How to See Reindeer in Finland
Learn everything about reindeer in Finland, from their history to the best spots for viewing these majestic creatures in nature.
Located on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and a major hub for industry, education, and tourism. It is home to the Santa Claus Village – a major reason people visit – but also the excellent Arktikum museum.
Latitude: 66.3 degrees north
Population: 65,000
Rovaniemi coat-of-arms
Here are some things that you must do and try in Rovaniemi
Santa Claus Village is Rovaniemi’s most famous attraction and one of the best-known Christmas destinations in the world. Located directly on the Arctic Circle, the village offers festive experiences year-round including meeting Santa Claus, crossing the Arctic Circle line and visiting Santa’s official post office. Visitors can explore souvenir shops, restaurants and winter activities surrounded by snowy Lapland scenery. During December, the atmosphere becomes especially magical with lights, snow and seasonal celebrations.
The Rovaniemi City Library was designed by the famed Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The library was constructed in 1965. Aalto was involved in the reconstruction of the town after World War II. He also designed the city hall, which is close to the library. Directly opposite the library is the Rovaniemi Theatre, also designed by Aalto. These three buildings form the Aalto centre.
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Rovaniemi
Arktikum is easily one of the best museums in Finland. It focuses on the region of Lapland, including history and Sami culture, as well as the Arctic, including flora, fauna and the Northern Lights. It is a must-see in Rovaniemi. The Arctic section photos on people, wildlife, and climate change. The Lapland Hall covers topics such as the Sami people and reindeer herding, as well as Lapland during World War II.
Pilke Science Centre focuses on northern forests and sustainable use of Arctic natural resources through interactive exhibitions and hands-on experiences. Visitors can learn about Lapland’s forestry traditions, ecosystems and environmental challenges in engaging ways suitable for all ages. The centre complements nearby Arktikum while providing a more playful and family-oriented experience. Its modern wooden architecture also reflects Finland’s strong connection to forest culture.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
The Ounasvaara nature trail is a 4.8km long circular nature trail with information plates in Finnish and English. Here you get nice views out to the river and valley. In winter, you can follow the Ounasvaara winter walking trail, which is a 6km long winter track.
The Arctic Circle Hiking area is 25km from Rovaniemi and is where you can follow different hiking trails. You can choose hikes between 1 hour and 5 hours long.
The Ounasvaara Ski Resort has 10 varied downhill slopes, a snow park, and an area for beginnings. There are also 200km of cross-country ski tracks around Ounasvaara and Rovaniemi. In summer the ski station operates as a summer bobsled run and a bike park.
Safartica offers quality excursions around Rovaniemi. Their two hour snowmobile safaris are one of my favourites.
Bearhill Husky is one of the top-rated husky farms close to Rovaniemi.
Lapland Welcome focuses on nature trips, including moose spotting and wilderness photography.
Wild About Lapland offers small-group experiences from northern lights chases to ice fishing.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Rovaniemi
In March 2024 I filmed a walk around Rovaniemi during the end of the winter season.
Follow the scenic drive in winter from Rovaniemi to Saariselka.
Rovaniemi developed as an important trading settlement due to its location at the meeting point of northern river routes and Lapland travel networks. Forestry, logging and river transport played major roles in shaping the local economy during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The city also became an important gateway connecting southern Finland with the Arctic north.
During World War II, much of Rovaniemi was destroyed by retreating German forces during the Lapland War. The rebuilding process after the war shaped the modern city, with renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto contributing to its reconstruction plan. Many public buildings and urban layouts still reflect Aalto’s architectural influence today.
In the modern era, tourism transformed Rovaniemi into one of Finland’s best-known international destinations. Its identity as the official hometown of Santa Claus and a centre for Arctic experiences has helped attract visitors from around the world while preserving strong connections to Lapland culture and northern nature.
Modern Rovaniemi combines Arctic tourism, education and local Lapland culture. The city serves as the administrative and cultural centre of Finnish Lapland while remaining closely connected to surrounding forests, rivers and wilderness areas. Students, researchers and tourism workers contribute to a lively international atmosphere throughout the year.
Winter tourism dominates much of the economy, particularly through northern lights experiences, Santa Claus tourism and outdoor adventures. However, the city remains active year-round with hiking, fishing, cycling and midnight sun experiences attracting visitors during summer. Seasonal contrasts are a defining feature of life in Rovaniemi.
Despite its global tourism profile, Rovaniemi maintains a relaxed northern atmosphere shaped by nature and strong local traditions. The combination of modern infrastructure and immediate access to Arctic landscapes gives the city a unique identity within northern Europe.
Fly: Rovaniemi Airport is an international airport with flights to London and Tokyo, amongst other places. There are also regular flights to Helsinki.
Drive: Rovaniemi is on the E75 that runs through Lapland. There are also buses connecting Rovaneimi with other places in Lapland.
Train: There is one daily train between Helsinki and Rovaniemi.
Ferry: No ferry access.
Rovaniemi is easy to get around on foot. If you want to get to the Santa Claus Village, you can take Line 8. Line 9 serves the Ounasvaara ski station.
Lauri is a unique shop with Sami and Finnish handicrafts, plates, spoons, earrings, kuksa birchwood cups.
The Arktikum museum shop is excellent and has some of the best Lapland-themed souvenirs.
Arctic Design sells a variety of Lapland-made items, from soaps and sauna scents to wallts, bags, earrings and reindeer goods.
Cafes & Bakeries
Café & Bar 21 is a popular place for waffles, salads and bao buns, sharing premises with the excellent Mexican Taqueria Yuca.
Restaurants
Roka has communal tables, exposed brick-walls and imaginative bistro-style fare combining local and international ingredients.
High End & Unique Eats
Restaurant Nilli is a Lapland-themed restaurant with food such as moose and bear. Hunting lodge style interiod and good Lapland classics.
Gustav Kitchen and Bar is a fantastic restaurant and specialises in Scandinavian cuisine.
Sky Ounasvaara hotel’s atmosphere restaurant has specialties including wild mushroom risotoo and reindeer.
Montesroa Restaurant has wooden booths and candles and is a well-established steak specialist.
Gustav Kitchen and Bar is a fantastic restaurant and specialises in Scandinavian cuisine.
Note! The best hotels in Rovaniemi can sell out over one year in advance, so be sure to book well ahead of your visit.
Hostels & Camping
Hostel Café Koti is centrally located with 24 rooms and two dorms in neat, clean Nordic style.
B&Bs & Guesthouses
Guesthouse Borealis is a nice guesthouse in Rovaniemi.
Chains & Mid-Range
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna is located at the end of the pedestrian street and close to the Lapland Safaris office, so is perfectly located.
Click here to view rates & book
Arctic City Hotel has compact rooms but is in an excellent location.
High End & Unique Properties
Arctic Light Hotel is a boutique hotel in the old town hall.
Click here to view rates & book
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos is a high-end resort 20 minutes drive from Rovaniemi, and here you can choose to stay in a snow hotel or glass igloo.
Sunrise: 10:20am
Sunset: 2:32pm
Average Temperature: -11C (13F)
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Sunset: 11pm
Average Temperature: 6C (43F)
Midnight sun from 6 June
Average Temperature: 12C (54F)
Sunrise: 2:40am
Sunset: 12:06am
Average Temperature: 15C (60F)
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Sunset: 2:51pm
Average Temperature: -5C (23F)
Sunrise: 11am
Sunset: 1:24pm
Average Temperature: -8C (17F)
Learn everything about reindeer in Finland, from their history to the best spots for viewing these majestic creatures in nature.
Learn all about taking the famous ice-breaker cruise in winter.