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Rovaniemi

Located in the beating heart of Lapland, Rovaniemi is the region’s cosmopolitan capital. The city comes alive during the festive season with no shortage of magic and colour to illuminate the surrounding frozen landscape. Rovaniemi offers a fantastic first taste of what to expect when you arrive in Lapland, with its vibrant and festive atmosphere and welcoming locals.    

As the administrative capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is regarded as the home of Santa Claus, with the twinkling lights of Santa Claus Village a short journey from the city centre. It is bustling with festive fun during the winter months.

From Rovaniemi Airport it is just a short transfer to the city centre where you will find an abundance of hotels, shops, café bars and restaurants. Santa Claus Village, which is located a short drive north of the city, is bursting with festive sparkle as guests arrive to visit Santa Claus, send mail to loved ones from the official Santa Claus Post Office and to enjoy the magical lights that decorate every inch of the village. A special string of bright blue lights stretching across the village mark the exact position of the Arctic Circle.

There is no shortage of festive activities in and around Rovaniemi. Of course, the main highlight of any family holiday to Lapland is to meet Santa Claus. All visits to meet Santa take place outside of the city in locations such as Santa Park, Santa Claus Village or Joulukka – Santa Claus’ Secret Forest, all within a reachable distance from Rovaniemi. If time allows during your visit to Lapland, the Arktikum Museum and Science Centre offers a unique insight into the nature and the culture of the North, from prehistoric times to looking towards the future. 

Rovaniemi Highlights

  • World famous Santa Claus Village (open year-round
  • Santa Claus Post Office
  • Arktikum Museum and Science centre