Rovaniemi Tourist Spot Guide

Rovaniemi is known as the 'official hometown of Santa Claus,' located in the Lapland region of northern Finland, and serves as a gateway to the Arctic Circle. Due to its snow and auroras in winter, and its midnight sun and pristine nature in summer, it attracts many travelers throughout the year.

Located about 8 km from the central part of Rovaniemi, it is a representative tourist spot of Rovaniemi where the Arctic Circle passes through. It features Santa Claus's office where you can meet Santa Claus all year round and Santa's post office, which is popular for sending letters to various countries and commemorative stamps. There are also souvenir shops and restaurants, and in winter, the area is enveloped in a magical atmosphere with illuminations.
This is the central facility of Santa Claus Village, where you can meet the real Santa Claus and take photos with him throughout the year. The facility offers a tour of Santa's office, making it extremely popular with families.
This is the official Santa Post Office located in Santa Claus Village, where letters addressed to Santa from all over the world are collected. You can send postcards and letters with a special Santa postmark, and there is also a service to have them delivered during the Christmas season.
A Santa Claus-themed park utilizing an underground cave, where you can enjoy elf (fairy) shows, ginger cookie-making experiences, and attractions similar to a mini amusement park. As an indoor facility, it is less affected by the weather and is particularly popular for family trips with young children.
Around Rovaniemi, there are chances to see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) typically from September to April. Many aurora tours depart from places away from city lights, allowing guests to enjoy photography under the guidance of professional guides. There are also accommodations specialized in aurora viewing, such as glass igloos, where you can enjoy stargazing from a warm indoor space or a cozy bed.
A museum and science center in Rovaniemi dedicated to the nature, culture, and history of the Arctic Circle. The building is characterized by its long glass corridor and provides insights into the environment and climate change of the Arctic, as well as the life and culture of the indigenous Sami people. In addition to its permanent exhibits, it also hosts special exhibitions, making it a recommended destination for travelers interested in understanding the Arctic region.
An interactive science center with the theme of forests and natural resources, located near the Arktikum. It provides opportunities to learn about timber use and forest conservation through interactive exhibits and games, making it enjoyable for both children and adults while also promoting environmental awareness.
A McDonald's located in the center of Rovaniemi, often talked about as one of the northernmost stores in the world. Its unique location as part of Santa Claus's town makes it a popular spot for tourists despite being a chain restaurant.
A collective name for dog sledding and reindeer sleigh experiences available around Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village. These are winter activities where you spend half a day to a full day exploring the nature of Lapland with huskies and reindeer across snowy fields. Most activities depart from dedicated farms or safari facilities and are guided for a safe experience.
A hilly area near the town of Rovaniemi with well-maintained ski slopes, snowboard courses, and sledding areas. In winter, it is also popular as a viewpoint to overlook the city, while in summer, hiking and mountain bike trails open up, making it a year-round outdoor destination.
An airport serving as the gateway to Rovaniemi, with domestic and international flights, including those from Helsinki. There are bus and Airport Express connections to the city center and Santa Claus Village, and during the winter season, the airport is decorated with themes that reflect the spirit of Santa Claus's town.