Rovaniemi-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Rovaniemi Airport and take a shuttle or taxi to your hotel.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Rovaniemi Church, a beautiful wooden church built in 1950.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the Arctic Circle (approximately 1 km away from the city center) for a photo opportunity. You can also purchase an official Arctic Circle certificate here!
  • Lunch: Try some local food at Pieni Pikku Pizzeria, a cozy restaurant serving pizzas, salads, and soups.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Santa Claus Village (approximately 2 km away from Rovaniemi) for a fun experience. You can meet Santa himself, take a photo with him, and shop for souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, which serves traditional Finnish cuisine.

Day 1 Accommodation

Stay overnight at Scandic Rovaniemi, a comfortable hotel located in the city center.

Day 2: Nature and Wildlife

  • 8:00 AM: Take an excursion to Lappi Land (approximately 45 minutes away from Rovaniemi), where you can see reindeer, arctic foxes, and other wildlife.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the Ounasvaara Ski Resort, which offers great views of the surrounding landscape. You can also try skiing or snowboarding if conditions permit.
  • Lunch: Have a picnic lunch in the beautiful surroundings of Lappi Land.
  • Afternoon: Take a scenic drive to the Kemi River and enjoy the stunning views of the river valley.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Poro, which serves local specialties like reindeer steak.

Day 2 Accommodation

Stay overnight at Scandic Rovaniemi, a comfortable hotel located in the city center.

Day 3: Snowmobiling and Reindeer Farm Visit

  • 9:00 AM: Take a snowmobile excursion (approximately 1 hour away from Rovaniemi) to experience the thrill of driving through snowy landscapes.
  • 11:30 AM: Visit the Santa Claus Reindeer Farm (approximately 45 minutes away from Rovaniemi), where you can learn about reindeer herding and meet these amazing animals up close.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at the farm or head back to Rovaniemi for a meal at Pieni Pikku Pizzeria.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Arctic Hall, which features exhibits on the natural environment, indigenous cultures, and human settlement in Lapland.

Day 3 Accommodation

Stay overnight at Scandic Rovaniemi, a comfortable hotel located in the city center.

Day 4: Northern Lights and Sauna Experience

  • 8:00 PM: Embark on a Northern Lights tour (approximately 1 hour away from Rovaniemi), where you can witness this natural phenomenon in all its glory. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
  • 10:30 PM: Return to your hotel for a relaxing sauna experience, which is an essential part of Finnish culture.
  • Midnight: Enjoy some hot cocoa and enjoy the peacefulness of the Arctic night.

Day 5: Snowshoeing and Shopping

  • 9:00 AM: Take a snowshoe excursion (approximately 30 minutes away from Rovaniemi) to explore the beautiful winter landscapes.
  • 11:30 AM: Visit the Rovaniemi Market Square, where you can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and try some delicious snacks.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in the market square, such as Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

Day 5 Accommodation

Stay overnight at Scandic Rovaniemi, a comfortable hotel located in the city center.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any attractions you missed earlier.
  • 12:00 PM: Check out of your hotel and take a shuttle or taxi back to Rovaniemi Airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know

  • Rovaniemi is a relatively small city, but it can get very crowded during peak season (December to March). Be prepared for long lines at popular attractions.
  • The weather in Rovaniemi can be unpredictable and cold. Dress warmly and stay informed about local conditions.
  • Many businesses in Rovaniemi close during the off-season, so it’s essential to plan ahead and research which attractions are open when you visit.

Transportation

  • You can take a shuttle or taxi from Rovaniemi Airport to your hotel. Some hotels also offer airport transfers.
  • Renting a car is not necessary, as public transportation in Rovaniemi is convenient and reliable. However, if you want to explore the surrounding area, consider renting a car for a day.

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions like Santa’s Village and the Arctic Hall.
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to try some local cuisine, such as reindeer steak or traditional Finnish dishes.
  • If you’re planning to visit Rovaniemi during peak season, book your accommodations and tours in advance to avoid availability issues.

Other Tips

  • Learn a few basic phrases in Finnish, like “hei hei” (hello) and “kiitos” (thank you).
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting indigenous communities.
  • Bring warm clothing, including gloves, hats, and scarves.