Adventures and experience galore!
The Capital City of Lapland Rovaniemi is a unique destination both with respect to location and services. Located where Lapland begins, you can cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa Claus, enjoy the brightness of the summer nights or, in winter, admire the Norther Lights. Rovaniemi is an adventure in itself. The rivers running through the town, Ounasjoki River and Kemijoki River, the Ounasvaara Hill recreation area, Ranua, and Ranua Wildlife Park, together with the wilderness trails setting out from the City, are all available to travellers. The summertime riverboat and jeep safaries revert in the winter to snowmobiles and husky or reindeer teams. A thematic evening by a wilderness camp fire, enjoying the scenic river shores or visiting a nearby reindeer farm - is an experience cherishing forever.
A recreational oasis in the centre of town
Ounasvaara Hill is a versatile recreation and sport-oriented area within walking distance of Rovaniemi’s downtown. In Finland, the Ounasvaara name is associated with winter sports in general as well as with the legendary Ounasvaara Winter Games. And not without reason - many a Finnish star of winter sport has taken his or her first leap to the pinnacle of world achievement on these pine heath-covered slopes. But at least as important as the favourable practice conditions offered to the best athletes is the position of Ounasvaara Hill as a recreational spot amongst Rovaniemi city-dwellers and visitors alike.
Ounasvaara Hill’s provision includes a host of various sports and possibilities - for example, the ski centre’s slalom slopes, ski-jumps, illuminated ski/sawdust tracks, tennis courts, indoor ball games facilities, golf course and the impressive selection offered by Lapland’s recreation centre, ranging from bowling alleys to wall-climbing. The scenic lift at the ski centre transports visitors to the top also during summer. Thrilling rides down the slope are provided during this period by the summer sled track. As a scenic look-out area, Ounasvaara Hill offers impressive panoramas of both the City and the neighbouring river valley.
The magic of Christmas unfolds at the Arctic Circle
The spirit of Christmas beckons one to the Arctic Circle every day of the year! Only 8 kilometres to the North of Rovaniemi’s central business district, there is a fairyland for both young and older family members alike: Santa Claus Village with its innumerable gift-shops and restaurants - togehter with Santa’s own post office and chamber, reindeer and huskies, not to mention Santa’s own home in a cave, SantaPark.
When you arrive, your programme naturally includes crossing the Arctic Circle as well as getting your very own Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate as a reward. A memorable crossing ceremony combined with a genuine "Lapland Baptism" are arranged for groups on request.
You can meet Santa, who’s loved and appreciated by everyone, at Santa Claus Village every day of the year.
The Arktikum tells a story about the people of the North
The Arktikum in Rovaniemi
provides a unique insight into the way of life, culture and history of the North. It is a museum, science centre, popular cultural venue with impressive meeting and congress facilities and an architectural sight in its own right.
The permanent and temporary exhibitions portray culture, history, traditions and modern life in the Arctic regions. Come and find out about the livelihoods of the Northern peoples and animal life in the Arctic, or travel through history far back to ancient times through to the recent past.