Things to Do in Rovaniemi

If you are looking for a true winter wonderland, Rovaniemi in Finland should be on your list. This Arctic city is a magical place where you can chase the northern lights, go dog sledging with huskies, and even visit Santa Claus himself.

There are so many Rovaniemi attractions that I could have stayed another week, but I still felt like I was only scratching the surface. Wondering how to get to Rovaniemi? It is easy jump on a short flight from Helsinki or take a train ride through snowy landscapes.

Situated right on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi experiences some seriously cold temperatures in the winter. When I visited in January, it ranged between -10º and -20ºC, and trust me, you will want to dress in layers! If you are visiting in winter, there is a good chance you will see the northern lights.

Just be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes thick socks are recommended! Also, winter days are extremely short, and the winds can intensify at night.

What To Do In Rovaniemi

Here, you can experience the joy of snowmobiling through natural forests, glide across icy lakes on a reindeer sleigh, or try your hand at traditional ice fishing. But the real thing is the mesmerizing Rovaniemi Northern Lights tour.

Join a private guided tour and chase the auroras across the new Finnish nature.

And let’s not forget the little ones or the young at heart .Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus, and a visit to Santa Claus Village promises an amazing day of festive cheer. Meet Santa himself, ride a husky sleigh, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Activities In Rovaniemi Finland

To enjoy your time in Rovaniemi, you surely will not want to miss these activities:

1. Visit Santa Claus Village & Cross The Arctic Circle

Welcome to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland the official hometown of Santa Claus. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience created to make childhood dreams come alive. One of the most heartwarming experiences in Rovaniemi is meeting Santa Claus himself.

Santa Claus Village is open all year, and visitors can book private meetings with the man in red. Inside his cosy office, expect a warm welcome, a personal conversation, and the chance to capture special moments. 

Few places in the world offer the chance to cross the Arctic Circle physically, and Rovaniemi is one of them. A white line cuts through Santa Claus Village, marking the exact latitude of 66°33′45.9″N. Whether you step, jump, or cartwheel over it, you will receive a memorial certificate proving your achievement. 

Did you know that Roosevelt Cottage, the oldest building in the village, was constructed in 1950 to mark the visit of Eleanor Roosevelt, who made Rovaniemi the official home of Santa Claus? Or that during winter, temperatures can drop to -30°C, adding to the truly Arctic experience? These little details enhance the authenticity of your visit.

2. Chase The Northern Lights

Rovaniemi is an optimal location due to its geographic positioning and low light pollution. Located just below the Arctic Circle, it has clear skies and vast, natural landscapes that improve the aurora’s visibility. Timing is everything.

The aurora borealis is visible from late August to early April, but peak visibility is during the colder months, from September to March. The best hours are between 10 PM and 2 AM when the sky is darkest.

But do not just rely on luck local guides use real-time solar activity forecasts to increase your chances of witnessing this breathtaking spectacle. Northern Lights hunting in Rovaniemi is not just about standing in one spot and hoping for the best.

Here’s how your adventure grows:

• Strategic Locations: Expert guides drive you away from city lights to prime viewing spots deep Arctic forests, frozen lakes, or high-altitude fells where light pollution is minimal.
• Minibus or Snowmobile Options: Depending on your choice, you can chase the auroras in a warm, comfortable minibus or ride across the snow on an exciting snowmobile safari.
• Photography Assistance: Have you ever struggled to capture the Northern Lights on camera? Many tours deliver professional photography guidance to guarantee you return home with incredible shots.

3. Go On A Husky Safari

Forget what you have read in most travel blogs a husky safari is not just about sitting back while the dogs do all the work. You will actually get to take the reins yourself, leading a team of powerful, eager huskies through snow-covered trails.

Whether it is a short 5km run or a full 40km journey deep into Lapland’s wilderness, every ride is an adventure. These dogs are not just trained to run they live for it.

Their excitement is infectious, and before you know it, you will be gearing up for the ride of a lifetime. But first, the expert mushers will walk you through the basics: how to balance on the sled, give commands, and work with the dogs to keep the ride smooth and controlled.

After the ride, you can warm up inside a traditional Lappish kota a cosy wooden hut. Here, you can sip on hot berry juice, a local winter favourite, while the mushers share stories about life with their huskies. At some farms, like Bearhill Husky or Husky & Co., you can even spend time with husky puppies an absolute highlight, especially for families.

When to Go & What to Know

• Best Season: The prime time for husky safaris is December to April, when the snow conditions are perfect.
• Dress Smart: The Arctic cold is no joke layer up with thermals, wool socks, and waterproof boots.
• Book in Advance: December to February is peak season, and tours sell out fast. If you want to secure your spot, early booking is a must.

A husky safari is one of the most unforgettable activities in Rovaniemi, a perfect combination of adventure, nature, and connection with these incredible animals.

4. Experience A Reindeer Sleigh Ride

If you are visiting Rovaniemi, experiencing a reindeer sleigh ride is one of the most charming things you can do. Upon arrival at a traditional reindeer farm, you will be welcomed by Sámi herders, the Indigenous people of Lapland who have raised reindeer for generations. Before setting off, you will have the chance to meet and feed the reindeer.

They love lichen, a type of moss, and though they may appear calm, each has a different personality. Some are friendly and eager to interact, while others are more reserved, watching you curiously from a distance.

When it is time to ride, you will settle into a handcrafted wooden sleigh lined with warm reindeer hides. The herder gently calls the reindeer forward, and they begin jogging through the natural wildlife. With Rovaniemi’s skies clear enough for aurora sightings around 200 nights a year, your chances of witnessing this natural wonder are high. 

One of the most fascinating aspects of this experience is the bond between the herders and their reindeer. The rides vary in length, with shorter routes around 400 to 1000 meters, perfect for families, while longer journeys stretch across ancient migration paths, covering up to 10 kilometres.

The cost of a reindeer sleigh ride varies depending on the length and inclusions, ranging from €40 for a short ride to around €150 for an extended journey that may include meals or aurora hunting.

The best time to experience this is between December and March when the snow and landscapes are most profound.

5. Take A Snowmobile Safari

Unlike standard sightseeing tours, a snowmobile safari in Rovaniemi engages you in the Arctic like nothing else. The first time I accelerated up a snowmobile and sped across the powdery trails, I felt an exciting rush.

Imagine walking through silent snow-covered forests, crossing frozen rivers, and climbing remote fells that offer panoramic views of Finland’s winter wonderland. One of the most breathtaking moments was reaching the top of a hill, where the landscape extended endlessly.

Most tours last from 2 to 6 hours, but there are options for full-day or multi-day safaris that take you far into the Arctic wildlife, where you can camp under the Northern Lights. Our guide pointed out fresh reindeer tracks in the snow on one trip, explaining how these animals guide the harsh Arctic terrain.

You will travel to places unreachable by car or foot, where reindeer roam freely. A nighttime ride might reward you with a sky burning in green and purple as the Aurora Borealis dances overhead.

Most snowmobile tour operators have a 600cc–900cc engine with adjustable speed settings, perfect for beginners. Many high-end snowmobiles come with heated handlebars, keeping your hands warm even in temperatures as low as -30°C.

Who Can Join?

• Even if you don’t have a driver’s license, you can still enjoy the experience of being a passenger.
• Kids as young as four can ride in a sledge pulled by a guide’s snowmobile, making this a family-friendly adventure.

December–April is the prime snowmobiling season, with the thickest snow cover and stable conditions. If you want a true Arctic expedition, March offers long daylight hours and mild temperatures.

6. Enjoy An Authentic Finnish Sauna & Ice Swimming

For locals, this sauna is more than just relaxation; it cleans the body and the mind. But the real adventure begins after you have warmed up to 80–100°C: the dip into ice-cold water.

At spots like Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos or Kota Sauna by the River, you will find openings cut into the frozen lakes, asking you to leap. The first moment in water flowing around 0°C shocks the system your heart races, your senses sharpen, and a quick rush of endorphins goes through you.

But beyond the joy, there is science behind it. Research from the University of Oulu highlights its benefits, from boosting circulation to strengthening immunity and easing stress. As you appear, breathless and excited, you might see the northern sky reflected in the water if lucky, even the Northern Lights flashing overhead.

Whether it is your first time or you are a seasoned ice swimmer, this Arctic experience remains long after you have towelled off. This unique tradition should be at the top of your list if you are exploring Rovaniemi tourist attractions.

7. Go Ice Fishing On A Frozen Lake 

Ice fishing in Rovaniemi is more than just dropping a line through a hole it’s an Arctic experience that lets you connect with nature in a way few activities can. Guided tours take you to some of the best locations, like the calm Lake Vikajärvi or the remote wildlife spots near Ounasjoki River.

You will be handed a traditional Finnish ice drill and taught how to cut through the thick ice sometimes up to 80 cm deep!

Once your hole is ready, drop your baited hook into the freezing water and wait for a bite. Patience is key on my first ice fishing trip, I sat quietly for nearly 20 minutes before finally feeling something on the line.

Local fish species like perch, pike, and Arctic char swim beneath the surface, and if you are lucky, you will reel in your fresh catch. One of the local guides shared a tip: moving the bait slightly every few minutes can attract more fish. Many tours include a warming campfire where you can grill your fish on the ice.

8. Snowboarding In Ounasvaara

No matter if you are a seasoned snowboarder or doing it for the first time, this winter gem in Rovaniemi offers fresh slopes and stunning landscapes. Unlike the packed resorts of the Alps, Ounasvaara gives you space to carve easily.

Due to the region’s long, cold winters, the snow here stays fine and perfect throughout the season. With six slopes and a 140-meter vertical drop, there is the right balance of thrill and flow, and if freestyle is your thing, the snow park has jumps and rails suited for every level.

But what truly sets Ounasvaara apart? Snowboarding beneath the Northern Lights. As the slopes stay open late, lucky riders might find themselves gliding through the Arctic night with the aurora lighting above an experience you will not find just anywhere.

And after a session on the snow, nothing beats warming up with a steaming cup of hot berry juice in one of the cosy slope-side cafés. If you are looking for special Rovaniemi things to do, Ounasvaara should be at the top of your list. 

9. Sleep In A Glass Igloo Or Ice Hotel

Imagine lying in a warm, cosy bed while the Northern Lights dance above you. The first time I stayed in a glass igloo, I was thrilled watching the green and violet waves mix across the sky from the comfort of my bed. That is what staying in a glass igloo or ice hotel in Rovaniemi offers.

Glass igloos, such as those at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, offer 360-degree heated glass ceilings, allowing you to look at the sky without stepping outside.  Thermal beds, insulated flooring, and private bathrooms guarantee a comfortable night, even in extreme cold. 

A staff member at Arctic SnowHotel mentioned that adjusting the bed’s warmth setting can help you find the perfect temperature for deep sleep, which is incredibly helpful. Many igloos come with an Aurora Alarm, waking you up when the lights appear. 

I fell asleep comfortably, only to be gently woken up at 2 AM by the soft glow of the alarm, signalling the start of a breathtaking Aurora display. On the other hand, ice hotels are sculpted completely from snow and ice and rebuilt each winter.

At Arctic SnowHotel, rooms feature carved ice beds covered in reindeer hides and thermal sleeping bags to keep you warm. The ice restaurant serves drinks in frozen glasses, while the snow sauna is a must-try.

If you are looking for the best things to do in Rovaniemi, staying in an igloo or ice hotel is an impressive highlight. Book early, as these experiences sell out fast.

Things to Do in Rovaniemi FAQs

Conclusion

Rovaniemi is an experience that stays with you long after you leave. Whether chasing the Northern Lights, dashing through the snow on a husky sledge, or relaxing in a traditional Finnish sauna, every moment here feels like a fairytale.

To make the most of your trip, plan ahead, book key activities early, and dress for the Arctic chill. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Rovaniemi is waiting.