Rovaniemi travel guide

Finnish is the official language in Rovaniemi, with a small portion of the population speaking Swedish. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, so you should not face any language barriers. It's still appreciated when foreigners make an effort to learn a few basic Finnish phrases. 'Hei' (hello), 'Kiitos' (thank you), and 'Anteeksi' (excuse me) are handy. When reading, remember Finnish has long words and double vowels. If you're lost or need help, don't hesitate to ask. Finns are known for their honesty and will usually go out of their way to assist.

Rovaniemi is characterized by a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The city experiences its coldest months from December through February, with average temperatures falling below -10°C (14°F). However, the snowy landscape provides a beautiful winter wonderland scenery. The snow season usually lasts from November to April.

The summer season, typically from June to August, is quite pleasant but brief. Temperatures average around 15-20°C (59-68°F) with long daylight hours due to the Midnight Sun phenomenon, where the sun stays visible even at midnight. This lasts from late May to mid-July.

Autumn in Rovaniemi is marked by the stunning 'Ruska' period when the leaves change color. This lasts from September to October, with temperatures ranging from 5-10°C (41-50°F). Rainfall is relatively low, but visitors should be prepared for occasional showers throughout the year.

Given the extreme cold in winter, it's crucial for visitors to pack appropriate clothing and gear. During the summer, light clothing is sufficient, but a jacket may be necessary for cooler nights.

Home to plenty of top attractions, Rovaniemi is more than just a wonderful city in Finland. Rovaniemi is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Finland.

One fascinating sight in Rovaniemi is the unforgettable Santa Claus Office. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Rovaniemi. This remarkable attraction is located at Joulumaantie 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland and is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, between 10:00-17:00.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Finland, check out our list of top attractions in Rovaniemi below. Discover the best places to visit in Rovaniemi, including the fascinating Santa Claus Office, Angry Birds Playground, Arktikum, Lordi's Square, and Culture House Korundi.

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Rovaniemi.

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Rovaniemi.

Rovaniemi offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Bus Tours, Half-day Tours, and Winter Tours are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in Finland.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Rovaniemi by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Travelers in Rovaniemi can choose from 19 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Activities is the answer.

The most popular tour in Rovaniemi is the fantastic Backcountry skiing adventure. By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Rovaniemi one of the best travel destinations in Finland.

Rovaniemi also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Essential Rovaniemi: A Self-Guided Audio Tour is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Photography Tour. This experience costs around 7 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Rovaniemi. This Photography Tour is available in 1 language: English. Around 2 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 4 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Rovaniemi and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Rovaniemi below.

Discover the best things to do in Rovaniemi. Choose from 367 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Rovaniemi. Click the green button to view your options.

Rovaniemi, the heart of Finnish Lapland, offers a unique culinary journey from classic street food to gourmet dining. The city’s local cuisine is a fusion of traditional Finnish dishes with a Lapland twist. One must-try is the sautéed reindeer, usually served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries, a staple in the local diet. The best places to eat in Rovaniemi include the bustling Rovaniemi Market Square, where you can enjoy a variety of street food, including hearty Finnish sausages. For a more upscale dining experience, visit Restaurant Nili, renowned for its authentic Lappish cuisine such as Arctic char and cloudberries. The city's eateries also offer a taste of seasonal delicacies; during autumn, don't miss the Finnish mushroom soup, while in summer, indulge in the fresh Lappish fish. Remember to pair your meals with local craft beers or Finnish spirits for a complete dining experience. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a casual diner, Rovaniemi's gastronomy scene is sure to delight your palate.

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is a shopping hub that brilliantly reflects Finnish design and craftsmanship. A visit to Lordi’s Square, the city center, is a must for any shopaholic. Here you'll find Rovaniemi's main shopping mall, Sampokeskus, where you can explore a variety of shops selling everything from clothing and cosmetics to books and electronics. Revontuli Shopping Center is another great destination, offering fashion, gifts, and local delicacies. For those seeking the city's distinct fashion, Paapii Design and Marttiini Knife Factory are two iconic places to visit. The former is known for its sustainable, playful and unique Nordic designs, while the latter offers high-quality Finnish knives, a perfect souvenir or gift. The Arctic Circle's Santa Claus Village also doubles as one of the best places to go shopping in Rovaniemi. Here you can buy Lappish handicrafts, reindeer hides, and local food items. Remember the local shops operate from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays. Happy shopping in Rovaniemi!

Discover the magic of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland, without breaking the bank. Start by visiting the famous Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa himself and cross the Arctic Circle. While some attractions have an entry fee, simply soaking up the festive atmosphere is completely free. Another of the best free things to do in Rovaniemi is exploring the city's stunning natural beauty. Take a leisurely stroll along the Ounasjoki River or embark on a hiking adventure in the nearby forests - both offer breath-taking views and a chance to spot local wildlife. Don't miss the Arktikum Park, a beautiful outdoor area adjacent to the Arktikum Museum, where you can learn about Finnish history and culture. Although the museum has an admission fee, the park is free to enjoy. Lastly, if you're visiting in winter, the spectacular Northern Lights are a must-see. The celestial display is visible from many parts of the city, offering an unforgettable, cost-free experience.

The most popular way to experience Rovaniemi is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Finland. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Rovaniemi on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Finland, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Finland, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Rovaniemi, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in Rovaniemi below.

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Finland. In fact, you can choose from as many as 108 different top-rated vacation packages to take you to Rovaniemi, and even more if you expand your search to include a bigger area of Finland.

To help narrow your choices down, here are some of the best vacation packages for exploring the city of Rovaniemi.

For an epic vacation, discover Rovaniemi and other top destinations in Finland on a top-rated holiday like the 10-Day Finland Road Trip from Rovaniemi traveling east to Kuusamo, Kajaani, and Oulu. This vacation package provides travelers with tons of opportunities to experience not only the most popular attractions in Rovaniemi, but also in other top places to visit in Finland. If Angry Birds Playground, Santa Claus Village, Santa Claus Office, Santa's Post Office, and Huskypoint Käpälämäki are on your bucket list, this is the perfect vacation package for you.

If you would like to go on a budget vacation in Rovaniemi, book the popular Cheap 3-Day Finland Road Trip Vacation in Rovaniemi and spend as little as 935 EUR. This vacation will take you on a journey to experience some of the most incredible attractions and sights in Rovaniemi, including the fantastic SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, Auttiköngäs, Santa Claus Office, Culture House Korundi, and Angry Birds Playground.

Get more Rovaniemi vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Finland that match your needs and budget.

Discover and compare 108 vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Rovaniemi.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Rovaniemi get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Finland. Your customized holiday package to Rovaniemi is only a few clicks away!

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Rovaniemi, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Finland. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Rovaniemi, Finland, in March.

The cheapest one-way flight to Rovaniemi costs around 31 EUR and is offered by the airline Ryanair.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Rovaniemi cost approximately 62 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on August 11 and the return flight is scheduled on August 14. The flight time is around 2 hours per way.

The return flight is operated by Helsinki.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Finland and the city of Rovaniemi from your city of departure.

Travelers visiting Rovaniemi in Finland can fly to Rovaniemi airport directly from 1635 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to Rovaniemi airport and the city of Rovaniemi in Finland depart from Rovaniemi airport in Rovaniemi, Finland, Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, Jamaica, and Cochin International airport in Kochi, India.

Travelers can fly to Finland by choosing from from 1 weekly flight(s) from Rovaniemi; from 2 weekly flight(s) from Kingston; and from 1 weekly flight(s) from Kochi.

The airline that operates most flights to Finland is Lanmei Airlines. Lanmei Airlines offers 17 scheduled flight routes to Finland.

Discover the most popular flights to Rovaniemi below. Click to view flights to Rovaniemi, Finland from destinations all across the globe.

A trip to the fascinating Rovaniemi, Finland, means opportunities to relax at any of the 5 different types of places to stay in the city. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 248 vacation rental apartments, 109 hotels, 92 cottages, 0 hostels and 0 resorts. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Rovaniemi provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the city, Santa Claus Holiday Village is one of the top picks of travelers in Rovaniemi.

The hotel is located at Tähtikuja 2 and boasts many great utilities, including 24-hour front desk, Airport shuttle, and Bar.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Rovaniemi. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Rovaniemi, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Hostel Ibedcity. For approximately 30 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Unknown at this popular hostel.

Below is a list of all 5 different types of places to stay in Rovaniemi. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Rovaniemi for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 449 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Rovaniemi provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Rovaniemi are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Rovaniemi.

Aurora Suite offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Rovaniemi. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Santa Claus Holiday Village, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Rovaniemi, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Hotel Aakenus, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Rovaniemi. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Rovaniemi on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Rovaniemi that match the information provided.

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Rovaniemi to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Rovaniemi can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Finland at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Rovaniemi is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Rovaniemi is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Rovaniemi.

Check out all options available in Rovaniemi and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Finland below.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Rovaniemi. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Rovaniemi, Finland, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Finland. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Travelers in Finland can catch flights to domestic airports in Joensuu, Helsinki, Kajaani, Vaasa, and Turku. Domestic flights in Finland are operated by 2 airlines: Finnair, and Norwegian International. There are around 9 scheduled flight routes operating to Rovaniemi on a weekly basis.

From Rovaniemi, travelers can book scheduled flights to 9 domestic destinations.

Traveling to another city or region in Finland? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Rovaniemi to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Finland on the selected dates.