Rovaniemi is the centre of Lapland and officially Santa Claus’s address. The city lies above the Arctic Circle and that line passes right beside the airport. It is one of the best winter destinations in the world to come to with a child, but it does not end with winter. Below I have written about the season, the cost and which activity really is worth it.
The Santa Claus village
The village is eight kilometres from the city and is open all year round, every day. Entry is free and meeting Santa Claus is free too; only the official photograph is paid for. The Arctic Circle line passes through the yard and standing on it for a photograph is the tradition.
The post office is a genuine working post office and a letter posted from there goes with a special stamp. You can also choose to have it sent for the following Christmas. Bus number eight goes to the village from the city and the ticket is cheap.
The northern lights and the winter activities
The northern lights can be seen from September to the end of March and the best months are between December and March. There is no guarantee; everything depends on the clouds and on solar activity. If you stay three or four nights your chances rise seriously. Getting away from the city lights is a condition.
Husky and reindeer sledding are the most chosen activities, while a snowmobile requires a separate licence. Prices are high, with a husky tour costing 120–200 euros a head. Taking these tours in advance is essential in December, because places run out months ahead.
Summer and the museum in Rovaniemi
In summer night does not fall here; from the beginning of June to the middle of July the sun does not go below the horizon. This period is cheap and is an entirely different experience, with boats on the river, walks in the forest and berry picking. The number of tourists is low as well.
The Arktikum museum is the city’s main museum and is devoted to the nature of Lapland and the life of the Sami people. They explain there how the northern lights come about. The Pilke science centre is about the forest and is suitable for children.
Accommodation and prices in Rovaniemi
Glass-roofed igloos are the city’s most famous accommodation option and come to 300–600 euros a night. An ordinary hotel is 150–250 euros in December and 70–120 in summer. The difference varies by up to three times according to the season.
Apartment options with a kitchen are more economical for a family, because restaurant prices are high. The clothing question is serious: in winter the temperature drops to minus 25 degrees, and thermal clothing is hired out by many hotels and tour companies. Official information is on the Visit Rovaniemi site.
When to come to Rovaniemi
December is the best month for the Christmas atmosphere and also the most expensive. January–March gives more snow, fewer people and better conditions for the northern lights. September is interesting for the autumn colours and the first lights. June–July means white nights and cheap prices.
In one sentence
Rovaniemi is unforgettable for a family with children and demanding for a budget, and the choice of dates settles everything. The Santa Claus village is free, book the tours months ahead, and plan at least three nights for the lights. For a visa and a route, fill in the application form.
Note: the prices in this article are those at the time of publication and may change with the season.
