Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland.

Rovaniemi, the business centre of Finnish Lapland since the 19th century, was razed to the ground by the Germans in the final days of World War II with only a handful of buildings left standing. Rebuilding after the war and economic development over the ensuing decades have left much of the city a featureless expanse of concrete blocks, regardless of Alvar Aalto's famous reindeer antler city plan (try to recognize it if arriving by plane). Rovaniemi became a city in 1960, and in 2006 it merged with the surrounding rural municipality.

Most tourists come because of Rovaniemi's central position for transportation, because of its location at the Arctic Circle or to see Father Christmas, but there are several sights worth a visit.

Because of its central location and status, Rovaniemi has become a center of education in Finnish Lapland. There are as many as 10 000 university and university of applied sciences level students living in Rovaniemi. Compared to the number of inhabitants living in the old city area (pre-2006), as many as one in three or four people are students. During summers this shows as a large drop in the number of people vacating the city.

The river Kemijoki, notable for being the longest river in Finland, runs next to the city center. On the west side of the river there is a large hill called Ounasvaara.

Most tourists come to Rovaniemi for precisely one thing: Santa.

• Santa Claus Village. 8 km north of Rovaniemi and right on the old computed place of the Arctic Circle (now computed to be 2 km north), is a tourist trap if there ever was one – but few tourists can miss the chance to meet Santa himself. Apart from meeting the man, there are also other attractions like small-scale sledding hills for kids, the Santa Claus post office with special stamps and souvenir shops. The village hosts also several safari companies that organize various activities. During dark times the village has nicely lit ice sculptures. Bus number 8 goes from town to the village.
• Santapark. Underground amusement park within walking distance from Santa Claus Village. €20/adults, €10/children.
• Administrative and Cultural Centre. The rebuilding of Rovaniemi after World War II was largely planned by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – particularly its reindeer antler layout. He also designed the Administrative and Cultural Centre which includes the Lappia Hall (culture and congress centre), public library and city hall.
• Arktikum, Pohjoisranta 4 (opposite to Marttiini, +358 16 322-3260. 10:00–17:00 daily in summer, Tu–Su in winter. One of the best museums and science centres in Finland, focusing on life in the Arctic regions through the ages. Lockers available. Cold in winter time. €12 for adults, €8 or €7 for students, re-entry at same day free of charge.
• Pilke Science Centre, Ounasjoentie 6 (next to Arktikum, +358 20-564-7820. Tu–F 09:00–18:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00. Those attracted by northern forests will want to visit Pilke, where exhibitions describe sustainable use of northern forests and diverse yields, forest products and commodities. Same day re-entry free of charge, lockers available. €7/5, reduced price for students and children 7–15.
• Lutheran church. Built 1950, near the administrative centre. Famous for its considerable large fresco "Spring of the Life" by professor Lennart Segerstråle. The fresco uses elements of Lapland in Biblical context (for example there are no lambs but reindeer). There is nice park by the pool Kirkkolampi right next to the church.
• Orthodox church, Ounasvaarantie 16. A small Orthodox church is on the other side of Kemijoki river.
• Korundi House of Culture, Lapinkävijäntie 4 (near shopping centre. Tu-Su. Art, music and events. Art museum collection consists mostly of modern Finnish art. Home of the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland. €8/adult, €5/students, €3/children (7-15).
• Jätkänkynttilä bridge. One of the most important symbols of Rovaniemi. It runs over the Kemijoki close the northern end of the city center. Bridge has a high pylon with bright yellow light on top.
• Log Train Terminal. Might be worth of seeing during dark times, as the cranes that lift the logs have lights on their arms. Climb to the opposite hill and sit on the fence for a nice view.
• German Soldier Cemetery. Constructed of large stone blocks and located virtually in the middle of nowhere it might be of interest to some. During autumn one can eat berries on the way.
• Hiidenkirnut. Fourteen giants kettles (hiidenkirnut), including three very deep ones, can be found from Sukulanrakka slopes near the island of Rautiosaari.
• Auttiköngäs. 16 metres waterfall and old forest. Bus stop at the road, parking area 1 km farther. 50 m steep trail for wheelchairs (assistance needed) to a hut with view to the rapids, 3.5 km nature trail through varying terrain, with campfire sites; reserve plenty of time.
• The famous midnight sun, when the sun doesn't set at all, is seen between June 6th and July 7th. The night sky is luminous from May until mid August. At wintertime auroras are seen on most nights if the sky is clear.

Santa Claus Village. 8 km north of Rovaniemi and right on the old computed place of the Arctic Circle (now computed to be 2 km north), is a tourist trap if there ever was one – but few tourists can miss the chance to meet [[Santa Claus|Santa]] himself. Apart from meeting the man, there are also other attractions like small-scale sledding hills for kids, the Santa Claus post office with special stamps and souvenir shops. The village hosts also several safari companies that organize various activities. During dark times the village has nicely lit ice sculptures. Bus number 8 goes from town to the village.

Santapark. Underground amusement park within walking distance from Santa Claus Village. €20/adults, €10/children.

Administrative and Cultural Centre. The rebuilding of Rovaniemi after World War II was largely planned by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – particularly its reindeer antler layout. He also designed the Administrative and Cultural Centre which includes the Lappia Hall (culture and congress centre), public library and city hall.

Arktikum, Pohjoisranta 4 (opposite to Marttiini, +358 16 322-3260. 10:00–17:00 daily in summer, Tu–Su in winter. One of the best museums and science centres in Finland, focusing on life in the Arctic regions through the ages. Lockers available. Cold in winter time. €12 for adults, €8 or €7 for students, re-entry at same day free of charge.

Pilke Science Centre, Ounasjoentie 6 (next to Arktikum, +358 20-564-7820. Tu–F 09:00–18:00, Sa Su 10:00–18:00. Those attracted by northern forests will want to visit Pilke, where exhibitions describe sustainable use of northern forests and diverse yields, forest products and commodities. Same day re-entry free of charge, lockers available. €7/5, reduced price for students and children 7–15.

Lutheran church. Built 1950, near the administrative centre. Famous for its considerable large fresco "Spring of the Life" by professor Lennart Segerstråle. The fresco uses elements of Lapland in Biblical context (for example there are no lambs but reindeer). There is nice park by the pool Kirkkolampi right next to the church.

Orthodox church, Ounasvaarantie 16. A small Orthodox church is on the other side of Kemijoki river.

Korundi House of Culture, Lapinkävijäntie 4 (near shopping centre. Tu-Su. Art, music and events. Art museum collection consists mostly of modern Finnish art. Home of the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland. €8/adult, €5/students, €3/children (7-15).

Jätkänkynttilä bridge. One of the most important symbols of Rovaniemi. It runs over the Kemijoki close the northern end of the city center. Bridge has a high pylon with bright yellow light on top.

Log Train Terminal. Might be worth of seeing during dark times, as the cranes that lift the logs have lights on their arms. Climb to the opposite hill and sit on the fence for a nice view.

German Soldier Cemetery. Constructed of large stone blocks and located virtually in the middle of nowhere it might be of interest to some. During autumn one can eat berries on the way.

Hiidenkirnut. Fourteen giants kettles (hiidenkirnut), including three very deep ones, can be found from Sukulanrakka slopes near the island of Rautiosaari.

Auttiköngäs. 16 metres waterfall and old forest. Bus stop at the road, parking area 1 km farther. 50 m steep trail for wheelchairs (assistance needed) to a hut with view to the rapids, 3.5 km nature trail through varying terrain, with campfire sites; reserve plenty of time.

The famous midnight sun, when the sun doesn't set at all, is seen between June 6th and July 7th. The night sky is luminous from May until mid August. At wintertime [[Northern lights|auroras]] are seen on most nights if the sky is clear.

Various Arctic safari companies, many of which are on the west bank of the river, can arrange all sorts of cold and snowy activities like snowmobile safaris, husky sledding and reindeer sledding. Most of the tour operators have summer activities available too.

• Lapland Safaris, Koskikatu 1 (On the west bank of the river, next to Hotel Pohjanhovi, +358 16 331-1200.
• Unique Lapland, Koskikatu 14, +358 500-599-999. Produces program services, rents and sells snowmobiles, roadsters, and ATVs, organizes events, concerts, training and coaching and sells high quality outdoor clothing.
• Ounasvaara winter sports resort, Taunontie 14, +358 44-7642-830. Located on the large hill Ounasvaara couple of kilometres from the centre.
• Santa Claus Golf, Golfkentäntie 43 (close to the skiing resort, +358 200-302-00. Nine-hole golf course.

In summertime you may hike on the marked routes around Ounasvaara's forests. Interestingly there are some rocky areas, which are ancient shores from the time of ice age, still visible by these routes. Prepare to face mosquitoes in the forest... From the top of the hill you'll find great views to the forests, hills and swamps outside the city. The city centre is not very easy to see from the top, however a short walk to the Belvedere viewing tower provides an excellent panorama.

In summer there is a small sand beach next to the camping area on the Ounasvaara side of the Kemijoki. Swimming close to the shore is safe but because of the dangerously strong stream, do not even consider to swim across the river!

There are a few places that offer bicycle rentals in town, including Hostel Cafe Koti and the Lauri guesthouse. The Tourist Information Center can provide up-to-date information.

• Arctic Circle National Hiking Area. Hiking area with much infrastructure, such as lean-to shelters. There are three trail heads with parking areas. Coaches to Kemijärvi or Sodankylä stop at Lake Vikajärvi, near one of them. Two nature trails (200 m and 1.5 km) are suitable for wheelchairs and prams, the longer with assistance or motor. There are also longer or more demanding nature trails, as well as marked hiking trails, the longest, Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail of 12 km each way, requiring some hiking skills, suitable footwear and possibly equipment for an overnight stay.
• Kalliosalmi–Olkkajärvi canoe route. 64 km canoe route. The last 23 km section, through the Arctic Circle hiking area, is the most demanding. Earlier on the route services are scarce.

• Santa Claus Marathon. Travel sport event in June
• Jutajaiset. An about one-week-long international folklore festival arranged in July.

Santa Claus Marathon. Travel sport event in June

Jutajaiset. An about one-week-long international folklore festival arranged in July.

Lapland Safaris, Koskikatu 1 (On the west bank of the river, next to Hotel Pohjanhovi, +358 16 331-1200.

Unique Lapland, Koskikatu 14, +358 500-599-999. Produces program services, rents and sells snowmobiles, roadsters, and ATVs, organizes events, concerts, training and coaching and sells high quality outdoor clothing.

Ounasvaara winter sports resort, Taunontie 14, +358 44-7642-830. Located on the large hill Ounasvaara couple of kilometres from the centre.

Santa Claus Golf, Golfkentäntie 43 (close to the skiing resort, +358 200-302-00. Nine-hole golf course.

Arctic Circle National Hiking Area. Hiking area with much infrastructure, such as lean-to shelters. There are three trail heads with parking areas. Coaches to Kemijärvi or Sodankylä stop at Lake Vikajärvi, near one of them. Two nature trails (200 m and 1.5 km) are suitable for wheelchairs and prams, the longer with assistance or motor. There are also longer or more demanding nature trails, as well as marked hiking trails, the longest, Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail of 12 km each way, requiring some hiking skills, suitable footwear and possibly equipment for an overnight stay.

Kalliosalmi–Olkkajärvi canoe route. 64 km canoe route. The last 23 km section, through the Arctic Circle hiking area, is the most demanding. Earlier on the route services are scarce.

• Sampokeskus. Shopping centre, main entrance on Lordi Square
• Rinteenkulma. Shopping centre, main entrance next to Scandic hotel
• Revontuli. Shopping centre, next to Rinteenkulma, main entrance above highway E75
• Marttiini factory outlet. Offers the famous knives.

Sampokeskus. Shopping centre, main entrance on Lordi Square

Rinteenkulma. Shopping centre, main entrance next to Scandic hotel

Revontuli. Shopping centre, next to Rinteenkulma, main entrance above highway E75

Marttiini factory outlet. Offers the famous knives.

A traditional meal is sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys), consisting of reindeer meat cut in slices and stewed on a frying pan with butter and water. A "bowl" of mashed potatoes is made on the plate and filled with stewed meat. This is garnished with lingonberry jam and slices of pickled cucumber. It's worth trying out once at least - you should be able to find this dish in most restaurants around town.

University canteens offer cheap alternatives (€2.50–5 per meal for students, subsidized by the state; €7 for guests), but the meals are served only around noon.

• Rotko. University canteen opposite the railway station.
• Railway station restaurant. The restaurant at the railway station is not bad or expensive either. Ask for student pizzas.
• Golden Rax Pizza Buffet. Self-service all-you-can-eat-and-drink pizzas, chicken wings, lasagne etc.
• Ciao Ciao, Maakuntakatu 29 (Behind Lordi's Square. Serves good kebab & pizza. Try the kebab roll! (Rullakebab).
• Meidän Kebab, Koskikatu 9.
• Haruno Pizza & Kebab, Korkalonkatu 27.
• McDonalds, Poromiehentie 3. Open 24 hr. Supposed to be the world's northernmost McD, but that's wrong as McD in Murmansk (Russia) is more north.
• Curry Masala, Valtakatu 33, +358 44 2376113. M-Th 11:00-22:00, F 11:00-23:00, Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 12:00-21:00. Indian and Nepalese restaurant with a good range of meat and vegetarian dishes. Very good value buffet M-Th lunchtime for €9.50, including soup, coffee and mangolassi.
• Torikeidas, Lapinkävijäntie 3 (Near Kauppatori, across from the bus station. From mid-morning to very, very late. Grill.

On the main central square (former Sampoaukio, now Lordi aukio) there is often a fisherman selling freshly caught and pan-fried vendace (muikku), a small freshwater whitefish.

Rotko. University canteen opposite the railway station.

Railway station restaurant. The restaurant at the railway station is not bad or expensive either. Ask for student pizzas.

Golden Rax Pizza Buffet. Self-service all-you-can-eat-and-drink pizzas, chicken wings, lasagne etc.

Ciao Ciao, Maakuntakatu 29 (Behind Lordi's Square. Serves good kebab & pizza. Try the kebab roll! (Rullakebab).

Meidän Kebab, Koskikatu 9.

Haruno Pizza & Kebab, Korkalonkatu 27.

McDonalds, Poromiehentie 3. Open 24 hr. Supposed to be the world's northernmost McD, but that's wrong as McD in Murmansk (Russia) is more north.

Curry Masala, Valtakatu 33, +358 44 2376113. M-Th 11:00-22:00, F 11:00-23:00, Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 12:00-21:00. Indian and Nepalese restaurant with a good range of meat and vegetarian dishes. Very good value buffet M-Th lunchtime for €9.50, including soup, coffee and mangolassi.

Torikeidas, Lapinkävijäntie 3 (Near Kauppatori, across from the bus station. From mid-morning to very, very late. Grill.

• Fransmanni, Koskikatu 4 (at Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, +358 20 1234695. M-F 11:00-23:00, Sa Su 12:00-23:00. Traditional Lappish dishes, French cooking and one of the best bars in town.
• Cafe Toivo, Rovakatu 14, +358 40 1769969. M-F 07:30-17:00, Sa 10:00-14:00. Excellent baked goods and lunch. Very fresh ingredients and all made on site including baked goods.
• Restaurant Saihu, Toukolantie 49, Hirvas (In the village of Hirvas, opposite the turn to Kalliokumpu, at Hotel Metsähirvas (formerly the Forestry School), +358 400 315 099. Dinner Tue-Sat 16:00-21:00, Breakfast Mon-Fri 07:00-10:00 and Sat-Sun 08:00-11:00. A well-hidden restaurant with comfortable atmosphere and a short but very good menu featuring reindeer, moose, and salmon.

Fransmanni, Koskikatu 4 (at Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, +358 20 1234695. M-F 11:00-23:00, Sa Su 12:00-23:00. Traditional Lappish dishes, French cooking and one of the best bars in town.

Cafe Toivo, Rovakatu 14, +358 40 1769969. M-F 07:30-17:00, Sa 10:00-14:00. Excellent baked goods and lunch. Very fresh ingredients and all made on site including baked goods.

Restaurant Saihu, Toukolantie 49, Hirvas (In the village of Hirvas, opposite the turn to Kalliokumpu, at Hotel Metsähirvas (formerly the Forestry School), +358 400 315 099. Dinner Tue-Sat 16:00-21:00, Breakfast Mon-Fri 07:00-10:00 and Sat-Sun 08:00-11:00. A well-hidden restaurant with comfortable atmosphere and a short but very good menu featuring reindeer, moose, and salmon.

• Doris. Next door to the Restaurant Fransmanni, next to all the safari companies. Fashionable crowd, safari guides, hotel guests and high school students.
• Kahvila Kauppayhtiö, Valtakatu 24 (100 metres from Hotel Santa Claus, +358 16 3422422. Sandwich shop, ice cream, milkshakes, sushi restaurant and bar. Its slogan is "the café where everything is for sale".
• Paha Kurki, Koskikatu 5, +358 16 317 230. Notable rock-ish beerhouse, located opposite to the safari company offices near the river.
• Tivoli, Valtakatu 19 (200 metres from Hotel Santa Claus. Two-room night club popular among students, famous for its Beach Party in February. Occasional live acts. safari guides and a bit more older crowd.
• Zoomit. Café and bar in Hotel Santa Claus

Doris. Next door to the Restaurant Fransmanni, next to all the safari companies. Fashionable crowd, safari guides, hotel guests and high school students.

Kahvila Kauppayhtiö, Valtakatu 24 (100 metres from Hotel Santa Claus, +358 16 3422422. Sandwich shop, ice cream, milkshakes, sushi restaurant and bar. Its slogan is "the café where everything is for sale".

Paha Kurki, Koskikatu 5, +358 16 317 230. Notable rock-ish beerhouse, located opposite to the safari company offices near the river.

Tivoli, Valtakatu 19 (200 metres from Hotel Santa Claus. Two-room night club popular among students, famous for its Beach Party in February. Occasional live acts. safari guides and a bit more older crowd.

Zoomit. Café and bar in Hotel Santa Claus

The Hotel Santa Claus has a laptop in the lobby, meant for guests, where anyone can sit at the computer and use the Internet for free.

There is Internet access via Wi-Fi in the main library, and using their computers is possible but might require a reservation, ask at the desk.

Free Wi-Fi access is available in the 'trendy' coffee shop Kauppayhtiö, and the 'authentic Lapland' Pub Tupsu, and the Arktikum.

• Downhill (and cross-country) skiing from November to April in Levi (near Kittilä), Luosto (near Sodankylä) and Pyhä (near Pelkosenniemi).
• Ranua with an Arctic wildlife park