The adventure awaits
Come and experience a real Nordic winter at the Arctic Circle in chilly Finland! Besides low temperatures and a snow-covered landscape, you can look forward to frozen trees, reindeer, and if you're lucky, the northern lights too. So, are you ready for a proper dose of winter? Put on your hats and let's go!
Don't forget that some activities need to be booked in advance. You can find more information for individual locations in the itinerary.
Welcome to Lapland! I hope you've dressed warmly, because it's probably freezing outside. But that's exactly why you came here, right? Don't overdo it on the first day and just focus on getting acclimated. Besides heading to your accommodation, you can also stop by the town center if you have some extra time.
At the airport, pick up your luggage and your car (following the instructions you'll receive before your trip), which will serve you well for the coming days. The staff will guide you; in any case, the cars are located in the parking lots in front of the airport building on the right side.
Driving in Finland during the winter months requires extra caution and should not be underestimated. The roads will be covered in snow, or worse, ice. Even though the cars have studded tires, stick to the speed limits, keep a safe distance between cars, and start braking well in advance. The last thing you want to deal with on vacation is a stuck car. Outside of the city, it's good practice to signal to the driver behind you about 200 to 300 meters before you plan to turn off the road. Local drivers are used to this and will give you plenty of space.
If you have enough time, you can head into the city center. There are several parking spots to choose from, but don't forget to pay for parking via the Easy Park app! One of the closest parking garages to the center is located right in the Revontuli shopping center. According to their website, parking is free for 2 hours – but please check the details on their website here before you arrive.
After parking, you can take a walk through the center and soak up your first impressions. The center is small, so it won't take you long to explore it from end to end.
For accommodation, we chose a location outside the city, right by one of the thousands of Finnish lakes. You'll avoid light pollution this way, and if the weather is good, it's only a matter of time before the Northern Lights start dancing over your head. Don't forget to look north!
You will spend your first full day in Rovaniemi itself. To start, you'll walk through the local museum, which offers a perfect source of information about the city, Sámi culture, and the local nature. Afterward, you'll move on to the biggest attraction for all visitors – Santa Claus Village. You'll be able to officially cross the Arctic Circle or tell Santa your wishes.
The parking lot is located right in front of the museum. According to the official website, you get 4 hours of free parking. Just double-check the info once you're there.
The museum is really excellent and well worth a visit. It gives you an insight into the whole area and you won't have to be out in the freezing cold the whole time. You can find information about opening hours and entrance fees on this website.
The parking lot is right in Santa Claus village. The local staff will guide you.
Santa Claus Village is undoubtedly the most popular spot in the area. And not just for kids. Adults often find themselves reliving their childhood here, too. One of the coolest parts is the local post office—I mean, who wouldn't want to get a letter from Santa? Or maybe you'd rather meet some real-life Elves?
Get ready for crowds and a bit of chaos. You'll find reindeer in the village, but skip paying for the sleigh ride here. You'll visit a real reindeer farm in the coming days where the value for money is much better. If you want a photo with Santa, have your wallet ready—he has to buy presents for the kids somehow. So don't be surprised if he asks for 30 Euros or more.
You can find more information about the place at this link.
If you'd like to check out the northern lights from somewhere other than your accommodation, you can head here. This spot is also a great tip for viewing if you're staying right in Rovaniemi. The key is to always check the weather forecast and head out to hunt for the aurora in the direction where there are no clouds!
The most important thing is having plenty of patience. The northern lights aren't in the sky all the time, and there's no specific time when they appear. Sometimes it's strong, sometimes it's weak, and sometimes it can really keep you waiting. If you're not sure if you're seeing the aurora borealis, pull out your phone, open the camera, and point it at the spot—if it's the northern lights, it will show up green on your phone.
If you don't feel like hunting for the northern lights on your own, you'll find plenty of operators in Rovaniemi who will take you on a trip. I can recommend my friend, who only recently opened his own company - you can find the link here.
When you say Finnish winter, everyone thinks of low temperatures, a white landscape, and frozen trees. Today you will head to Riisitunturi National Park, where a beautiful trip in the lap of nature awaits you. The local hills are inviting, and the views of the surroundings are worth it. If you time your trip right, you might even catch the sunset.
The vast majority of the ride is on a main road that is well-maintained. Be extra careful on the final stretch after turning onto the side road.
Visiting the national park is one of the highlights of the whole stay. The trip route is short, but keep in mind that walking in the snow is a bit slower and you might get a little winded. Bring warm clothes and a thermos of tea! I also recommend setting off early in the morning to avoid walking in the dark.
Start with a visit to a reindeer farm, then take a short hike outside the city, and finish off with a bit of adrenaline on snowmobiles.
Reindeer are an essential part of the Lapland wilderness. If you're lucky, you'll spot them right by the roads. But you won't want to rely on luck, so today you'll head to a local farm to learn all about the lives of reindeer, get the chance to feed them, and maybe even take a sleigh ride.
You need to book the activity on their website. The company will pick you up directly in Rovaniemi.
After visiting the reindeer farm, you can head north of Rovaniemi for a short walk at Vikaköngäs. You can find the entire route at this link. At the top, there is an observation tower offering beautiful views of the surroundings and a magnificent sunset. The location is also a great spot for watching the northern lights.
Snowmobile rides are a popular activity in the area. However, you'll be heading out in style—in the evening hours—to try your luck at spotting the Northern Lights. A valid category B driver's license is required. You can find more information about the activity here.
If you still have some time before your flight, you can add one of the attractions mentioned above or a final walk through the city to your day.
Above the town, there is an observation tower with a view. Several easy and relatively short trails lead to the top. You can find one of the options here.
At the airport, you'll return your car and head back to the warmth with plenty of unforgettable memories!
Come and experience a real Nordic winter at the Arctic Circle in chilly Finland! Besides low temperatures and a snow-covered landscape, you can look forward to frozen trees, reindeer, and if you're lucky, the northern lights too. So, are you ready for a proper dose of winter? Put on your hats and let's go!
Don't forget that some activities need to be booked in advance. You can find more information for individual locations in the itinerary.
Welcome to Lapland! I hope you've dressed warmly, because it's probably freezing outside. But that's exactly why you came here, right? Don't overdo it on the first day and just focus on getting acclimated. Besides heading to your accommodation, you can also stop by the town center if you have some extra time.
At the airport, pick up your luggage and your car (following the instructions you'll receive before your trip), which will serve you well for the coming days. The staff will guide you; in any case, the cars are located in the parking lots in front of the airport building on the right side.
Driving in Finland during the winter months requires extra caution and should not be underestimated. The roads will be covered in snow, or worse, ice. Even though the cars have studded tires, stick to the speed limits, keep a safe distance between cars, and start braking well in advance. The last thing you want to deal with on vacation is a stuck car. Outside of the city, it's good practice to signal to the driver behind you about 200 to 300 meters before you plan to turn off the road. Local drivers are used to this and will give you plenty of space.
If you have enough time, you can head into the city center. There are several parking spots to choose from, but don't forget to pay for parking via the Easy Park app! One of the closest parking garages to the center is located right in the Revontuli shopping center. According to their website, parking is free for 2 hours – but please check the details on their website here before you arrive.
After parking, you can take a walk through the center and soak up your first impressions. The center is small, so it won't take you long to explore it from end to end.
For accommodation, we chose a location outside the city, right by one of the thousands of Finnish lakes. You'll avoid light pollution this way, and if the weather is good, it's only a matter of time before the Northern Lights start dancing over your head. Don't forget to look north!
You will spend your first full day in Rovaniemi itself. To start, you'll walk through the local museum, which offers a perfect source of information about the city, Sámi culture, and the local nature. Afterward, you'll move on to the biggest attraction for all visitors – Santa Claus Village. You'll be able to officially cross the Arctic Circle or tell Santa your wishes.
The parking lot is located right in front of the museum. According to the official website, you get 4 hours of free parking. Just double-check the info once you're there.
The museum is really excellent and well worth a visit. It gives you an insight into the whole area and you won't have to be out in the freezing cold the whole time. You can find information about opening hours and entrance fees on this website.
The parking lot is right in Santa Claus village. The local staff will guide you.
Santa Claus Village is undoubtedly the most popular spot in the area. And not just for kids. Adults often find themselves reliving their childhood here, too. One of the coolest parts is the local post office—I mean, who wouldn't want to get a letter from Santa? Or maybe you'd rather meet some real-life Elves?
Get ready for crowds and a bit of chaos. You'll find reindeer in the village, but skip paying for the sleigh ride here. You'll visit a real reindeer farm in the coming days where the value for money is much better. If you want a photo with Santa, have your wallet ready—he has to buy presents for the kids somehow. So don't be surprised if he asks for 30 Euros or more.
You can find more information about the place at this link.
If you'd like to check out the northern lights from somewhere other than your accommodation, you can head here. This spot is also a great tip for viewing if you're staying right in Rovaniemi. The key is to always check the weather forecast and head out to hunt for the aurora in the direction where there are no clouds!
The most important thing is having plenty of patience. The northern lights aren't in the sky all the time, and there's no specific time when they appear. Sometimes it's strong, sometimes it's weak, and sometimes it can really keep you waiting. If you're not sure if you're seeing the aurora borealis, pull out your phone, open the camera, and point it at the spot—if it's the northern lights, it will show up green on your phone.
If you don't feel like hunting for the northern lights on your own, you'll find plenty of operators in Rovaniemi who will take you on a trip. I can recommend my friend, who only recently opened his own company - you can find the link here.
When you say Finnish winter, everyone thinks of low temperatures, a white landscape, and frozen trees. Today you will head to Riisitunturi National Park, where a beautiful trip in the lap of nature awaits you. The local hills are inviting, and the views of the surroundings are worth it. If you time your trip right, you might even catch the sunset.
The vast majority of the ride is on a main road that is well-maintained. Be extra careful on the final stretch after turning onto the side road.
Visiting the national park is one of the highlights of the whole stay. The trip route is short, but keep in mind that walking in the snow is a bit slower and you might get a little winded. Bring warm clothes and a thermos of tea! I also recommend setting off early in the morning to avoid walking in the dark.
Start with a visit to a reindeer farm, then take a short hike outside the city, and finish off with a bit of adrenaline on snowmobiles.
Reindeer are an essential part of the Lapland wilderness. If you're lucky, you'll spot them right by the roads. But you won't want to rely on luck, so today you'll head to a local farm to learn all about the lives of reindeer, get the chance to feed them, and maybe even take a sleigh ride.
You need to book the activity on their website. The company will pick you up directly in Rovaniemi.
After visiting the reindeer farm, you can head north of Rovaniemi for a short walk at Vikaköngäs. You can find the entire route at this link. At the top, there is an observation tower offering beautiful views of the surroundings and a magnificent sunset. The location is also a great spot for watching the northern lights.
Snowmobile rides are a popular activity in the area. However, you'll be heading out in style—in the evening hours—to try your luck at spotting the Northern Lights. A valid category B driver's license is required. You can find more information about the activity here.
If you still have some time before your flight, you can add one of the attractions mentioned above or a final walk through the city to your day.
Above the town, there is an observation tower with a view. Several easy and relatively short trails lead to the top. You can find one of the options here.
At the airport, you'll return your car and head back to the warmth with plenty of unforgettable memories!
itinerary by Tomas Cernak
The adventure awaits
Come and experience a real Nordic winter at the Arctic Circle in chilly Finland! Besides low temperatures and a snow-covered landscape, you can look forward to frozen trees, reindeer, and if you're lucky, the northern lights too. So, are you ready for a proper dose of winter? Put on your hats and let's go!
Don't forget that some activities need to be booked in advance. You can find more information for individual locations in the itinerary.
Welcome to Lapland! I hope you've dressed warmly, because it's probably freezing outside. But that's exactly why you came here, right? Don't overdo it on the first day and just focus on getting acclimated. Besides heading to your accommodation, you can also stop by the town center if you have some extra time.
At the airport, pick up your luggage and your car (following the instructions you'll receive before your trip), which will serve you well for the coming days. The staff will guide you; in any case, the cars are located in the parking lots in front of the airport building on the right side.
Driving in Finland during the winter months requires extra caution and should not be underestimated. The roads will be covered in snow, or worse, ice. Even though the cars have studded tires, stick to the speed limits, keep a safe distance between cars, and start braking well in advance. The last thing you want to deal with on vacation is a stuck car. Outside of the city, it's good practice to signal to the driver behind you about 200 to 300 meters before you plan to turn off the road. Local drivers are used to this and will give you plenty of space.
If you have enough time, you can head into the city center. There are several parking spots to choose from, but don't forget to pay for parking via the Easy Park app! One of the closest parking garages to the center is located right in the Revontuli shopping center. According to their website, parking is free for 2 hours – but please check the details on their website here before you arrive.
After parking, you can take a walk through the center and soak up your first impressions. The center is small, so it won't take you long to explore it from end to end.
For accommodation, we chose a location outside the city, right by one of the thousands of Finnish lakes. You'll avoid light pollution this way, and if the weather is good, it's only a matter of time before the Northern Lights start dancing over your head. Don't forget to look north!
You will spend your first full day in Rovaniemi itself. To start, you'll walk through the local museum, which offers a perfect source of information about the city, Sámi culture, and the local nature. Afterward, you'll move on to the biggest attraction for all visitors – Santa Claus Village. You'll be able to officially cross the Arctic Circle or tell Santa your wishes.
The parking lot is located right in front of the museum. According to the official website, you get 4 hours of free parking. Just double-check the info once you're there.
The museum is really excellent and well worth a visit. It gives you an insight into the whole area and you won't have to be out in the freezing cold the whole time. You can find information about opening hours and entrance fees on this website.
The parking lot is right in Santa Claus village. The local staff will guide you.
Santa Claus Village is undoubtedly the most popular spot in the area. And not just for kids. Adults often find themselves reliving their childhood here, too. One of the coolest parts is the local post office—I mean, who wouldn't want to get a letter from Santa? Or maybe you'd rather meet some real-life Elves?
Get ready for crowds and a bit of chaos. You'll find reindeer in the village, but skip paying for the sleigh ride here. You'll visit a real reindeer farm in the coming days where the value for money is much better. If you want a photo with Santa, have your wallet ready—he has to buy presents for the kids somehow. So don't be surprised if he asks for 30 Euros or more.
You can find more information about the place at this link.
If you'd like to check out the northern lights from somewhere other than your accommodation, you can head here. This spot is also a great tip for viewing if you're staying right in Rovaniemi. The key is to always check the weather forecast and head out to hunt for the aurora in the direction where there are no clouds!
The most important thing is having plenty of patience. The northern lights aren't in the sky all the time, and there's no specific time when they appear. Sometimes it's strong, sometimes it's weak, and sometimes it can really keep you waiting. If you're not sure if you're seeing the aurora borealis, pull out your phone, open the camera, and point it at the spot—if it's the northern lights, it will show up green on your phone.
If you don't feel like hunting for the northern lights on your own, you'll find plenty of operators in Rovaniemi who will take you on a trip. I can recommend my friend, who only recently opened his own company - you can find the link here.
When you say Finnish winter, everyone thinks of low temperatures, a white landscape, and frozen trees. Today you will head to Riisitunturi National Park, where a beautiful trip in the lap of nature awaits you. The local hills are inviting, and the views of the surroundings are worth it. If you time your trip right, you might even catch the sunset.
The vast majority of the ride is on a main road that is well-maintained. Be extra careful on the final stretch after turning onto the side road.
Visiting the national park is one of the highlights of the whole stay. The trip route is short, but keep in mind that walking in the snow is a bit slower and you might get a little winded. Bring warm clothes and a thermos of tea! I also recommend setting off early in the morning to avoid walking in the dark.
Start with a visit to a reindeer farm, then take a short hike outside the city, and finish off with a bit of adrenaline on snowmobiles.
Reindeer are an essential part of the Lapland wilderness. If you're lucky, you'll spot them right by the roads. But you won't want to rely on luck, so today you'll head to a local farm to learn all about the lives of reindeer, get the chance to feed them, and maybe even take a sleigh ride.
You need to book the activity on their website. The company will pick you up directly in Rovaniemi.
After visiting the reindeer farm, you can head north of Rovaniemi for a short walk at Vikaköngäs. You can find the entire route at this link. At the top, there is an observation tower offering beautiful views of the surroundings and a magnificent sunset. The location is also a great spot for watching the northern lights.
Snowmobile rides are a popular activity in the area. However, you'll be heading out in style—in the evening hours—to try your luck at spotting the Northern Lights. A valid category B driver's license is required. You can find more information about the activity here.
If you still have some time before your flight, you can add one of the attractions mentioned above or a final walk through the city to your day.
Above the town, there is an observation tower with a view. Several easy and relatively short trails lead to the top. You can find one of the options here.
At the airport, you'll return your car and head back to the warmth with plenty of unforgettable memories!
Come and experience a real Nordic winter at the Arctic Circle in chilly Finland! Besides low temperatures and a snow-covered landscape, you can look forward to frozen trees, reindeer, and if you're lucky, the northern lights too. So, are you ready for a proper dose of winter? Put on your hats and let's go!
Don't forget that some activities need to be booked in advance. You can find more information for individual locations in the itinerary.
Welcome to Lapland! I hope you've dressed warmly, because it's probably freezing outside. But that's exactly why you came here, right? Don't overdo it on the first day and just focus on getting acclimated. Besides heading to your accommodation, you can also stop by the town center if you have some extra time.
At the airport, pick up your luggage and your car (following the instructions you'll receive before your trip), which will serve you well for the coming days. The staff will guide you; in any case, the cars are located in the parking lots in front of the airport building on the right side.
Driving in Finland during the winter months requires extra caution and should not be underestimated. The roads will be covered in snow, or worse, ice. Even though the cars have studded tires, stick to the speed limits, keep a safe distance between cars, and start braking well in advance. The last thing you want to deal with on vacation is a stuck car. Outside of the city, it's good practice to signal to the driver behind you about 200 to 300 meters before you plan to turn off the road. Local drivers are used to this and will give you plenty of space.
If you have enough time, you can head into the city center. There are several parking spots to choose from, but don't forget to pay for parking via the Easy Park app! One of the closest parking garages to the center is located right in the Revontuli shopping center. According to their website, parking is free for 2 hours – but please check the details on their website here before you arrive.
After parking, you can take a walk through the center and soak up your first impressions. The center is small, so it won't take you long to explore it from end to end.
For accommodation, we chose a location outside the city, right by one of the thousands of Finnish lakes. You'll avoid light pollution this way, and if the weather is good, it's only a matter of time before the Northern Lights start dancing over your head. Don't forget to look north!
You will spend your first full day in Rovaniemi itself. To start, you'll walk through the local museum, which offers a perfect source of information about the city, Sámi culture, and the local nature. Afterward, you'll move on to the biggest attraction for all visitors – Santa Claus Village. You'll be able to officially cross the Arctic Circle or tell Santa your wishes.
The parking lot is located right in front of the museum. According to the official website, you get 4 hours of free parking. Just double-check the info once you're there.
The museum is really excellent and well worth a visit. It gives you an insight into the whole area and you won't have to be out in the freezing cold the whole time. You can find information about opening hours and entrance fees on this website.
The parking lot is right in Santa Claus village. The local staff will guide you.
Santa Claus Village is undoubtedly the most popular spot in the area. And not just for kids. Adults often find themselves reliving their childhood here, too. One of the coolest parts is the local post office—I mean, who wouldn't want to get a letter from Santa? Or maybe you'd rather meet some real-life Elves?
Get ready for crowds and a bit of chaos. You'll find reindeer in the village, but skip paying for the sleigh ride here. You'll visit a real reindeer farm in the coming days where the value for money is much better. If you want a photo with Santa, have your wallet ready—he has to buy presents for the kids somehow. So don't be surprised if he asks for 30 Euros or more.
You can find more information about the place at this link.
If you'd like to check out the northern lights from somewhere other than your accommodation, you can head here. This spot is also a great tip for viewing if you're staying right in Rovaniemi. The key is to always check the weather forecast and head out to hunt for the aurora in the direction where there are no clouds!
The most important thing is having plenty of patience. The northern lights aren't in the sky all the time, and there's no specific time when they appear. Sometimes it's strong, sometimes it's weak, and sometimes it can really keep you waiting. If you're not sure if you're seeing the aurora borealis, pull out your phone, open the camera, and point it at the spot—if it's the northern lights, it will show up green on your phone.
If you don't feel like hunting for the northern lights on your own, you'll find plenty of operators in Rovaniemi who will take you on a trip. I can recommend my friend, who only recently opened his own company - you can find the link here.
When you say Finnish winter, everyone thinks of low temperatures, a white landscape, and frozen trees. Today you will head to Riisitunturi National Park, where a beautiful trip in the lap of nature awaits you. The local hills are inviting, and the views of the surroundings are worth it. If you time your trip right, you might even catch the sunset.
The vast majority of the ride is on a main road that is well-maintained. Be extra careful on the final stretch after turning onto the side road.
Visiting the national park is one of the highlights of the whole stay. The trip route is short, but keep in mind that walking in the snow is a bit slower and you might get a little winded. Bring warm clothes and a thermos of tea! I also recommend setting off early in the morning to avoid walking in the dark.
Start with a visit to a reindeer farm, then take a short hike outside the city, and finish off with a bit of adrenaline on snowmobiles.
Reindeer are an essential part of the Lapland wilderness. If you're lucky, you'll spot them right by the roads. But you won't want to rely on luck, so today you'll head to a local farm to learn all about the lives of reindeer, get the chance to feed them, and maybe even take a sleigh ride.
You need to book the activity on their website. The company will pick you up directly in Rovaniemi.
After visiting the reindeer farm, you can head north of Rovaniemi for a short walk at Vikaköngäs. You can find the entire route at this link. At the top, there is an observation tower offering beautiful views of the surroundings and a magnificent sunset. The location is also a great spot for watching the northern lights.
Snowmobile rides are a popular activity in the area. However, you'll be heading out in style—in the evening hours—to try your luck at spotting the Northern Lights. A valid category B driver's license is required. You can find more information about the activity here.
If you still have some time before your flight, you can add one of the attractions mentioned above or a final walk through the city to your day.
Above the town, there is an observation tower with a view. Several easy and relatively short trails lead to the top. You can find one of the options here.
At the airport, you'll return your car and head back to the warmth with plenty of unforgettable memories!
