Maarit Tolppanen is a barefoot Laplander who once vowed never to settle too close to home – and has now done exactly that in Rovaniemi. After years of intensive work and leisure travel around the world, she’s turned her curious gaze to what’s nearby. Her approach is to “local like a traveller”, keeping her eyes open wherever she wanders in town.

She used to write a travel blog for nine years while also finding herself with jobs related to communications. As a travel writer, she enjoys sharing local knowledge, finding the best spas and veggie spots around, and seeking out scenic, remote locations and national parks – perfect for that worthy Instagram shot or for carving shapes on a Strava trail map.

She plans her trips around ice hockey games and metal gigs, balancing the noise and thrill with peaceful nature and the occasional very nice hotel. With her deep local knowledge, Maarit is your go-to expert for Lapland experiences.

Maarit Tolppanen

Maarit Tolppanen

Local expert, Rovaniemi

Articles (2)

Rovaniemen parhaat tapahtumat joulukuussa 2025

Rovaniemen parhaat tapahtumat joulukuussa 2025

Sille on syynsĂ€, miksi ihmiset matkustavat Rovaniemelle ympĂ€ri maailmaa juuri joulun, talven ja pimeyden perĂ€ssĂ€: Upean luonnon lisĂ€ksi kaupunki on tĂ€ynnĂ€ tekemistĂ€ joulukuussa. Joulutunnelma on hyvĂ€ssĂ€ vauhdissa, mutta kaupungissa on myös paljon muuta mielenkiintoista tekemistĂ€, jonka ansiosta myös paikallisen on helppo heittĂ€ytyĂ€ matkailijan rooliin samalla.  Vastaavasti matkailijoiden ei kannata jumittua pelkĂ€stÀÀn keskustaan, vaan kokea myös monet mielikuvitukselliset talvipuistot. PajakylĂ€ssĂ€ on tarjolla aktiviteetteja ja nĂ€htĂ€vÀÀ pĂ€ivittĂ€in, kaupungin saunat odottavat kuumina löylyttelijöitĂ€ ja kauden kulttuuritapahtumista löytyy moneen makuun ja lompakkoon sopivaa ajanvietettĂ€.  Vinkkimme sopivat sinulle, jos vielĂ€ suunnittelet pyrĂ€hdystĂ€ Rovaniemelle ja mietit vielĂ€ mitĂ€ haluat nĂ€hdĂ€ ja kokea: ota lista hyötykĂ€yttöön! MitĂ€ muuta tehdĂ€ RovaniemellĂ€? Lue Time Outin vinkit:  đŸœïž Rovaniemen parhaat ravintolat ❄ Parasta tekemistĂ€ RovaniemellĂ€ 😮 Rovaniemen parhaat hotellit
The best events in Rovaniemi in December 2025

The best events in Rovaniemi in December 2025

There’s a reason why people travel to Rovaniemi from all over the world in search of Christmas, winter and darkness. Beyond the stunning nature, the city is packed with things to do in December. The festive mood is already in full swing, but there’s so much more going on that even locals will find it easy to slip into holiday-maker mode. Travellers, meanwhile, shouldn’t stick to the city centre alone – the imaginative winter parks are well worth exploring. Santa Claus Village offers activities and sights every day, the city’s saunas are piping hot and ready for bathers, and the season’s cultural events cater to all tastes and budgets. If you’re still planning a quick trip to Rovaniemi and wondering what to see and do, these tips are for you – make the most of the list. What else is there to do in Rovaniemi? Read Time Out’s tips: đŸœïž The best restaurants in Rovaniemi ❄ The best things to do in Rovaniemi 😮 The best hotels in Rovaniemi