Rovaniemi 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Rovaniemi, Finland

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

Morning:

  • Arrive at Rovaniemi Airport and check into your accommodation. (Recommended: Santa’s Hotel Aurora or Arctic TreeHouse Hotel)
  • Freshen up and have breakfast at the hotel or a local café like Pekan Kahvila or Kauppakeskus Moomin World.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the iconic Arktikum Museum, where you can learn about Lapland’s people, culture, and natural environment.
  • Take a stroll around Rovaniemi City Center, explore the local shops, and visit the Rovaniemi Church.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Pudasjärven Tupa, a Lappish restaurant that offers traditional dishes like reindeer meat and fish.
  • Visit the Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa Claus, send postcards from his office, and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

Day 2: Wilderness & Northern Lights (if season applicable)

Morning:

  • After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to the wilderness. (Recommended: Husky Safari or Reindeer Farm Visit)

Evening:

  • If you’re visiting during the winter and night is clear, head out for a Northern Lights tour. (Recommended: Saariselkä Northern Lights Tour if you have a car, or book a tour from Rovaniemi if not)

Day 3: Ounasvaara Hill & Ranua Wildlife Park

Morning:

  • Visit Ounasvaara Hill, where you can hike, visit the Arktikum’s GeoCentre, or go skiing in winter.
  • Have lunch at Kotkan Koulu, a popular restaurant on Ounasvaara Hill.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Ranua Wildlife Park to see polar bears, wolves, brown bears, and other Arctic animals.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Karhunkahvila, a cozy restaurant in Ranua that serves local dishes.

Day 4: Day Trip to Sapmi Nature Centre & Siida Museum

Morning:

  • Travel to Inari (around 2 hours drive from Rovaniemi) and visit the Sapmi Nature Centre, where you can learn about the indigenous Sami people’s culture and lifestyle.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Siida Museum to explore the history of the Sami people and Finnish Lapland.
  • Have lunch at a local restaurant in Inari, like Aatamosaikkaukset.

Evening:

  • Return to Rovaniemi and have dinner at leisure.

Day 5: Last Minutes & Departure

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at your accommodation or a local café.
  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs, visiting any attractions you missed, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Rovaniemi.

Afternoon:

  • Check out from your hotel and head to Rovaniemi Airport for your departure.

Things to Know:

  • The best time to visit Rovaniemi is during winter (November to March) for Northern Lights, snow activities, and a true Lapland experience. However, summer offers beautiful hiking opportunities and the Midnight Sun.
  • Dress warmly and in layers, as temperatures can drop significantly, even indoors.
  • Many attractions are within walking distance in Rovaniemi, but a rental car is recommended for exploring further afield.
  • Most restaurants accept credit cards, but it’s always good to have some cash (Euros) on hand.
  • Enjoy your trip to Rovaniemi and experience the magic of Finnish Lapland!