In addition to an unforgettable encounter with one of the most famous Christmas characters, here are five activities to enjoy in the capital of Lapland.
Christmas, Christmas, white Christmas…. is heard in one of the famous Christmas carols. And there is one place in the world where this song is even more powerful, along with the image of the family festivities: in Finnish Lapland! Exactly in Rovaniemi, where Santa Claus’ permanent residence is located. And if we add northern lights and winter sports to the mix, the adventure is complete.
Así que, si estás planeando un viaje inolvidable en Navidad, la capital de Laponia es un destino ideal para ir en familia y en el que sin duda alguna los niños se convertirán en grandes protagonistas. Here are five plans that can make your visit to Rovaniemi one of your most special moments:
1. Visiting Santa’s house
A visit to Santa Claus Village is a must if you’re travelling to Finland for Christmas. This place known as Santa’s Village is located eight kilometres from the centre of Rovaniemi and although it is open every day of the year, in December the freezing temperatures here provide one of the most wonderful landscapes in the world, with its wooden huts covered in several layers of snow, coloured lights, giant snowmen, white fir trees and Christmas carols immersing visitors in a scene that looks like something out of a fairytale. And right there you can also meet Santa Claus! All you have to do is look for him, either in his red house or in his office, before he flies off in his sleigh.
In addition, in this theme park, in the Post Office, you can see elf postmen at work: there are millions of letters from all the children in the world or, if you prefer, you can send postcards for the whole family or friends. A toy workshop run by elves or a visit to Mrs. Claus’ house are other activities you can do in this space with an authentic Christmas spirit.
- Bonus fact: Entry to meet Santa Claus is free, but if you want to photograph the moment, cameras and phones are forbidden. However, an elf photographer captures your encounter with ‘Santa’ in photos and videos which can then be purchased. Opening times and more information here
2. Inside Santa’s secret cave
In Santa Park, just below the Arctic Circle, and underground, lies Santa’s secret cave deep in the Syväsenvaara slope. Located about 3 km from Santa’s Village and about 5 km from Rovaniemi, you can access the elves’ school through a tunnel that allows you to cross the Arctic Circle line and get your own diploma. You can also enjoy acrobatic shows, meet the ice princess, decorate your own gingerbread biscuit or hop on the magic train and travel through the world of Christmas.
- Bonus fact: Santa Park is open during the winter season. More information about opening times and tickets here
3. Sledging, motorbike, fatbike excursions…
Travelling to Rovaniemi has more than one attraction – there is life beyond Santa. The cold, snow and ice make Lapland the ideal place to get your adrenaline pumping, whether it’s skiing, husky sledding, fat biking through the snow, sliding down the ice slides or why not try ice skating and snow tubing. You can also experience the fun of driving on ice either on a motorbike or in a snow kart. For the more adventurous there is the option of taking a dip in the Koskipuisto Park on the banks of the great Kemijoki River.
- Bonus fact: More information on the different activities here
4. The dance of the Northern Lights!
When an arctic fox hits the snow in the forest it causes the colourful sparks in the sky – the aurora borealis, according to popular belief in Rovaniemi. The reality is more prosaic – it’s a mixture of solar radiation and gases in the atmosphere that causes these lights to dance across the sky, but seeing them is one of nature’s great spectacles. For them to appear at night you need cold, clear skies and darkness with no light pollution, so you need to be far from a city. The Rovaniemi region fulfils all three conditions and is one of the best places in the world to admire the unpredictable spectacle of the so-called northern lights. The best time is from September to the end of March. You just have to be patient and lucky, because you don’t see them every day and they don’t come at the same time every day. And wrap up warm!
- Bonus fact: Aurora Alert Realtime sends you an alert every time the aurora intensity increases. You can see more information here
5. Discover the great Arctic Museum: the Arktikum
To leave Rovaniemi without visiting the Arctic Science Centre, the Arktikum, would be a sin. There is nothing better than this place to learn in detail about the history of the polar region and its ability to survive. For example, the history of Finnish Lapland and the reconstruction of Rovaniemi after the war are on display. You can also see Arctic animals and touch and feel the aurora borealis and freezing temperatures that are part of the exhibition.
- Bonus fact: Find information on opening times and tickets here
Conclusion
Rovaniemi is a must for Christmas lovers and even more so if you want to experience this time of year in an original way. This exceptional and remote destination is the perfect setting for a great adventure with your family, your partner, your friends or your children. But the fairytale Christmas is also the perfect excuse to enjoy other activities such as sleigh rides, elf school and, most importantly, to go in search of the Northern Lights!
