Rovaniemi – The true heart of Lapland
Where is Rovaniemi?
Where is Rovaniemi?
Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland (Northern Finland), Rovaniemi sits right on the Arctic Circle.
Approximately 10 hours driving a car from Tromsø, this unique location makes it the perfect base for your Arctic adventures, such as snowmobile, reindeer sledding, meeting Santa Claus at the Santa Claus village (in Rovaniemi), visit the Arctic Circle (and literally cross it), among many other opportunities.
The Arctic Route bus brings you daily between Tromsø and Rovaniemi, during wintertime (1st December – 31st March), offering the easiest and most comfortable way to travel between these two towns.
Why should you visit Rovaniemi during wintertime?
Meet Santa Claus at the Santa Clau’s village
Step over the Arctic Circle, as the geographic line is running through Santa Claus Village
Witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights
Experience authentic Sami culture
Embark on thrilling snowmobile adventures
Enjoy a wide range of winter activities
Traveling between Rovaniemi and Tromsø by bus: The Arctic Route
From December 1st to March 31st, hop on the Arctic Route winter bus connecting Tromsø and Rovaniemi. This scenic journey takes you through breathtaking Arctic landscapes, making your trip an adventure in itself!
This winter bus route also stops at other strategic bus stops such as Levi and Kittilä Airport. The Rovaniemi Airport is located 15 minutes from Rovaniemi city center and 10 minutes from Santa Claus Village, also allowing good connections between strategic points.
What to do in Rovaniemi
Santa Claus’ Village: Where Christmas never ends
Step into a world of wonder at the Santa Claus’ Village, open year-round:
Meet Santa in his office (daily, 10 AM – 5 PM)
Send postcards from Santa’s Main Post Office
Cross the Arctic Circle line
Enjoy reindeer sleigh rides (weather permitting, 10 AM – 4 PM)
Shop for unique Arctic souvenirs
You can read further information about what to do at the Santa Claus’ village and Rovaniemi here.
Arctic animal tours
184 €
- 13:00
- 4 hours
- Rovaniemi
In pursuit of Reindeer – snowmobile safari to reindeer farm
Explore ancient Lappish culture at a reindeer farm. Go on a Snowmobile tour, enjoy a sleigh ride with Santa’s flying friends. Sip hot drinks, hear herding tales before returning to the city.
199 €
- 09:30
- 6 hours
- Rovaniemi
Santa and his reindeer
Festive family adventure: Meet Santa, shop at his village, visit his post office. Enjoy lunch in log manor. Experience reindeer sleigh ride, hear tales. Kids delight in mini snowmobiling!
165 €
- 14:00
- 2,5 hours
- Rovaniemi
Along the Reindeer Path
Experience an authentic reindeer safari! Relax in sleigh, capture nature’s beauty. Listen to reindeer caravan sounds. Enjoy campfire coffee, cinnamon bun, and herder’s tales of life with reindeer.
188 €
- 09:30 / 14:00
- 2 hours (excl transfer time)
- Rovaniemi
Thrill of speed: Husky Safari
Be greeted by our huskies as soon as you arrive to the farm. Enjoy silent sledge ride through nature. Photo break in wilderness. Two per team, option to switch drivers. 10km trail, may vary with conditions.
Outdoor & cultural tours
244 €
- 10:00
- 5- 6 hours
- Rovaniemi
Visit Ice hotel by Snowmobile
Experience the Arctic Snow Hotel via thrilling snowmobile safari. Tour this icy marvel, savor glow-fried salmon in a Kota tepee, and return to Rovaniemi with unforgettable memories of Lapland’s winter wonderland.
119 €
- several departures
- 2 hours
- Rovaniemi
Snowmobiling Quick Spin – 2 h snowmobile experience
Master snowmobiling on this thrilling adventure. Experience the wilderness, pausing for hot drinks and serene moments. Perfect blend of excitement and tranquility in snowy landscapes.
116 €
- 20:00
- 4 hours
- Rovaniemi
Aurora Hunting Photo Tour
Chase Northern Lights at Lapland’s best spots. Guide captures photos and shares night photography tips. Memorable adventure with great photos guaranteed and possibility of northern lights.
149 €
- 10:00
- 5,5 hours
- Rovaniemi
Wildlife Park Visit in Ranua
Explore Ranua Wildlife Park, 80 km from Rovaniemi. Home to 200 arctic animals from 50 species. Self-guided tour allows flexibility. The park rehabilitates injured wildlife. Don’t miss the Fazer Shop before returning!
98 €
- 11:00
- 2 hours
- Rovaniemi
Pure Christmas Joy – Santa Claus, arctic animals and snow fun
Husky sleds, reindeer rides, toboggans, and kid’s snowmobiles. Meet Santa, ponder your behavior. Enjoy rustic lunch. Return with magical memories of this festive day!
105 €
- 10:00
- 3 hours
- Rovaniemi
Ice Fishing – by car
ce fishing adventure on frozen wilderness lake. Learn to lure fish with special gear. Enjoy winter’s tranquility. Hot drinks served. Shh… it’s the town’s best-kept secret fishing spot!
96 €
- 10:00
- 2 hours
- Rovaniemi
Snowshoe fun
Explore snowy forests and capture stunning photos. Our expert guide leads you through breathtaking landscapes, creating unforgettable memories in a pristine wonderland.
Beyond Santa: Thrilling Arctic experiences
Chase the Northern Lights: Join guided aurora hunting tours
Snowmobile Safaris: Race through snowy forests and frozen lakes
Husky Sledding: Experience the thrill of dog sledding
Ice Fishing: Try your hand at this traditional Arctic pastime
Sami Culture Tours: Learn about the indigenous people of Lapland
Where to stay in Rovaniemi: Cozy comfort in the Arctic
Rovaniemi offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler:
Snowhotel: Sleep in an ice hotel, with handmade carved sculptures that change every year
Glass Igloos: Sleep under the Northern Lights
Boutique Hotels: Experience Finnish hospitality
Wilderness Lodges: Immerse yourself in nature
If you would like to read further into detail about the different types of accommodation in Rovaniemi, check it here.
Rovaniemi is more than just a destination; it’s a magical experience that will stay with you forever. From meeting Santa Claus to witnessing the ethereal Northern Lights, every moment in Rovaniemi is filled with wonder.
Travel by bus between Tromsø (Norway) and Rovaniemi (Finland), daily, between 1st of December and 31st of March, with the Arctic Route. Prebook your bus ticket to guarantee your spot.
Visit Tromsø – What to do
Tromsø, or “the gateway to the Arctic”, in Northern Norway offers an unforgettable experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike:
- Northern Light tours (September to March);
- Whale Watching tours (from November to January);
- Exhilarating snowmobile tours (for the adrenaline junkies);
- Dog sledding tours (one of the all-time best-sellers);
- Boat and fjord tours (for those seeking a maritime adventure and offering a unique perspective of the rugged coastline)
Tromsø’s combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and Arctic charm makes it an irresistible destination for those seeking an extraordinary and unforgettable travel experience.
Start planning and book your Arctic Route bus ticket here
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