When we found cheap air tickets to Finland on the internet, we went to Rovaniemi on the Arctic circle. You might say that there is not much to see there. Yes, there is a lot of snow and very cold climate. It’s hard to imagine what to do there especially in winter when there’s light for only a few hours a day. In spite of that, you can find interesting things to do in Rovaniemi, which you won’t find everywhere.
Santa’s village in Rovaniemi
Entrance fee: free (a picture or a video with Santa: 30-40 EUR)
Visiting Santa’s village in Rovaniemi is enjoyable for both kids and adults. Of course, the atmosphere is the most impressive before Christmas when there is a ceremonial opening, accompanied by a special Xmas program. The village is full of shops selling various Christmas souvenirs, and there is also a post office where you can, as Santa, send a postcard home. Santa’s house is standing right on the line which marks the Arctic Circle. If you want to meet Santa, it is for free. You will be offered to buy photographs or a video. Well, we didn’t resist.
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi has the incredible atmosphere
Official Santa Claus home right on arctic circle
A Visit To A Reindeer Farm – Konttaniemi Render Farm
Entrance fee: 17 EUR
Our visit to a reindeer farm not far away from Rovaniemi was completely unplanned but we were accepted hospitably. The owner showed us a smaller reindeer herd and we were allowed to feed and caress the animals. We learned many interesting things about those gorgeous animals, and about the life of the Finnish as well. An invitation for a tea in the local log cabin was included in the price; we got a chance to have a taste of traditional Christmas cookies there. The owner was very friendly and he was willing to chat with us, so we learned everything about a life in this country covered in snow.
The owner of reindeer farm in traditional clothes
Tom feeds begging reindeers
Husky Dog slide Ride – Huskypoint
Entrance fee: 35-90 EUR
There is a husky dog training center nearby Rovaniemi. A visit to the farm is not very cheap but it is definitely worth the money. When we entered, the whole farm started barking. We could cuddle with them, and then we were taken to the dog sleigh. The route was about 1 km long. But it was enough for us to have fun. In the end, they invited us to the log cabin where they served us tea and cookies. The guide started talking about the life of their dogs and their training and viewed us a really interesting video about this dog breed.
I recommend to rent a car at Rovaniemi airport for the whole time of your stay – you can check the prices at Skyscanner.com or Rentalcars.com. It is complicated to use public transport and it’s too expensive. We recommend visiting the farms on your own. It costs 90 EUR at least for a short visit when the visit is arranged through an agency, but when you go by car on your own, you’ll pay only 35 EUR for visit and 15 minutes ride.
Eva cuddle husky dogs
Husky sled in action
The Lapland Museum – Arktikum
Vstupné : 12 EUR
A visit to the Lapland museum in Rovaniemi, which is very interactive, offers a nice cultural experience. Its roof is made of glass so that you could watch northern lights, if they appear. We weren’t lucky enough to see it, as the cloudiness was high. If you are interested in the weather forecast, check this website, or you can download this app to your phone.
Besides various interesting exhibits, the museum offers movie rooms where you can watch beautiful pictures of nature and a recording of aforementioned northern lights too.
If you didn’t choose from our tips, check out Alternative travel tips for Lapland from another blogger.
Eva in muzeum of Lapland
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As a Finn who has only once visited Rovaniemi (in summertime) it is interesting to read foreigners experiences.
Prices seem to be high, happy you liked it. I have been hesitant about Santa’s village until now 🙂
Thank you. It is great appreciation for us especially from Finn 😉
When did you visited Rovaniemi? I will go on mid-November and it’s not sure there will be enought snow to do some winter activities. I have seen in your pictures, there were little snow.
Hi Mari, we were in Rovaniemi in the second half of November. It was heavy snowing and lot of snow around when we arrived. Unfortunately, the temperature raised and all the time was a bit above 0 C so most of the snow melted. Anyway, locals told us that usually there is much colder and more snow.
Thank you so much!! I will arrive to Rovaniemi on Novermber 16th… I hope there is enough snow!!