11 Best Things to Do and See in Rovaniemi
Exploring Rovaniemi on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Rovaniemi, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Rovaniemi. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Santa Claus Village
Located in Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland, Santa Claus Village is a tourist attraction and theme park dedicated to the world of Christmas. Visitors will find souvenir shops, family-friendly activities, magical decorations and spaces devoted to the winter atmosphere. The site also offers the chance to meet Santa Claus in an iconic setting, cross the Arctic Circle and enjoy a truly Nordic experience, with light, snow and festive spirit.
2. Santa Claus Office
In Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Office is an iconic attraction dedicated to the world of Santa Claus. Visitors can meet the legendary character, take souvenir photos, and enjoy a festive atmosphere all year round. The site also features shops and welcome areas, with touches of Christmas magic and Finnish Lapland. It is a popular stop for families and curious travelers looking for a fun, memorable experience in the heart of the Arctic Circle.
3. SantaPark – Santa Claus Cave
Located near Rovaniemi, Finland, SantaPark, Santa Claus’s Cave is an underground theme park that immerses visitors in the world of Christmas. It features enchanting scenery, artisan workshops, activities for children, and areas dedicated to the Arctic atmosphere. The site offers an immersive Santa Claus experience, with costumed characters, entertainment, and souvenir shops. It is a unique outing to experience the magic of Lapland in a fun, welcoming setting.
4. Angry Birds Playground
In Rovaniemi, Angry Birds Playground is a family-friendly themed playground set outdoors in a fun and welcoming setting. It features structures inspired by the Angry Birds universe, with colorful installations designed to let children climb, slide, run and play freely. It is also a small relaxing area for accompanying adults, ideal for taking a break during a city visit. Easy to access, this park offers a simple and entertaining stop in the heart of Finnish Lapland.
5. Arktikum
In Rovaniemi, Arktikum is a must-see for understanding Finnish Lapland and the Arctic world. This museum and research institute offers exhibitions on nature, local cultures, life in polar regions, and the changes taking place in the Arctic. Visitors can discover objects, images, and scientific displays that shed light on the history and environment of Lapland. Its modern architecture and vast glass corridor also make it a popular attraction, thanks to its bright atmosphere and views over the city.
6. Lordi Square
Located in the heart of Rovaniemi, Lordi’s Square is a lively central meeting place, popular with both locals and visitors. This urban plaza serves as a gathering point in the city and offers a pleasant setting for strolling, taking a break, or heading to the nearby shopping streets. It features an open space surrounded by modern buildings and is often used for walks and local events. Its location also makes it a good starting point for exploring the city center of the capital of Finnish Lapland.
7. Ounasvaara Ski Oy
Located on Ounasvaara Hill in Rovaniemi, Ounasvaara Ski Oy is a ski resort appreciated for its easy-access slopes and views over the landscapes of Lapland. In winter, it offers alpine skiing and other snow activities in a natural setting close to the city. The site also attracts visitors for its trails and forest surroundings, ideal for walks and panoramic views over the region. It is a great place to discover outdoor activities in Finnish Lapland.
8. Arctic Circle Husky Park
Located in Rovaniemi, Finland, Arctic Circle Husky Park is an attraction dedicated to huskies and the world of Nordic activities. Visitors can see sled dogs in a setting designed for sightseeing, with viewing areas, animal encounters, and, depending on the season, experiences linked to sled rides. The site offers a better understanding of the role of huskies in Arctic culture and leisure, while also providing a unique outing in the heart of Lapland. It is a popular stop for families and nature lovers alike.
9. Rovaniemi Church
Rovaniemi Church is an iconic Lutheran place of worship in the city center, valued as much for its religious role as for its architectural interest. As you discover it, you admire a Finnish Protestant church with a clean, bright style, typical of the Nordic atmosphere. Inside, the peaceful, minimalist space, the altar and the liturgical elements create a calm setting, while the church as a whole offers an interesting stop for understanding local spiritual life. It is a peaceful pause during a visit to Rovaniemi.
10. Auttiköngäs
Auttiköngäs is a natural site in Rovaniemi where visitors can discover a rocky gorge, a river valley and a viewpoint over Lapland's forest landscape. The place stands out for the way water has shaped the relief, creating a strong sense of depth among the trees. As a nature reserve, it offers a protected setting where geology, forest and river combine into a clear and cohesive landscape.
11. Pilke Science Centre
The Pilke Science Centre in Rovaniemi is a science museum dedicated to Finnish forests and their sustainable use. Visitors can explore the world of wood, forest management, and related professions through interactive, educational, and fun exhibitions. The venue highlights the importance of natural resources in everyday life in Finland, while raising awareness of ecology, innovation, and the relationship between nature and society. It is an accessible and rewarding visit for understanding the central role of the forest in the region.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
