways to experience the northern lights, which include horse riding across the frozen lakes, staying in a snow hotel, taking a boat tour, or snowmobiling in the region. Witnessing the northern lights is one of the must-do activities in Rovaniemi.

3. Arktikum Museum

The Arktikum Museum, as the name suggests, has the largest collection of Arctic animals. It includes walruses, polar bears, reindeer, fish, musk oxen, arctic foxes, caribou, seals, and more. There are also over 200 species of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds, and invertebrates. The museum is all about northern culture and history. If you are holidaying in Rovaniemi, the Arktikum Museum is one of the best places to visit in Rovaniemi.

After exploring the museum, visitors can also visit the Arktikum Cafe and shop. You can taste delicious traditional cuisine and buy different artistic items.

4. Rovaniemi Art Museum

Rovaniemi Art Museum is one of the must-see attractions in the city. Nestled within the Korundi House of Culture, it is one of the most impressive Rovaniemi attractions to visit. The Museum exhibits the fantastic arts of both local and international artists. There are also annual exhibitions based on diverse themes like Nordic Nature or the North Wind.

The museum has no bound to offer the incredible artworks of different artists. You can explore various arts inspiring creativity and craft.

5. Ranua Wildlife Park

The Ranua Wildlife Park is an outdoor zoo. The zoo has various Arctic animals that can only be found near the Arctic Circle. There are more than 50 species of Arctic animals, including moose, lynx, polar bears, hares, otters, elk, reindeer, wolves, and many others. Ranua Wildlife Park is one of the popular Rovaniemi tourist attractions.

The polar bear and reindeer are the most famous resident of Ranua Wildlife Park. You can explore this park through a wild safari or camp at the park. Besides, there is also a restaurant that offers breakfast and lunch to tired visitors.

6. Glass Igloo

Glass Igloo is one of the most attractive Rovaniemi attractions. When you are in Rovaniemi, this is something you should not miss. The feeling of sleeping inside a glass-roofed igloo in Lapland is beyond spectacular. Imagine looking at the sky full of stars and getting to see the sky turning into a green phenomenon in no time. You can watch northern lights from the comfort of your bed in Rovaniemi.

There is an array of glass igloo hotels offering convenient and luxurious stays to travelers across the world. It is one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi during the winter season. This experience can only be felt during the cold months when the surrounding is filled with snow.

Know about: Best Things to Do in Finland

7. Snowman World

Have you ever heard about a Snowman World where you can enjoy snow rides and slides? We bet you have not! But Rovaniemi has everything you cannot even think of. Starting with ice skating, snow restaurants, ice bars, Cafe Ensilumi, snow carvings, ice sculptures, engaging shows, and thrilling rides, there's so much one can do here. Snowman World is one of the best places to visit in Rovaniemi.

It opens during the winter season only and welcomes visitors of all ages. It is a fantastic place to visit when you are with family and friends. If you are visiting Santa Claus Village, do not forget to visit Snowman World.

8. Santa Claus Express

Santa Claus Express is a local train that runs from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. Riding in this double-decker train is one of the must-do activities in Rovaniemi. It offers the breathtaking landscapes of Finland’s Northern European countryside. Most tourists choose to travel on Santa Claus Express during the late evening as it offers the most spectacular views of the passing surroundings in the morning.

The journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is 885 km long. Therefore, there are bunk beds available inside the train. If you take the night train, you will be blessed with a beautiful sunrise when you wake up from your sleep in the early morning.

Explore: Top Things to Do in Helsinki

9. Finnish Sauna

Sauna culture is the staple of life in Finland. It has been there for ages. Every home, apartment, and hotel has one sauna. Enjoying a Finnish sauna is one of the most rejuvenating things to do in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi has vast options available for you to try the Finnish sauna tradition. There is a specific process to follow for a sauna. For instance, you must plunge into the freezing water to cool off after finishing the sauna bath.

10. Korundi House of Culture

Korundi House of Culture is one of the best Rovaniemi attractions to explore. It depicts the local culture and history of the Rovaniemi. The Korundi house consists of the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland and the Rovaniemi Art Museum. There is a concert hall inside the Korundi House, hosting various events, and is home to the Lapland Chamber Orchestra.

If you like to indulge in the cultural and traditional experience of Rovaniemi, you must visit the Korundi House of Culture. It was built in 1942 and mostly offers exhibitions, concerts, and educational activities for tourists to immerse themselves.

11. Rovaniemi Local History Museum

The local history museum is one of the most visited Rovaniemi attractions if you want to learn about the city's deep-rooted history. Rovaniemi History Museum houses and displays diverse exhibits explaining the city’s history and traditions. Every exhibit tells about the farmer's and villager’s lives during the 19th and 20th centuries.

As you walk through the galleries, you will see farming machinery, equipment, cattle farming, reindeer farming, and much more. You can also reminisce history of Rovaniemi through a photo gallery.

12. Rovaniemi City Library

If you are a book lover and love to hop around libraries, the Rovaniemi City Library is one of the best places to visit in Rovaniemi. It was originally built in 1860 and was ruined during the Lapland War. Rovaniemi City Library was restored in 1968 with impeccable architecture and detailing.

As soon as you step inside the library, you will be welcomed with beautiful long hallways, airy spaces with large windows, and detailed designs. Here, you can see books of all kinds. If you want to read a book in silence, you can take a book and sit.

13. Korouma Frozen Waterfalls

One of the most spectacular Rovaniemi tourist attractions is Korouma Frozen Waterfalls. To witness the beauty of this waterfall, you have to hike through the largest natural parks. While hiking, you will see frozen lakes, icy canyons, and transparent-like frozen waterfalls. You will be surprised by many breathtaking landscapes with each step you take.

If you are lucky, you may spot a few local animals on your excursion. These animals can be arctic foxes, deer, golden eagles, etc. There are various Korouma Frozen Waterfalls day trips that you can take and enjoy the beauty of these up close.

14. Arctic Rivers

Arctic Rivers is one of the most beautiful Rovaniemi attractions. One of the things you can enjoy at Arctic Rivers is river rafting. It is an unforgettable and thrilling experience you must add to your bucket list of things to do. River rafting is a delightful, mind-opening, and brave adventure you should do in Rovaniemi.

One of the rivers where you can enjoy this experience is the Raudanjok River. This river never really freezes, not even in winter. The river is surrounded by lush wilderness, creating a surreal landscape to grasp while enjoying the thrill in the cold water of the Raudanjok River. River Rafting is one of the most heart-pounding things to do in Rovaniemi.

15. Aurora Cabin

Staying in an Aurora cabin is one of the must-do activities in Rovaniemi. These glass-roofed cabins are built to accommodate people who want to experience the aurora Borealis from the comfort of their beds. Imagine witnessing the northern lights dancing across the sky in front of you. Some must-try Aurora cabins are Arctic Snow Hotel, Pyhan Asteli, and Northern Lights Ranch.

If you are holidaying in Finland, spending a night in an Aurora cabin is one of the incredible things to do in Rovaniemi. A night here will offer you the best views of the northern lights as well as the wide night sky filled with stars, blessing your eyes with their sparkling lights.

Explore: Top Finland Attractions

16. Dog Sledding Tours

Dog-sledding is a must-do bucket-list experience in Rovaniemi. The city boasts various fascinating dog-sledding tours that tourists can enjoy. With miles of snow-filled lanes, frozen lakes, and snow-covered forests, Rovaniemi is a perfect choice for trying dog-sledding. Taking a dog-sledding tour is one of the best activities in Rovaniemi.

The best time to do a husky ride in Rovaniemi is from December to mid-April. Some famous dog-sledding tours include watching northern lights by a husky sled, visiting Santam Huskies & Reindeer farm, enjoying ice-fishing by a husky sled, and much more.

17. Finnish Food

The Finnish food in Rovaniemi is no less than an attraction. Rovaniemi is filled with cafes, restaurants, and street-side food stalls that offer mouthwatering food. The Lapland food culture is one of the Rovaniemi attractions. You will experience humble hospitality and authentic taste.

The Rovaniemi dishes are beyond comparison and can make your taste buds dance. With homemade recipes and so much fresh produce, Rovaniemi food tastes like heaven to gourmet hearts. Some most popular dishes to try in Rovaniemi are Salmon Soup, Cloudberries, Glogi, Sami Coffee, and Joulutorttu.

18. Adventure Park Huima

Adventure Park Huima is another most-visited Rovaniemi tourist attraction that offers you every kind of adventure here. From engaging in climbing ropes to sliding rides, net bridges, bowling, minigolf, pool, spa, and much more, Adventure Park Huima is an adventure-seekers paradise.

If you are vacationing with your family in Rovaniemi, Adventure Park is one of the best places to visit. There are different types of adventures for various age groups. The Adventure park remains open from Spring to the end of September.

19. Ounasvaara Hiking Trail

Hiking through the Ounasvaara hiking trail is one of the top things to do in Rovaniemi. The starting point of this beautiful trail is 3 km away from the city center. Ounasvaara trail is a perfect hiking spot during the summer months and an ideal place to indulge in winter sports during the cold months.

After getting to the top, your heart will be blessed with some awe-inspiring landscapes worth capturing. The view from here is worth every step you take to be at the top.

20. Oliver’s Corner

Oliver’s Corner is one of the stunning places to visit in Rovaniemi to enjoy the city’s nightlife. There’s no doubt about the fact that Rovaniemi offers the best night scenes for you to indulge in. Whether you want to grab a glass of wine, dance your heart away, or even sing out loud, Rovaniemi is the best place to relish the nightlife.

Oliver’s Corner is a famous bar that offers a variety of beers and live performances. Also, there is a big screen for live sports broadcasting. You can watch your favorite sport with a beer bottle and a bunch of your friends.

Know More: Best Cities in Finland You Must Visit

Head for a Rovaniemi Holiday with Dook International!

Rovaniemi is full of things you have never seen or done before. Every landscape of this amazing city has something to offer to its tourists. Whether it is staying in a glass hotel, seeing the sky dancing in green hues, or enjoying Finnish food, Rovaniemi has so much to offer.

Are you looking to plan a holiday to Rovaniemi? If yes, Dook International is here to facilitate your travel. Dook takes care of everything from arranging visas to booking accommodation and reserving flights. So, go to our official website and pick the Finland holiday package that matches your budget and personalize it according to your travel preferences.

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