Hei, Rovaniemi!
◘◘ Discover Rovaniemi’s prime highlights
Photograph by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising Ltd.)
- Arktikum Seaside: Arktikum Museum is a well-liked attraction in Rovaniemi — however extra on this afterward within the subsequent few days. For at the moment, I counsel that you simply go in entrance of this museum to the hidden backyard that’s on this small island. Moreover, it is a good spot to swim in in the course of the midnight solar, if not an amazing spot to simply merely admire the views. It’s even doable to do an extended leisurely stroll by way of a path from this seashore that goes all the best way to the south of the town by the Ounasjoki River.
. - Rovaniemi Metropolis Library: Designed by certainly one of Finland’s most well-known architects, Alvar Aalto, this metropolis library is a superb place to be in case you’re a e book lover. However aside from its massive collection of books, you’ll certainly be stuffed with awe at its fantastic design and expanse.
. - Pilke Science Centre: This can be 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 completely happy to know that this middle is notable for its low carbon footprint and use of sustainable wooden supplies in its design!
- TIP: Should you’re into tradition, it’s finest to get the Tradition Move which is good-for-value entry that permits you to 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: Should you’re into tradition, it’s finest to get the Tradition Move which is good-for-value entry that permits you to 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 putting highlights within the city, because of its central location, it’s an amazing place to be in in case you’re seeking to do some buying (e.g. the buying middle of Sampokeskus) if not some good ol’ eating. Furthermore, in the summertime, this turns into a extremely popular place because it hosts numerous occasions.
- TRIVIA: This sq. was renamed in tribute to the Finnish band that gained the Eurovision Tune Contest in 2006.
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- TRIVIA: This sq. was renamed in tribute to the Finnish band that gained the Eurovision Tune Contest in 2006.
- Rovaniemi Church: Accomplished in 1950, this church is just not solely picturesque from the surface 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! As a result of its large recognition worldwide, you’ll find an official park for it proper right here in Rovaniemi. Irrespective of when 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 referred to as Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, this 320-meter bridge connects Ounasvaara to the city middle and it’s an amazing factor to see at Rovaniemi in summer time. 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 aside from driving or biking by way of it’s to stroll in the direction of the riverside from the middle. In just some minutes, you will note 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 Ltd.)
This can be 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 way of the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge. It may not be the most important nor the best, nevertheless it’s an area favourite for its intensive community of nature trails that you would be able to run, stroll or bike by way of.
◘◘ Expertise a singular floating expertise
Photograph by Safartica
One of the standard 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 without doubt one of the nice issues to do in Rovaniemi! I went by way 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 would possibly sound harmful to you, nevertheless it isn’t! Moreover, knowledgeable information will likely be with you at all times — to not point out that it’s fairly simple to do.
Should you’re on the lookout for the perfect tour supplier for this, I extremely suggest 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 all the things is made out of the freshest Arctic elements. As you get pleasure from these delights, you’ll even be surrounded by real Lappish furnishings and supplies — a very Finnish expertise! To not point out, this has been as soon as chosen as the perfect ‘Style of Finland’ restaurant in addition to among the best eating locations on TripAdvisor.
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you’ve got extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer time or in case you merely need another decisions, think about the next:
– With Safartica
Do some Arctic Survival: Be part of a big day journey to the forest the place you’ll be able to learn to survive within the wild as they educate you easy methods to construct an emergency shelter, make fireplace with out matches and a lot extra.
Do berry selecting: Lapland’s forests are identified for its wealthy wild berries! To seek out the perfect spots, you’ll be able to undergo the forest with an area and decide up some contemporary superfoods which might be pure from the bottom.
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– With Glad Fox
Do a canoe journey: Take pleasure in a leisurely canoe journey alongside the Ounasjoki river as you admire stunning views and sights wild animals.
Benefit from the year-round Christmas Spirit
◘◘ Go to Santa Claus Village!
Are you seeking 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 stuffed with enjoyable, under are among the actions that you are able to do…
- Meet “the person” himself: It’s FREE to fulfill 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 is perhaps a grown-up however for some purpose, I felt so giddy and nervous once I was going to fulfill him — however all these nerves went away once 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! The very best half? Visiting in the course of the summer time will certainly offer you extra time to speak to him as a result of the gang is so much lesser. In fact, visiting him in December is right however you should 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 way of the Santa Claus Village and this spot is correctly marked on the middle of the sq. with an enormous line. With that stated, just be sure you get a superb commemoration photograph for this!
. - Ship postcards from Santa Claus’ Principal Publish Workplace: That is an official Finnish put up workplace service station and it’s specifically made for the Santa Claus Village. Except for sending postcards to your loved ones and pals, it’s also possible to discuss to the elves right here and ask extra about their line of labor. Via them, I discovered that I can even ship postcards or request a letter from Santa that will likely be scheduled for sending in the course of the Christmas season; so even in case you’re right here in the summertime, the elves have all of it lined for you! Moreover, as I went by way of the shop inspecting souvenirs, I additionally noticed some fascinating statistics concerning the quantity of people that ship Santa letters.
- NOTE: It’s doable on your youngsters to ship letters to Santa Claus and at instances, he even replies! (Handle: Santa Claus, Santa Claus’ Principal Publish 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’ll be able to pet, feed and mingle with these light animals for so long as you need! This opens from the early summer time to the start of autumn so it’s finest that you simply hold this in thoughts on your Rovaniemi itinerary.
Should you ask me, I certain had a swell time right here whereby from the second I got here by way of the door, a child reindeer came to visit 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 aside from the truth that they offer out fascinating data concerning the reindeer, they’re additionally very happy to entertain your questions. As an example, it’s by way of them that I discovered how reindeer mainly quantity greater than the Lappish folks! I additionally acquired to know the method of how reindeer lose their antlers and a lot extra.
◘◘ Go river rafting
For Rovaniemi in summer time, 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 completely protected exercise to get your adrenaline flowing. The icing on the cake? As soon as the journey is completed, you’ll be able to sit down and have some heat drinks and grilled sausages by an open fireplace. So collect your loved ones and pals for this exercise — if not, doing it solo is ok too because you’re sure to fulfill equal-minded individuals who like your type of enjoyable!
DINING OPTION: Except for being an exquisite lodging place, Cafe & Bar KOTI is a superb 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 that you would be able to 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 made out of freshly floor beans. Pair it off with some pulla (Finnish candy bread) and also you’re solved! (If pulla is just not your factor, in addition they haver different baked pastries accessible).
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you’ve got extra time or in case you merely need another decisions, think about the next:
– With Arctic Pleasure
Do a canyon tour: Finished as a day journey, that is performed 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’ll be able to get pleasure from numerous actions in any season with your loved ones. In the summertime you are able to do issues like going by way of a Santa Claus’ Helper Course, driving the Magic Prepare, becoming a member of Elf College, visiting the Ice Princess and plenty of others. (Sure, it’s also possible to 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 essentially the most! Since Rovaniemi’s sled canine excursions are insanely standard, I had the prospect to go to a good husky kennel middle close to the town and it was referred to as Bearhill. I can completely suggest them as a result of they put the well being of the canines at the beginning whereas being a contemporary eco-friendly institution as effectively.
And in case you ask me, late summer time is definitely a good time to go to Bearhill as a result of you’ll be able to witness how the canines are educated and ready for the approaching winter. You possibly can even meet all of the new child husky puppies which might be being taken care of.
Throughout my go to with them at Rovaniemi in summer time, 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. In fact.)
NOTE: Since huskies can not do strenuous actions when temperatures are increased than 15 levels Celsius, driving a husky cart for 30 to 40 minutes is climate dependent.
◘◘ Take pleasure in a riverboat cruise to a reindeer farm after which do a ceremonial Arctic Circle crossing
Photograph by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising Ltd.)
This can be 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 experience a picket riverboat as you undergo serene landscapes to expertise the summer time of the Arctic.
When you attain the reindeer farm, you’ll take part in a standard ceremonial crossing of the Arctic Circle which makes for a memorable expertise — I gained’t spoil the enjoyable nevertheless it was fairly fascinating! When that is performed, you’ll lastly get to fulfill 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 middle) that marks the tip of the tour, additionally, you will get to get pleasure from some drinks and snacks in a standard Finnish dwelling. The guides that they’ve are additionally approachable and pleasant, and they’ll share with you some nice trivia about Finland and basic; 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 that you would be able to order all day! If there’s one factor that you need to strive, it is going to be their Lapas Plate (Lappish Tapas)!
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you’ve got extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer time or in case you merely need another decisions, think about the next:
– SnowCastle: This can be a excellent place to go to when you have a automobile. Positioned in Kemi, which is 80km south of Rovaniemi (which can take about an hour by automobile or bus), is SnowCastle. Principally, it is without doubt one of the greatest ice constructions on the earth and past its beautiful faux-drawbridges, ramparts, and ice watchtowers is its well-known SnowRestaurant. Should you e book on-line, you’ll be able to sit on a fur-topped tree stump and desk made from strong ice, as you bask in a tremendous 3-course dinner!
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– Ranua Wildlife Park: Additionally present in Kemi, this zoo provides its guests the chance to watch Arctic animals all all year long in a pure setting for as a lot as doable.
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 driving ~ Participate on this 2-hour horse experience by way of a ravishing forest, round some fields and up the hills. To mark the tip of the tour, campfire lunch may 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. Should you get some catch, it’s completely doable to arrange and smoke them! (This tour already contains fishing gear and fishing licenses).
Take pleasure in tradition and science
◘◘ Tour Arktikum Museum and Korundi
Photograph by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising Ltd.)
When you’ve made your go to to Pilke, think about making a go to to those different prime museums in Rovaniemi…
- Arktikum: Should you solely have the time to go to one museum throughout your keep, then a cease by Arktikum is your best option that you would be able to 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 information concerning the Arctic area.
- One other facet to like about Arktikum is its design by which it boasts a 172-meter lengthy glass tuber over its major house. As a result of its picturesque aesthetic, it is a favourite spot amongst photographers and Instagrammers. It’s additionally fairly a sight from the surface too by which you will note the museum wanting as if it’s buried within the earth — an amazing design that mimics the best way Arctic animals hibernate in the course of the winter time.
- TICKETS: Guide on-line
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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 trendy and high quality artwork from the Forties as much as the current.
- TICKETS: Guide on-line
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TIP: It’s finest to get the Tradition Move which is a good-for-value entry that permits you to 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 images tour (possibly spot some Northern Lights!)
Photograph by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising Ltd.)
If you wish to discover the perfect places round Rovaniemi to expertise and {photograph} the distinctive nature of Lapland, then a images tour with Past Arctic is a should!
In case you are fortunate you would possibly 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’ll be able to obtain this app.
TRIVIA: Finnish folks used to assume that the flick of a fox’s tail by way 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 corresponding to leipäjuusto or Finnish squeaky cheese which is certainly 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’ve got extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer time or in case you merely need another decisions, think about the next:
– Do different Aurora Borealis excursions: As an example, Arctic Life-style provides this sort of tour on jet skis whereas Lapland Welcome does it with an ATV.
– Do mountaineering 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. This can be a forested canyon that’s a part of the Northern Finland’s old-growth forest safety program so that you’re definitely 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 — nevertheless it’s a enjoyable experience to do in the summertime too! I did fats biking with Roll Open air in the summertime by way of the close by woods of Rovaniemi and it was one of the enjoyable actions that I did throughout my keep. Throughout our day trip, I additionally had the prospect to get pleasure from some views from up excessive in addition to some berry selecting.
NOTE: You possibly can select from both a handbook or digital fats bike. Helmets are supplied and it’s also possible to strap in a GoPro on it if you wish to.
◘◘ Meet an area artisan and do a workshop
Photograph by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising 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 the easiest way to study extra about it!
◘◘ Expertise an genuine Finnish sauna
Enjoyable in a Finnish sauna is a should to do while you’re in Finland! Positive, Tampere could 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 definitely, your resort will have already got a sauna middle 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 an inventory of some nice sauna experiences on this web page.
~ Wanna know some how-to’s, suggestions and issues to do in a Finnish Sauna? Learn right here.
MEAL OPTIONS: Amarillo is probably not an genuine Lappish restaurant nevertheless it’s a well-liked Mexican-style restaurant that’s certain to fulfill your cravings!
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you’ve got extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer time or in case you merely need another decisions, think about 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 Glad Fox: How about some gold? With Glad Fox you’ll be able to be a part of a tour the place you’ll be able to expertise gold panning together with a ship journey.