Rovaniemi 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Arrival: Arrive at Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). You can find a taxi or rent a car from the airport for your convenience.

  • Accommodation: Check into Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus Village, located in the heart of Lapland. It offers unique experiences like meeting Santa Claus and sending postcards with a special Lapland postmark.

  • Lunch: Visit Ravintola Santasalmi for traditional Lappish cuisine with a modern twist. Try reindeer meat, salmon or elk soup.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Santa Claus Village. Take your photo with Santa Claus, send postcards, and shop for souvenirs. Don’t forget to visit the Arctic Circle!

  • Evening: Visit Rovaniemi City Museum to learn about Lapland’s history and culture. Then, stroll around downtown Rovaniemi, which has beautiful lights during winter.

  • Dinner: Dine at Pekan Kartano Restaurant, offering a mix of Finnish and international dishes.

Day 2: Outdoor Activities

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel or visit a local café like Kaiku Café & Bakery.

  • Morning: Head to Ounasvaara Fell for hiking, skiing (in winter), or visiting the Sampokeskus Outdoor Museum.

  • Lunch: Pack a lunch or head to Tavolata Ravintola in the city center for Italian cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Choose from various activities like husky sledding, reindeer safari, or snowmobile tours (depending on season).

  • Dinner: Dine at Restaurant Tirol, which offers a warm and cozy atmosphere with delicious food.

Day 3: Nature and Relaxation

  • Breakfast: Have breakfast at your hotel or try a local bakery for pastries and coffee.

  • Morning: Visit the Ranua Wildlife Park (about 1 hour drive from Rovaniemi) to see polar bears, brown bears, wolves, and other Arctic animals.

  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Ranua’s restaurant or return to Rovaniemi for a variety of dining options.

  • Afternoon: Relax at Kemijoki River or enjoy spa treatments at the hotel.

  • Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at Lappia Restaurant, known for its extensive wine list and creative dishes.

  • Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the Korundi Art Museum’s beautiful garden before retiring for your last night in Rovaniemi.

Things to Know:

  • Rovaniemi can be cold, even in summer, so pack layers and warm clothing.
  • Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible from September to April, so check the forecast during your stay.
  • Most shops and restaurants close early, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly.

Transportation: Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport. Public transportation within Rovaniemi is reliable but limited in comparison to large cities. Consider booking tours or activities that include round-trip transportation.