The village of Joulupukki or the fairy-tale Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi is a global magnet attracting children of all calibers and hues, as well as their parents. Not only the very young, but even many adults want Santa to exist.
But to find out if he really exists, you can only come to northern Lapland, right to the Arctic Circle, where his home will be!
Where Santa Claus lives in Lapland.
There was an opinion that the real Santa Claus lives in a hut together with his wife Muori on the hill Korvatunturi. This hill is located on the border with Russia, but in Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle, there is a working residence, which is famous all over the world. Ordinary people cannot get into the small house. After all, if everyone could go there, the whole secret and mystery of the winter grandfather would be lost. So that no one would know the secret of making gifts, entry was allowed only to wizards.
Not wanting the world to know about his true home, Santa and his helpers moved to the working residence, where he receives guests, reads letters, and listens to the wishes of little visitors. Now everyone can whisper their wish to him and just stroll among the fairy-tale houses of the Joulupukki village.
Santa Claus’s Office.
The heart of the village is Santa’s office building, where Joulupukki himself will sit by the fireplace. I found him behind a heavy wooden door, in a room lit with candles.
In each country, he is called differently: in Italy – Natale, in Spain – Papa Noel, in Poland – Saint Nicholas, in England – Father Christmas, in Belarus – Zyuzia, and here, in Russia – Ded Moroz.
Here, in Finland – Joulupukki, which means Christmas Goat. There is a belief that there is a very thin crust in this place, so a magical mechanism similar to a pendulum is set in motion here. But children are not fools and they always have a question – How does Santa manage to give gifts to all the children in the world? After all, there are many children, and Santa is alone!
But it’s very simple! Joulupukki knows how to stop time and, using this trick, he manages to visit all the children in the world. In Santa’s main office, you will see the melted earth’s crust with cunning tracks and bridges that will lead to the cabinet of the northern wizard.
Anyone can enter the office, but you’ll have to wait in line. You can also get a souvenir photo with Santa for a small fee. Santa knows many languages! Say to him – Hello!!! And touch his thick beard!
If you are with a child or you miss your childhood yourself, then not far from the village there is Santa Park, where his helper gnomes live.
Santa Claus’s Magical Post Office.
And don’t forget to send postcards from Santa’s post office. Your relatives and friends simply must receive a beautiful New Year’s card from this amazing place. The Polar Circle stamp is placed on all letters.
Since 1980, Santa has received over 30 million letters from children. Lately, more than 700,000 come in a year. Santa himself cannot read all the letters, so the elves help him. They sort the letters by country and write replies. Of course, they cannot answer all the letters, but all the letters from children will be read.
I bought several for my collection of New Year’s postcards. Here, they stamped them with Santa’s stamp and the cards flew to my home in an instant.
If you want to visit Lapland and plan your trip, then I have the perfect route for you through the whole country.
The Arctic Circle and other features of Santa Claus’s village.
All the buildings in the village are arranged in a circle, and between the houses there is a square with a tall Christmas tree and a snowman.
Do you see the lantern posts in the center of the square? These are not just colorful lanterns created to decorate the village. This is the entire geographic line of the Arctic Circle, which is even marked on the map. But in reality, the real Arctic Circle is not quite here and it can periodically change its location.
The highlight of the village is the intersection of the Arctic Circle line. Everyone who crosses Arctic land for the first time will receive a signature certificate.
The magical village appeared at the suggestion of Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of the President of the United States. She was not only the first woman, but also the first person to step into the fairy-tale village. In 1950, she became its first visitor. A small hut was built for the arrival of the president’s wife, which still stands in the village.
Lapland is perfect for tourism, even for the most demanding traveler, there will be an unusual dwelling – a “chum”. A tent made of poles, covered with reindeer skin. But the Sami themselves are lovers of comfort, so renting any chalet or even a “chum”, you will see how cozy and comfortable the house will be. The unpretentious Lapland chum is located right in the center of the village, not far from Santa’s post office.
Santa’s village is a very atmospheric place, here music plays day and night, magical light spills everywhere, and even in summer you can feel the New Year’s mood. Perhaps miracles don’t happen at all, but a particle of something magical definitely exists here.
Want to learn more about Lapland? Don’t miss my post about the Ranua Arctic Zoo.
How to get to the village of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi.
To get to the village of Santa Claus, you need to first find yourself in Rovaniemi. There are dozens of cities across Europe that offer fast and direct connections to Rovaniemi, so it’s quite convenient to get there. Click here to find the cheapest fares on Aviasales if you’re traveling from another country.
Santa Claus Village is located 7 km from Rovaniemi on the E75 highway. You can get here by taxi or bus No. 8.
The bus departs from the railway station in Rovaniemi and passes several stops in the city, such as the Sokos Vaakuna hotel. The bus departs every hour. Travel time is 30 minutes.
But I highly recommend traveling by car, as it is the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
Official website: www.santaclausvillage.info.
Village address: Rovaniemi, Joulumaantie
How much does it cost to enter Santa’s village? It’s free! But all services, cafes, and shops are paid.
Where to send a letter to Santa Claus? Finland, Joulupukki, 96930 Arctic Circle.
Where to eat in Santa Claus Village? Restaurant “Kotahovi”. This restaurant is located on a reindeer farm. Here you can enjoy reindeer meat and traditional Finnish cuisine.
If you’re looking for something new to expand your exploration of Lapland, then head to Oulanka National Park to fully immerse yourself in the area’s natural surroundings.
Fabulous Hotels in Santa Claus Villages, Rovaniemi.
Looking to sprinkle some magic into your winter getaway? Look no further than the enchanting Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland!
🏰 Arctic TreeHouse Hotel: perched on the Arctic Circle, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel offers a truly unique lodging experience. Set amidst the tranquility of the forest, these modern, glass-walled accommodations provide guests with panoramic views of the surrounding winter wonderland. Each cozy “nest” is designed to blend harmoniously with nature while offering all the comforts of a luxury retreat.
🎅🏻 Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle: ever dreamed of spending a night under the Northern Lights? Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle makes it possible. These stylish glass igloos provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness the aurora borealis from the comfort of your own bed. Complete with private saunas and breathtaking views of the Arctic landscape, this is an experience straight out of a fairy tale.
🏨 Santa Claus Holiday Village: step into the magical world of Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Holiday Village. Here, you can cozy up in traditional log cabins adorned with festive decorations, perfect for families and couples alike. With amenities such as a husky park, reindeer rides, and the chance to meet Santa himself, this charming village offers an unforgettable holiday experience for guests of all ages.
Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, the Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi have something for everyone. With their cozy accommodations, festive atmosphere, and unparalleled natural beauty, these fabulous hotels promise an unforgettable holiday experience straight out of a winter fairy tale. So pack your bags, don your coziest sweater, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime in the magical land of Santa Claus!
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