Top Things to Do in Rovaniemi, Finland: A Guide to Lapland’s Arctic Magic

As the capital of Finnish Lapland, this magical destination offers unforgettable Arctic adventures. From meeting Santa Claus to witnessing the Northern Lights, we're here to share the top things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland for your perfect winter escape.

Known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi blends holiday charm with thrilling outdoor activities. Explore the breathtaking Arctic wilderness and immerse yourself in the region’s unique Sámi culture. Every corner of this winter wonderland has something special to offer.

Planning your trip to Rovaniemi means deciding between countless incredible experiences. This guide will help you uncover the 20 best attractions, activities, and hidden gems that make Rovaniemi a bucket-list destination for travelers from around the globe.

The Top Things to Do in Rovaniemi, Finland for the Family

Rovaniemi is a great destination for all ages, and some of the top things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland are great for the whole family! Here are a few of the most fun activities for children, parents, and all travelers regardless of their age.

Visit Santa Claus Village

Visiting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is a magical experience straight out of a winter fairytale. This charming village is just outside the city, and is the number one reason that travelers flock to Rovaniemi during the holiday season.

This unique destination offers a chance to meet Santa Claus, to cross the Arctic Circle, and to immerse yourself in fun activities like attending an elf workshop, chatting with Mrs Claus, and sending a post card from Santa's official post office.

If you'd like to learn more about the experience, don't miss out on our Santa Claus Village travel guide!

Stop by Santa's Office

Located right in the heart of Rovaniemi's city center is the official Santa Claus office. Stop in and take a picture with Santa, or browse the shop for something to take home as a souvenir. 

(Photos with Santa cost 30 euros, and you cannot use your own phone or camera*).

Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is one of the most affordable and age-friendly activities to enjoy in Rovaniemi, and can be experienced either in the city center or at Snowman World in Santa Claus village.

If you look in the photo, you'll also notice that in Finland they have something to assist with those that are not strong skaters, making it an inclusive activity for all.

Visit Rauna National Park

While we're not totally in favor of this activity, it would be unfair to mention that it exists.

Rauna National Park is the center of arctic wildlife in the area, and a popular excursion for families to take from Rovaniemi. We heard from locals that it is truthfully more like a zoo, which is why we opted to skip out on this one.

Spend a Day at Snowman World

Snowman World is definitely one of top things to do in Rovaniemi, and is located right inside Santa Claus Village. We were super lucky when we visited, because our last day in the area was opening day!

At Snowman World you'll get to experience amazing ice sculptures, tubing, iceskating, an ice thrown with a slide, an ice bar, and even an entire restaurant made out of snow!

It was honestly so incredibly cool, and one of the most family-friendly experiences in Rovaniemi.

The Top Things to Do in Rovaniemi, Finland for Adventure

Calling all thrill-seekers! Rovaniemi is more than just kid-friendly activities.

There are a ton of fun things to do in Rovaniemi for adults, especially those that love the outdoors.

Here are some of the top things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland for those looking for a bit more adventure.

Experience Snowmobiling

For a truly exhilarating adventure, rent a snowmobile in Rovaniemi and ride around the snowy landscapes of the region.

Guided snowmobile tours can be booked in Santa Claus village or at some of the resorts in Rovaniemi. where you'll experience stunning views of frozen lakes, dense forests, and the snowy sceneries of Lapland.

There are a variety of snowmobile tours to choose from, from quick and fast rides, to complete 6 hour rides exploring all over Rovaniemi's various landscapes.

 Go Ice Karting

Imagine bumper cars Arctic style! Ice Karting is truly one of the most unique things to do in Rovaniemi, and is great for children (over 10) and adults alike.

 Enjoy a Reindeer Sleigh Ride

Experience an iconic Arctic adventure with a reindeer sleigh ride through the snow-covered forest.

Guided by skilled herders, these magical rides offers a glimpse into traditional Sámi culture and the importance of reindeer in their way of life. Rides vary in length, from short and budget-friendly rides, to long and scenic rides through dense, snowy forests.

We opted to go to a reindeer small farm and do a shorter experience as we wanted to make sure we were attending one of the ethical animal encounters.

Take a Husky Sleigh Ride

Huskies are a big part of Sami culture, and going on a husky sleigh ride is definitely one of the top things to do in Rovaniemi.

Glide through snowy forests with energetic pups and skilled mushers for a truly thrilling adventure.

Don't want to go on a ride? You can also go to one of the farms and meet these adorable animals to learn all about them.

Go Skiing/ Snowboarding

No winter wonderland is complete without some iconic winter sports, and Lapland certainly has no shortage.

Ounasvaara Ski Resort has ten slopes – the longest track being 600 meters in length. However, if you'd like to explore even bigger resorts, you can check the tour packages below which include gear, lunch, and transportation.

The Top Things to Do in Rovaniemi, Finland for Relaxation

With all of the exciting adventures in Rovaniemi, you'll certainly want some time to relax and restore, Well, there's no better way than checking out these unique Finnish experiences.

Try a Finnish Sauna Experience

Ddi you know that there are more saunas than people in Finland? Saunas are not just a fun experience, but a true way of life in this Scandinavian country.

Warm up from the cold in the super hot sauna, and then do some cold therapy in between sessions by dipping in icy waters.

Many even have lakes where they carve out a hole in the ice, for a truly one-of-a-kind experience!

Want to learn more? We have a full article coming up about the Finnish sauna experience that we did in Rovaniemi!

Here are some other sauna experiences in Rovaniemi we've found for you:

 BONUS: A Floating Sauna Experience!

If you love the idea of a sauna, but want something a little different, then you won't want to miss out on the incredible floating sauna experience.

Float around a lake with stunning scenery in your own little paradise, alternating from heating up in the sauna to cooling off in the lake.

Whether you're enjoying the magic of the midnight sun in summer, or watching the colorful Northern lights in winter, this is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Rovaniemi.

Experience Arctic Floating

Get ready to cozy up in a thermal suit and float in icy waters with some stunning arctic views on this truly unique Lappish experience.

There are a variety of excursion options that go along with ice floating like gazing at the northern lights, taking a cruise, or having a cozy dinner by the bonfire.

The Top Things to Do in Rovaniemi, Finland for History & Culture

While many people flock to Lapland for the Christmas activities and winter sports, there is much more to this incredible area of Finland.

Here are some great tours and places to check out for the best cultural experiences in Rovaniemi.

Explore the City Center

Rovaniemi has a small city center, but it's the heart of where you can experience this destination like a local. Browse the shops, enjoy the dining, or have a crazy night out in one of the many bars.

We actually went out on a Monday night in Rovaniemi, and found that it was a busy student night. 

Enjoy the Nightlife

Being in a place with a low population and small city center, we honestly assumed that Rovaniemi's nightlife would be nonexistent.

We actually saw a ton of people lined up at a bar on a Monday night, and decided to go for a drink. There were several bars around the city, and everywhere was packed!

We found out that it was a busy student night, and we ended up partying until 3 am with the locals. It was truly a blast, and we'd highly recommend it for the younger travelers.

Visit the Amethyst Museum

The Amethyst Museum in Rovaniemi offers a sparkling journey into the world of gemstones, with a special focus on the amethyst stone. 

This unique museum showcases the history, geology, and cultural significance of amethysts through beautiful exhibits, and visitors can marvel at dazzling displays, learn about the mining process, and even purchase authentic Lapland amethysts as souvenirs.

Check Out the Korundi House of Culture

The Kurundi Museum in Rovaniemi offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage and history of Finnish Lapland. 

Dedicated to preserving the traditions of the Sámi people, the museum features exhibits on indigenous crafts, clothing, and their daily life. Visitors can admire intricate handicrafts, learn about the Sámi connection to nature, and explore how their culture has evolved over time.

A visit to the Kurundi Museum is one of the top activities in Rovaniemi to deepen your understanding of Lapland's unique cultural identity.

Discover the Arktikum Science Center

The Arktikum Museum in Rovaniemi is another great attraction that dives into the  fascinating exploration of the region’s nature, culture, and history. 

This iconic glass-roofed museum houses interactive exhibits on Arctic wildlife, climate change, and the traditions of the Sámi people. Visitors can also learn about life in the far north, from the challenges of extreme weather to the beauty of the Northern Lights.

A visit to the Arktikum is both educational and inspiring, making it a must-see for anyone wanting to learn more about Finnish Lapland.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

The Top Things to Do in Rovaniemi, Finland: Other Bucket List Activities

We've already shared a ton of the top things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland for a variety of travel types. But there's more! Here are a few that didn't fall into a particular category, but that should definitely still be on your Lappish bucket list,

 Go Ice Fishing

Ice fishing in Finnish Lapland is a unique and quintessential Arctic experience, that is really popular in Rovaniemi. 

This traditional activity involves drilling a hole in a frozen lake and patiently waiting for a catch while surrounded by pristine snow-covered landscapes. Guided tours typically provide all the necessary equipment, warm clothing, and expert tips to make your experience enjoyable.

Whether you catch a fish or simply soak in the tranquility of the frozen wilderness, ice fishing is a peaceful way to connect with Lapland’s natural beauty.

Chase the Northern Lights

If you're visiting the Arctic Circle then you really can't miss out on one of the top bucket list experiences in the world, which is experiencing the Northern Lights.

Watching the colors dance across the sky is more than simply looking up. It's about being in the right place and the right time, and you can choose to take a tour or do it on your own.

The northern lights are one of the most magical experiences in Lapland.

Northern Lights Tour vs Going on Your Own

Taking a tour gives you almost a 100% chance of seeing the northern lights, or you'll get your money back. Guides are extremely knowledgable about this, and the best places for viewing are kind of in the middle of nowhere.

We were on a bit of a tight budget, so we decided to do a ton of research and go on our own. We followed the map and drove 2 hours north of Rovaniemi, getting lucky to see them a few times throughout the night! 

If you only have a few nights, we'd recommend a tour. If you're driving and feeling adventurous with a few extra nights to spare, then we'd challenge you to try on your own!

Stay in an Ice Hotel

Looking for one of the most unique hotel stays in the world? Well, for a limited time, there is a hotel completely made of ice and snow that you can stay at.

The Arctic Snow Hotel & Igloos is a magical winter escape where everything, from the walls to the furniture, is crafted from ice and snow. This unique accommodation offers visitors the chance to sleep in cozy thermal sleeping bags on ice beds surrounded by intricate ice sculptures. 

Guests can also enjoy activities like snowmobiling, husky safaris, and even dining in an ice restaurant. The hotel is a one-of-a-kind experience, and one of the top things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland. PS: You'll definitely need to book well in advance!

 Or Go on a Day Visit/ Enjoy Dinner at the Arctic Snow Hotel

Already have your accommodation but still want to experience the Arctic Snow Hotel? Well, you can visit on different excursions such as an ice sculpture tour, or you can go on a guided visit with dinner included.

Check Out Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls

Looking for a fun day out in nature? Well, the Korouoma Canyon and frozen waterfalls is the perfect tour to be able to experience a little adventure to see some of the most stunning Lappish landscapes.

The short but rewarding hike is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, and many of the tours even include a barbecue afterwards! 

So are you ready to experience all of the top things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland? We hope we've helped you plan your Finnish Lapland escape to tick off some epic bucket list activities.

Want to learn more about Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland? We have quite a few other Lapland travel guides coming up, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of the weekly updates!

Ready to start planning the most unforgettable trip of your life? Well, it doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg to do so! Scratch Your Mapa now offers custom travel planning services, designed to get you the cheapest flights, and create you the most perfect itinerary. Want to learn more? Shoot us an email for your free consultation!

Here are some other articles you'll love: