Rovaniemi.
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Overview

Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle, is the capital, transport hub and main commercial centre of Lapland, Finland's northernmost province. The city is 2,613 km (1,623 mi) south of the North Pole. It is a highly popular tourist destination and is considered to be the official home town of Santa Claus.

Understand

Rovaniemi is a transport and tourist hub for Finnish Lapland. Sitting on the Arctic Circle does not harm the latter role, and Joulupukki, presenting himself as Santa Claus to foreigners, has understood that this is the place to meet people. Tourist businesses have also flocked here. Easily reachable, Rovaniemi still has rivers, a fell, mires, vast forests, Midnight Sun and Northern Lights: much of what Lapland means to most people.

As the capital of Finnish Lapland, the city has several important museums, cultural venues and educational institutions. It has the feel of a university town when you get to the right venues. The University of Lapland and Lapland University of Applied Sciences have about 10,000 students in total.

In 1960, Rovaniemi became a city, and in 2006, it merged with the surrounding municipality. With the resulting area of , nearly the size of all Cyprus, it became the largest city in Europe. With 63,500 inhabitants it is also among the ten most populous cities this north, globally. Some 52,000 live in urban areas. The population is Finnish-speaking (96%). The original Sámi population has integrated with the Finns and disappeared; there are some Sámi here, but not significant numbers. The first Sámi village is 175 km to the north.

The Finnish Air Force maintains a base (Lapland Air Command) which is situated at the city's airport. Therefore spotting some military aircraft above the town is daily. The is the largest in Europe and due to Finland's membership in NATO it is increasingly used also by international troops. On occasion, you may bump into soldiers, conscripts and other military personnel in town. The shooting range is off limits as a military area.

The Kemijoki river, noted for being the longest river in Finland, flows by the city centre. On the east side of the river there is a large, forested hill called , which is a hub for outdoor activities. In addition to the natural environment, it has facilities such as a golf course, a nature trail network, and a winter sports resort.

The city was razed to the ground by the Germans in the final days of World War II. In the years to come, the city was completely rebuilt with inputs from Alvar Aalto, a Finnish architect, who planned the city's footprint in such a way that it resembled the shape of a reindeer's head.

Visit Rovaniemi. Tourist information. Shop with Rovaniemi themed souvenirs.

Get in

Taxi cabs are readily available at the airport, but getting to the centre is expensive. During tourist seasons, there can be wild taxi drivers on the move, whose transports can be exorbitantly priced, so check the city's recommended taxi services on the Visit Rovaniemi site. The service is available for every departing and arriving scheduled flight. See Rovaniemi's route planner to find out local transport connections. There are car rental companies at the airport.

Most long-distance coaches towards the north-east (e.g. Pyhä-Luosto, Sodankylä, Saariselkä and Inari) stop at the airport. Timetables may not be ideal if arriving by plane, but most popular destinations are well served. For destinations to the north-west or south, you most probably need to visit the bus station in the centre.

By train Rovaniemi is the terminus of most trains from the south. The line extends only some 80 km further east-north-east, to Kemijärvi.

From Russia, you can typically either go via Helsinki or take the train to Kandalaksha on the Murmansk railway and continue by bus – except that the border is closed.

The railway station is outside the city centre, but within easy walking distance – you face north when you exit the station, and the city centre is to your right, to the north-east. Most of the long-distance buses stop here as well. There are a few taxis waiting for each train. If you need to call one, notice that there are two taxi stands and make sure the driver knows at which one you are waiting – or just tell them that you are waiting at the station's front door.

By bus is about a kilometre from the city centre, a few hundred metres uphill from the railway station. Coming by coach from the south is relatively cheap, but requires about 14 hours of sitting.

Eskelisen Lapin Linjat, Onnibus and V. Alamäki operate daily to Rovaniemi from Helsinki (some of them via Helsinki Airport), Jyväskylä and Oulu. Timetables and tickets are available through Matkahuolto.

There are connections from Tromsø, Alta and Vadsø in Norway, at least in summer (2023: 1 Jun–15 Sep). See Matkahuolto for timetables. In winter (Dec–Mar) The Arctic Route connects Rovaniemi with Tromsø. For travellers from Russia, there might be a twice-weekly cross-border service with Kandalaksha (Finnish: Kantalahti). If you come from northern Sweden, you can transfer at Haparanda to a direct bus to Rovaniemi, which leaves either from the Tornio-Haparanda travel centre or from Tornio central bus stop, which is near enough to walk to from there.

Rovaniemi is an important road hub for Finnish Lapland. The most important directions are:

Highway 4 (E75) from Kemi (in the south-west) and Ivalo (north-east). This highway comes all the way from Helsinki, about south, or all the way from Vardø in Norway, about north; you could come from Murmansk via Raja-Jooseppi and Ivalo, or via Salla Highway 78 from Ranua, Pudasjärvi, Puolanka, and Paltamo (near Kajaani) (south-southeast). With road 5 coming from Helsinki to Kajaani, this is an alternative route between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, . Highway 79 from Kittilä and Muonio (north-west, the latter on E8 from Tromsø) Highway 81 from Kuusamo and Posio (south-east) Highway 82 from Salla and Kemijärvi (east-north-east) Highway 83 from Pello (west-north-west)

If driving from Germany or Central Europe in general, the shortest alternative is to drive through Sweden along road E4 all the way to Luleå and then through Haparanda to the Finnish border and on to Rovaniemi.

Unless you like driving long distances or visit destinations along the route, a good alternative is to take a ferry from Travemünde to Helsinki, then board an overnight train (see above) from Helsinki and unload your car in Rovaniemi, ready for any local trips.

Get around

Being not too big of a town, the best way to get around the city quickly is on foot. However, some of the main attractions are far away and buses are sparse; most households have a car.

By public transport Local transportation is provided by city of Rovaniemi and the services are collected under the Linkkari portal. A route planner for local transport is available. Mobile tickets can be bought using the Waltti or Routes and Tickets app.

Most local buses have a blue-green livery with a white reindeer figure. The most useful line is line 8 from the railway station via the city centre to the Santa Claus Village and (some departures) to the airport. Local transport is more frequent during daytime in weekdays of school years, and low during the weekends and in summer. There are no night lines.

Rovaniemi local traffic has a zone system. The whole urban area, including Santa's Village and the airport, belongs to Zone A, while the rest of the municipality belongs to zones B or C. The single ticket allows transfers during one hour.

Outside the urban area You can use Matkahuolto and Matka.fi to search for bus routes between given locations outside the urban area. Villages by the main roads usually have daily connections. There are also some connections to the villages operated by Linkkari. Usually you need to invoke the Linkkari bus at least one day beforehand, as they won't drive empty buses. Most sights outside the urban area won't be accessible by bus.

All trains from and to the south stop at , some 25 km south of the city centre. The overnight trains that continue to Kemijärvi also stop at tiny in the morning (Rovaniemi–Kemijärvi) and evening (Kemijärvi–Rovaniemi). This railway stop mainly serves Rovajärvi shooting range.

By car There are several car rental companies operating in Rovaniemi, many of them close to important public transport hubs, if you feel that walking and public transport are too limiting option for you. Rentable parking spaces with heating plugs can be found, for example, along the street called .

By taxi Taxi services can be rather expensive. Below is a list of some taxi call centres operating in the city. You can ask the staff at your accommodation to call a taxi for you. There are also "wild" taxis, which can have exorbitant prices – either keep to a trusted call centre, trusted brand or trusted firm, or check the prices at the sticker (or know what to expect from fixed prices).

Menevä Rovaniemi. Also bookable by app or web.

iTaksi. Also bookable by app or web.

You can rent electric kick scooters for use in the centre from Finnish Joe Scooter.

See

Most tourists come to Rovaniemi for precisely one thing: Santa.

Santa Claus Village. Located right on the old computed place of the Arctic Circle (now computed to be 2 km north), this is a tourist trap if there ever was one – but few tourists can miss the chance to meet Santa Claus. Apart from meeting him, there are other attractions like small-scale sledding hills for kids, the Santa Claus' Main Post Office with special stamps, several souvenir shops, and restaurants. The village also hosts several "safari" companies that organize various activities. During dark times the village has nicely lit ice sculptures.

Santapark. Underground amusement park within walking distance from Santa Claus Village. Open only during the winter season.

The famous midnight sun, when the sun doesn't set at all, is seen between June 6th and July 7th (even though the city centre is south of the Arctic Circle). There are white nights from May until mid-August. In winter auroras are seen on most nights if the sky is clear.

German Soldier Cemetery. This is the final resting place for 2,683 German soldiers who died during the World War II in Lapland. Constructed of large stone blocks and located virtually in the middle of nowhere, it seems to be of interest to some, as there are about 10,000 annual visitors. During autumn one can eat berries on the way. The road to the cemetery is not maintained in winter. No public transportation.

Jätkänkynttilä bridge. Accomplished in 1989, the bridge has become one of the most important symbols of Rovaniemi. It runs over the Kemijoki close the northern end of the city centre. The bridge has a high pylon with bright yellow light on top.

Kirkkolampi Arboretum. Popular park around the Kirkkolampi pond. Over 250 species of subarctic trees and perennials.

Arktikum Science Centre. One of the best museums and science centres in Finland, focusing on life in the Arctic regions through the ages as well as the Sami culture, history of Finnish Lapland and Rovaniemi city. The museum shop has books, postcards, delicacies and jewellery. Sami music and some books in Sami languages. Lockers available. The building is actually quite cold in winter time. Lunch restaurant with student discount. In summer, don't forget to take a look at the arctic arboretum along the river bank. Visiting the arboretum is free of charge.

Arctic Arboretum. The arboretum is about 7 hectares in size and on the southern bank of the Ounas river behind the Arktikum Science Centre. It showcases plant species which survive in the local conditions, with an emphasis on varieties of trees. Because of its location, the midnight sun shines nicely on the park's shore in the summer. In the winter, it is a reasonable place to look for northern lights.

Pilke Science Centre. Those attracted by northern forests will want to visit Pilke, where exhibitions describe sustainable use of northern forests and diverse yields, forest products and commodities. Same day re-entry free of charge, lockers available. The museum shop and information has various interior design items made of wood. Maps and other information about nature destinations in Lapland. Tentatively scheduled for closure at the end of 2026, see it while it is still there.

Korundi House of Culture. Art, music and other culture events. The art museum collection consists mostly of modern Finnish art. Home of the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland.

Forestry Museum of Lapland. A fancy museum dedicated to forestry in Lapland from 1870 to the 1970s. The museum consist of old buildings brought here from all around the province, and the collections are inside the buildings. The museum area is also worth visiting. Various items from saws to tractors. The museum holds one of two modified steam locomotives brought to massive loggings in Savukoski in the 1910s (the other one is still in Savukoski). Small café and museum shop. Within walking distance from the Local Heritage Museum.

Local Heritage Museum. A local history museum. The main building and two outbuildings built in 1840, 14 relocated buildings from the Rovaniemi area. The collections consist of household items, hunting and fishing equipment, and agricultural tools. From the river bank there is a picturesque view to the city centre and the river Kemijoki. Café. Within walking distance (1 km) from the Forestry Museum.

The and the survived the otherwise somewhat complete destruction of the town during the Lapland War, and are therefore rare representations of pre-war wood architecture. The Alaruokanen house was built in the 1860s and serves today as a banquet hall. The old railway station was built in 1909 (before World War II the railway was where the highway E75 is now). The building is in bad condition and awaits new use (as of 2020).

Administrative and Cultural Centre. The rebuilding of Rovaniemi after World War II was largely planned by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – particularly its reindeer antler layout. He also designed the Administrative and Cultural Centre which includes the Lappia Hall (theatre, culture and congress centre), the , and the .

Saarenpudas bridge. This tiny (just 16 m long) arched bridge, completed in 1925, is the only bridge on the road to the Arctic Ocean that was not destroyed by German soldiers during the Lapland War 1944–1945.

Korkalonrinne residential area. Interesting, if you are into architecture by Alvar Aalto. The Korkalonrinne residential area consist of bright white row houses and apartment buildings in a park-like surroundings. Built 1956–1958 this neighbourhood follows his vision of a 'garden city'. The neighbourhood is also known as Pikku Tapiola (little Tapiola) after the very similar residential area Tapiola in Espoo.

Haunted Walk and Gallery of Darkness. A horror-themed art gallery by Hanna Pilve.

Lutheran church. Built 1950, near the administrative centre. Famous for its considerable large fresco "Spring of the Life" by professor Lennart Segerstråle. The fresco and other wall paintings use elements of Lapland in Biblical context (for example there are no lambs but reindeer). There is a nice arboretum by the pool Kirkkolampi right next to the church.

Orthodox church. A small Orthodox church is on the other side of the Kemijoki river. Built 1957 and dedicated to Saint Apostle Andrew.

Somonen Nature Church. Unlike many conventional churches, this outdoor place of worship is made of glacial erratic boulders, transforming into a natural church hall with the help of a wooden cross and seat planks. A small bell tower has also been built into the complex.

Sukulanrakka Giant's Kettles. Fourteen giant's kettles, including three very deep ones, can be found on the Sukulanrakka hill slopes near the island of Rautiosaari. Nature trail with stairs, partly rough. No public transportation.

Auttiköngäs waterfall. A 16-m-high waterfall and old-growth forest. Bus stop at the road, parking area 1 km farther. A 50-m steep trail for wheelchairs (assistance needed) to a hut with view to the rapids, a 3.5-km nature trail through varying terrain, with campfire sites; reserve plenty of time.

Häkinvaara hut. In the village of Saarenkylä, on the top of Häkinvaara a stone-built kota, in front of which opens an amazing view over the rivers Ounasjoki and Kemijoki.

Do

Programme services Various Arctic safari companies can arrange all sorts of cold and snowy activities like snowmobile safaris, husky sledding and reindeer sledding. Most of the tour operators have summer activities available too. Try e.g. In total, there are nearly a hundred companies that serve travellers with a variety of activities!

Lapland Escape. Small-group tour operator offering Northern Lights excursions, snowmobile safaris, husky tours, reindeer experiences, hiking and national park tours. Tours are available in English, Italian, Chinese, Polish and Spanish (depending on tour type). Some of the tours include long transfers, such as to Kemi, Posio, Ranua or Sodankylä.

Taava Reindeer Farm. See reindeer up close either at the Arctic Circle or 30 minutes away by car at the farm (pickup at the Joulumaa address).

Unique Lapland. Produces program services, rents and sells snowmobiles, roadsters, and ATVs, organises events, concerts, training and coaching and sells high quality outdoor clothing.

Rovaniemi Theatre. Plays in Finnish.

Student Theatre of Lapland. Amateur theatre. Actors are mostly local university students. Performs 3–5 plays each year.

BioRex Rovaniemi. Five screen cinema with Dolby 7.1 sound system and Dolby 3D. Ticket sales in the ground floor, screens in the second floor.

Outdoor sports There are various outdoor sports activities available, mostly at Ounasvaara hill.

Keskuskenttä Stadium. Multi-purpose stadium for football and athletics with official FIFA certification. Home stadium for local football clubs RoPS and FC Santa Claus. Capacity up to 5000 seats with 2800 seats in the covered main stand. Three full-length running tracks and fourth track in front of the main stand. Artificial turf with under-soil heating. Popular outdoor gym. The stadium is free to use for anyone during daytime, when not in use for events.

Kotatieva Winter Leisure Park. An outdoor park for spending an active day. Mostly known for a 500 meters long ice skating track. Available from December to March.

Mäntyvaara Race Track. A harness racing track.

Ounasvaara Outdoor Resort. Downhill skiing on 13 slopes, snow park for snowboarders. Separate forest skiing area with unmaintained slopes. 100 km of cross-country skiing tracks. Trekking and MTB available at the summer. Disc golf course.

Santasport. Leisure and well-being activities from bowling to spa and from massaging to outdoor fun. Disc golf course. Santasport is a vocational school for sports and an internationally acknowledged training centre for professional athletes.

Santa Claus Golf. An 18-hole summer golf course and 9-hole winter golf course. Driving range and practice area. Golf club with a restaurant.

Santa's Motor Park. A motor park with 750-meter-length track.

SBG Pelikenttä. A paintball field. More information about equipment sales from Santa's Tactical Gear.

Hietavaaran Frisbeegolf Rata. Established autumn 2024. An 18-hole disc golf course in the former Hietavaara gravel pit with turf tees and prodigy T3 targets. A mixture of open and wooded terrain. Dog friendly. No water or restrooms.

In summertime you can hike the marked routes on and around Ounasvaara's forests (or elsewhere). Interestingly there are some rocky areas, which are ancient shores from the time after the last ice age, still visible by these routes. Prepare to face mosquitoes in the forest. From the top of the hill you'll find great views to the forests, hills and swamps outside the city. The city centre is not very easy to see from the top, however a short walk to the in the forest provides an excellent downtown panorama.

Ounasvaara nature trail. A 4.8-km-long circular nature trail with info plates both in Finnish and English. The starting point is by a parking lot some 600 m uphill from Santasport. Conifer forest, small bogs, awesome views down to the river valley, and two natural springs with ice cold water ready to drink. Try to spot Siberian jays, spotted nutcrackers, reindeer, or elks (of these, reindeer are the most probable). There is a wooden lean-to shelter and fireplace in the far end, close to the springs. The terrain is occasionally difficult and the trail is not suitable for the disabled. The nature trail is part of much larger network of different trails that expand to surrounding forests; be careful with trail markings, especially on the open, rocky area uphill from the shelter. The nature trail is marked with blue patches having a white cone in them.

Ounasvaara winter walking trail. First of all: it is absolutely forbidden to walk on a skiing track. If you don't have skis but still wish to see how the forest looks like at winter, don't worry. There is a 6-km-long winter walking trail at Ounasvaara hill. The trail partially follows the nature trail but the official starting point is closer to the city centre. You can also enter the trail from Santasport or at Sky Hotel Ounasvaara. The trail visits the viewing tower and its lean-to shelter with campfire place and firewood. Walking the whole trail takes about 3 hours – note sunset time, as the daylight is short during midwinter. The winter walking trail is marked with blue patches with a white walker and a snowflake. Follow them and do not enter the skiing tracks.

Koivusaari nature trail. Another nature trail within walking distance from the city centre, on Koivusaari island. The islands at the confluence of rivers Ounasjoki and Kemijoki are protected as a remarkable nesting site for birds. There is a 2.5-km-long nature trail on Koivusaari island, mostly on duckboards as the terrain here might be quite wet. The trail goes around the northern part of the island where the environment is mostly open flood-affected meadow. There is a floating bird watching tower on the trail and the view to the river Ounasjoki from the northern point of the island is awesome. The trail also visits a site where the railway passed the river before World War II. Try to spot some birds and rare plants like Siberian blue lettuce, bluntleaf sandwort or almond-leaved willow on your way. Beware that there are sheep grazing freely on the island! Getting to the trail from the bridge is a bit tricky as you need to go under the bridge first but there are signs. Not suitable for people with disabilities. The trail can not be used during the spring flood (May–early June).

Santa Claus Forest nature trail. A nature trail next to the Santa Claus Village. From the Santa's Village you need to walk through the underpass next to the bus stop and there you are. The trail starts with duckboards over a beautiful aapa-type mire (aapa mires are extremely typical for these latitudes) and then continues to nice pine and spruce forests. In the far end there is a park-like planted spruce colony called "Santa's forest". The trail is 1.5 km in one direction and returns the same route. There are wooden stairs as help at the steepest climbs. The trail is not suitable for the disabled.

Harjulampi bird watching tower. Wooden bird watching tower by the eutrophic lake Harjulampi, built in 1995. Over 80 bird species have been observed here, of which 32 nest here regularly. Easy to access as the tower is less than 100 m off the street and within walking distance from the centre. There is a sign by the street and the path is easy to walk. Best times to visit are May and August–September.

Paavalniemi bird watching tower. Popular bird watching tower at a place where river Kemijoki expands into a lush bay, about 10 km off-town. Numerous northern waders and waterfowl. The tower is on the point of peninsula, a 300-m walk from the end of the road, and is not accessible for the disabled. The trail is a bit rugged and the last part of it is on narrow duckboards.

Niskanperä bird watching tower. Bird watching tower by river Kemijoki. Numerous different waders; the fauna is most diverse during the migration season: May–June and September–October. The site is easy to access by a car or by bike. From highway 4 turn east on road Niskanperäntie and continue driving until you see the tower on your left. The parking lot is right next to the tower but to enter the tower you need to climb narrow stairs.

Louevaara cabin. The deserted cabin is the former fire guard's hut. The wilderness cabin is log-built, reasonably spacious and gets warm enough to sleep in during the winter (using the stove). In the vicinity of the hut, about half a kilometre away, there is the scenic Kuusilampi, which can be reached by following a hiking trail from the hut. In the hut there is also basic tableware for the use of hikers. An old fire guarding watch tower with a metal frame can be found near the hut. Enquiries: Pilke.

Arctic Circle National Hiking Area. Hiking area with much infrastructure, such as lean-to shelters. There are three trailheads with parking areas. Coaches to Kemijärvi or Sodankylä stop at Lake Vikajärvi, near one of them. Two nature trails (200 m and 1.5 km) are suitable for wheelchairs and prams, the longer with assistance or motor. There are also longer or more demanding nature trails, as well as marked hiking trails, the longest, Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail of 12 km each way, requiring some hiking skills, suitable footwear and possibly equipment for an overnight stay.

Siberian wood-species trail. During past decades the Finnish Forest Research Institute planted over 20 different species of economically important tree species to this area to observe how well they grow and survive this climate. There is a 2-km-long circular nature trail through the area. Next to the parking lot there is a day-trip hut and a campfire site at the yard. The place got its name from the Siberian larches. The site is distant and not accessible with public transportation.

Biking and canoeing There are a few places that offer bicycle rentals in town, including Hostel Cafe Koti and the Lauri guesthouse. The Tourist Information Centre can provide up-to-date information.

Kalliosalmi–Olkkajärvi canoe route. 64 km canoe route. The last 23 km section, through the Arctic Circle hiking area, is the most demanding. Earlier on the route services are scarce.

Swimming In summer there is a small and very popular sand beach next to the camping area on the Ounasvaara side of the Kemijoki. In June the sun is shining to the beach until midnight. Swimming close to the shore is safe but because of the dangerously strong stream, do not even consider to swim across the river! There is a floating safety barrier surrounding the beach. There used to be a shallow lagoon but it was filled in 2020 as reindeer used to poop into it.

Ounaskoski beach. Popular sand beach for swimming in the river. Locker rooms and toilets. The current of the river is strong, the safety barrier is there for a reason.

Salmijärvi beach. This rather popular beach by a lake doesn't have the problem with strong current but suffers occasionally of swimmer's itch.

Ounaspaviljonki beach. Popular sand beach by river Ounasjoki. Playground for children and a beach volley court. Café service in the summer.

Swimming Hall Vesihiisi. Swimming hall with indoor and outdoor pools. Gym and massage available. Café.

Santasport Spa. The spa is suitable for competitive swimmers, water sports enthusiasts and tourists alike. The pool area has a large pool, a children’s pool, hot and cold pools, a hot tub, a hot tub and a massage pool.

KesäRafla summer restaurant and sauna. Open June-August. Very popular unisex sauna for up to 35 people. Beach volley court and SUP board rental. The terrace restaurant offers drinks and charcoal grilled food. In winter 2024 there is also the WNTR Sauna.

Simerock is organized at the . At there are major indoor events such as the Snowmobile Fair and occasional rock concerts.

Learn

Lapland University of Applied Sciences.

Buy

There are some souvenirs and fur products for sale at the , on the pedestrian street, and — of course — at the Santa Claus Village. At the once famous there are mostly berries for sale in the summer and Christmas trees before Christmas.

There is a fancy and popular event Rovaniemi old-style market fair (Rovaniemen Wanhat Markkinat) during the weekend in mid-August with lots of local products and delicacies for sale. These are arranged at the , near the Jätkänkynttilä bridge.

Marttiini factory outlet. An outlet store offers the famous knives in the old knife factory building. The knife factory building itself is one of those few that survived the Lapland War. Marttiini knives are still made in Rovaniemi but the factory is nowadays in the industrial area of the city. There is another outlet store in the Rinteenkulma mall.

Gift Shop Aarnivalkea. Souvenirs and some local delicacies.

Arctic Design Shop. Local design from local producers, most of them study or have graduated from the University of Lapland. Selection extends from clothes to sex toys(!).

Lauri House. Traditional gifts and handicrafts manufactured in the same building. The design is inspired by the Sami ancestry of the owner.

Rinteenkulma. Grocery store (K-supermarket), local design shops, souvenir shop, sports equipment. The K-supermarket Rinteenkulma has a wide selection of local delicacies including reindeer meat products.

Revontuli. Several clothing stores and sports equipment stores. Free toilets downstairs.

K-Citymarket Rovaniemi. K-group hypermarket. There are also recycling stations, an Alko store, a flower shop Elrika, a Subway café, and a Hesburger hamburger restaurant in the same building.

Lidl Rovaniemi Saarenkylä. Grocery store.

Prisma Rovaniemi. S-group hypermarket near the city's industry area. Notable selection of trekking equipment. Alko store, Pharmacy, and a Hesburger hamburger restaurant in the same building.

Lidl Rovaniemi Teollisuuskylä. Grocery store.

Minimani Rovaniemi. Hypermarket of a small independent Finnish chain, with an ATM, public laundrette, and a Subway café in the same building.

Alko Rovaniemi Keskusta. Alcoholic beverages.

Sale Lapinmaa. A small S-group grocery store. This is the only grocery store in the centre that is open around the clock (as of 2024).

Sale Rantavitikka. S-group grocery store right next to the university.

K-Supermarket Ounasvaara. Large grocery store.

K-Market Kairatie. Small grocery store in residential area. Fuel station across the road. Long distance bus stop to direction Kittilä-Muonio-Enontekiö-Tromsø is 200 metres north, behind the roundabout.

K-Market Nivavaara. Grocery store in residential area.

S-Market Saarenkylä. Large grocery store and fuel station.

S-Market Talvitie. Large S-group grocery store.

Neste Reissumies. Reissumies is a popular pit-stop for many who are heading through Rovaniemi without intention to visit the town itself. Located just off of highway E75 on the southern outskirts of the city at the first traffic light when heading north into the city. Gasoline, a convenience store, café, a lunch restaurant, and a Kotipizza restaurant. Not all services are available at night.

Shell Rovaniemi Napapiiri. Shell gas station with some restaurant services and even a caravan park.

K-Market Muurola. K-group grocery store. Well-stocked. Mail service.

Sale Muurola. S-group grocery store in Muurola village. Some non-prescription medicines available.

K Lohinivan Kyläkauppa. Small grocery store in the northernmost village.

K-Market Jokitori. Grocery store and café. Fuel station.

Eat

Considering the size of the city, Rovaniemi has a remarkably wide range of restaurants. You will find anything from sushi to bear meat and from hamburgers to traditional delicacies.

As elsewhere in Lapland, the traditional restaurant meal is sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys), consisting of slices of reindeer meat stewed in a frying pan with butter and water. A "bowl" of mashed potatoes is placed on the plate and the hole is filled with stewed meat. This is garnished with lingonberry jam and sometimes slices of pickled cucumber. It's worth trying once at least – you should be able to find this dish in most better restaurants around town. Salmon (lohi) and lavaret (siika) are other common ingredients.

You can find the light greyish flatbread called rieska from any grocery store. Those are usually made of barley (ohrarieska), sometimes potato (perunarieska). A comb-shaped, slightly sweet pastry kampanisu is eaten with a cup of coffee. It is a true speciality of this area but much harder to find.

If you are about to buy some reindeer cold cuts from the market, make sure there is a word poro on the package. Horse meat looks the same but is much cheaper.

There are such canteens at the university and at the university of applied sciences. Also, the lunch café at Arktikum gives student discount.

Alvari food and drink. The restaurant at the railway station is not bad or too expensive either.

Hook Rovaniemi. Wings and other finger food.

Lapin Krassi. Weekday lunch special.

Kotipizza Koskikatu. Finnish pizza franchising restaurant.

Turkinpippuri. Serves good kebab & pizza. Try the kebab roll!

Santa's Döner Kebab. Excellent self-made döner.

Pizzeria Trocadero. For some reason, vastly oversize pizzas seem to be some thing in Northern Finland. Here you'll find the biggest ones in Rovaniemi.

Venetsia Pizza and Kebab. Pizzas from a wood-burning oven. Kebabs, chicken döner, etc.

McDonald's Rovaniemi Lampela. For over two decades the world's northernmost McD was at Rovaniemi, and perhaps again, as the ones in Arkhangelsk and Murmansk (Russia) are no more McD. In 2024 Rovaniemi McD moved some 1 km southwards and is now located next to Minimani hypermarket a bit outside downtown.

Scanburger Rovaniemi. Hamburger chain from Northern Finland.

Hesburger Sampokeskus. Main Finnish hamburger chain.

Curry Masala. Indian and Nepalese restaurant with a good range of meat and vegetarian dishes. Very good value lunch buffet, including soup, coffee and mangolassi.

Rang Mahal. Indian restaurant with lunch buffet and à la carte. Indian style reindeer dishes.

Restaurant Rinne Feenix. Buffet lunch M–F, special buffet Sa. Burgers and salads from the menu.

Korundi Kitchen and Café. Lunch restaurant and art café in the lobby of the art museum.

Roka Street Bistro. Non-expensive 25-seat street food bar and bistro. Street food lunch in weekdays.

Restaurant Café Rovaniemi. Small lunch café in the middle of town. Full gluten-free lunch, cakes etc. available.

Torikeidas. Grill. Perhaps the most famous kebabs in town. The favourite place for Mr. Lordi!

Kotipizza Pohjolankatu. Finnish pizza franchising restaurant.

Paras Pizza. Very popular pizzeria in Saarenkylä suburb, next to the K-Citymarket. Very tasty pizzas.

Pandakeidas. Roadside restaurant. Chinese and European kitchen, sautéed reindeer and hamburgers (also take-away). Wi-Fi. Fuel. Small shop. Accommodation in four rooms (en suite shower and toilet), one of which for families. Camper parking.

At the Lordi's Square there is sometimes a fisherman selling freshly caught and pan-fried vendace (Finnish: muikku), a small freshwater whitefish.

Restaurant Amarillo. Mexican style food, steaks and burgers.

Bord. Restaurant of the Scandic hotel. In addition to normal à la carte there is a separate Lapland menu.

Da Zhong Hua. Chinese with Lappish tint in some dishes. Also sushi. Lunch buffet M-F.

Frans and Chérie. Traditional Lappish dishes and French cooking à la carte. Fresh mussels every Friday.

Lappish Restaurant Gaissa. Lapland style restaurant. Awarded with the Chaîne de Rôtisseurs shield.

Hanki Korean Restaurant. Small Korean restaurant. Excellent and authentic Korean food.

Restaurant Himo. Asian restaurant specialising in Japanese food. Run and maintained by a Vietnamese-origin chef. Also offers a cooking program (ideal for those staying in the country for a long time).

Café Kauppayhtiö and Pure Pizza. Sandwich shop, ice cream, milkshakes, hamburger restaurant and bar. Its slogan is "the café where everything is for sale". The Pure Pizza has authentic Neapolitan style pizzas.

Luckiefun's Sushibuffet. Opened in December 2019. The northernmost sushi buffet in Finland, possibly in the world.

Massimo. Italian pizzeria opened in 2022.

Pancho Villa Rovaniemi. Mexican food. Platters. Burgers, including mega sized ones. Lunch at weekdays.

Roka Kitchen and Wine Bar. Bistro food and tapas. Wine bar in the cellar.

Restaurant Rosso. Italian style food. Lunch.

Saigon Noodle Bar. Small Vietnamese restaurant. Try their reindeer spring rolls.

Restaurant Saihu. A well-hidden restaurant with comfortable atmosphere and a short but very good menu featuring reindeer, moose, and salmon.

Savurafla Kotisaari. Smoked BBQ dishes. Kotisaari has got a lot of fame due to popular four seasons island meme!

Café Toivo. Excellent baked goods and lunch. Very fresh ingredients and all made on site including baked goods. The café itself is closed for the time being, but catering is available.

Wingston. Chicken wings, nachos, wraps, hamburgers, steaks and salads.

Xiang Long. Authentic Chinese. Separate menu for Chinese customers (or anyone who can read it). Lunch buffet downstairs.

Nabo. Highly renowned Nordic-style restaurant. Booking a table strongly recommended.

Restaurant Nili. A Lapland themed restaurant specialized on local specialties like arctic char and bear meat.

Arctic Restaurant. Another stylish restaurant with northern specialties on their menu.

Restaurant Pohjanhovi. A legendary restaurant and a bar in even more legendary hotel. Tables by the windows have excellent view to the river. The breakfast buffet is open to everyone.

Restaurant Monte Rosa. Cosy restaurant at the Arctic City Hotel. Lapland delicacies on the menu. Best steaks in town.

Sky Kitchen and View. Panorama restaurant at the very top of Ounasvaara hill.

Restaurant Tšar. Russian restaurant.

Rakas Restaurant & Bar. A fine dining restaurant at the Arctic Circle. Has lately got remarkable attention among gastronomy enthusiasts. Table reservation recommended.

Drink

Roy Club. Known as Roippari by the locals. Small nightclub established in 1985 and open every single day of the year. Awarded as the Best Bar in Finland 2016. Karaoke pub in the ground floor, nightclub in the cellar. Age limit 18.

Oliver's Corner. Irish style pub with a cosy nightclub and customers typically over 25 years. The place is often crowded and the line outdoors might get long.

Kansan Pubi. Cheapest and therefore also fairly popular among young locals. Might be surprisingly crowded during the weekend evenings before people head to the nightclubs. Age limit 18.

Bar 21. Café, gelateria, tapas and cocktail bar. Brunch every Sunday.

Café Kauppayhtiö. Sandwich shop, ice cream, milkshakes, hamburger restaurant and bar. Lunch. Its slogan is "the café where everything is for sale". The Pure Pizza has authentic Neapolitan style pizzas.

Rock Bar Grande. Rockish bar established in 1991 (but moved thrice since) in the Sampokeskus shopping centre. Entrance from Pekankatu. Occasionally live artists.

Paha Kurki Rockhouse. Notable rock-ish beerhouse, close to the safari company offices near the river.

Bar Iloinen Ilves. Right next to the Paha Kurki. A very small pub without background music. Fancy Rovaniemi themed interior.

Bar Hemingway's. A Finnish franchise pub. Age limit 20.

Uitto Pub. A popular old-time forestry themed pub. Pizzas, salads and hot dogs for food.

Pub Pisto. A stylish public house established already in 1960. According to famous Rovaniemi-born novellist Jari Tervo "You haven't been in Rovaniemi unless you have been in Pisto". This pub appears in many of Tervo's novels.

Bar Zoomit. Café and trendy cocktail bar in the lobby of Hotel Santa Claus.

Plan B. A classy (and expensive) cocktail lounge in the Arctic Light Hotel. Their drinks have got a lot of attention among professional bartenders in Finland.

Pub Oluthuone. Cosy and fairly typical Finnish pub at the pedestrian street but for some odd reason doesn't seem to attract too much foreigners. Customers are mostly 30-year-old and up locals. Cheaper than many other bars in the centre. Pool table in the cellar. Outdoor terrace in summer.

Culture Pub Musta Kissa. Small and cosy culture oriented bar opposite to the Student Theatre of Lapland. Occasionally live artists.

Pub Pumba. A pub populated by middle-aged locals. Karaoke.

Restaurant Valdemari. Summer terrace and food restaurant for elderly people. Live Finnish bands playing social dance music.

Lapland Brewery. The northernmost brewery of Finland, established in 2016.

Café Antinkaapo. Popular and traditional café and confectionary established in 1984. Sweet and savoury cakes and buns.

Choco Deli. Probably the northernmost chocolaterie in the World.

Coffee House Rovaniemi. Finnish chain café. Popular among the local young.

Eijan Pullapuoti. Small, local bakery and café

Sleep

There are many apartments available on short-term rental sites. There is also an abundance of conventional lodging options, although in peak season availability may be scarce. If you intend to work here in season, check housing arrangements before accepting, as rents may be high on anything that is available.

Ounaskoski Camping. Camping site (100 places) on the other side of the river with view of the city, c-store, cafeteria, laundry, sauna, playground.

Napapiirin Saarituvat Camping. Small camping area opened already in 1972. Cottages by the riverbank in an idyllic and fairly rural landscape. Minimum cottage rental period 6–7 nights during Christmas, 4–5 nights in New Year, and 2–3 nights otherwise. Campers and tents are welcome June–August without minimum stay. Reception open only 15:00–19:00..

Guesthouse Borealis. This is a very friendly guesthouse located in the immediate vicinity of the railway station. Cross the road from the railway station, directly in front of you is the red-yellowish university building, find a small walking road to your left (facing the building) that goes uphill. Turn left to the bigger road and walk 25 m (80 feet). If you are looking for a warm and hospitable place to stay then this is worth checking out. Shared kitchen. Free WiFi.

Guesthouse Outa. Small guesthouse on a silent street near the city centre. Accommodation in 1-3 person rooms with cooking option. Shared toilets and bathrooms. Linen and towels are included. Free Wi-Fi.

Santa's Hotel Rudolph. Inexpensive, but the reception for this location is off-site; check-in is at the reception of the Hotel Santa Claus at the Lordi's Square. Chinese restaurant in the same building.

Hostel Café Koti. Hostel opened in 2016. Rooms, two mixed dorms and one female dorm. Breakfast included. Bar and popular lunch restaurant in the ground floor.

B&B Reindeerstreet 24. Friendly bed & breakfast. Can arrange tours and activities during your stay.

Motelli Rovaniemi. Motel and cottage village outskirts of the city. Also camping site. Rooms have cooking option. Café.

Hotel Metsähirvas. Hotel in a former forestry school. Husky safaris and forest oriented activities. Their restaurant Saihu has got very good evaluations. The building was built in the 1930s and survived the devastation of the Lapland War.

Pandakeidas. Accommodation in four rooms is available in connection with the roadside restaurant. The family room has beds for three and the possibility of additional beds, as well as a private bathroom (shower and toilet).

Scandic Rovaniemi City. Hotel. Restaurant and a lobby bar.

Arctic City Hotel. Two restaurants. Lobby bar.

Scandic Polar. Mid-priced hotel. Open during the winter season only.

Santa Claus Holiday Village. Hotel-like accommodation in cabins.

Hotel Aakenus. Small hotel with 47 rooms. Restaurant and lobby bar. Breakfast and evening sauna included. Holiday apartments in separate buildings around the area nearby.

Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. There is a viewing platform on the roof accessible by stairs outdoors. You don't need to be a guest to visit there but the hotel asks a small fee for non-guests. Panorama restaurant.

Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets. Cottages. Breakfast available. Very popular summer restaurant. Public sauna KesäRafla by the river.

Ahonen Holiday Cottages. Cosy holiday resort on the shores of Lake Vikajärvi.

Apukka Resort. Holiday resort. Accommodation varies from suite to glass igloos and cottages. Various activities in summer as well as winter. Own restaurant. Car rental service.

Arctic Circle Wilderness Resort. Small wilderness resort quite literally in the middle of Arctic Circle Hiking Area by the Vaattunkiköngäs rapids. Extensive marked trail network for hiking. Services include pre-order catering restaurant. Staff present November–April, otherwise this is "cold" site.

Beana Laponia. Wilderness boutique hotel with husky safaris.

Arctic Snow Hotel. Hotel made of snow. Snow sauna, too. Art made of ice and snow. Glass igloos are open for reservation September 20th 2022 – March 31st 2023.

Santa's Hotel Santa Claus. Stylish hotel. Restaurant, bar and café. Interior design shop.

Boutique Hotel Haawe. A 14-room boutique hotel. No restaurant. The building has historical value as it is one of those few that survived World War II.

Scandic Pohjanhovi. Famous four-star hotel. Has had visits by presidents and royals, now part of the Scandic chain. Saunas and swimming pool.

Arctic Light Hotel. Privately owned modern boutique hotel, opened in 2015. Famous for its innovative design. Some rooms in the top floor have roof windows for aurora watching. The building was the city hall until 1988.

Nova Skyland Hotel. Chinese-owned hotel.

Nova Galaxy Village. A resort village.

Arctic Tree House Hotel. Cube-like cottages on the slope of Syväsenvaara hill. All rooms have a large window facing north, so visitors may easily watch northern lights or midnight sun from the rooms. Restaurant and bar in the reception building downhill.

Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle. The hotel consists of 71 glass roofed igloo-like cottages, some of which have their own sauna. Restaurant and lobby bar.

Glass Resort. Family business hotel with accommodation in igloo-like cottages. The conical shape of the igloos is inspired by the Sami culture. Restaurant.

Villa Vasa. High quality villa with own sauna, hot tube (extra charge) and a high level of equipment.

Lystikämä Country and Lake Retreat. A holiday farm with a relaxed atmosphere on the shore of Lake Siika-Kämä. Also glass igloos.

Aito Igloo and Spa Resort. Luxury lakeside resort featuring glass igloos, aurora treehouses, and boutique rooms. Facilities include a wellness spa. Arctic activities available.

Respect

Note the limits to the right to access: do respect people's privacy and don't disturb farm animals, reindeer or wildlife. If you see a sign which says yksityisalue, it makes clear that somebody here has had issues with people trespassing.