Best things to do in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi's Arctic Essentials

Rovaniemi serves as a hub for Arctic exploration, combining cultural institutions with northern wilderness. Key sites include the Arktikum, showcasing Arctic science and history, and the Korundi House of Culture, housed in a pre-war postal depot. The region's natural landscape is accessible via the Ounasvaara fells and the Auttiköngäs waterfall. As the official hometown of Santa Claus, the city features the Santa Claus Office and the underground SantaPark. Multiple observation towers provide vantage points for birdwatching and viewing the Aurora Borealis across the Kemijoki river valley.

Rovaniemi's Arctic Essentials — Map

Arktikum / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Arktikum - Museum and Arctic Science Centre

Arktikum is a museum and science centre in Rovaniemi, Finland. The building is also a popular culture destination and venue for meetings and…

B

Santa Claus Office

Located within Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle, this venue offers year-round opportunities to meet Santa Claus in his official reception room.

C

Santapark

An indoor Christmas theme park built inside a former air-raid shelter, featuring an ice gallery, elf school, and a train ride through the toy factory.

D

Ounasvaara

A prominent fell overlooking Rovaniemi, offering year-round outdoor activities including downhill skiing, mountain biking trails, and a summer sled track.

Rovaniemen taidemuseo / Arto Liiti / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Korundi - House of Culture

Housed in a renovated 1930s post bus depot, this venue contains the Rovaniemi Art Museum and serves as the home of the Lapland Chamber Orchestra.

Tiedekeskus Pilke / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Science Centre Pilke

An interactive exhibition space focused on the sustainable use of northern forests, located in a distinctive wooden building adjacent to Arktikum.

SeppVei / Public domain

G

Pirttikoski

A major hydroelectric power plant on the Kemijoki river, featuring an underground powerhouse and a significant dam structure.

H

Grill food Alakunnas

Local fast-food establishment specializing in Finnish-style burgers, kebabs, and pizzas.

I

Auttiköngäs

A 16-meter high waterfall and nature reserve featuring a 3.5-kilometer hiking trail and a historic log-driving flume used for timber transport.

J

Paavalniemi lintutorni

A wooden birdwatching tower situated on the southern bank of the Kemijoki river, providing views of the local wetlands and migratory bird species.

K

Lehtojärvi lintutorni

Observation tower located on the shore of Lake Lehtojärvi, used for birdwatching and viewing the northern lights away from city lights.

L

Vaattunkivaara näkötorni

A wooden observation tower located within the Arctic Circle Hiking Area, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mire landscape and old-growth forests.

M

Lintutorni

A birdwatching tower located in the Koivusaari nature trail area, offering views of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki river confluence.

Other Lists

Lakes and Ponds Panoramic Viewpoints Wilderness Huts & Cabins Notable Religious Sites