Arctic Circle in Lapland Finland
Where the arctic magic begins
Rovaniemi is the Arctic Capital, situated on the Arctic Circle. Only here one can experience the magnificent Northern Lights, the golden Midnight Sun at the summer, Polar Nights at wintertime and the magic of Santa Claus.
What Is the Arctic Circle?
What Is the Arctic Circle?
The Arctic Circle is a circle of latitude that runs 66°33′45.9″ north of the Equator. It marks the southernmost latitude where the sun can stay continuously below or above the horizon for 24 hours – these phenomena are known as the Midnight Sun in the summer and the Polar Night in the winter.
Arctic Circle equals Stress-Free Zone
Arctic Circle equals Stress-Free Zone
Many consider the Arctic Circle to be the border of happiness and carefree moments. This is where there’s space to breathe some of the cleanest air in the world with ease and let yourself completely unwind. Exploring Rovaniemi and its surroundings certainly strengthens the myth. Everywhere you look you’ll find the soothing natural beauties of the Arctic. Everything in nearby and with easy access, and everywhere you go, you are welcomed and taken care of.
The line of the Arctic Circle is clearly marked in Santa Claus Village
Cross the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi
Cross the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi
You can cross the Arctic Circle effortlessly simply by landing in Rovaniemi airport, or with more creative ways. Many visitors have fun crossing the Arctic Circle in Santa Claus Village – where it is clearly marked on the ground – and even acquire a certificate confirming the deed. A variety of activity tours in Rovaniemi cross the Arctic Circle at some point, meaning one can cross the line on a snowmobile, a husky sled or in a reindeer sleigh – only your imagination is the limit.
During the Christmas time you can cross the Arctic Circle line underground in 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!