7 Things to Do in Rovaniemi: A Solo Traveler’s Arctic Journey
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As a solo female traveler who has traveled to nearly 50 countries, I can say with absolute confidence that Rovaniemi is one of the most magical places that I have ever visited. There was something special about that arctic wind that hit me in January with the crisp, clean air, that I knew this was going to be the most magical experience that I’ve ever had. In this guide, I will be diving into all of the things to do in Rovaniemi that I experienced firsthand, and why you should add them to your next Finland travel itinerary.
Introduction: Things to Do in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is just tucked within the Arctic Circle, and is honestly a winter wonderland. I visited in January, because I wanted that winter experience, and boy, did I get it. Now, you may have grown up thinking that Santa resides in the North Pole, but I am here to tell you that he does not! He lives in Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi.
Besides experiencing Santa’s Village, there are countless things to do in Rovaniemi if you are looking for the winter wonderland experience, like I was. From the Northern Lights to snowmobile rides to having dinner in an arctic hotel, this region of Lapland has something for everyone.
Now, let’s dive into the best expereinces in Lapland, so that you can have an amazing winter adventure as I did.
1. Snowmobile in Rovaneimi
As soon as I landed in Rovaniemi from Helsinki, my first excursion of the afternoon was a thrilling snowmobile ride. Now, I haven’t ridden one of these since I was a teenager, and from what I remember, it wasn’t nearly as cold as this one was. Not only did the excursion company give us winter outfits to wear over our snow gear, but I was also doubly prepared because I rented a snowsuit from Lumia Wear, which, honestly, saved me during this 5-day trip.
The guide showed us in detail how to start, stop, and ride, and honestly, I was a little timid at first, but once I was feeling comfortable, I was cruising on that snowmobile with the frigid air in my face, and not a care in the world. This was such a fun adventure, so I would highly recommend this experience if you are visiting Rovaniemi.
2. Northern Lights in Rovanemi
Honestly, the main reason I decided to visit Finland in January was solely to see the Northern Lights. I stayed at the Apukka Resort for the first two nights, and honestly, that was the best resort that I could’ve picked to stay at. I saw the Northern Lights, both nights from this hotel, and it was such a magical experience.
On my last night, I went on a Northern Light hunt, which was a Get Your Guide Excursion. They took us about 45 minutes from the city, and we saw the most magical Northern Lights dancing across the sky. I have so many pictures, and too many to include in this blog, but if you’d like to see them, head over to my Instagram and check out my Finland highlight for all the amazing captures.
Pro Tip: If you do a Northern Light hunt, be prepared for a late night, and I would not book an excursion for early the next morning.
3. Santa Claus Village
Now, you absolutely cannot visit Rovaniemi and not visit Santa Claus Village. This village literally reminds me of a Christmas snow village. From the decor to the trees, the lights, and even the Santa hats on the street lights, this entire village is magical and full of the Christmas spirit.
Here, you can also cross the Arctic Circle line and capture a photo, you can visit Santa, and even mail him a letter, you can go on a reindeer sleigh ride, visit the huskies, and visit one of the many souvenir shops located here.
This was such a magical stop, and I loved just walking around the village, snapping photos, meeting Santa, and enjoying my sleigh ride. IF you are headed to Rovaniemi, make sure you add Santa’s Village as a must-see stop!
4. Snowman World
Located in Santa’s Village, Snowman World, is a great experience for kids, or if you want to bring out your inner child. I actually had a great time ice skating, going down the ice slides, and of course, snow tubing, which was actually a little scarier than I thought. They have a smaller slide to snow tube down, and a larger one, and I opted for the larger one. It had me spinning in circles, and I went most of the way down backwards!. It’s a fun little stop if you are looking for additional winter activities.
Pro Tip: Your admission is good all day, and you can come and go as you please.
5. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
The Arctic SnowHotel excursion was another activity that I had high on my list to do while in Rovaniemi. This experience was a one-of-a-kind, and even though the food was just ok, the experience itself was so fun.
I had dinner first, which was Elk, and they served your dessert on an ice plate, which I loved. I then got a tour of the hotel, where you can see all of the rooms and the art sculptures that I created on the walls throughout.
Check-in is at 9 pm, and although it’s not on my list to stay there, you can absolutely book an overnight if you’d like. They also have igloo rooms you can book as well, but regardless of whether you stay the night or just come to visit, it’s a fun experience, and was one of the best things to do in Rovaenmi.
6. Rovaniemi to Kourouoma Canyon — Frozen Waterfalls & BBQ Adventure
Now, if you are an outdoor lover like me and don’t mind a 5k hike in the winter, then visiting Kourouoma Canyon to see the frozen waterfalls is for sure an excursion you should add to your Finland itinerary.
There was something magical about hiking in the snow, with the frosted forest around you, and seeing the most majestic frozen waterfalls that I have ever seen. Shockingly, I wasn’t as cold as I thought I would be, since we were moving, but the second we stopped to have lunch, I did get cold.
Our guide started a campfire, and we cooked hot dogs, had the most amazing warm berry drink, and just enjoyed the break and the fire. If you love the outdoors and some amazing snowy scenery, then this is a must-do for your visit!
7. Spa & Sauna Experience
The perfect ending to my trip was an amazing massage and facial at Rafot Sauna & Relax. I started with a very relaxing massage, then had my facial, and then enjoyed the private sauna for an hour. This was truly the best way to end an amazing trip to Rovananeimi, and I would highly recommend adding a spa day to your itinerary if you can!
Conclusion: Things to do in Rovaniemi
Visiting Rovaiemi was an absolute dream. From Santa’s Village, to a thrilling snowmobile ride, to hiking, to a relaxing spa day. There is so much to see and do, and there is no shortage of things to do in Rovaniemi.
Need help planning your Rovaeimi itinerary? Reach out anytime, and I would love to help you plan your winter wonderland experience so that you have the same magical time in the Arctic that I had.