Northern Lights dancing over Rovaniemi city centre in Lapland, Finland.

Rovaniemi city break

Rovaniemi is the magical Arctic Capital and the Official Hometown of Santa Claus. This vibrant yet laid back city has some unique Arctic city vibes: one can admire the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights from town, and sometimes some of the area’s 12.000 reindeer stop by the city center, too.

Rovaniemi city pictured from above in winter scenery with snow and ice. Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Alvar Aalto over his design, the Rovaniemi Administrative Centre (left), and the Reindeer Antler Town Plan (right) in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Architecture in Rovaniemi is relatively modern, as most of the city was destroyed in the Second World War. Today some of the most remarkable architectural sights include Science Center Arktikum and Korundi House of Culture as well as the visionary structures designed by Alvar Aalto, a renowned Finnish architect.

Did you know? The city plan of Rovaniemi is called Reindeer Antler Plan by Alvar Aalto, due to the shape of the plan. It resembles a reindeer’s head with antlers.

Alvar Aalto Architecture in Rovaniemi

Arktikum Museum during sunset in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Rovaniemi is home to three impressive culture and science centres: Arktikum Science Center and Museum, Korundi House of Culture, and Science Center Pilke. Experience exhibitions that portray the history, way of life, and contemporary art in the Arctic. All the buildings are worth a visit for their architecture alone.

Did you know? To combine a visit for all of these, check out the Culture Pass, a 7-day multi-entry access pass.

Culture Pass Rovaniemi cultural attractions

Lumberjack's candle bridge during early winter in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

For a city walk one can enjoy a stroll through the centre and see some of the city’s landmarks. Walking along the riverbank you’ll see the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge from close range, maybe you’ll visit the Rovaniemi church or observe the Rovaniemi Theatre building.

Sights and attractions

Tips

Alvar Aalto Architecture in Rovaniemi

Tips

Arctic Capital Architecture

Love

Rovaniemi combines the northern nature with urban surroundings, self-confident localness and open-minded internationality. Rovaniemi is also the Official Hometown of Santa Claus®.

Arctic Capital

Rovaniemi is a vibrant, upbeat city, and the shopping opportunities are surprisingly wide. From small boutiques to shopping centers one can fulfill all their shopping needs in Rovaniemi. There are 3 major shopping centers located in the city center within walking distance from hotels in the city.

Shopping

Dinner setting in a glass igloo in Gustav restaurant in the city centre of Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland.

In Rovaniemi we have everything from award-winning fine dining to authentic, local cuisine. Whether it’s a traditional Lappish atmosphere or a European bistro vibe you’re looking for, you’re good to go. There’s no denying: foodies in Rovaniemi have it made!

Eat and drink

Drinks in Loft Cafe at the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Rovaniemi’s numerous cute cafés are there to cater to your caffeine cravings. Going for drinks is a delight, as Rovaniemi has pubs, bar, and wine bars to choose from.

Cafes Bars and nightclubs

Couple sleeping in a hotel in Rovaniemi, Lapland.

From a day in the city to a goodnights sleep. There are numerous comfortable and attractive city center hotel options to choose from in Rovaniemi. We have comfortable, classic hotels with restaurants and a wide selection of services as well as small design hotels with privacy and attention to detail.

Stay

A boy in Valdemari restaurant watching over to Kemijoki during summer in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Three persons sitting on a beach having a break from SUP boarding in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland during summer.

Want to try out kayaking or paddle boarding? Maybe explore the cycling trails or go alpine skiing on Ounasvaara? Get your equipment in the rental companies in Rovaniemi. Renting gear is a hassle-free way to get the most out of your sporty outdoor day in town or the nature around.

Most safari companies also offer transportation from the city center, so while you’ll be staying in town, you can easily take part in organised tours and excursions.

People outdoors at lean-to enjoying winter and snow in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

When you’re spending time Rovaniemi center, the Arctic nature is just around the corner, literally.

For an outdoorsy day from close to center, we recommend visiting the Arctic garden of Arktikum Arboretum on the grounds of Science Center Arktikum, Koivusaari nature trail or Ounasvaara outdoor area with versatile hiking and cycling trails.

Nature trails in Rovaniemi

People visiting Sieriporo Reindeer farm during summer and enjoying the fireplace in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Rovaniemi is compact, fun, and childproof. Spending a day in Rovaniemi with kids is a blast, the only problem is to choose which of the exciting activities to go for. There’s indoor climbing, a floating water park for playful summer days, a wild indoor activity park, and of course loads of possibilities to do sports in the Arctic scenery – any time of the year!

For added comfort for families, Loopiloo offers playground and babysitting services in Rovaniemi center.

Rovaniemi with kids