Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is most famous as the home of Santa Claus. But it is not just a winter destination stunning national parks and Lappish culture make it a fun-filled destination for all seasons. Ski down pristine slopes in winter or stroll between museums in summer.
Wander around the town center, which is designed to resemble the shape of a reindeer’s head. Most of the buildings in town were reconstructed by visionary architect Alvar Aalto after the city was largely destroyed in 1944 during World War II.
Browse the city’s many museums. Arktikum, an iconic building with a glass-tube roof, hosts the Regional Museum of Lapland and the Arctic Science Centre. Watch concerts and admire traditional Finnish craftsmanship in the Korundi House of Culture.
Drive to the village of Luosto to explore an amethyst mine. Trek through the woods, where 400-year-old pine trees change color throughout the seasons.
Enjoy snow sports in the surrounding countryside, which is covered in snow for around 6 months each year. Plummet down the slopes of the ski resort in Pyhätunturi or try snowshoe expeditions in Pyhä-Luosto National Park.
Feel the chill of buildings carved from ice. Dine on Finnish cuisine in the Arctic Snowhotel Ice Restaurant or stroll around the frozen fort at the KemiSnow Castle.
In summer, these landscapes are utterly transformed and the sun often stays up throughout the night. Take a safari through green woodland and hike along the Kätkävaara Nature Path. Look for moose hiding among the trees.
Fly into Rovaniemi Airport from Helsinki or take a train from any nearby town. Both flight and train services run daily throughout the year.
Typical temperatures in winter drop to well below freezing, whereas spring brings slightly warmer days to the snow-covered landscape. Visit Rovaniemi in summer to experience 24 hours of daylight or come in fall to see the woodland’s rich autumnal colors. Meet the town’s most famous resident on any day of the year at the Santa Claus Village, where the beloved bearded gift-giver lives.
