Rovaniemi 6 Day Itinerary

Rovaniemi Itinerary (6 days)

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

  • Arrival: Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)
  • Accommodation: Hotel Pallas or similar
  • Lunch: Café & Restaurant Pirtti, try traditional Finnish cuisine like karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasties) and salmiakki (salmiak candy)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Rovaniemi City Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture
  • Evening: Take a stroll along the Ounasvaara Ski Resort’s illuminated skiing trails

Day 2: Explore Rovaniemi

  • Breakfast: Café Totti, try Finnish breakfast classics like karjalanpiirakka and coffee
  • Morning: Visit the Arktikum Museum and Science Centre to learn about Arctic nature and culture
  • Lunch: Restaurant Roukamaa, try local specialties like reindeer stew and cloudberry pie
  • Afternoon: Take a walk along the Kemi River and visit the Rovaniemi Church
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Vesihiisi, known for its Finnish cuisine

Day 3: Wilderness Adventures

  • Morning: Take a snowmobile safari (Dec to Apr) or hike in the Ounasvaara forests (May to Nov)
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it in the wilderness
  • Afternoon: Visit the Rovaniemi’s reindeer and horse stables
  • Evening: Return to Hotel Pallas for dinner and relaxation

Day 4: Santa Claus Village

  • Morning: Visit the Santa Claus Village, located at the Arctic Circle (Dec to Apr)
  • Lunch: Eat at the village’s restaurant, serving traditional Finnish cuisine
  • Afternoon: Meet Santa Claus himself and explore the surrounding winter wonderland
  • Evening: Return to Rovaniemi for dinner and relaxation

Day 5: Northern Lights

  • Morning: Take a Northern Lights photography tour (Dec to Apr)
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Café & Restaurant Pirtti
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ounasvaara Ski Resort for skiing, snowboarding, or just enjoying the winter scenery
  • Evening: Hunt for the Northern Lights with a guided tour

Day 6: Departure

  • Breakfast: Hotel Pallas or similar
  • Departure: Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)

Things to Know

  • Rovaniemi is in the Arctic Circle, so pack warm clothing and layers for winter adventures.
  • Some attractions may have limited hours or closures during off-peak seasons. Check beforehand.
  • Finnish cuisine often features local ingredients like reindeer, fish, and berries.

Transportation

  • Airport transfers: Taxi or bus (book in advance)
  • Local transportation: Bus, taxi, or rent a car (if driving, be prepared for winter conditions)

Tips and Other Things to Know

  • Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Don’t forget to try some Finnish coffee and chocolate!
  • Rovaniemi has a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels.
  • Be prepared for variable winter weather, with warm clothing and waterproof gear.

Other Places to Go

  • Ounasvaara Ski Resort
  • Rovaniemi City Museum
  • Arktikum Museum and Science Centre
  • Santa Claus Village

Other Activities

  • Snowmobiling (Dec to Apr)
  • Hiking (May to Nov)
  • Northern Lights photography tour (Dec to Apr)

I hope you enjoy your trip to Rovaniemi!