2. Rovaniemi (Lapland)

City and Wildlife

Known as the “official” hometown of Santa Claus. Families and Christmas lovers can visit the Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa himself and send postcards with a unique Arctic postmark from Santa's Main Post Office.

Rovaniemi also offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature lovers, explores, and families. Witness the graceful Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon that paints the night sky.  With extreme daylight conditions during summer. The region stays in daylight 24-hour, while winter brings the mystical Polar Night (Kaamos), where the sun barely rises, and the world is cloaked in a deep blue twilight.

Polar Night (December to January): While the days are short, the long hours of twilight create an otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for a cozy winter experiences.

During the winter seasons there are a variety of exciting snow-based activities:

• Husky sledding

• Snowmobiling,

• Ice fishing and snowshoeing

• Interact with the region’s iconic reindeer through reindeer safaris and farm visits.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or looking for relaxed ways to explore the snowy landscape, there’s something for everyone.

Learn about Sámi the indigenous people of the Arctic region. Travelers can engage with their traditional way of life, including reindeer herding, handicrafts, music, and cuisine.

From here Rovaniemi visitors can travel further north to experience more remote and pristine natural landscapes, including the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, the Saariselkä region, and the famous Kemi Snow Castle.