Rovaniemi

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About Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, in northern Finland. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, today it’s a modern city known for being the "official" home town of Santa Claus, and for viewing the Northern Lights. It’s home to Arktikum, a museum and science center exploring the Arctic region and the history of Finnish Lapland. The Science Centre Pilke features interactive exhibits on northern forests. The Korundi House of Culture contains the Rovaniemi Art Museum, which displays contemporary Finnish works. Northeast of the city is the Santa Claus Village, a year-round family attraction featuring Santa and his elves, plus shops and an igloo hotel. Nearby, Santa Park is a theme park set in a large cavern with a toy factory, elf school, and ice sculpture gallery. In winter, Rovaniemi is a base for snowmobiling, trips to husky dog farms, and rides on reindeer-drawn sleds. East of the city, the Ounasvaara ski resort offers downhill skiing and cross-country trails.

TOP SIGHTS

Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village is an amusement park in Rovaniemi in the Lapland region of Finland and the official hometown of Santa Claus. You can enjoy at the museum about the history and evolution of snowmobiles in the Arctic areas. A Santa Claus's Office is located inside the main building of the Village, for visitors to take photographs and chat with Santa Claus. However, there is an "office hour" for Santa Claus.

Oulanka National Park

Oulanka National Park is a national park in the Northern Ostrobothnia and Lapland regions of Finland. Oulanka National Park is a unique and versatile combination of northern, southern, and eastern nature. The landscape is made up of pine forests, river valleys with sandy banks and rapids, and in the north of vast mires. It has a unique river ecosystem and is an example of an untouched and unlogged boreal forest, close to the arctic circle, which is protected by the World Wide Fund for Nature from intensive reindeer herding.

Arktikum

Arktikum is a museum and science centre in Rovaniemi. Two separate exhibitions operate at Arktikum, the Arctic Center, and the Provincial Museum of Lapland. The exhibitions at the Provincial Museum of Lapland and the Arctic Center examine culture, history, and modern life in the Arctic. Concepts such as human life in tune with nature are explored in depth. There are also temporary exhibitions in Arktikum.

Pyhä-Luosto National Park

Pyhä-Luosto National Park is located only 90 minutes away from the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi. You can enjoy the versatile scenery and Finland's most valuable nature by hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, or however you like to appreciate nature and the arctic light. The area has many functions; it is for conserving nature, preserving indigenous people's culture, and serving as a destination for hiking and tourism.

Riisitunturi National Park

Riisitunturi National Park is a national park in Posio, Finnish Lapland. The park is in a mountainous area, and there are also many swamps, especially hillside swamps. The only wilderness hut in the park is located near the twin-peak of Riisitunturi at 1,527 feet.

Santa Claus' Main Post Office

Santa Claus' Main Post Office is a tourist destination in Santa Claus Village in the Arctic Circle, about 8 kilometers north of Rovaniemi. It is the only official Santa Claus Post Office and part of the Finnish postal services. It is open all year and visitors from around the world are welcomed by Christmas-dressed postal elves. Each letter, card, and parcel mailed at Santa Claus’ Main Post Office is franked with a special postmark and stamp.

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is Finland’s third-largest national park and it covers an area of 1,020 square kilometers. The landscape of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is dominated by a chain of fells stretching for approximately 100 km and the taiga forests in the boreal forest zone. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park has dozens of different trails for hiking and skiing that are suitable for people looking for different levels of difficulty. The trails provide a great chance to see the diverse nature of the national park.

Ounasvaara Ski Oy

Ounasvaara Ski Resort is located in the centre of the city of Rovaniemi. From the Northern side of Ounasvaara mountain, you’ll find a modern Outdoor resort where you can downhill ski, snowboard, or ski while enjoying the international atmosphere. Ounasvaara’s slopes are suitable for both beginners and professionals.

Lordi's Square

Lordi's Square is a square in central Rovaniemi, Finland. Next to the square is located a shopping center called Sampokeskus and a small boulevard. The square is especially popular in summer as a place to host various events.

Auttiköngäs

Auttiköngäs is a forested canyon with one of Finland’s most magnificent waterfalls. Auttiköngäs is enjoyable all year. In winter, go snowshoeing, in summer, enjoy a break in a cozy cottage cafe. The clearly marked 3.5-kilometer nature trail is ideal for a family day out. Take a break at the campfire site by the River Auttijoki lean-to-shelter.