Arctic Circle in Lapland, Finland
Where Arctic magic begins
Welcome to Rovaniemi, the Arctic Capital, located on the Arctic Circle. Here, you can experience the magnificent Northern Lights, the golden Midnight Sun in summer, the mysterious Polar Night in winter, and the magic of Santa Claus all year round.
What Is the Arctic Circle?
What Is the Arctic Circle?
The Arctic Circle is a circle of latitude located at approximately 66°33′46″ north of the Equator. It marks the southernmost latitude where the Sun can remain continuously below or above the horizon for 24 hours. These phenomena are known as the Midnight Sun in summer and the Polar Night in winter.
Arctic Circle Equals a Stress-Free Zone
Arctic Circle Equals a Stress-Free Zone
There is something special about being on the Arctic Circle. In Rovaniemi, Arctic nature is always close, yet the city has everything you need for a memorable stay. You can fill your days with adventures, explore the surrounding landscapes, or simply enjoy the scenery along the way.
Perhaps that is what makes the Arctic Circle feel so effortless: you do not have to choose between the comforts of a city and the beauty of nature. In Rovaniemi, they exist side by side. Adventure is close, nature is everywhere, and there is always another way to experience the Arctic.
At Santa Claus Village, you can see the Arctic Cicle clearly marked on the ground
Cross the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi
Cross the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi
You can cross the Arctic Circle simply by landing at Rovaniemi Airport, or in more creative ways. Many visitors choose to cross the Arctic Circle at Santa Claus Village, where the line is clearly marked on the ground. You can also check out the live webcam at the Arctic Circle and see what is happening at the location in real time, or even get an Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate to commemorate the occasion.
For those looking to make the experience part of an Arctic adventure, there are plenty of creative ways to cross the line. Depending on the season, you can cross the Arctic Circle on a snowmobile, behind a team of huskies or in a reindeer sleigh. In Rovaniemi, crossing the Arctic Circle can be much more than simply taking a step – it can be part of an unforgettable Arctic experience.
During the Christmas season, you can even cross the Arctic Circle underground at SantaPark
More Things to Love about Rovaniemi
Arctic Capital
Rovaniemi combines the northern nature with urban surroundings, self-confident localness and open-minded internationality. Rovaniemi is also the Official Hometown of Santa Claus®.
Santa Claus
There’s no place like Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, for genuine Christmas experiences. See here for some Rovaniemi Christmas magic.
Sustainable Rovaniemi
The local companies have been joining forces for Sustainable Travel Finland trademark that offers a concrete toolkit for travel destinations to help Finland’s travel destinations to adopt sustainable procedures and to make sustainable choices in their business.
Northern Lights
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Rovaniemi. Find out viewing spots, times and more here.
Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun, the nightless night or polar day – can be seen only here in Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle or above. From early June until early July, and nights are white throughout the summer. See more here.
Polar Night
Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.
Snow and Ice
For many, Lapland is synonymous with snow. In Rovaniemi, there’s white stuff on the ground for approximately six months of the year. Find out more here!
Autumn Colours
When bright arctic summer ends and nature is preparing for winter at the Arctic Circle, we are enchanted by the changing colors of the season. In Rovaniemi this amazing nature’s display is at its best in September when trees and ground is covered with spectacular colours. Get your cameras out and head to nature!