Rovaniemi 4 Day Itinerary

Rovaniemi 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Arrival: You’ll arrive at Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). From there, you can take a taxi or book a shuttle service to your hotel. Recommended hotels: Santa Claus Hotel, Arctic Circle Hotel, and Holiday Club Rovaniemi.

  • Lunch: Visit local favorite “Pudas Bar & Kota” for reindeer meat or traditional Lappish dishes.

  • Afternoon: Visit the official Homeland of Santa Claus® in Santa Claus Village. Take your time to send postcards, meet Santa, and enjoy some fun activities like ice fishing, husky rides, or reindeer sleigh rides.

  • Evening: Explore downtown Rovaniemi, visit the Arktikum Museum for a glimpse of Lapland’s history and culture. Dinner at “Kotkan Koulu”, known for its Lappish cuisine and cozy atmosphere.

Day 2: Nature and Wildlife

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Ounasvaara Fell, where you can hike trails, spot local wildlife, or try skiing in summer (Rova-Ski Centre). Have a packed lunch.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Ranua Wildlife Park to see polar bears, lynxes, wolves, and other Arctic animals. It’s about an hour drive from Rovaniemi.

  • Evening: Return to Rovaniemi and have dinner at “Tavola”, offering a variety of international cuisines.

Day 3: Aurora Hunt and Sauna Experience

  • Morning: Depart early in the morning for an Aurora hunt. Join a guided tour or drive yourself to a good spot away from city lights (check aurora forecast beforehand).

  • Afternoon: Relax at Kuusamo-Karhunkierät, one of Finland’s most famous saunas, if you couldn’t go during your Aurora hunt. It has a unique ice swimming hole and a café.

  • Evening: Dinner at “Aili & Kotti”, a restaurant with a focus on local and organic food.

Day 4: Day Trip to Swedish Lapland (optional)

  • Morning: Take the bus or hire a car for a day trip to Kiruna, Sweden. Visit the famous Ice Hotel, explore the town, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Afternoon: Return to Rovaniemi in the afternoon. Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs or relax at your hotel before your departure.

Things to Know:

  • Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and the official residence of Santa Claus.
  • The best time to see the Northern Lights is from late August to April.
  • Finland uses the Euro (€) as currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash.
  • English is spoken quite well in Rovaniemi.

Transportation:

  • Bus: Onnibus offers connections within Lapland and to Helsinki.
  • Car: Renting a car can be a convenient way to explore the area, but remember that winter driving conditions may require additional precautions.

Tips:

  • Book tours and activities in advance, especially during high season (December-March).
  • Check weather forecasts and dress accordingly. Layering is key!
  • Respect local customs and wildlife. Don’t disturb reindeer or pick plants in nature reserves.