The 12 best things to do in Rovaniemi

What is it? Arktikum houses the University of Lapland’s Arctic Centre and the Regional Museum of Lapland. The new exhibition opened in December 2024, Vastakohtien arktis, Arctic of Contrasts, explores northern seasons, climate change and the aurora borealis.

Why go? The striking entrance catches the eye as you descend the stairs; inside, a beautiful glass-roofed corridor leads to a world of discovery on both sides. Give yourself time and energy here – you’ll learn a lot. You can wander at your own pace, soaking up history and science like a sponge, or simply enjoy the visually engaging displays without reading every panel. The new permanent science exhibition was four years in the making, and it shows: there’s even a northern lights guarantee via a giant touchscreen where you can choreograph your own night-sky display.

Don't miss: Guided tours and public introductions are held regularly.

Address: Pohjoisranta 4

Opening hours: Exhibitions and shop Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00; cafe Mon 11:00–14:00, Tue–Fri 11:00–16:00

Price: Standard ticket €20; under-15s €5

What is it? This Christmas wonderland began when Eleanor Roosevelt wanted to visit the Arctic Circle in the 1950s. A decade later, Finland’s own “Christmas-themed Disneyland” was being marketed abroad. The Santa Claus Christmas Village, nine kilometres from the centre, has Santa’s Office and Main Post Office, plus countless restaurants, cafes, shops and attractions. It draws more than half a million visitors a year.

Why go? A classic is a classic for a reason. Lapland and Rovaniemi have long built their brand on Christmas and Santa, so the Village earns its place on this list. In winter peak season, it’s packed with visitors from around the world. Almost every pillar, eave and roofline is draped in lights, making it downright magical after dark (i.e. most of winter). Be ready for serious queuing if you want to meet Santa, but there’s plenty else to do – from meeting reindeer to elf school. For equality’s sake, how about visiting Mrs Claus instead?

Don’t miss: If someone in your life believes in Santa, a customised letter from the man himself is a brilliant gift. I once sent one to my preschool-age goddaughter from the Village’s Main Post Office – the surprise couldn’t have been more memorable. All you need is the recipient’s name and address; Santa handles the rest.

Address: Tähtikuja 1

Opening hours: Open every day of the year; Santa available daily 10:00–18:00

Prices: Entry and meeting Santa free; photo with Santa from €50

What is it? Savour a night of classic wood-heated sauna by the Kemijoki river. Run by Lapland Hotels, the sauna sits in a beautiful spot just a few minutes’ drive from the centre. In summer, the wildly popular Kesärafla Sauna keeps the steam going in winter as WNTR Sauna.

Why go? After a long day, nothing beats unwinding in the heat. For visitors, a Finnish sauna experience is a must. Sessions are unisex but, helpfully for travellers, swimwear is worn; changing rooms and showers are separate for men and women. Word on the street says these are the best löylyt in Lapland, and benches are rarely empty. In the gentle heat, the Finnish and Lappish spirit opens up in a whole new way. In summer you can pair your steam with burgers, drinks, live music and endless light; in winter you can dip in an ice hole to revive. If hunger strikes, grab hearty reindeer soup from the container kitchen. Towel and swimwear rental is available.

Don't miss: Sessions require advance booking, but with the €70 sauna pass you can go every day without reserving.

Address: Pallarintie 15

Price: Adult sauna €19; under-12s half price.

What is it? A short drive from central Rovaniemi, you can enjoy the outdoors and nature with fully accessible routes for wheelchair users and prams. The boardwalks and paths in Arctic circle hiking area are wide and easy, especially at the start of the Vaattunkiköngäs trails. You’ll find regular campfire sites and kota shelters, plus clean, spacious toilets. The area is rich in aapa mires, waterways, rapids and old-growth forests.

Why go? Nature soothes the soul. Finland’s landscapes are beautiful everywhere, but across the Lapland border they’re even more striking. In autumn, especially during ruska, nature bursts into colour and the crisp air tingles on your skin. Fellow walkers greet you with a smile and may even stop for a chat. Clear signage along the routes shares info on local nature, wildlife and plant life – a perfect (and free) way to get to know Lapland. For autumn lovers, the best time is definitely September–October, when the leaves blaze and the mosquitoes are gone. Many routes are also well maintained in winter, making it ideal for northern lights hunting by the water.

Don’t miss: If you want a peaceful sausage-grilling session, head out on weekday mornings. At the kota there’s always room to share the fire.

Address: About 25 km north-east of the centre on Highway 4 (E75). Main trailheads at Vikaköngäs and Vaattunkiköngäs.

Opening hours: Always open

Price: Free

What is it? This world of snow and ice opens annually on 15 December. Dine in the ice restaurant, take a steam in the world’s only snow sauna, and explore hotel rooms, a chapel and a bar carved from ice and snow. The unique complex is rebuilt from scratch every winter.

Why go? Lapland is a winter wonderland at its finest. If you want to experience snow and ice in a whole new way, Arctic SnowHotel is a must. It’s astonishing what you can create from water in its different forms. The site is magical in biting frost, but it’s worth visiting earlier too: you can watch construction and carving from early November. True ice enthusiasts can try ice sculpting themselves from October onward. Staying overnight isn’t cheap, but daytime visits to admire the snow structures and ice art suit many budgets. Even seasoned Finns will find the snow sauna an unforgettable experience.

Don't miss: There’s lots to see, so book a guided tour. The 45-minute tour costs €45 per adult.

Address: Lehtoahontie 27

Opening hours: 15 Dec–31 Mar daily 10:00–20:00

Price: Adult entry €35; children under 13 €17. Hotel night for two around €500. Snow sauna €99 per adult.

What is it? Right on the edge of the city centre rises a fell with sweeping views more than 200 metres above sea level. In this pocket of nature you’ll find Ounasvaara Ski Resort plus extensive fitness trails and cross-country tracks.

Why go? Some people want to rest on holiday, others crave speed and movement. Want to ski, cycle, hike or ride the summer toboggan? Ounasvaara has it all. In snowy months, both beginners and pros can ski and cross-country; the first-snow track opens in late October. With rental gear and ski school, newcomers can get up to speed. In summer, the alpine coaster brings thrills, and the new bike park calls cyclists to the trails.

Don't miss: You’ll likely encounter reindeer on Ounasvaara. Look and snap pics, but don’t touch.

Address: Taunontie 14

Opening hours: First-snow track opens late October; slopes mid-November.

Prices: Ski resort day pass €49

What is it? Don’t be fooled by the modest exterior – this is an architectural gem right here. Designed by Alvar Aalto in a unique fan shape, the building floods with natural light from high-set wall and ceiling windows, bathing the shelves in a gentle glow.

Why go? Finland’s library network is an under-appreciated marvel. Rovaniemi’s long-awaited renovation finally finished this autumn. It’s not on the scale of Helsinki’s Oodi, but it’s a beautiful spot all the same. The atmosphere is classic library calm, but with extra style: interiors feature Finnish design and natural materials. A local highlight is the Lapland section, which also houses Finland’s Sámi special library.

Don't miss: Libraries offer far more than books, magazines and films these days. In Rovaniemi you can borrow a sewing machine or overlocker, a badge maker, a 3D printer and musical instruments. There’s even a practice room where you can sing karaoke in peace.

Address: Jorma Eton tie 6

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 08:00–19:00, Fri–Sat 08:00–16:00, Sun 10:00–16:00

Price: Free

What is it? Bingo isn’t just for care homes – case in point, the erotic bingo held about once a month at restaurant Wanha Mestari. Run in collaboration with local adult shop Santa’s Secret, it can attract hundreds of players. Prizes come from Santa’s Secret, but otherwise the theme doesn’t take over – so don’t be put off by the name.

Why go? Winning is nice, of course, but the real joy is getting together with friends and sinking into the competitive buzz. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, the host from Santa’s Secret is funny and with a cheeky wink, and as the night wears on, the crowd becomes playful and merry. For my group, Wanha Mestari’s bingo has become a tradition: we show up en masse with an unnecessarily fierce desire to win, even if the gadgets and gizmos keep going to someone else. Bingo itself is an easy night out: listen for the numbers, mark your card. And then, when a full row draws near, you feel your heart race at the chance of victory.

Don't miss: Bingo and other bar games run regularly at many Rovaniemi pubs. Test your trivia at the Iloinen Ilves pub quiz.

Address: Koskikatu 11

Opening hours: Bingo nights start at 19:00 and wrap by 21:00.

Price: Free to play; bar drinks €4–12.

What is it? Korundi is Rovaniemi’s artistic hub: home to the Rovaniemi Art Museum and Lapland Chamber Orchestra, as well as a stage for rotating events, seminars and concerts.

Why go? The calm beauty of Korundi keeps you coming back – every art experience is different. The museum is compact, so even an unhurried visit won’t swallow hours. The building itself is a slice of history: a former wartime-surviving postal truck depot. Artistic encounters begin outside with sculptures in the courtyard and a wall gallery facing the street. Upstairs you’ll find changing works from the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation’s collection, from video and sound pieces to sculpture and painting.

Don't miss: On Art Thursdays, exhibition entry is free 16:00–18:00, with open workshops to spark your own creativity.

Address: Lapinkävijäntie 4

Opening hours: Exhibitions, ticket office and Korundi Shop Tue–Sun 11:00–18:00; Korundi Kitchen & Cafe Mon–Fri 11:00–15:00

Price: Rovaniemi Art Museum standard ticket €11; under-7s free.

What is it? Designed by Alvar Aalto, this building currently houses Rovaniemi Theatre and the Lapland Music and Dance Institute. In the past it has also hosted the Regional Museum of Lapland and Lapland regional radio.

Why go? Rovaniemi’s culture scene goes far beyond Korundi – you can catch dance and theatre on the Arctic main stage at Lappia Hall, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Aalto, virtually the city’s court architect, saw this through as the last building completed in his lifetime. In the evening it’s especially striking: the undulating roof echoes fells, lit at dusk with aurora-like glow. Rovaniemi Theatre, Finland’s northernmost professional company, is known for quality productions, talented makers and a varied programme. International visitors are well served by the Christmas season classic A Christmas Carol, with English subtitles straight to your phone.

Don't miss: Don’t miss the theatre shop for souvenir hunting.

Address: Jorma Eton tie 8 A

Opening hours: Ticket and theatre shop Tue–Sat 12:00–18:00

Price: Depends on the production; standard tickets around €30–40