Rovaniemi Finland - The gateway to Lapland

Main street and a giant ice slide just out of shot

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, and a short flight from Helsinki. It is the starting base for any trek for the Northern Lights and is the official home of Santa Claus. The town itself was  destroyed and apparently rebuilt in the shape of a reindeer, but my attempts to see this from the plane were foiled by the weather. While it is a popular summer destination, we went in winter, and for Australians, less experienced in the snow, this is definitely the time to go.

We knew we were in for something different when we waited for our luggage at this carousel

As the plane landed and I looked at the white landscape, I was awed.  I didn't know what I'd expected, as I had packed for this 15 degrees below zero climate, but I was stunned and elated at the snow and ice that was literally everywhere. To be honest, I think I thought it would be like Thredbo with the snow 'over there' and the paths clear.

In the taxi on the way to the hotel, we were glad we decided to leave all the driving to the experienced locals, as we'd never been in these conditions, let alone the wrong side of the road. 

Even the airport has a cosy fire

There is something magical about the extended darkness, made joyous by the glittering fairy lights all over the city. 

That may or may not be some lights!

Once the sun sets, or before it rises, business still goes on as usual, and our first day saw my youngest and I playing in the Angry Birds Park as the sun rose.  

Rovaniemi is a University town of 60 thousand, so small enough to traipse around on foot, and then the tours or taxis will take you further afield.

Taken while playing in the park one MORNING - the view across the river

We had five nights in this area, and one night about 250kms north of there, at the famed Kakslauttanen in a glass igloo. If I had a do over, I would have allowed an extra day in Rovaniemi to enjoy the ski fields (I had baulked at the idea of the beginning skiers being intimidated in the darkness), and a night or two out in Kemi. We also could have done with an extra day for the Ranua Zoo. However, 5 nights is the minimum to see the sights of the town, stay in an ice hotel, do husky dogs, reindeer farm, snow mobiling and Santa Park.

One of the interesting things, we all enjoyed the holiday as they were activities that suited all ages - the older teen, the primary school youngster and the adults. It was a new experience for all of us. Sometimes that is enough glue to bond with. For once the non drinkers weren't bored sitting in the bar, because it was made of ice. The 'tour' with the huskies wasn't 'lame' because the older kids drove the sled and raced through the forest. Even the endless sunsets or darkness at 3pm seemed to delight everyone.

We loved the Finnish humour

There are a number of museums in town, and Arktikum is worth a visit (and occasionally is near a great vantage point to catch the lights in town). It covers natural history, the native people of the Arctic and a film of the Aurora, among other things.

However, regardless of the temperature, it's very much a place for outdoor adventures, so good waterproof hiking boots are a bonus.

No matter where you stay, in town or on the outskirts, all the tours will pick you up from your accommodation (a few exceptions) so it's worth experiencing a little of the more remote accommodation too, in order to 'increase your chances' of seeing the lights. This was made up in my head and probably not true at all, but I did like the very different experiences we had as we moved around.















For an unforgettable family holiday, Lapland offers it all, and Rovaniemi is the gateway to the Arctic Circle and the official hometown of Santa Claus.

Practicalities:
Finnair flies to Rovaniemi from Helsinki, and there are trains and buses daily.
Rovaniemi tourism https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/
















Further Reading:
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Share My Snaps! Finland

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