Santa Claus’ “home” village, like the pun, is an exact geographical location. Well, yes: the bearded fictional character who brings gifts to children was, according to tradition, born in Rovaniemi. This village in Lapland, northern Finland, is famous for Santa Claus, but also for another reason, namely the wonderful Northern Lights that can be admired in the winter months. Adding the lights of the aurora borealis with the lights of the Christmas markets and the Santa Claus Village attractions, the result is a festive and colorful show that makes the Finnish city adorable, especially during the darkest time of the year. There is no better time to visit!
Itinerary in Rovaniemi, Northern Finland
Map
Way
In the cold Finnish winter, the best advice is to travel on the main expressways and not to venture on the less frequented ones, which pose a greater risk of ice. The route to follow corresponds to state road 4 (the main one in Finland that connects the capital Helsinki) touches Oulu, rises to Kemi, and then continues to Rovaniemi – where it passes the Arctic Circle.
All the must-see attractions in Rovaniemi
Sleigh pulled by reindeer in Santa Claus Village
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and in winter it has very low temperatures that can drop to -30 degrees. It is mandatory to wear warm clothes. However, the holiday season corresponds to the time of the year when the city has a special charm, both by being home to the famous Santa Claus village with Christmas markets and by being able to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Santa Claus village
8 km from Rovaniemi there is a large village of Santa Claus amusement park which is considered the “official” residence of Santa Claus. It is possible to meet him “in person” (or rather meet an actor impersonating him!), visit his studio, and see the post office, where letters from children from all over the world go. It is open all year round; admission is free, but each attraction open to visitors comes at a price – adding many of them can be quite expensive. Geographically, the Arctic Circle passes through the village: the exact point is marked with a line.
Northern lights in winter
One of the most beautiful things you can do in Finland in winter is watch the Northern lights. It is seen in areas near the North Pole, such as Rovaniemi. It occurs all year round but is only visible after dark, so there is no better time than autumn and winter when the arctic night lasts practically all day. The best time is from 9 pm to midnight. There are also “glass igloos” structures (such as the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, even a hotel built out of ice) where you can spend the night watching the “queen of the skies” show; the prices of these experiences start from 300 euros.
Cultural attractions of Rovaniemi
In addition to Christmas fun and the spectacle of the sky, there is also culture in Rovaniemi: Arctic Museum, located in an impressive palace, is a museum that traces the history and culture of Lapland from prehistoric times to the present day (Pohjoisranta 4, 96200 Rovaniemi, entrance €13). Arktikum is near Pilk’s house (Ounasjoentie 6, 96200 Rovaniemi, entrance €7), a science center with an interactive and immersive educational museum that shows through a sensory journey how Nordic forests can be used in an ecologically sustainable way. The building itself is built using low-carbon technologies and materials.
Will you go to see Rovaniemi with its Christmas attractions or stay in our area and visit the best Italian Christmas markets? Whatever you choose, TrueRiders wishes you a Happy Holidays!
Aurora Borealis in Rovaniemi, Lapland
