Rovaniemi is the Ultimate Winter Wonderland
Since 2010 Rovaniemi, Finland was named the Official Hometown of Santa Clause! I can say without a doubt this is the ultimate destination to experience the true magic of Christmas.
Thousands of visitors take the quick 90-minute flight north from Helsinki to Rovaniemi with hopes of catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis when the sky darkens in the evening. During the day Rovaniemi, is a winter wonderland playground with activities including ice fishing, dogsledding, ice climbing, relaxing in a sauna, and of course, meeting the real Santa Clause himself.
Here are my ten “Bucket List Worthy Experiences” that you can check off all in one trip to Rovaniemi!
Grab a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy!
GETTING THERE
Save time and fly from Helsinki, or London Gatwick (seasonal) right into Rovaniemi with Norwegian, or Finnair. The airport is around 10km from the main city center. From the airport, you can reserve the Airport Taxi shuttle service for around 7 euro a person.
GETTING AROUND
Rovaniemi is a tiny town, and just about everything you need will be within walking distance from the city center! For getting out of town have a look at the transport options below.
You won’t find any rideshare services in Rovaniemi, but taxis are available. Taxis are pretty pricey so try to avoid them unless you’re in a time crunch. Two attractions that would require alternate transportation will be to Santa Claus Village and if you’re interested in visiting the Ranua Zoo.
You can hop on Bus Number 8 to Santa Claus Village that comes once every hour. With only three bus lines you won’t have too much trouble getting lost. If you want to visit the polar bears at the Rauna Zoo Matkahuolto operates daily coach services to the Rauna Zoo which is around 80km away.
WHERE TO STAY
Arctic Light Hotel; $$$ A Luxury Boutique Hotel in the Rovaniemi City Center
If you’re going to stay at one hotel in the city of Rovaniemi make it the Arctic Light Hotel. The Arctic Light Hotel has beautifully styled rooms and suites with a boutique-style feel.
This family-owned hotel opened in 2015 and you’ll receive nothing but the best hospitality from their staff. They have a delicious buffet breakfast you can start your morning within their cozy lounge. Not to mention it’s right next door to my favorite Restaurant Nili!
1. Meet the Real Santa Clause at his Office in Santa Clause Village
Everyone knows Santa Clause, but did you know his office is in Finland?! The real Santa Clause (or Joulupukki as the Finns refer to him) is in Rovaniemi, Finland. The city’s most iconic resident is there to meet you at his office 365 days a year!
You’re able to meet Santa at his office in Santa Clause Village for free, but if you would like a photo to show to your friends and family back home you will have to purchase an electronic copy (40 euros), as personal photos are not allowed.
Santa receives visitors from around the world, and you’ll be impressed with how many languages he knows from Japanese to German! We chatted with Santa about where we were from and how much we enjoyed visiting Rovaniemi. After seeing his long curly white beard and rosy cheeks and hearing his deep belly laugh it’s near impossible not to walk out and be smiling from ear to ear.
Santa Claus Village is located 5 miles from Rovaniemi. The easiest way to access Santa Claus Village is by taking bus number 8 from Rovaniemi City Center. We were a little tight for time, but we ended up getting a ride from one of our tour operators before Santa Claus Village closed. Cabs from Rovaniemi City Center would be 25-30 Euros.
If you’re feeling adventurous in the winter you have the option of visiting Santa Clause Village by a reindeer sleigh ride, or snowmobile with Lapland Safaris. Talk about making an entrance!
2. Sleep Under the Stars in a Glass Igloo
Spend a night in a Glass Igloo and wake-up surrounded by nature, or if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights will be dancing above you as you sleep beneath the Polar sky.
Is staying in a glass igloo worth it though? These igloos don’t come cheap. Starting at around 549 euros for one night it’s important to have an idea of what to expect. Most guests only stay in the glass igloos one, or two nights and then combine that with a one night stay in the ice hotel.
In Rovaniemi, the most popular glass igloos are found at the Arctic Snow Hotel located 17 miles away from the city center of Rovaniemi. The draw to the Arctic Snow Hotel isn’t just for their Glass Igloos, but they also have an Ice Hotel, Ice Restaurant, and an Ice Bar on the property!
Still on the fence about if staying at the Arctic Snow Hotel is right for you? Here’s a list on what I enjoyed, and a few mistakes I made during stay at the Arctic Snow Hotel.
What I Loved About the Arctic Snow Hotel
- Their glass igloos were great at insulating the heat inside your igloo the entire night- so don’t worry about being cold!
- The beds have a remote that can adjust to reclining or sitting up making it easy to watch the night sky from a comfortable position
- They have an aurora alarm that you can set to go off in the middle of the night when they detect aurora activity
- The heated floors inside the igloo were so warm and cozy!
- The sauna for the guests could use was a very nice traditional Finnish style sauna
- The design of the glass igloos was beautiful
- The dinner at the Log Restaurant Lumikartano on the property was delicious
What I Should Have Done Differently at the Arctic Snow Hotel
- Arrive earlier! With the limited daylight hours that you have in the wintertime in Lapland it would have been nice to have allocated more time to fully enjoy our glass igloo by checking in earlier in order to explore the resort a little more.
- Visit when the Ice Hotel, Ice Restaurant, and Ice Bar are open. The glass igloos open earlier in the season, but the Ice Hotel doesn’t open until the end of December typically. If you’re going to make a trip out to Rovaniemi and stay at the Arctic Circle Hotel, I recommend you try to go when the Ice Hotel is open so you can tour it (a tour of the ice hotel is included in your glass igloo stay).
- Don’t fly out the next day. We had an early morning flight back to Helsinki the following day, which required us to wake up incredibly early to catch our flight. Because we were leaving at such an early hour we also had to pay for an additional cost of an airport transfer that was more expensive than the options during the day.
- Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see the Northern Lights. Even though the Aurora alarm went off in the middle of the night (that was a bit of a shock!) we still couldn’t see the lights as clearly as I’ve seen in the past.
3. Cross the Article Circle Line
I wasn’t kidding when I said Rovaniemi was very far north was I? Don’t leave Rovaniemi without crossing the Arctic Circle line, and getting the picture to prove it! In Rovaniemi, the Arctic Circle line runs directly through Santa Claus Village!
The Arctic Circle is a circle of latitude that runs 66°33′45.9″ north of the Equator. The region north of the Arctic Circle line is simply called the Arctic.
Hop, skip, or dance across the line to commemorate crossing into the Arctic. Or, if a picture isn’t proof enough you can purchase a certificate at Santa Clause Village confirming that you made the journey to cross the Arctic Line. Maybe try and ask Santa if he’ll autograph your certificate for you!
4. Try Reindeer
Lappish cuisine is about fresh ingredients of the forest, like berries, mushrooms, lichen, and game meat. Reindeer is an essential part of their cuisine, and no country prepares Reindeer as well as Finland making it a staple you have to try during your visit to Lapland. Below are my two favorite restaurants for a cozy lunch, or an authentic and unique Lappish dinner in Rovaniemi – you won’t want to miss out on.
Cafe Bar 21
Cafe Bar 21 is a must for your lunch spot in Rovaniemi. It’s a trendy cafe with delicious and affordable food.
They’re known for their waffles, more specifically their chicken salty waffle. I passed on the waffle when I saw the homemade salmon soup. With temperatures below freezing soup and a hot chocolate couldn’t have sounded better.
Restaurant Nili
Walking into Restaurant Nili you instantly feel welcomed. The furnishings are genuinely handcrafted with Lappish handicraft and materials such as Lappish wood, reindeer horns and reindeer leather all together creating a cozy ambiance.
You’ll quickly be impressed by the quality and presentation of the traditional Lapish dishes you’ll find at Nili. They’re famous for their sautéed reindeer, but Nili is one of the few places that serve bear on their menu if you’re feeling brave!
This was my first time trying reindeer and I loved it. It was paired well with the home-made lingonberry jam, pickled cucumber, and a serving of buttery mashed potatoes making it the perfect dinner for a winter night.
Nili is by far the best restaurant in Rovaniemi. Definitely make reservations in advance, as they are completely booked most nights during their tourist season.
5. Send a Letter from the World’s Most Famous Post Office
Take a moment to sit in Santa’s Main Post Office and admire all the shelves filled with letters Santa receives from around the world.
The office is even a genuine part of the Finnish postal services, Posti, though it only receives letters addressed to Santa. During the months of November and December, Santa receives around 32,000 letters daily. Most letters come from the United Kingdom, Italy, Romania, Poland, Finland, and Japan.
All mail sent from Santa’s Post Office is marked with a special stamp and postmark of Santa Claus from the Arctic Circle. Sending postcards to friends and family back home was one of my favorite memories of Santa’s Village.
Popover Tip: You can write Santa at his address here: Tähtikuja 1 96930 Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi. He’s been known to write back!
6. Earn Your Reindeer Drivers License
Want a fun conversation starter at your next holiday party? Mention how you earned your reindeer drivers license in Finland and I promise you you’ll get their attention.
Reindeer might not fly but there’s something so special about the creatures. Reindeer are iconic with Finnish Lapland and reindeer sleigh rides offer a unique experience to bond with these animals. At the reindeer farms, you’ll have a chance to pet, feed, and drive your own reindeer sled.
We were greeted by two brothers who were reindeer herders whose family descended from the Sami people of Lapland thousands of years ago. They were very welcoming and introduced us to their heard of reindeer. You could tell the reindeer were very well cared for, and the brothers spoke with pride of their family farm. They gave a very detailed overview of the history of reindeer in Finland and treated us to hot coffee and traditional Finnish pastries.
We went outside to meet our reindeer and after a quick lesson on controlling the reindeer, they deemed us fit to take one of the reindeer out for a spin-by ourselves! We hopped in a wooden sled pulled by a reindeer, and with two flicks of the rope, we were off! The ride was only 1K long, but we left with cheesy grins knowing that we just successfully earned our reindeer driver’s license.
Popover Tip: To combine a couple of activities into one-afternoon checkout the “Visit a Reindeer and Husky Farm by Snowmobile Sleigh” excursion from Lapland Welcome. This is the only tour that includes a stop at the Reindeer Farm when you can also earn your “Reindeer driving license” complimentary as a memory.
7. Hop Onboard a Dog Sled
Take in the sights traversing the beautiful wilderness of Lapland being pulled by a sled dog. Bundle up really warm and tight and get ready for an experience that will leave you smiling the entire ride.
Your dog sled ride can vary depending on how long you wish to go. I couldn’t believe how fast these dogs pull you! The optimum number of dogs per sled is six – the two at the front are the lead dogs, the two in the middle are the fastest dogs and the two closest to the sled are the strongest dogs.
After your sled dog ride, you warm up with coffee and snacks by fire and learn more about the history of the animals and their training and competitions today.
Check out these great options with Lapland Welcome for Husky Safaris!
8. Snowmobile Through Forests
Feel the peacefulness of the snowy forests: heavily snow-laden trees, frozen rivers and streams all on the back of a snowmobile. Escape the “hustle” of the city and see parts of Lapland you can only see with a snowmobile.
Snowmobiling is very popular in Rovaniemi, and most of the path will be a paved trial led by your guide. If you’re lucky, you may spot some wild reindeer along the way.
You can combine the snowmobile tour with a visit to a husky or reindeer farm, the Arctic Snow Hotel or Santa Clause Village too.
Lapland Welcome Motoring Safaris
9. Hunt for the Northern Lights
In Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland, you can witness Auroras dancing in the sky, but you have to hunt them down first!
Check out the wide variety of guided tours you can book with Lapland Safaris to chase down the northern lights! We enjoyed our experience with their friendly and personable guides, and your chances substantially increase to see the Northern Lights the farther you move away from the city lights.
Popover Tip: Lapland Safaris will provide jumpsuits to help you stay warm, and a large teepee with a fire when you need to take a break from aurora hunting-perfect for keeping your hands warm and toasty! Happy Aurora Hunting!
10. Sweat in a Sauna
There are over three million saunas in Finland, and around 188,000 lakes. Sauna culture is part of Finnish life. Almost everyone has one in their home, and Saturday’s are known as “Sauna Night” where friends and family members spend time together.
Most hotels will have a Sauna too! The Sauna at our hotel the, Arctic Light Hotel, was so relaxing! Make a reservation at the front desk when you check in to reserve a time to visit it.
WHAT TO EAT IN ROVANIEMI
Cafe Bar 21; $ Located right in the city center of Rovaniemi. Cafe Bar 21´s most popular menu items are their salty and sweet waffles, big tasty salads, gelato ice-creams, and some of the best cocktails in town.
Restaurant Nili; $$$ Known for their authentic Lappish food and decor. Won the best Taste of Finland in 2012. If you eat at one place in Rovaniemi make it Restaurant Nili!
Santa’s Salmon Place; $$ Makes for a cozy Lappish atmosphere. They serve fresh salmon baked in a traditional Lappish teepee with an open fire. They only serve salmon, so if salmon isn’t a favorite of yours I’d recommend passing this one up!
WHEN AND HOW LONG TO VISIT ROVANIEMI
November-March is the best time to visit Rovaniemi for their snow excursions during the day, and to hopefully catch the Northern Lights! Ideally the right amount of time to stay in Rovaniemi is 3-5 full days depending on what you want to see.
December and January are the snowy months with little daylight, but the hight of the Christmas season. In February, you’ll typically see more sun mixed with snow. March is rumored to be one of the best months to view the Northern Lights.
Average daytime temperatures in the winter:
- December: -20 to -10 degrees Celsius
- January: -30 to -15 degrees Celsius
- February: -20 to -15 degrees Celsius
- March: -15 to -5 degrees Celsius
WHAT TO WEAR FOR ROVANIEMI IN THE WINTER
My 72 hours in Rovaniemi were some of the coldest days I’ve ever spent in any city! The best tip I can give you is to pack like you’re going skiing! Ski pants and all!
Dress in warm layers: warm underwear (long-sleeved and long-legged thermals), warm clothes under your coat (e.g. wool or fleece), and external cloths made of close-woven fabrics. We saw so many people in ski pants, and ski jackets.
As for footwear, bring wool socks and thick-soled shoes. You’ll need lots of scarves, hats, and gloves. Throw in a couple of hand warmers too!
In case you forget something or want to buy more pieces (like I had to did!). Rovaniemi has stores in the city center that sell nice quality winter clothing and accessories.
Final Thoughts on Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi, Finland is the perfect destination for travelers who want to have an adventure while staying young at heart.
For more Nordic Christmas destinations checkout my Copenhagen Christmas Travel Guide. Learn about the most unique holiday experiences you should not miss during the most “hyggelig” time of the year” in Denmark’s beautiful capital of Copenhagen.
What’s your dream winter wonderland destination? Would you stay in a glass igloo? Or, would you try reindeer? I’d love to hear! Comment below!
Wow! That looks like the ultimate Christmas experience! Definitely putting this on my travel bucket list. The cozy igloo and Northern Lights would be part of my dream visit for sure. What was your favorite souvenir?
The igloo is quite the experience! I’ll keep my fingers crossed you see the Northern Lights too! I loved all the Laplish handicrafts I picked up at a little stall downtown! They had carved wood from Lapland and engraved “Rovaniemi” on it! I picked up a bottle opener and it’s one of my favorite accessories on my holiday bar cart!
Definitely sounds like you had quite the experience in Rovaniemi. I would love to sleep in one of the glass igloo places out there but they are soo expensive and seems like you definitely need to book well in advance.
I’m curious to know though what you mean by “Lappish wood”? I am actually from Swedish Lapland about 400km from Rovaniemi and have never heard about that.
And I’d love to know more about the other restaurants that didn’t make this list also. You mentioned that Nili was “by far the best restaurant”. What made it the best for you?
Hi, Helena!
Thanks for your comments back! When I was booking my reservation at Nili I was curious about the “Lappish Wood” and the design too. They mentioned that the wood was from Finnish Lapland and it was hand carved to replicate more the traditional pieces you may have seen years and years ago.
Rovaniemi food was great, but as far as a “dining” experience Restaurant Nili definitely was the way to go from my experience for high quality food, creative dishes and most of all the hospitality of the servers was so pleasant to be around. Most of the restaurants in the city center are buffets which I thought was interesting, and from a guest perspective Restaurant Nili really embraced the hospitality concept when it comes to welcoming their guests. The decor too was something very unique and special!
I just added two of my other favorite restaurants to my guide. Cafe Bar 21 and Santa’s Salmon Palace are both really popular. Santa’s Salmon Palace is new, and salmon is one of my favorite foods!
The glass igloos are pretty pricey, and I honestly don’t know if they’re worth it. You can arrange a dinner/tour of the snow hotel for so much less, and I think I would prefer that experience looking back if the snow hotel was opened when we visited.
I’m so envious you live up in Swedish Lapland! From my experience it was truly magical in Finland, and I would love to venture up to Sweden one day. I’ve been to Stockholm, but I’m overdue a visit!
Ah, I think I understand what you/they mean now. There’s always something new to learn.
Yeah, the food in northern Finland ain’t the best. At least not the places I’ve eaten at. Of course, there’s always exceptions and that’s why I was curious to know about the other restaurants that you tried. I am definitely going to check out Nili if I’m visiting Rovaniemi 🙂 Had a look at their website too, and it looks very cosy. And yes, there seem to be a lot of buffets in Finland 🙂
Yeah, that’s what I feel about the igloos too. For me it would be a dream to stay in one and get an amazing display of northern lights, haha. Which seems impossible to actually plan in advance for. I do think it probably feels more worth it for people travelling from far away places. Like for many it’ll be a once in a lifetime experience. For me, not really which is why I don’t know if I’d appreciate it as much.
I’m actually planning to go to the Snow Village in Kittilä to check out their Game of Thrones theme. I’m not even a fan of that show but could be a fun daytrip. I actually live in southern Sweden now, but grew up here in the north which is where I am right now also.
And I’m happy to hear that you had a magical experience in Finland! If, or when, you come back to Sweden, you should definitely go up north. And let me know if you need a guide and a place to stay 😉
Love extreme cold weather adventures! Still have my gear from our trip to Arctic Circle, AK. May have to add Rovaniemi to the bucket list.
If you already have the gear you definitely should! It’s a similar destination to Tromsø in Norway, but with the extra fun element of visiting Santa! It’s also great for kids too!
Wow, looks like you have had a fabulous time. I am so tempted to book in one towards next winter… It looks so fabulous.
It is amazing! It’s a great place to bring children with the Santa Claus element, or if you’re just young at heart! I’d definitely recommend a dinner in the ice restaurant too if you visit January-March it looked so beautiful! If you ever go let me know, and I’ll be glad to give you more tips.
What a beautiful location…adding to my bucket list. I bet the photography there is amazing!
It really is! You need to be mindful of the limited daylight in the winter for photos, but it’s stunning! Rovaniemi also has a lot of photography workshops you can do too!
Oh my goodness, I would LOVE to take a trip like this. I’m not a fan of cold, but I will struggle through if the experience is unique enough!
It’s worth it! Just dress in layers and you’ll be good to go!
This sounds so cool! I’d definitely want to check out the ice hotel. It sounds so fun and unique! I’ll have to stock up on warm gear though. Holy cold.
Definitely! When I go back I think it would be better to come around January/Feb when the Ice Hotel would be open. It would be a unique experience to say you had dinner in it at least!
This is incredible! Scandivanian winters are next on my bucket list, I’ll definitely have to check out those glass igloos! This looks like the perfect winter getaway. 🙂
I hope you do! Believe it, or not Finland isn’t part of “Scandinavia”. I always used to think it was too! Scandinavia is just Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Sweden and Norway have beautiful winters like Finland too! If you ever have any more questions don’t hesitate to reach out to me!
Wow this looks great. Finland sure is on my bucket list, it looks just incredible.
Thank you, Sarah! I’m so glad it is!
I’ve become obsessed with Finland, and this northern part in particular. I’m saving up to do so much of what you did! It looks like so much fun!!
I’n so glad to hear that, Lynne! If you ever want anymore tips let me know! Saving up will definitely help! It’s not cheap!
It really does look like a winter wonderland! Finland wasn’t on my bucket list, but it is now! Beautiful post. <3
I’m so glad to hear that, Michelle!
This looks like such a fun trip! I’ve been looking for somewhere wintery to go and this seems like the perfect solution!
Absolutely! It’s the perfect winter wonderland!
I absolutely love Finland, and Rovaniemi looks like such an amazing place to visit in such a beautiful country!
It really is! I love Finland too!
Looks so festive and dreamy..what a lovely place..hope you had a good time..hope to visit some day
Thank you! I hope you can visit one day too!
What an amazing trip! The glass igloo with an aurora alarm sounds awesome! And I’d love to earn my reindeer driver’s license one day!!
Yes! The aurora alarm is quite the experience! The reindeer license is still one of my favorite souvenirs to date! I hope you can earn it too!
Great article! I absolutely LOVED Lapland and think it’s so underrated! The snowmobile was so much fun! And i got my Reindeer license too yay! Haha. The only thing i missed was staying in the glass igloo, that’s still on my list! It only means I need to go back 🙂
No way! I’m so glad to hear that! The reindeer drivers license was too cute! I still have mine! They have glass igloos all over now it seems! So I’m sure you can easily find one.
OMG, I absolutely fell in love with winter Finland! There is just so much to do and food to try. Did you eat the famous salmon soup? It is so delicious.
I did! I the salmon soup at Cafe Bar 21, and it was so good! I love salmon too!
Great guide! I love that you can earn your reindeer license, super unique! Definitely keeping this one handy.
Hey, Jessica! The reindeer license might have been my favorite part! Let me know if you have any other questions!
What a fun trip! I love the idea of sleeping an igloo and that hotel looks beautiful! All of those activities too!
So many activities! It’s amazing how much their is to do in one town!
I would love to go to Finland. Lovely posts, I will for sure go back to it to help me plan the trip.
I’m so glad to hear that, Anna! Let me know if you have any questions as your plan your trip!
I had no idea you could actually get a letter delivered to Santa’s office in Finland — that is so awesome! This seems like the perfect winter getaway. The town itself seems super cozy and adorable too.
The town is very cozy! I love how small it is! Makes it super easy to get around too! It’s not really needed to rent a car either if you’re staying in Rovaniemi.
Wow, what an experience! This would be the ultimate winter trip! A colleague recently came back from a trip in Finland after seeing the pictures I became obsessed with the country. The only problem is the sub zero temperatures. Your amazing post is making me want to go even more!
Thank you, Mayi! Believe me when I say it the cold is worth it! You’ll never forget this trip!
Girl, you have convinced me to go to Finland! This looks like a total dream. I can’t believe you got to meet Santa and have a Reindeer driving licence – so cool. Also, staying in an igloo hotel has been on my list forever. Looks like a magical time. Thanks for sharing. Sophie x
Aww thank you Sophie! It was the trip of a lifetime, and I would love for you to visit! Meeting Santa was an amazing experience I always remember every Christmas!
This looks like such a fun place to visit in the winter! That’s so cool that you got to go reindeer sledding!
Thanks, Julia! It was a blast! If you ever visit Finland you must go!
Wow I really enjoyed this post! Loved your photos and how into detail you sent, my fave photo is with the reindeer!
Thank you, Michelle! I’m so glad you liked the reindeer photos! It was truly the coolest experience! I hope you get the chance to see reindeer in Finland one day! They have reindeer farms in Helsinki too!
This is such a dream trip for me, would love to stay in the Ice hotel and igloo, just need to save up the pennies! Your photos are beautiful, looked like you had a fabulous trip! Thanks for sharing, you have given me somebody great tips for a future trip.
I’m so glad to hear this, Louise! It’s definitely a splurge trip, but so worth it!
I’ve always wanted to go here! I love the idea of getting to see the real Santa and sleeping under the Northern Lights. What a dream!
It’s a beautiful place! I feel like not too many people know about Finnish Lapland yet either! It’s a great time to go!
I found this post very informative thank you, learnt so many things about Finland I didn’t know such as the finer details of staying in one of the igloos. It will go a long way in my planning to visit Finland thanks again!
Thank you, Michelle! I hope you do have the chance to go to Finland! Feel free to contact me if you need any other tips!
OH MY GOSH. This is a dream of mine! I would love to do all of it! The reindeer, the igloo, dog sledding!!! This all sounds amazing. (I really want a reindeer driving license too, haha.) I’m bookmarking this post. Maybe in the next couple years we’ll get a chance to go!
Thank you, Lindsey! It’s hard for me to choose my favorite memory from this trip, and when you go you’ll likely feel the same! If you ever have anymore questions when you start the planning stage don’t hesitate to contact me!
OMG! This is legit the best thing I’ve ever read about Finland!! Santa’s office?! REINDEER DRIVING LICENCE?!? I’ve always quite fancied doing a Lapland sort of holiday, but never looked into it! THIS is incredible! But €40 for a photo with Santa??? I’d be interested to hear how much this sort of trip would be, as you always hear that Lapland holidays are really expensive, but not sure if this would be different? Did you do a package or book everything separately?
Thanks for the compliment on the guide! I’m so happy you liked it! I personally am not a fan of booking packages just because I don’t think it’s usually that much of a “deal”, and I like to plan my own trips. Similar to Norway, Denmark and Sweden it is on the expensive side. However, at least it’s on the Euro. I’ve found the Scandinavian countries that are on the Kroner can get pricey.
This looks like the perfect winter destination! I would love to try the snowmobile!
And that coffee looks delicious
This looks like an amazing trip!! I definitely want to do something like this, thanks for the inspiration. I spent some time in Iceland a few years back but totally miss the reindeer. This will be another chance to see one in person!
We were 8n Rovaniemi in December with our 5-year-old son and lived every minute of it. We even did a few things on your list!
This looks so magical! I am in love with these little snowy places (coming from a warmer climate) however I HATE the cold! I need to suck it up, I guess if I want to see the Northern lights and ride a dog sled and the reindeer farm sounds wonderful as well. Thanks for the great tips. Lots of inspiration in this post!
Squeee! I love the look of this so much!
I’ve even sent a few letters to santa in my time. I wonder if they ended up in that post office too!? 😀
I would be lying if I hadn’t thought the same thing!
Nice tips! I have been seeking for things like that for a while currently. Thanks!
What a great blog this is I really enjoyed reading this blog and got to know so much about the place, winter would be the best time to visit the place, will surely make my husband read this blog and try convince him for this amazing trip.
I’m so glad! It’s such a romantic place too! I know you would love it!
This looks like the most magical experience. The hotel and the igloo both look and sound amazing, definitely a bucket list item. I also think I need to get my reindeer license
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this guide! I never knew all this about Findland and you have definitely inspired me to add it to my list!
I’m so glad! You’ll love it!
I’ve only been able to visit Helsinki and Lake Tuusula in Finland so I would definitely enjoy going here! It sounds like a really fun place to visit in the wintertime.