Quiet retreat
Winter Wonderland
I have to admit, if there’s any place in the world that I personally consider one of the most stunning places to be, it would be Rovaniemi, Lapland. Located in the Arctic Circle of Northern Finland, this breathtaking city is extremely touristy and for good reason.
Widely known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, the village is popular for its festive Christmas cheer and fairy tale atmosphere. It comes as no surprise that it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year who just can’t resist the unique vibes and accommodations like ice igloos or holiday-themed cottages.
Because for me, the whole mood and environment is hands down one of the most unforgettable experiences you could find, regardless of the freezing weather. Also, what might be unbeknownst to some is that even though peak season happens during winter, it’s still worth checking out even during the spring, midsummer, or autumn.
There is just so much to see and explore at this top bucket-list destination, from the untouched wilderness to the snow-covered landscapes to the peaceful setting. No matter the size of your group, you can bet that however and whomever you travel with, you’ll be making lots of memories you can look back on for many years to come.
Thankfully, even as Rovaniemi continues to gain more and more visitors every year, the sky’s the limit when it comes to the kinds of activities you can sign up for. So, for anyone hoping to make it out to this beloved winter wonderland, I’ve put together 10 things to do in Rovaniemi that I highly recommend below.
1. Rent a Cottage
There is really nothing like getting to enjoy a quiet retreat away from the city bustle and staying in a cozy cottage. This kind of arrangement offers an immersive experience and is often set in forested areas, giving you direct access to the surrounding nature.
Finnish cottages or mökkis allow you to experience the local culture and usually include traditional wooden saunas. With this more secluded environment, you also get the chance to try out any outdoor activities with a serene backdrop in your own private setting.
2. Ride a Reindeer Sleigh
In my experience, I think this is truly one of the most unique things in Rovaniemi you will want to add to your list. I can’t think of anything that compares to this enchanting style of journeying through the Arctic wilderness with these beloved, calm, and gentle creatures.
Reindeer are the cultural and historical bedrock of Lapland, providing sustainability to the region’s heritage and ecosystem. Even in the peak of winter, the experience is usually cozy because riders are always tucked inside warm sleighs with soft hides throughout the sleigh ride.
3. Join a Snowmobile Tour
Of course, for those looking for a faster-paced, thrilling experience, snowmobiling tours might be the way to go. It’s great getting professional guidance, especially if you’re thinking about accessing remote, stunning landscapes like frozen lakes, fells, and exclusive wilderness areas that you can’t easily reach on your own.
So whether you decide to stick to a tour or take on a more scenic, leisurely route, the choice is up to you and your travel preferences. Honestly, this is a fun option for those looking for shared exploration activities that you can easily plan with large groups of friends and families.
4. Visit Santa Claus Village
It goes without saying that this is the main attraction that brings visitors from all over the world to Rovaniemi, and it really is worth every bit of it in my opinion. Apparently, even outside of December, the village keeps its Christmas charm alive all year round.
Other than meeting Santa himself, there are lots of cozy restaurants, festive shops, and fun winter activities to explore. One highlight of this experience I can still recall is the post office where you can send letters with an official Arctic Circle postmark, which makes for a perfect souvenir that you can share with others.
5. Go on a Husky Safari
When do you ever get the chance to go on a husky safari and experience the Arctic wilderness while bonding with incredibly energetic and friendly dogs along the way? These sled rides combine adventure with tradition, as dog sledding has long been a practical way to travel across snowy terrain.
Driving a sled while the huskies eagerly race through the forest is both thrilling and heartwarming. Their excitement is contagious, and by the end of it, it’s hard not to feel a connection with the dogs who made the journey possible.
6. Hunt for the Northern Lights
This one is definitely a must, and even though my first time at it wasn’t successful, searching for the aurora lights is easily one of the most special things to do in Lapland. There’s something exciting about standing outside in the cold night air, watching the sky, and waiting for nature’s light show to appear.
What I didn’t expect was getting to gaze up at the Milky Way and with the clearest view I’ve ever gotten to see it because of the low light pollution. It made the whole experience unforgettable despite the fact that I was standing in minus twenty-seven degrees Celsius.
7. Experience a Traditional Finnish Sauna
As most people might already know, saunas are a huge part of Finnish culture, and experiencing one in Lapland feels especially meaningful after a long day out in the snow. In my experience, the warmth instantly melts away the cold and creates a sense of calm that’s hard to replicate elsewhere; it’s something that really is one of a kind.
After spending time outside, the transition into heat feels immediate and creates a clear physical reset. Some variations, like smoke saunas, add to that, but the core experience remains the same.
8. Try a Polar Ice Plunge
I’ve never done this myself and have seen others try it, but if you’re feeling braver than I am, taking a dip in icy Arctic water is another popular activity you can try. It’s common to pair this with a hot sauna, making the combination of hot and cold physically and mentally stimulating.
No matter how intimidating it might sound to you at first, many people say it leaves them feeling energized and refreshed. It’s one of those moments where stepping outside your comfort zone creates the most unique stories to hear from others later on.
9. Learn About Sámi Culture
If you’re a big history buff and want to add a bit more cultural depth to your experience, you can immerse yourself in the local traditions and heritage by learning more about the Sámi. They are the only recognized Indigenous people in Europe, and their culture is deeply tied to the Arctic environment.
This is a beautiful way to get to know the people and the region, beyond its tourist attractions. Take a look at their handmade handicrafts, music, clothing, and culinary traditions that have been passed down for generations.
10. Cross the Arctic Circle
I personally found this to be more symbolic than anything, and while it may seem like nothing much to shout about compared to all the other things you can do, it’s still good to acknowledge that you officially crossed the Arctic Circle. It’s worth reflecting on how meaningful this is, a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that you get to cross off your list.
When you realize that you’ve stepped into a place known for things like the Midnight Sun and Polar Night, just those facts alone should make the whole thing feel the exact opposite of ordinary. The invisible line that marks this 66°33′45.9″ latitude represents the gateway into the Arctic region, the true north of the equator.
Arctic Magic
There are just some things worth doing at least once, and traveling to Rovaniemi is one of them. It is honestly such a unique and unforgettable place in which every activity, from husky sledding to sauna rituals, invites you to experience life in a whole new way.
But beyond the snow-covered scenery and holiday atmosphere, what makes Lapland so special to me goes beyond the picturesque views and aesthetics. For me, it’s the spirit of adventure and the indescribable, magical energy of the Arctic that stays with you long after the trip is over.
