Rovaniemi, the village of Santa Claus, is located eight kilometers north of the city center of Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in the Arctic Circle, Finland. We are not sure if Santa Claus was really born in this place, but there is no doubt that Rovaniemi is a wonderful place, with a magical atmosphere and rich in landscapes.
Santa Claus Village is probably the main attraction of the city; many families spend their Christmas holidays there to give their children the opportunity to meet the old man with the white beard. In this enchanted land where it’s always a celebration, the little ones and not only can fully immerse themselves in the authentic Christmas atmosphere by visiting the headquarters of Santa Claus directly. Inside the village of Rovaniemi, there is the main post office where every year the letters to Santa Claus from children all over the world arrive, his private office and the workshop where the elves build the gifts to be delivered to the good children.
Rovaniemi however is a city that offers multiple attractions attractions besides those related to Santa Claus.
Snowmobile Excursions
The winter season from December to April is definitely the best time for adventure and snow lovers. Snowmobile excursions, super-equipped ski facilities, sleigh rides pulled by reindeer and huskies are just some of the activities that will make your stay in this fairy-tale place unforgettable.
You will surely be amazed to admire the famous snow and ice architectures. This area of Finland is, in fact, renowned for its buildings carved in ice. Chalets, restaurants, bars, and chapels for religious rites entirely made of snow and ice will literally leave you astonished.
Finnish Lapland is also one of the best places in the world to admire the Northern Lights, one of the most extraordinary natural events, where spectacular lights meet vast snowy landscapes creating surreal shades and color effects.
What to see in Rovaniemi
During your stay in the City of Santa Claus, culture lovers should definitely visit the Korundi, the northernmost art museum in the world. Famous for the Slow Motion sculptures by artist Heli Ryhanen, the museum houses the concert hall of the Lapland Chamber Orchestra. Another interesting attraction in the city is the Arktikum, a wonderful museum and science center where you can deepen your knowledge of the nature, culture, and history of the North. In Rovaniemi you can also cross the oldest cable-stayed bridge in Finland, the Jatkankynttila, an engineering work completed in 1989 and 299.6 km long, which crosses and lights up the Ounasjoki river.
To conclude our journey inside this poignant and seductive city, we cannot fail to focus on the traditional Finnish cuisine, considered to be highly prestigious. The gastronomic culture of Lapland is connected to its wonderful unspoiled nature. The clear lakes and green forests are the sources of exquisite recipes based on fish, reindeer, game, and roots.
