Rovaniemi Finland is the definition of winter wonderland during the winter months. The whole city is covered in a thick coating of snow and the snow covered tree’s and landscapes really add to winter vibe. The temperature can soar as low as -40 degrees at some points during the winter months allowing the lakes to freeze over and the snow to grow thicker and thicker.

With so much snow, ice and the beautiful landscapes of Rovaniemi this really is the perfect place for a winter getaway for every taste. Whether your the fast paced adrenaline junkie looking to try out all of the winter sports on offer or the laid back holiday kind that likes to chill in a hot tub whilst waiting for the Northern lights to show their face.

About Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and takes a prime position close to the Arctic circle. The town is larger than those in many of the other towns and cities in Lapland and is still home to such stunning and diverse landscapes. Rovaniemi is known as the official home of Santa Claus and you can even take a trip to Santa Claus’s village.

Things to do in Rovaniemi

Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma

Head on a hike in Korouoma Canyon and experience the wonder of the Korouoma frozen waterfalls. Several trails are on offer around the national park and the shortest trail will offer you viewing on the 3 main frozen waterfalls within the canyon. The frozen waterfalls are formed inside an old fracture valley and at the foot of the valley is the Korojoki river which is usually frozen over during the winter months.

The shortest hike is 5km and is the Koronjää circuit. This hike will take up to 3 hours and showcases the biggest 3 frozen waterfalls as well as brilliant views of the canyon and several view points.

The three biggest waterfalls are Jaska Jokunen (Charlie Brown), the Ruskea Virta (the Brown River) and Mammuttiputous (the Mammoth Fall).

Those brave enough can even climb the frozen waterfalls and take on some exciting ice climbing opportunities. See the canyon from above and take in the views as you climb and abseil down.

The Korouoma Canyon is around 1.5 hours from Rovaniemi town centre and can be reached easily by car or via planned tour.

Ice Hotel

Spend a night snuggled in your sleeping bag sleeping in a bed made of ice in a hotel made of ice. The whole structure is built from the ground up every winter and lasts until the early spring.

The hotel also boasts a restaurant and bar also made completely of ice and drinks are served in special cups made of ice, so expect to enjoy your drink cold. Traditional Finnish food is served and cold desserts are served on plates made of ice to add to the experience.

Glass Igloo’s

Spending the night under the stars in a glass igloo is the perfect place to chill. If you are lucky enough to be there at the right time for the Northern lights you really are in for a treat.

The igloo’s are warm and cosy inside and boast clear glass roof tops to allow you to star gaze, watch the snow fall from above or even see the Northern Lights.

There are so many options for glass igloo’s in Rovaniemi that you will be spoilt for choice. Book early to get a better rate.

Snowmobiling

Take off on a snowmobile as part of an organised tour and explore the winter and arctic forest surrounding Rovaniemi. Hop on board either riding solo or with a passenger behind you and explore the snowy landscapes in this adrenaline spiked way.

Several different routes can be booked and you can choose from sunset tours, arctic forest or frozen lakes and enjoy the experience of zooming through fresh snow and experiencing this fun way of transport.

Reindeer Farm

Head to a traditional reindeer farm and learn how to care for these crazy gentle animals. The farm cares for hundreds of reindeer’s and you can take part in some of the daily care routine such as feeding them. Learn from the Finnish people on the history of Reindeer’s in Lapland and then be lucky enough to take a ride in the sleigh as the Finnish people would have travelled many years ago.

Husky Dog Sledding

Take a trip to the husky dog camp and see the husky dogs in action. You will hear the bark of the excited dogs as they prepare to pull you in a sleigh. Learn from the dog handlers about the dogs characteristics and their position in the sleigh. As you wander the camp you will see all the dogs in their pens along with their descriptions. Female dogs normally lead the sleigh and the clever dogs manage the direction of the sleigh as well as listening to commands from the instructor.

Northern Lights

Winter in Rovaniemi is the perfect time to see the Northern Lights. During the winter months in Rovaniemi the hours of day light is significantly reduced and the nights are dark. Clear nights are the perfect time to see the lights as they dance above you in the clear nights sky. The Northern lights are also known as Aurora Borealis and are caused by disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind.

Head further away from the city lights to have a better chance of seeing the lights. Several tours are on offer and you can see the lights via snowmobile tour, car tour or even for a snow picnic in the arctic forest.

Source:Visit Rovaniemi

Snowshoeing

Take in the natural beauty of this region as you explore the landscapes by snowshoeing. You will be walking the way the locals do as you step into the snow shoes and have a blast exploring arctic forests and frozen lakes. Snowshoeing can be booked throughout the region and you can even explore the frozen waterfalls this way.

The snow shoes will allow you to explore deep snow and different levels of canyons as you breathe in the fresh air and take in the scenery.

Source: Get your guide

Santa Claus Village

Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa Claus and you can visit him here and enjoy all of the aspects of the North Pole such as Santa’s post office, the elves workshop, you can meet the reindeer as well as being packed full of restaurants, coffee shops and bars. This place can pretty crowded during the Christmas month, however is well worth a visit particularly for those with children.

Finnish Sauna and Hot Tub

You have not truly experienced the Finnish culture if you have not had the opportunity to try and Finnish sauna. Sit inside a sauna and enjoy the temperatures as you warm your body and skin up for all of the well being benefits a sauna can bring. Then go outside and lay in the snow to enjoy the shock to your bodies temperatures and the well being benefits this can also bring. Follow this by warming up in a traditional wood fired hot tub and enjoy the views over the snowy landscapes.