Situated on the very edges of the Arctic Circle, this intriguing city benefits from crisp white snow for at least half the year, while during the summer the sun barely sets or the nights are white.
As a result the activities never stop, so you have plenty of time to really get to know and experience this unique destination.
Explore the Santa Claus Village
Both kids and adults alike will love experiencing the true magic of Christmas, whatever time of year you visit. This is Santa’s hometown – and you’ll find him right here in the Santa Claus Village.
As well as meeting Father Christmas and telling him what presents you are hoping for this year, you can also see the post office where all the letters arrive from across the world.
It is here that you can cross the Arctic Circle and purchase a certificate as a memento, as well as gifts from the festive-themed shops. To top it all off, you can hop on a snowmobile safari and pass through the snow-covered forest.
Stay in an igloo or snow hotel
There aren’t many places in the world that enable you to stay in an igloo or snow hotel, so this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss while you are in Finland.
The Arctic SnowHotel in nearby Sinettä enables you to sleep on a bed made of snow and ice, and is carved to look different every year. Alternatively, stay in one of the glass igloos and fall asleep under the stars. If you are lucky, you may even see the Northern Lights from your bed.
See the Northern Lights
Speaking of which, Finland is one of the best places to see the magnificent Northern Lights.
They are a natural phenomenon, and it can’t be guaranteed that you’ll spot them, but you have an incredibly high chance here in Rovaniemi. They can be seen for around 150 nights every year.
If you are keen to see the captivating colors light up the sky, then make sure you plan your trip sometime between August and April. If they appear, it will usually be between 10pm and 2am. There are even guided tours that will take you on a hunt to discover the lights. Alternatively, if you are looking for them under your own steam, the city’s Arctic Garden is a great place to try.
Meet the huskies and reindeer
You won’t be flying through the sky in a sleigh pulled by reindeer – that’s just for Santa. But you can experience the next best thing with these magnificent creatures, as they pull you on a sleigh through the snow. Reindeer are intrinsically linked with this part of the world, and you won’t want to leave without meeting them.
Meanwhile, dog lovers can get the chance to meet not only Siberian Huskies but their puppies too. Once you have spent some time with the dogs at the Arctic Circle Husky Park and taken photos, you can also enjoy a short sleigh ride. If you would like to go on a longer one, you can reserve this in advance.
Collect your rental car from Rovaniemi, explore every corner of Santa’s hometown and get into the Christmas spirit, when you visit this magical destination.