Rovaniemi holidays

How to reach Rovaniemi

Flight time: Flights to Rovaniemi from London and other major UK airports typically take around 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours, but longer if with a stopover in Helsinki. There are more flights available during the winter season when demand is highest. It is also possible to arrive by train or bus from places like Helsinki.

Transfer time: Once you arrive at Rovaniemi Airport, the transfer time to the city centre is about 10 to 15 minutes. The most common means of transport are airport shuttles and taxis, both offering quick and convenient travel.

Price:

• The airport shuttle bus costs €8 per person for a one-way ticket.

• A taxi ride to the city centre will set you back approximately €25–€30.

Weather and best time to visit Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi offers unique experiences year-round, each season bringing its own charm and activities. Here's a breakdown to help you decide the best time for your Rovaniemi holidays:

• December to February is the peak season, especially for those wanting to experience a winter wonderland and meet Santa Claus. Temperatures range from -15°C to -5°C, with plenty of snow and around 3 hours of daylight. It's the best time for activities like snowmobiling, husky sledding and witnessing the Northern Lights.

• March to May offers a quieter time with temperatures slowly rising from -10°C to 5°C. Snow is still present in March, making it ideal for late-season winter sports. By May, the snow melts and the landscape transitions into spring.

• June to August is Rovaniemi's summer season, perfect for those who enjoy milder weather and outdoor activities. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, with up to 19 hours of daylight. It's a great time for hiking, fishing and exploring the natural beauty of Lapland.

• September to November offers a mix of colourful foliage and the first signs of winter. Temperatures drop from 10°C to -5°C, with increasing chances of snow by November. This shoulder season is less crowded and offers a peaceful experience.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Finnish and Swedish are the official languages, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Finns tend to be warm and welcoming, but also value their privacy and personal space. It's polite to remove your shoes when entering someone's home, and saunas have their own etiquette to know before visiting.

• Currency: The currency in Finland is the euro (€). ATMs are widely available, and credit or debit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

• Getting around: The centre of Rovaniemi is easy to get around on foot or bike, while there is a good public transport system, with buses covering the city and surrounding areas. A single ticket costs from €3.60, and tickets can be purchased via the Matkahuolto app or at ticket machines.

• Electricity and plug types: Finland uses the standard European 220V plugs with two round pins (type C or F). UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Helsinki is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of GMT, and follows daylight saving time in the summer.

Best things to do in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, is a magical destination in Finnish Lapland in the far north of the country. As well as meeting Santa at any time of year, the wide range of outdoor activities offered in both winter and summer provide memorable holidays. Here’s a roundup of the top sights and activities you can enjoy on your holidays to Rovaniemi:

Museums

• Arktikum Museum: For an insight into the culture of Lapland and the history of the region, this museum’s displays in the "Northern Means" and "Arctic Centre" permanent exhibits are engaging and fascinating.

• Forestry Museum of Lapland: With more to see than the name might suggest, the guided tours around this collection of historic buildings explain the importance of logging and the forests to this part of Finland.

Day trips in the area

• Korouoma Canyon: A bit further afield, this stunning natural canyon offers excellent hiking trails and breathtaking views, particularly during the autumn foliage season.

• Kemijärvi: Just over a one-hour drive or train ride away, this lakeside town offers a peaceful contrast to the more commercial Rovaniemi. After strolling around the quiet centre, head out onto Lake Kemijärvi on a rowing boat.

Activities for families in Rovaniemi

A popular destination for families in the winter, Rovaniemi actually offers a range of activities year-round that will delight children and adults alike.

• Santa Claus Village: Whether in winter or summer, this magical village is where you can meet Santa. Located in the Arctic Circle, it’s home to the Santa Claus Main Post Office, souvenir shops and restaurants, and there are husky or reindeer sleigh rides. There’s also a reindeer farm to visit and snowmobiling to enjoy.

• Ranua Wildlife Park: This wildlife park an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi offers the chance to see 50 species of arctic animals, including a polar bear, lynxes and reindeer. It’s an educational and fun experience for kids.

Wellness in Rovaniemi

• Saunas: Experience the quintessential Finnish ritual of sauna, which is deeply embedded in the local culture and believed to have numerous health benefits. Many local options offer a traditional sauna experience accompanied by a refreshing dip in an icy plunge pool or nearby river.

Nature and outdoor activities

• National parks: Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the beautiful Pyhä-Luosto National Park, located about 90 minutes from Rovaniemi, with rugged fells, ancient forests, unique geological formations and excellent hiking trails.

• Watersports: The rivers and lakes around Rovaniemi are perfect for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Rent equipment or take a tour from local providers for a paddle through the tranquil scenery.

• Adventure activities: For a thrilling experience, try snowmobiling through the snowy landscapes of Lapland. Guided tours are available, providing you with an exciting way to explore the Arctic wilderness. In summer, you can go river rafting or take part in a husky safari.

• Fishing: The rivers around Rovaniemi are teeming with fish, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. Join a guided fishing tour to learn about local techniques, and try your luck at catching species like salmon, trout and grayling.

• Ice swimming: For the brave hearted, ice swimming is a unique and invigorating activity. Join locals at places like Ounasvaara for a dip in the icy waters, followed by a warming sauna session.

• Hiking: Rovaniemi offers numerous hiking trails that cater to all levels of experience. The Ounasvaara Nature Trail, just 3km to the east, is particularly popular, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. In autumn, the vibrant foliage makes for an especially picturesque hike.

• Aurora hunting: Rovaniemi is one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights. Join an aurora-hunting tour, where experienced guides will take you to prime viewing spots and share insights about this natural phenomenon. For a more adventurous experience, try an aurora snowmobile safari or a night-time reindeer sleigh ride.

Local dishes in Rovaniemi

One of the great delights of holidays to Rovaniemi is sampling Finnish cuisine, including the unique local flavours of Lapland. Here’s what to look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Karjalan Piirakka: Traditional Karelian pastries, made from a thin rye crust filled with rice porridge and sometimes boiled eggs and butter.

• Kalakukko: A chunky bread from the region around Kuopio, typically with whitefish baked inside, or sometimes pork.

• Hernekeitto: A thick pea soup traditionally eaten on Thursdays, served with mustard and black rye bread.

Meat dishes

• Poronkäristys: Sautéed reindeer is a Finnish speciality from the northern Sápmi region, often served with potatoes and sauces.

• Lihapullat: Finnish meatballs, similar to the Swedish variety, usually eaten with creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Lohikeitto: A creamy salmon soup made with potatoes, carrots, leeks and dill. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days.

• Silakkapihvit: Fried Baltic herring fillets, typically served with mashed potatoes and a slice of rye bread.

Sweets and desserts

• Runebergintorttu: A cylindrical pastry flavoured with almonds and rum, topped with raspberry jam and icing. It’s traditionally eaten on Runeberg Day in early February.

• Pulla: Cardamom-spiced sweet bread, often enjoyed with coffee. Variants include cinnamon rolls (Korvapuusti) and braided loaves (Pitko).

• Mustikkapiirakka: A blueberry pie that’s a favourite summer treat, often made with a simple crust and filled with fresh wild blueberries.

Local drinks

• Lonkero: Also known as “long drink”, this refreshing drink is made with gin and grapefruit soda – a Finnish favourite.

• Sahti: A traditional Finnish beer, often home-brewed, with a unique flavour from juniper berries.

• Koskenkorva: A popular, rough Finnish vodka that’s enjoyed neat or used as a base for various cocktails.