A local favourite for Finnish food is Nili, where the rustic setting and traditional decor combines with local dishes to create a wonderful atmosphere. In Summer, the driving time from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is about 10 hours (without breaks). From speaking to a number of locals, one thing they seem to like doing is spending 15 or 30 minutes getting really hot in the sauna, and then heading outside into the freezing cold and then heading once again back into the sauna. Okay, now what else do you think of when you imagine snowy Lapland? You can instead read about our full experience here. 
Consider booking a table at Restaurant Nili, Monte Rosa or Arctic Restaurant in the city centre. Buses might be the most reliable way of travelling in Finland they usually operate on time, no matter what is the weather. Need data for your trip to Finland? Finland is famous for a number of things, but perhaps sauna is the most famous! 
Entry costs 15 for adults; check the Visit Rovaniemi website for seasonal opening hours. Korundi House is a cultural museum thats found in one of the oldest buildings in Rovaniemi, as most of the city was burnt to the ground during World Warr II. 
Showcasing affordable, luxurious getaways for the budget conscious! Book our pick-up, take a 15-minute-walk, hop on the bus (bus number 8) or take a taxi to reach the city or your accommodation. Theres some great hiking through the canyon and some excellent waterfalls, which during winter will be completely iced over. For more help, check out this awesome guide I wrote on 10 top tips for seeing the Northern Lights in Finland. Why is it so dark in Lapland during the wintertime? So, its only fitting that you pay them a visit on your trip to Rovaniemi. Its open every day of the year, and you can get there by taking the public bus (number eight) from the railway station, which costs around 7 for a return trip and takes roughly 20 minutes each way. Days are short and dark and travel can be unpredictable. At that point, it was a cluster of small, agricultural settlements at the confluence of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers. 
Join these dedicated photography tours with expert instructors, hunt down the lights in the outdoors and learn from some of the best how to take the best pictures in difficult conditions. Located just 8 km south of the Arctic Circle, the city of Rovaniemi is considered the capital of Finnish Lapland. If youre coming to Finland by plane, take a train from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Tikkurila and transfer to a long-distance train towards Rovaniemi. End it all with a barbecue in the snow if you catch anything when fishing of course! 
Rovaniemi has a wonderful and at times eclectic selection of hotels to stay in, but most of the options available will be in the higher price end with budget accommodation being few and far between. Youll find reindeer being served almost everywhere in Finland, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Theres also no shortage of luxury apartments, featuring well-equipped kitchens, spacious living areas and, in most cases, access to a sauna. Paris, Milan, Barcelona, Istanbul and Dsseldorf also offer direct flights to Rovaniemi between late autumn and early spring. Picking the best place to stay in Rovaniemi depends on your budget and what kind of experience youre after. I highly recommend both of them, as they were so unique and memorable; and also the coolest way to see the Northern Lights in Finland! Many visitors complain of expensive costs eating in the Santa Claus Village, despite the local delicacies on offer, so you may want to avoid the dishes here and try to find a more authentic restaurant in town if youd like to enjoy the local Lapland cuisine. Even if your visit to Rovaniemi doesnt coincide with the dates, Santa Village is still one of the best places to visit in Rovaniemi. We decided to go with Bearhill Husky, located a few minutes outside town with acres and acres of surrounding forest and trails. The perfect place for a snowy (or not-so-snowy) husky ride. The Pilke Science Centre is a marvellous example of Finnish ingenuity and sustainable construction. Two of which I highly recommend are reindeer and fire-roasted salmon. Haha! Rovaniemi has its fair share of restaurants but deciding wheres a good place to eat can be difficult given the large number of overpriced tourist eateries. Are you planning a trip to the home town of Santa Claus? Modernist architectural highlights include the Arktikum museum and science centre, Lappia House (which contains the Rovaniemi theatre, local radio station and Lapland Music Institute), the city library, the town hall and Jtknkynttil, a bridge which crosses the Kemijoki River, with two columns representing a lumberjacks candle. What does polar night, "kaamos", mean? Being so close to the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi experiences challenging weather conditions, with snow present for large parts of the year. But it also includes a key wilderness element, where our guide taught us more about Finnish nature, and how the locals have survived here for hundreds of years using only what nature provides. There are several bus operators in Finland, for example. Rovaniemi is the home of Father Christmas, and Lapland has long been associated with the Christmas legend. Here's a look at 12 of the absolute best things to do in Rovaniemi! Take a snowmobile safari from the city out into the nearby countryside to visit the local reindeer farm and to call in at the iconic Santa Claus Village. 
I cant comment on what its like staying in one but, dont worry, they give you a well insulated sleeping bag and thermal gear to keep you warm and cosy all night! Meanwhile, the Arctic Circle Wilderness Lodge, 23km (14mi) outside of Rovaniemi, is a tranquil spot on the banks of the Raudanjoki River, with traditional log cabins surrounded by forests. For me, one of the most memorable parts of our 2 visits to Rovaniemi was the Elf School at Santa Park. Travelling King is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Your other option is to rent a car or camper and head out around Lapland on your own. Many people seem to visit Rovaniemi and then return back home; however, I must say that if you are able to venture a little further outside of the city then you really should! Click here to check prices and availability in Rovaniemi. Some go so far as to jump in the freezing lake or roll around in the snow, before returning to the heat. Does the sun rise at all? Book our pick-up, take a 15-minute-walk, hop on the. In summer, go hiking, in winter, take on a sledging or snowmobiling tour. Looking for another unique thing to do in Rovaniemi? To help you plan your visit, follow our winter travel guide to Rovaniemi, Finland. Here are our &. I wont go into too much detail here, but its safe to say that this is one of my top places to visit in Rovaniemi! Summers are short, but the wildlife comes out, the hiking is excellent and there are many great festivals to enjoy. Winters are bitterly cold and icy, but this is also when you have the opportunity to experience the Christmas culture and the northern lights. In Summer, the driving time from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is about 10 hours (without breaks). Alternatively, you can fly direct from Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham or Glasgow to Kittil, which is around a 100-minute drive from Rovaniemi. Please try again. When deciding what to do in Rovaniemi, dont leave a trip here off the itinerary. 
Ounasvaara is a favourite outdoor spot amongst the people of Rovaniemi. In winter, when the skies are dark and the days are short then Rovaniemi becomes one of the best places in the world to view the spectacular northern lights. Rovaniemi train station is about 1,5 km away from the city centre. The museum itself is housed in a truly unique, glass building that is a sight in itself. Check out the COVID travel requirements and restrictions for Finland. An essential part of visiting Rovaniemi is sampling traditional Lappish cuisine, whether it be reindeer stew served with almond potatoes, fresh salmon or Arctic char caught in one of the nearby lakes and cooked by an open fire, or leipjuusto, a soft cheese dessert served with cloudberry jam. You also get the chance to experience a snowmobile ride and see the incredible snowy wilderness around Lapland. All trains are operated by state company VR. If you have more time and are comfortable with driving abroad, you may also take a road-trip through Finland. January and February are still good times to visit if you want the full Lapland winter experience. Lapland is a truly incredible and unforgettable place to visit, especially in the winter months when covered in snow. On the contrary, Ranua is home to only Arctic animals (makes sense), so its a fantastic way to see all kinds of animals you will unlikely see elsewhere in the world; such as brown bears, wolves, wolverines and even polar bears! To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". 
Why is it so dark in Lapland during winter? Do you remember when was the last time you spent some time in the nature? Suvi Pasma / Sales Manager. We cant find a country that matches your search. Lapland is the most northernmost province in Finland, and being remote has quite limited transport options, although, with the ever-increasing popularity of Rovaniemi as a tourist destination, its getting easier and easier to travel here. 
If youre looking for a truly unforgettable accommodation experience, however, there are several standout options in the surrounding area. There are several found in the surrounding countryside, and here you can try firsthand reindeer delicacies or go for sledge rides when its snowing. A Guide to the Top Rooftop Bars in Bangkok. We then ran outside and rolled in the snow, before returning back inside, dripping wet, with the exhilarating feeling as your body temperature slowly starts to warm up again. The main language spoken by locals is Finnish, with several other dialects including indigenous Sami languages. These are purpose-built glass-roofed cabins, perfect for laying back and watching the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Looking to enjoy a few beers in the evening? The Arktikum Science Museum is perhaps the most intriguing of Rovaniemis museums and cultural centres. Overlooking the city, this huge hill is perfect for hiking in summer and even better for skiing or other winter sports once the snow has settled. There are two main ways to try and spot the Northern Lights from Rovaniemi. Its located at, you guessed it, The Arctic Snow Hotel, just 20 minutes north of Rovaniemi. Snow typically starts to fall in Rovaniemi in October; usually, by late November or early December, the region is covered in a thick, white blanket. If you have any questions, please dont hesitate to ask! Rovaniemi is found in the far north of Finland, with the city centre itself located just four miles to the south of the Arctic Circle. There are direct trains running between Helsinki and Rovaniemi. Once you have made it to Rovaniemi its simple to get around the city and to the wider attractions. 
In 2016 I decided to ditch the office environment, work from my laptop and travel to every country in the world. In summer, the days are endless and you have the chance to see Rovaniemi under the midnight sun. Unsure about travelling during COVID? 
There are other live performances as well, including dancing, singing and, in 2019, even a fire display! You also get the chance to spot wild reindeer everywhere you go; a memorable experience in itself. Explore the snowy wilderness of Lapland from the city of Rovaniemi. This is the capital of Lapland and most visitors will find themselves travelling to this isolated and sparsely populated corner of Europe to experience the vast natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes and the unique, if remote culture of the locals. If youre coming to Finland by plane, take a train from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Tikkurila and transfer to a long-distance train towards Rovaniemi. +358 16 311 485, yllas@safartica.com Even from those who unfortunately were unable to see them. Lonely Planet Where to Stay in Phuket Where to Stay in Sydney A Guide to the Top Rooftop Bars in Bangkok Travel tips and Top 10s Privacy & Disclosure Policy Campervans in New Zealand. This tour comes with dozens of excellent reviews. The Sami are the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland, a people who have lived in these remote parts for thousands of years, with their own unique language and culture. All in all, even though Rovaniemi is located in the north, it is easily accessible all year round. Rovaniemi was almost entirely destroyed by the German army during the Second World War, so the city you see today was built from 1946 onward. Including, of course, polar bears! Haha! Click here to read my full disclosure policy. (bus number 8) or take a taxi to reach the city or your accommodation. Get exclusive weekly travel tips & updates on our drive around the world. Whilst Santa Park focuses on being an underground experience, Santa Village is a larger campus-type attraction, offering everything through from husky rides to cute cabins to stay in for the night. Check out our dedicated Budget Conscious Travel Guide, Rovaniemi Northern Lights Photography Small-Group Tour, Rovaniemi Snowmobile Tour: Visit a Reindeer Farm and Meet Santa, Lapland Aurora Borealis Picnic from Rovaniemi, Snowmobile Safari in the Arctic Circle with Hotel Transport from Rovaniemi, Animal Fun Day with Zoo, Husky Farm & Reindeer Farm Visits, Northern Lights Photography Tour from Rovaniemi. Also Turkish Airlines is starting to operate direct flights from Istanbul to Rovaniemi in November 2019. Is a Day Trip from London to Paris via the Eurostar Train worth it? Where to stay in Phuket Where the party is or calm and relaxed? The Best Places to Stay in Phuket! 
, but you can also find ticket machines and staff who can help you with the purchase from airport or from main railway-station. You could experience Rovaniemi (Finland) through any one of these tours below. When youre done rolling around in the snow like a lunatic, its worth heading to a local restaurant and trying some Finnish delicacies. Again, you can book our pick-up, walk (about 15 minutes), hop on the bus, or take a taxi to reach the city. You can visit Santas Post Office, you can visit Santas home and meet with Santa himself, you can try local Finnish food and buy endless souvenirs and Christmas themed gifts. Read on to discover more of Rovaniemis winter charm. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Rovaniemi Airport: 1 h 30 min, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Rovaniemi train station: 12 h (with 1 or 2 transfers), Helsinki railway-station to Rovaniemi train station: 12 h 30 min (direct), 11 h to 11 h 30 min (with transfer), Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Rovaniemi: 12 h 40 min, Helsinki to Rovaniemi: 13 h 10 min (direct), 15 h (with transfer). Take on an adventurous tour into the countryside as you enjoy a spot of ice fishing before heading to a Husky farm to learn how to dog sledge across the snow. Alternatively, pay a visit to Santa Village where they have reindeer on-site; even offering sleigh rides. Whatever the season, theres a lot of great things to do in the heart of Lapland and to help you to plan your trip to this arctic city, heres our ultimate guide to Rovaniemi Finland. Rovaniemi train station is about 1,5 km away from the city centre. View of Kem River, Kemijoki, in a Liedakkala village, Courtesy of Arctic Light Hotel / Booking.com, Culture Trips exclusive small-group Finnish Lapland trip. Author Alternatively, try Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi, in Santa Claus Village, for an authentic taste of Lapland. Your submission has been received! 
Head down to the Arktikum science centre and museum to learn all about the history, nature and culture of Lapland and the Arctic as well as the threats they face from climate change through a series of interactive exhibitions and events. Take a look at our accommodation and activities in Rovaniemi, and book your holiday. Get your guide is a Great company, that often offersheavily discounted tours!
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