Winter is an endlessly beautiful poem about the majestic beauty of cold and its enchanting magic. Only in Lapland can you ride on magical reindeer, sit on Santa’s lap, and see the most real gnomes. Everyone knows where Santa Claus’s residence is, but few even suspect that in Lapland there is Santa Park in Rovaniemi with red-hatted elves. These amusing fairies dwell just one kilometer from the magical village.
Santa Park in Rovaniemi – the gnome underground.
So many people wanted to see Santa that by the mid-90s, Santa Park in Rovaniemi was built and organically integrated into a huge cave. And now a miniature train connects the magical village with the gnome abode. The park is located deep underground, a whole series of tunnels descending several tens of meters down.
The year in Lapland is divided into two major seasons – polar day and polar night. In winter, when the sun shines for no more than 4 hours a day, the fabulous underground town becomes incredibly lively. Life bubbles in the park!
Approaching the cave, the first thing that catches the eye is the colorful lights shining directly from the snow. The gnome house is surrounded by dense forest, bright lanterns, and bonfires, around which, apparently, the gnomes are having a sabbath.
Entering the cave is marked by a long stone grotto illuminated by lights. I felt like Snow White here. Remember how her friends constantly hung out in such places?
Passing through the tunnel, you find yourself in the midst of various rooms – somewhere an office where you can send a postcard, somewhere the realm of the Snow Queen with an ice bar, somewhere the “Seasons” train. And there will also be a huge snowflake ball that you must climb into.
And most importantly, all of this is managed by hardworking gnomes in red overalls, terracotta hats, and spacious pants.
And then I realized what my ideal profession is. To be a gnome! Become a quirky character in a red hat and felt boots! Walk around, hang up toys, throw letters in the mailbox, and wave to everyone. Where can I submit my resume?)
Hardworking fairies at Santa Park in Rovaniemi work tirelessly day and night: they craft gifts, send letters, conduct workshops, perform shows, and bake cookies.
Want to know how Christmas is celebrated in Finland? Then read my post about it here.
Mrs. Santa’s Gingerbread Cookies.
In the Elf School, children will learn magical tricks, and in Mrs. Santa’s confectionery, gingerbread cookies are already prepared.
In Mrs. Santa’s bakery, sweets are baked according to secret recipes. Often, gnomes help bake new cookies and delicacies. And children traditionally decorate them. Mrs. Santa prepares colorful sugar syrup to make the sweets even more delightful. Ready-made cookies can be neatly packed in boxes and presented, for example, to your grandmother.
You can also listen to Christmas songs played by children here.
By the way, glogg is a Scandinavian drink that northern residents often sip during the Christmas holidays, adding ginger cookies to it. Its relatives can be considered any spicy drinks like mulled wine or grog. Hot glogg prevents freezing in cold Lapland.
Planning to celebrate New Year in Lapland? Then my post about how I celebrated the New Year holidays in Ukonkivi might be of interest to you.
Excursion to the refrigerator.
Arctic Bar is located in an ice gallery filled with ice sculptures of northern animals.
Several tons of pure river ice for the walls and furniture of the bar are collected and brought from local snowdrifts. Lapland can afford it!
The temperature here is tolerable – just a couple of degrees below zero. But wearing a jacket, which you can rent, wouldn’t hurt.
If you are planning to visit Lapland for the first time, here is a list of the most beautiful places that I strongly recommend not to miss!
Elf School in Santa Park in Rovaniemi.
This is more of an entertainment for the little ones. The classes last no more than 15 minutes, where your child will learn all the secrets of becoming a real gnome. Here, a child can get a decent practice in English. And if your child is really interested in elfish themes, then there is a calligraphy school and an elf workshop here. Here you can create figurines of little gnomes with your own hands, paint them, and give them to a close friend.
Santa’s Post Office. Where to send a letter to Santa Claus?
If a child stops believing in a dream, a shooting star will wash away all records of it. Joulupukki says that the time will come, and all the children will believe in the fairy tale again, and their names will appear again on the pages of his book. Write to Santa about your secret desires: Finland, zip code 99999, Rovaniemi, Korvatunturi. Don’t forget to put stamps on the envelope.
Magical “Seasons” train.
Gnomes have their own perception of seasons. Time for them goes differently. The magical train will show and tell you how these fairy creatures see life.
Upon reaching the central square, you can catch a costumed show. I recommend checking the schedule at the entrance to make sure you don’t miss it. I know that such a show is held several times a day.
There is also a restaurant right here. Where you can have a snack and taste a cup of hot coffee.
In addition to gnomes and ice princesses, there is also a place for Santa Claus, who, like in the main residence, welcomes visitors. If you have free time, Santa Claus Village is nearby, this place is also worth visiting.
Visiting Santa Park in Rovaniemi.
By Air: Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is the closest airport to Santa Park, offering direct flights from major European cities. From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to reach Santa Park, which is located just 2 kilometers north of Rovaniemi city center.
By Car: If you’re traveling within Finland or nearby countries, driving to Santa Park is a convenient option. The park is easily accessible by car, and there’s ample parking available on-site for visitors.
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.
There are dozens of other cities all over Europe that offer fast and direct connections to Rovaniemi, so its pretty convenient to see. Click here to find the cheapest fares on Avaisales.
The address is: Tarvantie 1, FI-96930 Napapiiri.
Official website: www.santapark.com
Best hotels near Santa Park.
Are you planning a magical trip to Santa Park, the enchanting wonderland in Lapland? Complete your fairy tale experience by choosing from the finest accommodations near this winter paradise. Here’s a curated list of the best hotels that offer not just comfort, but also proximity to all the festive delights Santa Park has to offer:
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel: Nestled amidst the Arctic nature, Arctic TreeHouse Hotel offers cozy yet modern accommodations in uniquely designed treehouse-like suites. Enjoy stunning views of the forest and Northern Lights while being just a short drive away from Santa Park. Indulge in luxury and serenity at this exceptional retreat.
Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle: Experience the ultimate Lapland charm at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle. These glass-roofed igloos provide a front-row seat to the dancing auroras and the starlit sky. With top-notch amenities and personalized service, your stay here promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Nova Skyland Hotel: Situated in the heart of Rovaniemi, Nova Skyland Hotel combines modern comforts with Lapland’s unique atmosphere. Enjoy spacious rooms, delectable cuisine, and easy access to Santa Park and other attractions. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, this hotel ensures a memorable stay.
A visit to Santa Park in Rovaniemi is a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas and let the spirit of the season warm your heart at Santa Park.
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