Rovaniemi is the official capital of Lapland and the hometown of Santa Claus, situated right on the Arctic Circle in Finland. It is a unique destination that combines the fairytale magic of Christmas with authentic Arctic culture and nature. Rovaniemi offers a wide range of luxury and boutique experiences, from ice hotels to glass igloos for viewing the Northern Lights. The city is a crossroads of adventure, Sami culture, and high-level services, perfect for an unforgettable trip, especially in the winter months.

What Our Travel Designers Recommend: Magic, Adventure, and Arctic Culture

• Santa Claus Village – The focal point of every visit, where you can meet Santa Claus and cross the Arctic Circle line. Our travel designers recommend sending a postcard from the Official Santa Claus Post Office.
• Arktikum – A science centre and museum exploring the history, Sami culture, and natural phenomena of the Arctic, such as the Northern Lights. It is a necessary cultural immersion to understand the region.
• Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) – Rovaniemi is one of the best places in the world for sightings. For a real experience, we recommend booking a night in a glass igloo, such as those at the Glass Resort.
• Arctic Excursions – Husky or reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris, and icebreaker cruises (like the Sampo) are essential experiences selected by local experts.

Gastronomy and What to Taste: Authentic Flavours of Lapland

Lapland cuisine is based on fresh and wild ingredients. Don't miss:

• Reindeer Meat (Poronliha) – Often served stewed (poronkäristys) with mashed potatoes and lingonberries, the typical dish par excellence.
• Grilled Salmon (Loimulohi) – Cooked slowly on wooden planks near an open fire, a Lappish classic.
• Juustoleipä (Bread Cheese) – A traditional cheese served warm, often with cloudberry jam.
• Coffee and Pulla (Cardamom Sweet Bread) – Perfect for warming up after a day of adventure.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants:

• Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi – Offers an authentic Lappish atmosphere and local dishes like reindeer in a traditional kota hut.
• Restaurant Nili – Known for its refined interpretation of Lapland cuisine and the use of Arctic ingredients.
• Ice Restaurant & Ice Bar (at Arctic SnowHotel) – For a unique culinary experience, dining literally in the ice, remembering to dress very warmly!

Real Experience: Sleeping Under the Arctic Stars

The most magical experience in Rovaniemi is a night in a Glass Igloo. Imagine lying in warmth, gazing at the starry sky and waiting for the Northern Lights to dance above you. This is the memory that our travel designers will help you create, perhaps combined with a visit to the nearby Mrs. Claus' House at the Santa Claus Reindeer resort for an extra fairytale touch.

Institutional Links

• Official Tourism Website of Rovaniemi
• Official Santa Claus Village Website

Top 5 Recommended Accommodations by Our Travel Designers

• Arctic TreeHouse Hotel – Offers glass-walled suites nestled in the forest, luxury Nordic design, and spectacular views.
• Glass Resort – Luxury glass structures located near Santa Claus Village, ideal for the Aurora.
• Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – Unique structure with an entirely snow/ice hotel and glass igloos for the night.
• Santa Claus Holiday Village – High-quality private cabins and suites, perfect for families, located right in Santa Claus Village.
• Nova Skyland Hotel – Offers modern and elegant accommodation with a strong emphasis on design and Arctic nature.