Hei, Rovaniemi!
◘◘ Discover Rovaniemi’s prime highlights
Photograph by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising and marketing Ltd.)
- Arktikum Seaside: Arktikum Museum is a well-liked attraction in Rovaniemi — however extra on this in a while within the subsequent few days. For in the present day, I recommend that you simply go in entrance of this museum to the hidden backyard that’s on this small island. Moreover, it is a excellent place to swim in through the midnight solar, if not an ideal spot to only merely admire the views. It’s even potential to do a protracted leisurely stroll by way of a path from this seaside that goes all the way in which to the south of the town by the Ounasjoki River.
. - Rovaniemi Metropolis Library: Designed by considered one of Finland’s most well-known architects, Alvar Aalto, this metropolis library is a good place to be in case you’re a e-book lover. However apart from its giant collection of books, you’ll certainly be full of awe at its great design and expanse.
. - Pilke Science Centre: It is a enjoyable place for guests of all ages because it tells the story of the northern forests and our relationship with them. For sustainable vacationers, you’ll even be glad to know that this heart is notable for its low carbon footprint and use of sustainable wooden supplies in its design!
- TIP: If you happen to’re into tradition, it’s finest to get the Culture Pass which is good-for-value entry that lets you go to the entire prime 3 museums in Rovaniemi (Arktikum, Korundi, and Pilke). That is legitimate for 7 days and you should buy it from any of the three aforementioned sights.
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- TIP: If you happen to’re into tradition, it’s finest to get the Culture Pass which is good-for-value entry that lets you go to the entire prime 3 museums in Rovaniemi (Arktikum, Korundi, and Pilke). That is legitimate for 7 days and you should buy it from any of the three aforementioned sights.
- Lordi’s Sq.: Although not one of many placing highlights within the city, as a consequence of its central location, it’s an ideal place to be in in case you’re trying to do some procuring (e.g. the procuring heart of Sampokeskus) if not some good ol’ eating. Furthermore, in the summertime, this turns into a extremely popular place because it hosts various occasions.
- TRIVIA: This sq. was renamed in tribute to the Finnish band that received the Eurovision Tune Contest in 2006.
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- TRIVIA: This sq. was renamed in tribute to the Finnish band that received the Eurovision Tune Contest in 2006.
- Rovaniemi Church: Accomplished in 1950, this church is just not solely picturesque from the skin but in addition from the within. In spite of everything, it has an enormous fresco behind the altar in addition to a grand 45-key organ.
. - Offended Birds Exercise Park: I wager you didn’t know that Offended Birds was made by a Finn! Because of its large reputation worldwide, you will discover an official park for it proper right here in Rovaniemi. Irrespective of in case you have youngsters or not, it is a enjoyable place to get pleasure from some ropewalks, slides, swings, ball video games, and extra!
. - Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge: Additionally known as Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, this 320-meter bridge connects Ounasvaara to the city heart and it’s an ideal factor to see at Rovaniemi in summer season. This iconic construction which is an simply recognizable landmark of Rovaniemi’s cityscape takes its title and form from a kind of torch log that’s carved from wooden by lumberjacks. The best technique to get pleasure from this bridge apart from driving or biking by means of it’s to stroll in direction of the riverside from the middle. In just some minutes, you will notice the bridge simply — as soon as there, don’t overlook to take some good photographs!
◘◘ Enterprise out to Ounasvaara
Photograph by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising and marketing Ltd.)
It is a beautiful hilltop that’s only a 15-minute stroll away from the town, which you’ll be able to attain by merely passing by means of the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge. It won’t be the largest nor the very best, but it surely’s a neighborhood favourite for its intensive community of nature trails you can run, stroll or bike by means of.
◘◘ Expertise a singular floating expertise
Photograph by Safartica
Some of the well-liked actions in Rovaniemi these days is ice floating whereby you merely float round a frozen lake with only a thermal wetsuit on. It turns into extra of a magical factor when there are some Northern Lights up excessive to see.
However don’t fret, even when it’s in the summertime, this is likely one of the nice issues to do in Rovaniemi! I went by means of this expertise myself and it was so stress-free to drift within the water with simply the sound of Lappish nature surrounding me. Now, this may sound harmful to you, but it surely isn’t! Moreover, knowledgeable information can be with you all the time — to not point out that it’s fairly simple to do.
If you happen to’re in search of one of the best tour supplier for this, I extremely advocate reserving with Safartica. Not solely was the information a pleasure to be with however the expertise additionally ends with some heat drinks and snacks by the fireplace.
DINING OPTION: Restaurant Nili is an genuine Lappish restaurant within the coronary heart of the town and also you’ll be assured that the whole lot is created from the freshest Arctic components. As you get pleasure from these delights, you’ll even be surrounded by real Lappish furnishings and supplies — a really Finnish expertise! To not point out, this has been as soon as chosen as one of the best ‘Style of Finland’ restaurant in addition to among the best eating locations on TripAdvisor.
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you have extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or in case you merely need another selections, take into account the next:
– With Safartica
Do some Arctic Survival: Be part of a big day journey to the forest the place you may learn to survive within the wild as they train you construct an emergency shelter, make hearth with out matches and a lot extra.
Do berry choosing: Lapland’s forests are recognized for its wealthy wild berries! To seek out one of the best spots, you may undergo the forest with a neighborhood and decide up some recent superfoods which can be pure from the bottom.
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– With Happy Fox
Do a canoe journey: Get pleasure from a leisurely canoe journey alongside the Ounasjoki river as you admire lovely views and sights wild animals.
Benefit from the year-round Christmas Spirit
◘◘ Go to Santa Claus Village!
Are you trying to meet the true Santa? Nicely, you’ve come to the precise place! Irrespective of your age, Rovaniemi is the place to be given that it’s the Official Hometown of Santa Claus — and as a magical latitude village that’s filled with enjoyable, beneath are among the actions that you are able to do…
- Meet “the person” himself: It’s FREE to satisfy Santa Claus and the one time you’ll shell out some cash is if you wish to pay for photographs. Now right here’s the factor: I could be a grown-up however for some cause, I felt so giddy and nervous after I was going to satisfy him — however all these nerves went away after I met him! He was so heat and enjoyable to speak to, irrespective of the bizarre questions that I ask (lol). He even helped me perceive some extra of the Finnish tradition! One of the best half? Visiting through the summer season will certainly provide you with extra time to speak to him as a result of the group is so much lesser. After all, visiting him in December is good however you’ll have a while to barter your standing on his ‘naughty checklist’ in case you’re right here throughout off-season.
. - Cross over the Arctic Circle: The Arctic Circle’s latitude (66°33′45.9′) crosses by means of the Santa Claus Village and this spot is correctly marked on the heart of the sq. with a large line. With that stated, just remember to get a great commemoration picture for this!
. - Ship postcards from Santa Claus’ Predominant Submit Workplace: That is an official Finnish submit workplace service station and it’s specifically made for the Santa Claus Village. Except for sending postcards to your loved ones and mates, you can too speak to the elves right here and ask extra about their line of labor. Via them, I realized that I may ship postcards or request a letter from Santa that can be scheduled for sending through the Christmas season; so even in case you’re right here in the summertime, the elves have all of it coated for you! Moreover, as I went by means of the shop analyzing souvenirs, I additionally noticed some attention-grabbing statistics concerning the quantity of people that ship Santa letters.
- NOTE: It’s potential on your youngsters to ship letters to Santa Claus and at instances, he even replies! (Deal with: Santa Claus, Santa Claus’ Predominant Submit Workplace, Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland)
◘◘ Meet Santa’s reindeer!
Discovered simply behind Santa Claus’ Workplace is a Reindeer Park and for simply €5, you may pet, feed and mingle with these light animals for so long as you need! This opens from the early summer season to the start of autumn so it’s finest that you simply hold this in thoughts on your Rovaniemi itinerary.
If you happen to ask me, I positive had a swell time right here whereby from the second I got here by means of the door, a child reindeer came visiting to greet me — it was so heart-warming! And sure, I took my candy time taking photographs and selfies with them.
Now, one other wonderful thing about visiting this park is the guides as a result of apart from the truth that they provide out attention-grabbing data concerning the reindeer, they’re additionally more than pleased to entertain your questions. As an illustration, it’s by means of them that I realized how reindeer principally quantity greater than the Lappish individuals! I additionally received to know the method of how reindeer lose their antlers and a lot extra.
◘◘ Go river rafting
For Rovaniemi in summer season, join with Santa’s Adventures to expertise fast-falling rapids! Held within the rafting space of Vikajärvi close to Rovaniemi, that is undoubtedly among the best methods to get pleasure from Finnish nature to its fullest!
Relaxation assured, although that is thrilling, it’s a fully protected exercise to get your adrenaline flowing. The icing on the cake? As soon as the journey is finished, you may sit down and have some heat drinks and grilled sausages by an open hearth. So collect your loved ones and mates for this exercise — if not, doing it solo is okay too because you’re certain to satisfy equal-minded individuals who like your type of enjoyable!
DINING OPTION: Except for being an exquisite lodging place, Cafe & Bar KOTI is a good spot to dine in not just for a snack however for a meal too. They’ve a day by day lunch particular or salad buffet you can strive — in any other case, they’ve a la carte dishes so that you can get pleasure from. In different instances, their espresso is a should as it’s created from freshly floor beans. Pair it off with some pulla (Finnish candy bread) and also you’re solved! (If pulla is just not your factor, additionally they haver different baked pastries accessible).
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you have extra time or in case you merely need another selections, take into account the next:
– With Arctic Joy
Do a canyon tour: Achieved as a day journey, that is accomplished in Korouoma’s 100-meter rocky partitions and serpentine river, and as you do that in the summertime, you’ll get to benefit from the canyon’s distinctive flora and nature.
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– With SantaPark Arctic World
Go to one other Santa Claus park: Separate from the Santa Claus Village, it is a paid park the place you may get pleasure from varied actions in any season with your loved ones. In the summertime you are able to do issues like going by means of a Santa Claus’ Helper Course, using the Magic Practice, becoming a member of Elf Faculty, visiting the Ice Princess and lots of others. (Sure, you can too meet Santa Claus right here!)
A day for Arctic animals
◘◘ Do an moral husky kennel go to
I’m in love with canines and I like huskies probably the most! Since Rovaniemi’s sled canine excursions are insanely well-liked, I had the prospect to go to a good husky kennel heart close to the town and it was known as Bearhill. I can completely advocate them as a result of they put the well being of the canines in the beginning whereas being a contemporary eco-friendly institution as nicely.
And in case you ask me, late summer season is definitely a good time to go to Bearhill as a result of you may witness how the canines are educated and ready for the approaching winter. You may even meet all of the new child husky puppies which can be being taken care of.
Throughout my go to with them at Rovaniemi in summer season, I had the prospect to participate of their canine staff coaching* as I rode a husky cart myself, and it was SO a lot enjoyable! To not point out, that I additionally helped give a number of lovable puppies their day by day train within the woods. Naturally, I used to be in canine heaven all all through my expertise! (And sure, I took a variety of canine selfies. After all.)
NOTE: Since huskies can not do strenuous actions when temperatures are larger than 15 levels Celsius, driving a husky cart for 30 to 40 minutes is climate dependent.
◘◘ Get pleasure from a riverboat cruise to a reindeer farm after which do a ceremonial Arctic Circle crossing
Photograph by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising and marketing Ltd.)
It is a distinctive expertise that you are able to do with Lapland Safaris. The very first thing that you simply do on this tour is to journey a picket riverboat as you undergo serene landscapes to expertise the summer season of the Arctic.
When you attain the reindeer farm, you’ll take part in a conventional ceremonial crossing of the Arctic Circle which makes for a memorable expertise — I received’t spoil the enjoyable but it surely was fairly attention-grabbing! When that is accomplished, you’ll lastly get to satisfy the majestic reindeer that they’re maintaining on the farm as you feed them up shut.
Earlier than doing one final river cruise (again to the town heart) that marks the top of the tour, additionally, you will get to get pleasure from some drinks and snacks in a conventional Finnish dwelling. The guides that they’ve are additionally approachable and pleasant, and they’ll share with you some nice trivia about Finland and common; in any other case, don’t be afraid to ask some questions!
DINING OPTION: Cafe & Bar 21 is arguably the good place to dine in particularly with their distinctive dishes and candy waffles you can order all day! If there’s one factor that it’s essential to strive, will probably be their Lapas Plate (Lappish Tapas)!
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you have extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or in case you merely need another selections, take into account the next:
– SnowCastle: It is a good place to go to in case you have a automotive. Positioned in Kemi, which is 80km south of Rovaniemi (which can take about an hour by automotive or bus), is SnowCastle. Principally, it is likely one of the largest ice constructions on this planet and past its beautiful faux-drawbridges, ramparts, and ice watchtowers is its well-known SnowRestaurant. If you happen to book online, you may sit on a fur-topped tree stump and desk made from stable ice, as you bask in a tremendous 3-course dinner!
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– Ranua Wildlife Park: Additionally present in Kemi, this zoo presents its guests the chance to watch Arctic animals all all year long in a pure atmosphere for as a lot as potential.
TIP: Reserve your tickets and be a part of a Ranua guided tour to keep away from the trouble of driving right here by your self. Moreover, this tour begins from Rovaniemi with a cease to Ranua Wildlife Park and lasting for under half a day.
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– With Arctic Nature: Do horse path using ~ Participate on this 2-hour horse journey by means of a wonderful forest, round some fields and up the hills. To mark the top of the tour, campfire lunch will even be served.
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– With Nortsav: Do boat fishing ~ Expertise a guided boat fishing tour on the rivers of Kemijoki and Ounasjoki. If you happen to get some catch, it’s completely potential to arrange and smoke them! (This tour already consists of fishing gear and fishing licenses).
Bask in tradition and science
◘◘ Tour Arktikum Museum and Korundi
Photograph by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising and marketing Ltd.)
When you’ve made your go to to Pilke, take into account making a go to to those different prime museums in Rovaniemi…
- Arktikum: If you happen to solely have the time to go to one museum throughout your keep, then a cease by Arktikum is your best option you can make! In spite of everything, this world-class museum has various exhibitions that can lead you on an journey to find extra concerning the tradition and historical past of Finnish Lapland, in addition to the info concerning the Arctic area.
- One other side to like about Arktikum is its design wherein it boasts a 172-meter lengthy glass tuber over its foremost house. Because of its picturesque aesthetic, it is a favourite spot amongst photographers and Instagrammers. It’s additionally fairly a sight from the skin too wherein you will notice the museum wanting as if it’s buried within the earth — an ideal design that mimics the way in which Arctic animals hibernate through the winter time.
- TICKETS: E-book online
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- Tradition Home Korundi: This contemporary construction holds 2 artwork establishments, specifically the…
- Chamber Orchestra of Lapland: The multi-purpose live performance corridor has 340 seats and there are numerous occasions held right here, from live shows to conferences.
- Rovaniemi Artwork Museum: Options Finnish fashionable and wonderful artwork from the Forties as much as the current.
- TICKETS: E-book online
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TIP: It’s finest to get the Culture Pass which is a good-for-value entry that lets you go to the entire prime 3 museums in Rovaniemi (Arktikum, Korundi, and Pilke). That is legitimate for 7 days and you should buy it from any of the three aforementioned sights.
◘◘ Do a night pictures tour (perhaps spot some Northern Lights!)
Photograph by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising and marketing Ltd.)
If you wish to discover one of the best places round Rovaniemi to expertise and {photograph} the distinctive nature of Lapland, then a pictures tour with Beyond Arctic is a should!
In case you are fortunate you may even see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) particularly in case you time your go to across the finish of August — in spite of everything, it’s the time after they begin to present. If you wish to be up to date on the forecasts, you may obtain this app.
TRIVIA: Finnish individuals used to assume that the flick of a fox’s tail by means of a snowdrift brought on the looks of the Northern Lights!
MEAL OPTIONS: Go over to Frans & Cherie Restaurant, a French bistro that additionally serves a number of native Lappish dishes akin to leipäjuusto or Finnish squeaky cheese which is considered one of my favorites! That is finest eaten heat, in my view. (And sure, because the title suggests, it does have a particular texture which makes some type of ‘squeaky’ sound when chewed).
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you have extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or in case you merely need another selections, take into account the next:
– Do different Aurora Borealis excursions: As an illustration, Arctic Lifestyle presents this sort of tour on jet skis whereas Lapland Welcome does it with an ATV.
– Do mountain climbing or biking: Go on a day journey on a nature path resulting in the 16-meter waterfalls of Auttiköngäs that’s primarily open in the summertime. It is a forested canyon that’s a part of the Northern Finland’s old-growth forest safety program so that you’re actually going to see some wealthy fauna and flora!
Immerse your self in Rovaniemi’s nature
◘◘ Check out fatbiking!
Fats bikes are nice to make use of within the winter — but it surely’s a enjoyable journey to do in the summertime too! I did fats biking with Roll Outdoors in the summertime by means of the close by woods of Rovaniemi and it was probably the most enjoyable actions that I did throughout my keep. Throughout our time out, I additionally had the prospect to get pleasure from some views from up excessive in addition to some berry choosing.
NOTE: You may select from both a handbook or digital fats bike. Helmets are supplied and you can too strap in a GoPro on it if you wish to.
◘◘ Meet a neighborhood artisan and do a workshop
Photograph by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising and marketing Ltd.)
Head on over to Hornwork to go to the artisan workshop and residential of Mrs. Irene & Mr. Ari Kangasniemi. With them, you will get a deeper understanding of the native way of life, in addition to have the prospect to make your personal souvenirs.
Fact be informed, there are lengthy traditions of arts and handicrafts from native supplies like wooden and reindeer antlers in Lapland and that is one of the best ways to be taught extra about it!
◘◘ Expertise an genuine Finnish sauna
Stress-free in a Finnish sauna is a should to do if you’re in Finland! Positive, Tampere will be the sauna capital however there are many sauna locations in Rovaniemi the place you can begin. In spite of everything, a Finnish sauna expertise is on the core of each Finnish individual’s way of life and tradition, so why not give it a strive too?
So the place to do it? Most certainly, your lodge will have already got a sauna heart on its premises — if not, ask them about it and so they’ll certainly level you in the precise route. In any other case, right here’s a listing of some nice sauna experiences on this page.
~ Wanna know some how-to’s, ideas and issues to do in a Finnish Sauna? Learn right here.
MEAL OPTIONS: Amarillo might not be an genuine Lappish restaurant but it surely’s a preferred Mexican-style restaurant that’s positive to fulfill your cravings!
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you have extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or in case you merely need another selections, take into account the next:
– With Helios Tour: Up on Lampivaara hill is an amethyst mine and every customer can dig up their very own fortunate quartz that may slot in one fist.
– With Happy Fox: How about some gold? With Pleased Fox you may be a part of a tour the place you may expertise gold panning together with a ship journey.
