Venturing beyond the Arctic Circle, driving along snow-covered roads, periodically encountering reindeer, stroking the gray beard of Joulupukki, kissing huskies, seeing Arctic animals in their natural habitat – all this is about Lapland. That’s why on December 31st we are here, in Rovaniemi, waiting for New Year’s miracles and fairy tales. Today I want to give recommendations on what to see in Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland – the most beautiful places and hotels. Bookmark this because Rovaniemi is worth seeing.
How we got to Rovaniemi.
We had two options to get to the capital of Lapland – Rovaniemi: either by plane “Moscow-Rovaniemi” or by charter train “Winter Fairy Tale” from St. Petersburg. We chose the second option and did not regret it. The train was so comfortable, all amenities in the compartment, a huge sleeping place, no shelves above you and snoring in the middle of the night) The train was moving, I was lying down, and watching the stars at night… and only faintly heard knock-knock… knock-knock…
At night, we successfully crossed the border between Russia and Finland, and in the morning we were served a delicious breakfast. Gnomes in red hats happily jumped around the carriage, congratulating everyone and singing Christmas songs. The fairy tale was beginning…
We were traveling, eagerly looking out the window – and there… and there… and there… flashed snow-covered houses, in the windows of which candles were burning, decorative reindeer stood in the yards and were illuminated by magical light… So many pleasant moments already, and we haven’t even reached the destination yet… what will happen next…
And then in the evening we arrived in Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is a small town with only 60 thousand inhabitants. It is where our journey to Lapland begins. I liked the town immediately. The river. Another river. The hills. Forests. A living and real northern city.
If you are planning to visit Lapland for the first time, here is a list of the most beautiful places that I highly recommend you not to miss!
Snowy city Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi or “Lappi,” as the inhabitants of Suomi call it, is the northern capital of Finland and it is located just about at the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is literally 8 kilometers away, almost on the border with the cold Arctic zone.
In December, the city is “bursting at the seams,” everyone who dreams of seeing the real Santa Claus gathers here. Lapland is a land of severe and cold Finnish nature, where the white-bearded grandfather found his home.
Getting off the express, on this winter evening, the city appeared before me in all its splendor. It was quiet and cozy, but there were plenty of people on the streets. Warm light was shining in the windows of souvenir shops, inviting people in.
Occasionally, vendors of Christmas souvenirs were encountered, and reindeer wandered through the snow, pulling children on sleds. Just imagine how happy children are, finding themselves in the most magical place in the world. I think this is the best gift a child can receive! To see Santa Claus! To see winter in all its splendor with crystal-covered trees and the northern lights.
There is no pretentiousness and pomp in Rovaniemi, only austere Scandinavian beauty. Rovaniemi is as simple as five kopecks. There are no tricky streets, no elegant buildings and ancient architecture. Rovaniemi is similar to all other Finnish cities, they are like twins. All streets consist of “Finnish cubes”, necessarily with a central square and a shopping center, and there will always be one central street with shops and cafes.
The white snow was falling in flakes, and there was silence all around, and at the same time the streets were clean, neat, and Scandinavian order was observed in everything. This city has been touched by the hand of civilization, and it has shown all its best qualities. Everything breathed harmony and was magnificently northern.
But Rovaniemi was not always so cozy and comfortable. During World War II, it suffered greatly, burning to the ground. German troops burned all the land and destroyed everything in their path as punishment for the inhabitants for the peace agreement with the Soviet Union. Many people went missing, roads were mined, and only 13 houses survived in the capital.
Therefore, in the modern city, there are practically no buildings built before 1940. The city was rebuilt over time, and today it is not only the capital of Lapland but also the capital of Christmas. So, what to see in Rovaniemi?
What to see in Rovaniemi.
Jatkankynttila Bridge.
Rovaniemi has a wonderful bridge spanning the Kemijoki River. Its grandeur and power made a strong impression on me. The name of this structure is no less magnificent – the Jatkankynttila Bridge. It is also called the “candle of the rafter.” This bridge is suspension, with one double pylon installed on it, i.e., a huge column of large section, from which the stays, i.e., steel cables, diverge in the rays of the sun. Not only does the bridge itself fit organically into the cityscape, but also giant lanterns with yellow light are installed on the two peaks of the pylon. It looks very mesmerizing in the evening. This bridge is a symbol of the city. What else to see in Rovaniemi?
Fairy-tale Santa Claus village in Rovaniemi.
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.
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!
Santa Park in Rovaniemi – the underground realm of gnomes.
There are so many people who want to see Santa that by the middle of 90 years Santa Park in Rovaniemi was built and organically blended into a huge cave. And now a miniature train connects the magical village with the dwelling of gnomes. The park is located deep underground, it is a series of tunnels going several tens of meters down.
Once through the tunnel, you find yourself in the middle of different rooms – somewhere an office where you can send a postcard, somewhere the realm of the snow queen with an ice bar, somewhere the train “Seasons”. There will also be a huge ball with snowflakes, in which you need to climb.
And the most important thing is that all this is managed by hard-working gnomes in red coats, terracotta caps and spacious pants.
If you are going to celebrate Christmas in Lapland, then my post about how I celebrated Christmas in Ukonkivi restaurant will interest you.
The Forest Museum and the Ethnographic Museum of Peukkola.
The museums are located 4 kilometers from Rovaniemi. The Forest Museum is located among wooded hills, under the open sky. In the Peukkola museum, through the examples of cultural objects and buildings, you can learn about the traditions, way of life, and work of Sami loggers. This is a whole Sami village with its peasant houses and peasant utensils. Here you can buy a fishing license, get a map of the area, and book cabins in Lapland.
You can reach the museums by bus number 6 and get off at the Ruokasenkatu stop.
Arktikum Center. What to see in Rovaniemi.
The center is located on the picturesque bank of the Ounasjoki River. This center is a scientific museum. Its main feature is the glass roof, through which you can see the beauty of the Arctic sky. Here you can learn a lot about the people of the North, about the culture and history of Lapland. It’s impossible to get bored here. You can touch the paw of a stuffed polar bear or peek into the hut of scientists in the Arctic, through the window of which a bear scratches.
There is a restaurant near the museum where fresh fish, berries, and mushrooms are served. And there is also a Polar Theater where you can see the Northern Lights. Lie down on the soft floor, put a pillow under your head, and watch an interesting movie.
Address: Arktikum Pohjoisranta, 496200, Rovaniemi. Official website: www.arktikum.fi.
Snowland.
You’ve probably all seen photos of ice bars and exhibitions of ice sculptures. So, this place is here, in Lapland. It’s a whole world of ice and snow. Snowland is just a couple of kilometers from Rovaniemi. There is an ice restaurant, two ice bars, and an Arctic disco. Ice sculpture exhibitions are held here. And for the most adventurous, there is an igloo hotel, completely built of ice. Who’s brave enough here? In the ice hotel, they dream on reindeer skins, and in the ice bars, they sit on ice chairs.
Lordi Square. What to see in Rovaniemi.
It was astonishing for me to find out that Rovaniemi became the hometown of Tomi Putaansuu, the extraordinary guy who founded the metal band Lordi, which won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006 with their song “Hard Rock Hallelujah,” remember that?
Now the central square in this city is named after the Eurovision winner – Lordi. By the way, these artists are prohibited from appearing on the streets of the city without their costumes.
Lapland is such a wonderful region where you can find a lot of interesting activities, but after two hours, darkness falls, the sun hardly comes out here, and the morning starts around 10 o’clock. So, the daylight lasts only four hours. Do as much as you can )) But in the evening, everything transforms here, colorful lighting decorates houses and landmarks everywhere. And it’s during this time that Lapland turns into a winter fairy tale!
Even though Lapland is beautiful in the dark hours (you have the Northern Lights and the sparkling white snow, with Santa nearby), the northern residents find this time difficult. They just eagerly await the next season, where they will prepare for the ripening of rose hips and the maturing of cloudberries.
The Most Fascinating Hotels in Rovaniemi.
Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is a captivating destination renowned for its Arctic wonders and enchanting landscapes. As the official hometown of Santa Claus and the gateway to the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi offers visitors a unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure. Among its myriad attractions, the city boasts an array of remarkable hotels that promise an unforgettable stay. Here are some of the most intriguing accommodations in Rovaniemi:
Glass Resort: For a truly immersive Northern Lights experience, look no further than the Glass Resort. Perched on the shores of Lake Norvajärvi, this boutique hotel offers luxurious glass igloos where guests can marvel at the celestial dance of the aurora borealis from the comfort of their own bed. With sleek, minimalist interiors and uninterrupted views of the Arctic skies, the Glass Resort provides a unique blend of comfort and adventure.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos: Experience the ultimate winter wonderland getaway at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos. This extraordinary property features a stunning snow hotel constructed entirely from ice and snow, offering guests the chance to spend a night in subzero temperatures surrounded by exquisite ice sculptures and intricate snow carvings. Alternatively, guests can opt for a stay in one of the hotel’s glass igloos, where they can witness the Northern Lights in all their splendor while staying warm and cozy inside.
Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara: Perched atop the picturesque Ounasvaara fell, Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara offers breathtaking views of Rovaniemi and its surrounding wilderness. The hotel’s modern design, combined with its prime location near ski slopes and hiking trails, makes it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure. After a day of exploring the Arctic wilderness, guests can unwind in the hotel’s sauna or enjoy a gourmet meal at the panoramic restaurant, all while taking in the mesmerizing vistas below.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy retreat in the Arctic wilderness or a magical encounter with Santa Claus himself, Rovaniemi’s diverse array of hotels has something to offer every traveler. With their unique blend of luxury, adventure, and Arctic charm, these accommodations promise an unforgettable stay in one of Finland’s most enchanting destinations.
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