Hei, Rovaniemi!
◘◘ Explore Rovaniemi’s high highlights
Photo by ©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)
- Arktikum Beach: Arktikum Museum is a well-liked attraction in Rovaniemi — however extra on this in a while within the subsequent few days. For immediately, I counsel that you just go in entrance of this museum to the hidden backyard that’s on this small island. Besides, it is a excellent place to swim in throughout the midnight solar, if not an ideal spot to only merely admire the views. It is even potential to do an extended leisurely stroll through a path from this seashore that goes all the way in which to the south of the town by the Ounasjoki River.
. - Rovaniemi City Library: Designed by one among Finland’s most well-known architects, Alvar Aalto, this metropolis library is a good place to be should you’re a ebook lover. But aside from its massive choice of books, you’ll absolutely be full of awe at its fantastic design and expanse.
. - Pilke Science Centre: This is a enjoyable place for guests of all ages because it tells the story of the northern forests and our relationship with them. For sustainable vacationers, you’ll even be blissful to know that this heart is notable for its low carbon footprint and use of sustainable wooden supplies in its design!
- TIP: If you’re into tradition, it’s greatest to get the Culture Pass which is good-for-value entry that permits you to go to the entire high 3 museums in Rovaniemi (Arktikum, Korundi, and Pilke). This is legitimate for 7 days and you should purchase it from any of the three aforementioned sights.
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- TIP: If you’re into tradition, it’s greatest to get the Culture Pass which is good-for-value entry that permits you to go to the entire high 3 museums in Rovaniemi (Arktikum, Korundi, and Pilke). This is legitimate for 7 days and you should purchase it from any of the three aforementioned sights.
- Lordi’s Square: Though not one of many hanging highlights within the city, attributable to its central location, it’s an ideal place to be in should you’re trying to do some procuring (e.g. the procuring heart of Sampokeskus) if not some good ol’ eating. Moreover, in the summertime, this turns into a extremely popular place because it hosts quite a lot of occasions.
- TRIVIA: This sq. was renamed in tribute to the Finnish band that gained the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006.
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- TRIVIA: This sq. was renamed in tribute to the Finnish band that gained the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006.
- Rovaniemi Church: Completed in 1950, this church isn’t solely picturesque from the surface but additionally from the within. After all, it has an enormous fresco behind the altar in addition to a grand 45-key organ.
. - Angry Birds Activity Park: I guess you didn’t know that Angry Birds was made by a Finn! Due to its big recognition worldwide, you will discover an official park for it proper right here in Rovaniemi. No matter if in case you have youngsters or not, it is a enjoyable place to get pleasure from some ropewalks, slides, swings, ball video games, and extra!
. - Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge: Also referred to as Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, this 320-meter bridge connects Ounasvaara to the city heart and it’s an ideal factor to see at Rovaniemi in summer season. This iconic construction which is an simply recognizable landmark of Rovaniemi’s cityscape takes its title and form from a kind of torch log that’s carved from wooden by lumberjacks. The best solution to get pleasure from this bridge aside from driving or biking by means of it’s to stroll in direction of the riverside from the middle. In just some minutes, you will note the bridge simply — as soon as there, don’t neglect to take some good photographs!
◘◘ Venture out to Ounasvaara
Photo by ©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)
This is a surprising hilltop that’s only a 15-minute stroll away from the town, which you’ll attain by merely passing by means of the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge. It won’t be the largest nor the very best, but it surely’s a neighborhood favourite for its intensive community of nature trails you can run, stroll or bike by means of.
◘◘ Experience a novel floating expertise
Photo by Safartica
One of the preferred actions in Rovaniemi these days is ice floating whereby you merely float round a frozen lake with only a thermal wetsuit on. It turns into extra of a magical factor when there are some Northern Lights up excessive to see.
But don’t fret, even when it’s in the summertime, this is without doubt one of the nice issues to do in Rovaniemi! I went by means of this expertise myself and it was so stress-free to drift within the water with simply the sound of Lappish nature surrounding me. Now, this may sound harmful to you, but it surely isn’t! Besides, knowledgeable information might be with you at all times — to not point out that it’s fairly simple to do.
If you’re searching for the very best tour supplier for this, I extremely suggest reserving with Safartica. Not solely was the information a pleasure to be with however the expertise additionally ends with some heat drinks and snacks by the hearth.
DINING OPTION: Restaurant Nili is an genuine Lappish restaurant within the coronary heart of the town and also you’ll be assured that every little thing is comprised of the freshest Arctic elements. As you get pleasure from these delights, you’ll even be surrounded by real Lappish furnishings and supplies — a very Finnish expertise! Not to say, this has been as soon as chosen as the very best ‘Taste of Finland’ restaurant in addition to probably the greatest eating locations on TripAdvisor.
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: If you will have extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or should you merely need another decisions, take into account the next:
– With Safartica
Do some Arctic Survival: Join a special occasion journey to the forest the place you possibly can learn to survive within the wild as they educate you learn how to construct an emergency shelter, make hearth with out matches and a lot extra.
Do berry selecting: Lapland’s forests are recognized for its wealthy wild berries! To discover the very best spots, you possibly can undergo the forest with a neighborhood and decide up some recent superfoods which might be pure from the bottom.
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– With Happy Fox
Do a canoe journey: Enjoy a leisurely canoe journey alongside the Ounasjoki river as you admire stunning views and sights wild animals.
Enjoy the year-round Christmas Spirit
◘◘ Visit Santa Claus Village!
Are you trying to meet the true Santa? Well, you’ve come to the precise place! No matter your age, Rovaniemi is the place to be given that it’s the Official Hometown of Santa Claus — and as a magical latitude village that’s stuffed with enjoyable, beneath are among the actions that you are able to do…
- Meet “the man” himself: It’s FREE to satisfy Santa Claus and the one time you’ll shell out some cash is if you wish to pay for photographs. Now right here’s the factor: I may be a grown-up however for some cause, I felt so giddy and nervous after I was going to satisfy him — however all these nerves went away after I met him! He was so heat and enjoyable to speak to, irrespective of the bizarre questions that I ask (lol). He even helped me perceive some extra of the Finnish tradition! The better part? Visiting throughout the summer season will certainly provide you with extra time to speak to him as a result of the gang is loads lesser. Of course, visiting him in December is good however you should have a while to barter your standing on his ‘naughty list’ should you’re right here throughout off-season.
. - Cross over the Arctic Circle: The Arctic Circle’s latitude (66°33′45.9′) crosses by means of the Santa Claus Village and this spot is correctly marked on the heart of the sq. with an enormous line. With that stated, just be sure you get a great commemoration photograph for this!
. - Send postcards from Santa Claus’ Main Post Office: This is an official Finnish submit workplace service station and it’s specifically made for the Santa Claus Village. Aside from sending postcards to your loved ones and mates, you may as well discuss to the elves right here and ask extra about their line of labor. Through them, I realized that I also can ship postcards or request a letter from Santa that might be scheduled for sending throughout the Christmas season; so even should you’re right here in the summertime, the elves have all of it coated for you! Furthermore, as I went by means of the shop inspecting souvenirs, I additionally noticed some attention-grabbing statistics in regards to the quantity of people that ship Santa letters.
- NOTE: It’s potential in your youngsters to ship letters to Santa Claus and at instances, he even replies! (Address: Santa Claus, Santa Claus’ Main Post Office, Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland)
◘◘ Meet Santa’s reindeer!
Found simply behind Santa Claus’ Office is a Reindeer Park and for simply €5, you possibly can pet, feed and mingle with these mild animals for so long as you need! This opens from the early summer season to the start of autumn so it’s greatest that you just maintain this in thoughts in your Rovaniemi itinerary.
If you ask me, I positive had a swell time right here whereby from the second I got here by means of the door, a child reindeer came to visit to greet me — it was so heart-warming! And sure, I took my candy time taking photographs and selfies with them.
Now, one other beauty of visiting this park is the guides as a result of aside from the truth that they offer out attention-grabbing information in regards to the reindeer, they’re additionally very happy to entertain your questions. For occasion, it’s by means of them that I realized how reindeer principally quantity greater than the Lappish folks! I additionally acquired to know the method of how reindeer lose their antlers and a lot extra.
◘◘ Go river rafting
For Rovaniemi in summer season, join with Santa’s Adventures to expertise fast-falling rapids! Held within the rafting space of Vikajärvi close to Rovaniemi, that is undoubtedly probably the greatest methods to get pleasure from Finnish nature to its fullest!
Rest assured, although that is thrilling, it’s a completely secure exercise to get your adrenaline flowing. The icing on the cake? Once the journey is finished, you possibly can sit down and have some heat drinks and grilled sausages by an open hearth. So collect your loved ones and mates for this exercise — if not, doing it solo is ok too because you’re sure to satisfy equal-minded individuals who like your form of enjoyable!
DINING OPTION: Aside from being an exquisite lodging place, Cafe & Bar KOTI is a good spot to dine in not just for a snack however for a meal too. They have a each day lunch particular or salad buffet you can attempt — in any other case, they’ve a la carte dishes so that you can get pleasure from. In different instances, their espresso is a should as it’s comprised of freshly floor beans. Pair it off with some pulla (Finnish candy bread) and also you’re solved! (If pulla isn’t your factor, in addition they haver different baked pastries out there).
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: If you will have extra time or should you merely need another decisions, take into account the next:
– With Arctic Joy
Do a canyon tour: Done as a day journey, that is accomplished in Korouoma’s 100-meter rocky partitions and serpentine river, and as you do that in the summertime, you’ll get to benefit from the canyon’s distinctive flora and nature.
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– With SantaPark Arctic World
Visit one other Santa Claus park: Separate from the Santa Claus Village, it is a paid park the place you possibly can get pleasure from numerous actions in any season with your loved ones. In the summer season you are able to do issues like going by means of a Santa Claus’ Helper Course, using the Magic Train, becoming a member of Elf School, visiting the Ice Princess and plenty of others. (Yes, you may as well meet Santa Claus right here!)
A day for Arctic animals
◘◘ Do an moral husky kennel go to
I’m in love with canines and I really like huskies probably the most! Since Rovaniemi’s sled canine excursions are insanely well-liked, I had the prospect to go to a good husky kennel heart close to the town and it was referred to as Bearhill. I can completely suggest them as a result of they put the well being of the canines at the beginning whereas being a contemporary eco-friendly institution as effectively.
And should you ask me, late summer season is definitely a good time to go to Bearhill as a result of you possibly can witness how the canines are skilled and ready for the approaching winter. You may even meet all of the new child husky puppies which might be being taken care of.
During my go to with them at Rovaniemi in summer season, I had the prospect to participate of their canine crew coaching* as I rode a husky cart myself, and it was SO a lot enjoyable! Not to say, that I additionally helped give a number of lovely puppies their each day train within the woods. Naturally, I used to be in canine heaven all all through my expertise! (And sure, I took lots of canine selfies. Of course.)
NOTE: Since huskies can’t do strenuous actions when temperatures are greater than 15 levels Celsius, driving a husky cart for 30 to 40 minutes is climate dependent.
◘◘ Enjoy a riverboat cruise to a reindeer farm after which do a ceremonial Arctic Circle crossing
Photo by ©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)
This is a novel expertise that you are able to do with Lapland Safaris. The very first thing that you just do on this tour is to trip a picket riverboat as you undergo serene landscapes to expertise the summer season of the Arctic.
Once you attain the reindeer farm, you’ll take part in a standard ceremonial crossing of the Arctic Circle which makes for a memorable expertise — I gained’t spoil the enjoyable but it surely was fairly attention-grabbing! When that is accomplished, you’ll lastly get to satisfy the majestic reindeer that they’re preserving on the farm as you feed them up shut.
Before doing one final river cruise (again to the town heart) that marks the tip of the tour, additionally, you will get to get pleasure from some drinks and snacks in a standard Finnish residence. The guides that they’ve are additionally approachable and pleasant, and they’re going to share with you some nice trivia about Finland and basic; in any other case, don’t be afraid to ask some questions!
DINING OPTION: Cafe & Bar 21 is arguably the good place to dine in particularly with their distinctive dishes and candy waffles you can order all day! If there’s one factor that you need to attempt, it will likely be their Lapas Plate (Lappish Tapas)!
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: If you will have extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or should you merely need another decisions, take into account the next:
– SnowCastle: This is an ideal place to go to if in case you have a automobile. Located in Kemi, which is 80km south of Rovaniemi (which can take about an hour by automobile or bus), is SnowCastle. Basically, it is without doubt one of the greatest ice constructions on this planet and past its beautiful faux-drawbridges, ramparts, and ice watchtowers is its well-known SnowRestaurant. If you ebook on-line, you possibly can sit on a fur-topped tree stump and desk manufactured from strong ice, as you take pleasure in a tremendous 3-course dinner!
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– Ranua Wildlife Park: Also present in Kemi, this zoo presents its guests the chance to look at Arctic animals all all year long in a pure setting for as a lot as potential.
TIP: Reserve your tickets and be part of a Ranua guided tour to keep away from the effort of driving right here by your self. Besides, this tour begins from Rovaniemi with a cease to Ranua Wildlife Park and lasting for less than half a day.
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– With Arctic Nature: Do horse path using ~ Take half on this 2-hour horse trip by means of a stupendous forest, round some fields and up the hills. To mark the tip of the tour, campfire lunch can even be served.
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– With Nortsav: Do boat fishing ~ Experience a guided boat fishing tour on the rivers of Kemijoki and Ounasjoki. If you get some catch, it’s completely potential to arrange and smoke them! (This tour already contains fishing gear and fishing licenses).
Indulge in tradition and science
◘◘ Tour Arktikum Museum and Korundi
Photo by ©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)
Once you’ve made your go to to Pilke, take into account making a go to to those different high museums in Rovaniemi…
- Arktikum: If you solely have the time to go to one museum throughout your keep, then a cease by Arktikum is the only option you can make! After all, this world-class museum has various exhibitions that can lead you on an journey to find extra in regards to the tradition and historical past of Finnish Lapland, in addition to the info in regards to the Arctic area.
- Another side to like about Arktikum is its design through which it boasts a 172-meter lengthy glass tuber over its predominant area. Due to its picturesque aesthetic, it is a favourite spot amongst photographers and Instagrammers. It’s additionally fairly a sight from the surface too through which you will note the museum wanting as if it’s buried within the earth — an ideal design that mimics the way in which Arctic animals hibernate throughout the winter time.
- TICKETS: Book on-line
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- Culture House Korundi: This fashionable construction holds 2 artwork establishments, particularly the…
- Chamber Orchestra of Lapland: The multi-purpose live performance corridor has 340 seats and there are numerous occasions held right here, from concert events to conferences.
- Rovaniemi Art Museum: Features Finnish fashionable and advantageous artwork from the Nineteen Forties as much as the current.
- TICKETS: Book on-line
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TIP: It’s greatest to get the Culture Pass which is a good-for-value entry that permits you to go to the entire high 3 museums in Rovaniemi (Arktikum, Korundi, and Pilke). This is legitimate for 7 days and you should purchase it from any of the three aforementioned sights.
◘◘ Do a night pictures tour (perhaps spot some Northern Lights!)
Photo by ©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)
If you need to discover the very best places round Rovaniemi to expertise and {photograph} the distinctive nature of Lapland, then a pictures tour with Beyond Arctic is a should!
If you’re fortunate you may even see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) particularly should you time your go to across the finish of August — in any case, it’s the time once they begin to present. If you need to be up to date on the forecasts, you possibly can obtain this app.
TRIVIA: Finnish folks used to assume that the flick of a fox’s tail by means of a snowdrift triggered the looks of the Northern Lights!
MEAL OPTIONS: Go over to Frans & Cherie Restaurant, a French bistro that additionally serves a number of native Lappish dishes reminiscent of leipäjuusto or Finnish squeaky cheese which is one among my favorites! This is greatest eaten heat, for my part. (And sure, because the title suggests, it does have a particular texture which makes some form of ‘squeaky’ sound when chewed).
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: If you will have extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or should you merely need another decisions, take into account the next:
– Do different Aurora Borealis excursions: For occasion, Arctic Lifestyle presents this type of tour on jet skis whereas Lapland Welcome does it with an ATV.
– Do mountaineering or biking: Go on a day journey on a nature path resulting in the 16-meter waterfalls of Auttiköngäs that’s primarily open in the summertime. This is a forested canyon that’s a part of the Northern Finland’s old-growth forest safety program so that you’re definitely going to see some wealthy fauna and flora!
Immerse your self in Rovaniemi’s nature
◘◘ Try out fatbiking!
Fat bikes are nice to make use of within the winter — but it surely’s a enjoyable trip to do in the summertime too! I did fats biking with Roll Outdoors in the summertime by means of the close by woods of Rovaniemi and it was one of the crucial enjoyable actions that I did throughout my keep. During our day trip, I additionally had the prospect to get pleasure from some views from up excessive in addition to some berry selecting.
NOTE: You can select from both a handbook or digital fats bike. Helmets are offered and you may as well strap in a GoProfessional on it if you wish to.
◘◘ Meet a neighborhood artisan and do a workshop
Photo by ©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)
Head on over to Hornwork to go to the artisan workshop and residential of Mrs. Irene & Mr. Ari Kangasniemi. With them, you may get a deeper understanding of the native way of life, in addition to have the prospect to make your individual souvenirs.
Truth be advised, there are lengthy traditions of arts and handicrafts from native supplies like wooden and reindeer antlers in Lapland and that is one of the simplest ways to be taught extra about it!
◘◘ Experience an genuine Finnish sauna
Relaxing in a Finnish sauna is a should to do once you’re in Finland! Sure, Tampere could be the sauna capital however there are many sauna locations in Rovaniemi the place you can begin. After all, a Finnish sauna expertise is on the core of each Finnish individual’s way of life and tradition, so why not give it a attempt too?
So the place to do it? Most seemingly, your lodge will have already got a sauna heart on its premises — if not, ask them about it and so they’ll absolutely level you in the precise route. Otherwise, right here’s an inventory of some nice sauna experiences on this web page.
~ Wanna know some how-to’s, suggestions and issues to do in a Finnish Sauna? Read right here.
MEAL OPTIONS: Amarillo might not be an genuine Lappish restaurant but it surely’s a well-liked Mexican-style restaurant that’s positive to fulfill your cravings!
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: If you will have extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or should you merely need another decisions, take into account the next:
– With Helios Tour: Up on Lampivaara hill is an amethyst mine and every customer can dig up their very own fortunate quartz that may slot in one fist.
– With Happy Fox: How about some gold? With Happy Fox you possibly can be part of a tour the place you possibly can expertise gold panning together with a ship journey.