Rovaniemi Bucket List: 20 Best Things to Do in Rovaniemi, Finland
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Visiting Rovaniemi in Finland and wondering what to see and do? In this guide, you’ll find a complete overview of the best things to do in Rovaniemi. From meeting Santa Claus, huskies and reindeer, to ice plunges and traditional sauna, this is your ultimate winter bucket list for Rovaniemi, packed with adventure, stunning landscapes, and unique Lapland experiences.
We recently explored Rovaniemi, and every recommendation in this guide is based on our own trip. While some activities are seasonal and depend on snow conditions, many can be enjoyed year-round – we’ve noted this throughout the guide. In addition, for each activity, we’ve included practical tips to help you decide what’s worth your time the most.
TIP: Want to make the most of your visit and experience the best that Rovaniemi has to offer in a few days? Check out our detailed Rovaniemi winter itinerary for a step-by-step guide to planning your trip.
The best things to do in Rovaniemi:
1. Meet Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village
YEAR-ROUND
A trip to Rovaniemi wouldn’t be complete without visiting its #1 attraction – Santa Claus Village (SCV). Here, you can cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus in person, send postcards from the official Santa Claus Post Office, and shop for souvenirs.
Children might also enjoy meeting Santa’s Pets, the Elf’s Hat Academy, and Snowman World which includes an ice bar and activities like snow tubing and ice skating. In addition, you can also book reindeer- and husky tours and short snowmobile rides.
However, I would only do these activities at SCV if you are visiting with kids and want to spend an entire day here – in that case, either book everything yourself in advance or consider a tour like this that already includes some of the activities. Otherwise – if you are interested in longer rides – do husky and reindeer tours elsewhere (more info below).
Good to know: Santa Claus Village is highly commercialized, and most activities come with a steep price tag. While meeting Santa is free, purchasing a photo costs extra – and at premium rates. The same goes for other attractions. That said, there’s no entrance fee to the village itself, so you can still soak up the festive atmosphere without breaking the bank.
2. Visit the Arktikum Museum
YEAR-ROUND
When it comes to things to do in Rovaniemi city itself, Arktikum Museum is the top attraction. This interactive museum and science center is a good place to learn about Arctic nature, Sámi culture, and the history of Rovaniemi.
The exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, from historical artifacts and taxidermy animals to the Northern Lights and wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
You don’t need more than 1-1.5 hours for a visit here and the museum is open almost daily, making it a perfect activity for a dark and cold winter afternoon. Check their website for practical information.
TIP: If you have extra time and want to explore more, consider visiting Korundi House of Culture and Science Centre Pilke as well. In that case, the Rovaniemi Culture Pass is a great option – it’s valid for a week and includes access to all three cultural attractions in the city.
3. See the Northern Lights
LATE AUGUST – MID APRIL
Thanks to its Arctic location, Rovaniemi is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the world. If you are traveling in the right season, seeing auroras should be high on your Lapland bucket list!
If the conditions are right, the Northern Lights are visible in Lapland almost daily. That said, to increase your chances, consider staying longer, venturing outside the city, or joining a guided aurora hunt tour.
TIP: We have a detailed guide to help you maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi. It covers everything from ideal viewing conditions and the best websites and apps to use, to top locations for spotting auroras. Check it out via the link below!
LEARN MORE: Northern Lights in Rovaniemi: Complete Guide
4. Experience a Husky Safari
DECEMBER – MARCH (snow dependent)
Husky sledding is one of the most exciting things to do in Rovaniemi. The combination of stunning winter scenery, the dogs’ boundless energy, and the thrill of the ride makes for an unforgettable adventure. If you’re visiting Lapland in winter and can do just one tour, make it a husky safari!
Most tours also include time to interact with the dogs, meet husky puppies, and learn about their training. However, there are so many tours to choose from and not all the same – some offer half an hour on the sled, while others only a few minutes! Check out the link below for our detailed guide to husky sledding in Rovaniemi, including tips on choosing the best experience for you.
Good to know: Husky sledding requires sufficient snow. In Rovaniemi, the season typically runs from December to late March, although, depending on snow conditions, it may start as early as late November or extend into early April.
Our experience: We did this husky safari and I can highly recommend it.
LEARN MORE: Dog Sledding in Rovaniemi
5. Meet Reindeer & Go Reindeer Sledding
DECEMBER – MARCH (sledding snow dependent)
When you think of Lapland, reindeer are probably one of the first things that come to mind. No trip to Rovaniemi is complete without seeing these iconic Arctic animals. You can visit reindeer farms to watch them graze, and some places even allow you to feed them.
For a true Lapland bucket list experience, consider a reindeer sled ride through snow-covered forests or across frozen lakes. Just keep in mind that reindeer sledding is a peaceful and slow-paced activity, making it a great family-friendly activity – but it’s very different from the thrill of husky sledding.
TIP: There are plenty of great tours that include reindeer sledding, often in combination with other winter activities. But if you just want to see reindeer without booking a tour, you’ll find them at Santa Claus Village, Lapland Winter Park (where you can also feed them), Ranua Zoo, at some resorts like SnowHotel or Apukka Resort, and other locations around Rovaniemi. That said, every place has different rules on how you can interact with reindeer, so be sure to double-check as some animals are more accustomed to people than others!
Our experience: We went on a reindeer sledding tour at Apukka and it was more fun than I expected. Having been on reindeer tours before, I found that this experience offered more time in the sled, a nice mix of scenery, and better value overall.
6. Explore the SnowHotel & Ice Restaurant
MID-DECEMBER – MARCH
The Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos is one of the most unique places to stay near Rovaniemi, but you don’t need to be a guest to experience its magic. The SnowHotel is a popular attraction, and you can either drive there and buy tickets on-site or join a guided tour with transfers from the city.
This incredible ice hotel is a true work of art, featuring intricately carved ice sculptures, a chapel made entirely of ice, a bar serving drinks in ice glasses, and a massive ice restaurant spanning multiple rooms. Each room has its own unique design, with impressive ice carvings and colorful lighting that create a magical atmosphere.
TIP: If you’re looking for a memorable evening experience, book a tour with dinner at the Ice Restaurant. For a day visit, consider a tour that includes their one-of-a-kind sauna experience, which combines a traditional Finnish sauna, a snow sauna, and a jacuzzi – a perfect way to warm up after exploring the icy wonderland!
Good to know: The resort has a few reindeer you can see up close. There’s also a small hill for sledding and snow tubing, plus kicksleds available to use on the frozen lake for a fun winter adventure. These activities are free of charge.
7. Enjoy a Traditional Kota Experience
YEAR-ROUND
When visiting Lapland, you’ll come across the word kota everywhere. A kota is a traditional wooden hut with a central fire pit, used for warmth, cooking, and social gatherings. These range from simple wilderness shelters to cozy, high-end restaurants serving local specialties.
You’ll find kota huts all around Rovaniemi, and many guided tours include a kota experience. For example, day tours to Korouoma Canyon or Riisitunturi National Park usually include grilled sausages for lunch, husky or reindeer safaris may include warm drinks and cookies by the fire, and many Northern Lights tours incorporate a kota stop for a cozy break.
TIP: For an unforgettable meal in a traditional kota setting, head to Santa’s Salmon Place at Santa Claus Village. This tiny, rustic restaurant serves glow-fried salmon cooked over an open fire – one of the best meals you’ll have in Lapland! However, keep in mind that they don’t take reservations, so if you come at a popular time, you may have to wait a while to be seated…
Another great option is the Kota restaurant at the Arctic SnowHotel. This highly-rated tour combines a visit to the ice hotel with a delicious kota dinner, making for a truly special evening.
8. Go Snowmobiling Through the Arctic Wilderness
DECEMBER – MARCH (snow dependent)
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, snowmobiling across frozen lakes and endless forests is one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi for adults.
I say adults because to drive a snowmobile, you need to be at least 18 and have a valid driver’s license. Young children can’t sit on the snowmobile, but some tour operators take kids in a covered sled – which can be quite fun too. Teens from the age of 14-15 might be allowed to sit behind you, but rules differ per provider.
Snowmobile tours range from short scenic rides to full-day Arctic expeditions. If you have never tried it before, I highly recommend starting with 1-2 hours experience and see how that goes before deciding whether you want to do a longer tour.
Our experience: We booked this 2-hour snowmobile tour. I drove and my 14-year old could sit behind me. We both had a great time!
Good to know: If your kids want to try driving a mini-snowmobile, Lapland Winter Park offers this experience for children. More about it below.
9. Have Fun at Lapland Winter Park
DECEMBER – MARCH
Lapland Winter Park is a fantastic place for family-friendly winter fun, just a 12-minute drive from Rovaniemi city center. The park offers a mix of winter sports like ice skating, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and fun activities for all ages, making it a great place to spend the day. Kids will especially love the reindeer, and you even have the chance to feed them!
Set in a picturesque snowy forest, the park also has several traditional wooden huts where you can warm up by a cozy fireplace. You can grill sausages (bring your own) or roast marshmallows (you can buy them on-site). They also have a restaurant, bathrooms, and other facilities, making it a comfortable and convenient place to spend a day with the family.
Good to know: A day pass gives you unlimited access to all the main activities and includes free shuttle transfers from the city. There are also optional paid activities like mini snowmobiles (for kids 110-160 cm), ice karting (for teens and adults 150 cm+), eFatbikes, and even a sauna experience for those looking to warm up in true Finnish style.
10. Experience Finnish Sauna & Ice Swimming
SAUNA EXPERIENCES ARE AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND; ICE SWIMMING ONLY IN WINTER
No list of the best things to do in Rovaniemi would be complete without mentioning traditional sauna experiences. Finns swear by the health benefits of alternating between a hot sauna and an ice-cold lake dip. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try it yourself at one of Rovaniemi’s lakeside saunas.
Not a fan of icy water? No worries! You can opt for a traditional sauna experience with a hot tub, the perfect way to unwind after a day of winter adventures.
TIP: No matter what you choose, do this in the evening for a chance to see the Northern Lights! We watched the auroras straight from the jacuzzi and it made the whole experience even more magical.
Good to know: Many hotels in Lapland have saunas, sometimes even in your room or cabin. But nothing compares to a true lakeside sauna experience! Check out some of the best sauna options.
11. Enjoy the Views & Skiing at Ounasvaara
ACTIVITIES VARY BY SEASON
Just across the bridge from Rovaniemi town center, Ounasvaara is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a range of outdoor activities right next to the city.
The Ounasvaara Ski Resort is the best place for downhill skiing and snowboarding in Rovaniemi. In addition, the surrounding forest has numerous trails for hiking, biking (in winter, eFatbiking), and cross-country skiing. We also spotted some cute snow sculptures here and a nice sledding hill for children (at the football field).
Be sure to visit the Ounasvaara Observation Tower for stunning views over the city and its surroundings. It’s also a prime location for spotting the Northern Lights.
TIP: Santasport Resort is a great place to stay in this area, offering sports equipment rentals for all your outdoor adventures. Alternatively, if you plan on going skiing and want to stay right at the slopes, Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara has a beautiful hilltop location and ski-to-door access.
12. Explore the Magic of SantaPark
NOVEMBER – MID JANUARY
Not to be confused with Santa Claus Village, SantaPark is an indoor/ underground Christmas theme park a bit closer to the city (just near the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel). It’s only open for a few months at the end of the year and is one of the top places for families visiting Rovaniemi during the holiday season.
Inside SantaPark, you can meet Santa’s elves and earn a diploma at Elf School. Hop on the Magic Train for a journey through whimsical Christmas worlds, cross the Arctic Circle underground, take a virtual Christmas Sleigh Ride around the world, and watch the lively Elf Show. You can also send Christmas postcards from their Post Office and decorate cookies in Mrs. Gingerbread’s cozy kitchen.
All the activities are included in the entrance ticket, making SantaPark a fantastic choice for families looking for a full day of festive fun in Rovaniemi! Check their website for more information and if you decide to visit, go early – it gets very busy here during the day, especially around Christmas.
13. Ice Skate at Kotatieva Winter Leisure Park
DECEMBER – MARCH
For a truly unique ice-skating experience in Lapland, head to Kotatieva Winter Leisure Park. This natural outdoor ice-skating track winds through a snow-covered forest, making it a special winter activity for kids and adults alike.
You can also enjoy other traditional Finnish winter activities like sledding and snowshoeing, or warm up in a cozy wooden hut while grilling sausages or marshmallows (be sure to bring some). There is also a restaurant on site.
Kotatieva is somewhat similar to Lapland Winter Park but with a stronger focus on ice skating. One key difference is transportation – Lapland Winter Park offers a free big shuttle bus, while Kotatieva has more limited transport options. If you’re renting a car, though, it’s an easy 15-minute drive from the city center and well worth a visit.
Good to know: A day ticket includes access to all activities and necessary equipment. For an extra fee, you can also book a sauna and hot tub experience.
14. Go Snowshoeing
DECEMBER – MARCH (snow dependent)
For a peaceful way to explore Rovaniemi’s winter landscapes, try snowshoeing. Several places mentioned in this guide offer snowshoeing experiences, but you can also book a guided tour – sometimes combined with ice fishing or other activities.
Our experience: We did this snowshoe walk to the Arctic nature tour and it turned out to be even more fun than I expected. We walked through a beautiful forest and on a frozen lake – on a pristine knee-deep snow without having to worry about getting stuck. Our Finnish guides shared insights about Arctic flora and fauna, as well as local traditions and culture, making it a truly immersive experience.
The tour also included warm drinks and cookies by an improvised fire right on the snow. I did this with my 14-year-old, and we both loved it – an unforgettable way to connect with Lapland’s nature.
15. Try Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake
DECEMBER – EARLY APRIL (ice dependent)
If you’re visiting Lapland in winter, don’t miss the chance to experience a true Arctic tradition – ice fishing on a frozen lake. Local guides will show you how to drill a hole, provide the necessary gear, and explain how to (try and) catch fish.
In all honesty, the odds of actually catching something aren’t that high, but you never know! We didn’t, but who knew that sitting on a reindeer skin on a frozen lake and staring into a hole in the ice could be so much fun?
Most ice fishing tours include a wilderness campfire with grilled food. And if you do get lucky, the guides will even help you prepare your fresh catch.
PRO TIP: Instead of booking just an ice fishing experience, consider a tour that combines multiple winter activities, like snowmobiling and ice fishing or snowshoeing and ice fishing. If you only have a few days in Rovaniemi, combining activities is the best way to make the most of your time!
16. Sail on an Ice Breaker Cruise & Try Ice Floating
NOVEMBER – EARLY APRIL
If you are looking for something truly unique (and slightly crazy!) to do in Rovaniemi, try ice floating. Dressed in a special thermal rescue suit, you can actually drift in freezing water without feeling cold.
If you are short on time or don’t feel like traveling far outside the city, you can find ice floating experiences on the lakes near Rovaniemi. But if you have an extra day and want to take it to the next level, book an icebreaker excursion in the open sea! with ice floating in the sea! Most tours include transfers, making it an easy and unforgettable day trip.
17. Stay in a Glass Igloo or Ice Hotel
WINTER SEASON
For a once-in-a-lifetime overnight experience, staying in a glass igloo or an ice hotel is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Rovaniemi.
A night in a glass igloo means falling asleep under the Arctic sky, with unobstructed views of the stars and, if you’re lucky, the magical Northern Lights above you. These cozy, heated domes allow you to experience the wilderness from the comfort of your bed.
An ice hotel, on the other hand, is exactly as it sounds – a room sculpted entirely from ice and snow. From the shimmering ice-carved walls and furniture to the soft reindeer hides covering your thermal sleeping bag, it’s a surreal experience that feels like stepping into a frozen fairy tale.
Good to know: There is just one ice hotel in Rovaniemi – Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos. It also has glass igloos. In addition, here are some of the best glass igloos in Rovaniemi:
- Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle.
- Glass Resort.
- Apukka Resort.
- Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (not exactly a glass igloo, but quite unique).
TIP: These unique accommodations are extremely popular, especially during peak winter months, so be sure to book well in advance!
LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Rovaniemi
In addition to the top attractions and best things to do in Rovaniemi and its immediate surroundings, there are a few other must-visit places in Lapland that deserve a mention. While these destinations are farther from the city, they offer unique experiences that will make your trip even more unforgettable.
Good to know: If traveling in the winter, we recommend visiting all these places with guided tours. Winter driving conditions in Lapland can be really challenging, and you really don’t need all that extra stress during your holiday!
If you have extra time and want to explore beyond Rovaniemi, consider adding these experiences to your itinerary:
18. See Frozen Waterfalls at Korouoma Canyon
FROZEN WATERFALLS IN WINTER SEASON
Korouoma Canyon, famous for its towering frozen waterfalls, is the most popular day trip from Rovaniemi in winter. Located 1.5 hours from the city, it’s a wonderful destination to experience the beautiful nature of Finnish Lapland. Guided tours usually take about 6 hours and include a light lunch.
19. Visit Ranua Wildlife Park
YEAR-ROUND
Home to all kinds of Arctic animals, Ranua Wildlife Park is a great day trip destination for families with kids. It’s located 1 hour drive from the city and there are several nice tour options.
20. Admire Snowy Landscapes at Riisitunturi National Park
YEAR-ROUND, SNOWY TREES ONLY IN WINTER SEASON
Famous for its snow-covered trees, Riisitunturi National Park is one of the most unique winter destinations in Lapland. With snow-covered rolling hills, panoramic vistas, and frozen trees, it’s a photographer’s paradise. The park is located about 2.5 hours from Rovaniemi and the roads here can be really icy. Take my word for it – book a (photography) tour with local guides/drivers!
So, this is our guide to the very best of Rovaniemi/ As you can see, most of the activities and experiences revolve around the winter season – and for good reason. Lapland is truly a magical winter wonderland!
If you’re dreaming of a Christmas getaway, visiting in December will immerse you in the festive spirit, but be prepared for crowds. For a slightly quieter experience with better snow conditions, the first week of January might be a better option than the busy holiday weeks.
TIP: If your main focus is winter activities rather than Christmas-specific attractions, consider visiting later in the season – late February or early March is ideal. The days are longer, giving you more daylight to enjoy the Arctic landscapes and make the most of your trip.
LEARN MORE: What It’s Like to Visit Rovaniemi in March
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