Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and just above the Arctic Circle. It is included in almost all Finland coach tours, self-drive and rail packages and rightly so. The town itself was designed by famous designer Alvar Aalto but the city’s popularity isn’t the city itself – it is the location of it. Located right above the Arctic Circle, the city is the home to Santa Claus, the gateway to more remote areas of Lapland and the biggest base for winter and summer Lapland activities including Northern Lights viewing, midnight sun, rafting and dozens of winter activities. As the biggest city in Lapland it combines the magic of Lapland and the Arctic with city life – a one stop shop for Lapland!

See:

• Arktikum museum – home to the Arctic flora and fauna this museum also offers insight to the northern Sami culture.
• Santa Claus - in Rovaniemi you can experience Christmas throughout the year by visiting the Santa Claus village. You can even send a post card from Santa’s very own post office!
• Ranua Wildlife Park – located 80km south of Rovaniemi, in this park you can view native animals in natural enclosures.
• Aurora Borealis – the northern lights can be seen October – March and are a light phenomenon that only appears north of the Arctic Circle.
• Midnight Sun – during the summer months, the sun never fully sets in the north.

Experience:

• Snowfun site – ride your own husky sleigh, race through the forest on a snow mobile or jump on a sleigh pulled by Santa’s reindeers and travel through the winter forest.
• Christmas in Lapland – Bentours offers an inclusive Christmas in Lapland package perfectly suited for families and anyone young at heart!

Secrets of the city:

• The Finnish rail only goes as north as Rovaniemi, therefore, it is included in almost all Finland rail packages. It also serves as a gateway to northern Lapland sightseeing and tours.