//
City in Lapland, Finland
Photo: Ulla, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Rovaniemi, on the Arctic Circle, is the capital, transport hub and main commercial centre of Lapland, Finland's northernmost province. The city is 2,613 km (1,623 mi) south of the North Pole. It is a highly popular tourist destination and is considered to be the official home town of Santa Claus.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Joulupukin pajakylä
Located right on the old computed place of the Arctic Circle (now computed to be 2 km north), this is a tourist trap if there ever was one – but few tourists can miss the chance to meet Santa Claus. Apart from meeting him, there are other attractions like small-scale sledding hills for kids, the Santa Claus' Main Post Office with special stamps, several souvenir shops, and restaurants. The village also hosts several "safari" companies that organize various activities. During dark times the village has nicely lit ice sculptures.
Underground amusement park within walking distance from Santa Claus Village. Open only during the winter season.
Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Rovaniemi Norvajärvi
This is the final resting place for 2,683 German soldiers who died during the World War II in Lapland. Constructed of large stone blocks and located virtually in the middle of nowhere, it seems to be of interest to some, as there are about 10,000 annual visitors. During autumn one can eat berries on the way. The road to the cemetery is not maintained in winter. No public transportation.
Jätkänkynttilän silta
Accomplished in 1989, the bridge has become one of the most important symbols of Rovaniemi. It runs over the Kemijoki close the northern end of the city centre. The bridge has a high pylon with bright yellow light on top.
Kirkkolammen puisto
Popular park around the Kirkkolampi pond. Over 250 species of subarctic trees and perennials.
One of the best museums and science centres in Finland, focusing on life in the Arctic regions through the ages as well as the Sami culture, history of Finnish Lapland and Rovaniemi city. The museum shop has books, postcards, delicacies and jewellery. Sami music and some books in Sami languages. Lockers available. The building is actually quite cold in winter time. Lunch restaurant with student discount. In summer, don't forget to take a look at the arctic arboretum along the river bank. Visiting the arboretum is free of charge.
The arboretum is about 7 hectares in size and on the southern bank of the Ounas river behind the Arktikum Science Centre. It showcases plant species which survive in the local conditions, with an emphasis on varieties of trees. Because of its location, the midnight sun shines nicely on the park's shore in the summer. In the winter, it is a reasonable place to look for northern lights.
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. The museum shop and information has various interior design items made of wood. Maps and other information about nature destinations in Lapland. Tentatively scheduled for closure at the end of 2026, see it while it is still there.
Art, music and other culture events. The art museum collection consists mostly of modern Finnish art. Home of the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland.
Lapin metsämuseo
A fancy museum dedicated to forestry in Lapland from 1870 to the 1970s. The museum consist of old buildings brought here from all around the province, and the collections are inside the buildings. The museum area is also worth visiting. Various items from saws to tractors. The museum holds one of two modified steam locomotives brought to massive loggings in Savukoski in the 1910s (the other one is still in Savukoski). Small café and museum shop. Within walking distance from the Local Heritage Museum.
Rovaniemen kotiseutumuseo
A local history museum. The main building and two outbuildings built in 1840, 14 relocated buildings from the Rovaniemi area. The collections consist of household items, hunting and fishing equipment, and agricultural tools. From the river bank there is a picturesque view to the city centre and the river Kemijoki. Café. Within walking distance (1 km) from the Forestry Museum.
The rebuilding of Rovaniemi after World War II was largely planned by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – particularly its reindeer antler layout. He also designed the Administrative and Cultural Centre which includes the Lappia Hall (theatre, culture and congress centre), the , and the .
Saarenputaan silta
This tiny (just 16 m long) arched bridge, completed in 1925, is the only bridge on the road to the Arctic Ocean that was not destroyed by German soldiers during the Lapland War 1944–1945.
Interesting, if you are into architecture by Alvar Aalto. The Korkalonrinne residential area consist of bright white row houses and apartment buildings in a park-like surroundings. Built 1956–1958 this neighbourhood follows his vision of a 'garden city'. The neighbourhood is also known as Pikku Tapiola (little Tapiola) after the very similar residential area Tapiola in Espoo.
Kauhun Galleria
A horror-themed art gallery by Hanna Pilve.
Built 1950, near the administrative centre. Famous for its considerable large fresco "Spring of the Life" by professor Lennart Segerstråle. The fresco and other wall paintings use elements of Lapland in Biblical context (for example there are no lambs but reindeer). There is a nice arboretum by the pool Kirkkolampi right next to the church.
Rovaniemen apostoli Andreaksen kirkko
A small Orthodox church is on the other side of the Kemijoki river. Built 1957 and dedicated to Saint Apostle Andrew.
Somosen luontokirkko
Unlike many conventional churches, this outdoor place of worship is made of glacial erratic boulders, transforming into a natural church hall with the help of a wooden cross and seat planks. A small bell tower has also been built into the complex.
Sukkulanrakan hiidenkirnut
Fourteen giant's kettles, including three very deep ones, can be found on the Sukulanrakka hill slopes near the island of Rautiosaari. Nature trail with stairs, partly rough. No public transportation.
A 16-m-high waterfall and old-growth forest. Bus stop at the road, parking area 1 km farther. A 50-m steep trail for wheelchairs (assistance needed) to a hut with view to the rapids, a 3.5-km nature trail through varying terrain, with campfire sites; reserve plenty of time.
Häkinvaaran kammi
In the village of Saarenkylä, on the top of Häkinvaara a stone-built kota, in front of which opens an amazing view over the rivers Ounasjoki and Kemijoki.
Small-group tour operator offering Northern Lights excursions, snowmobile safaris, husky tours, reindeer experiences, hiking and national park tours. Tours are available in English, Italian, Chinese, Polish and Spanish (depending on tour type). Some of the tours include long transfers, such as to Kemi, Posio, Ranua or Sodankylä.
See reindeer up close either at the Arctic Circle or 30 minutes away by car at the farm (pickup at the Joulumaa address).
Produces program services, rents and sells snowmobiles, roadsters, and ATVs, organises events, concerts, training and coaching and sells high quality outdoor clothing.
Rovaniemen teatteri
Plays in Finnish. Students get about 50% discount from the ticket price.
Lapin Ylioppilasteatteri
Amateur theatre. Actors are mostly local university students. Performs 3–5 plays each year.
Five screen cinema with Dolby 7.1 sound system and Dolby 3D. Ticket sales in the ground floor, screens in the second floor.
Keskuskenttä
Multi-purpose stadium for football and athletics with official FIFA certification. Home stadium for local football clubs RoPS and FC Santa Claus. Capacity up to 5000 seats with 2800 seats in the covered main stand. Three full-length running tracks and fourth track in front of the main stand. Artificial turf with under-soil heating. Popular outdoor gym. The stadium is free to use for anyone during daytime, when not in use for events.
Kotatievan talvipuisto
An outdoor park for spending an active day. Mostly known for a 500 meters long ice skating track. Available from December to March.
Mäntyvaaran ravirata
A harness racing track.
Downhill skiing on 13 slopes, snow park for snowboarders. Separate forest skiing area with unmaintained slopes. 100 km of cross-country skiing tracks. Trekking and MTB available at the summer. Disc golf course.
Leisure and well-being activities from bowling to spa and from massaging to outdoor fun. Disc golf course. Santasport is a vocational school for sports and an internationally acknowledged training centre for professional athletes.
An 18-hole summer golf course and 9-hole winter golf course. Driving range and practice area. Golf club with a restaurant.
A motor park with 750-meter-length track.
A paintball field. More information about equipment sales from Santa's Tactical Gear.
Established autumn 2024. An 18-hole disc golf course in the former Hietavaara gravel pit with turf tees and prodigy T3 targets. A mixture of open and wooded terrain. Dog friendly. No water or restrooms.
Ounasvaaran luontopolku
A 4.8-km-long circular nature trail with info plates both in Finnish and English. The starting point is by a parking lot some 600 m uphill from Santasport. Conifer forest, small bogs, awesome views down to the river valley, and two natural springs with ice cold water ready to drink. Try to spot Siberian jays, spotted nutcrackers, reindeer, or elks (of these, reindeer are the most probable). There is a wooden lean-to shelter and fireplace in the far end, close to the springs. The terrain is occasionally difficult and the trail is not suitable for the disabled. The nature trail is part of much larger network of different trails that expand to surrounding forests; be careful with trail markings, especially on the open, rocky area uphill from the shelter. The nature trail is marked with blue patches having a white cone in them.
Ounasvaaran talvikävelyreitti
First of all: it is absolutely forbidden to walk on a skiing track. If you don't have skis but still wish to see how the forest looks like at winter, don't worry. There is a 6-km-long winter walking trail at Ounasvaara hill. The trail partially follows the nature trail but the official starting point is closer to the city centre. You can also enter the trail from Santasport or at Sky Hotel Ounasvaara. The trail visits the viewing tower and its lean-to shelter with campfire place and firewood. Walking the whole trail takes about 3 hours – note sunset time, as the daylight is short during midwinter. The winter walking trail is marked with blue patches with a white walker and a snowflake. Follow them and do not enter the skiing tracks.
Koivusaaren luontopolku
Another nature trail within walking distance from the city centre, on Koivusaari island. The islands at the confluence of rivers Ounasjoki and Kemijoki are protected as a remarkable nesting site for birds. There is a 2.5-km-long nature trail on Koivusaari island, mostly on duckboards as the terrain here might be quite wet. The trail goes around the northern part of the island where the environment is mostly open flood-affected meadow. There is a floating bird watching tower on the trail and the view to the river Ounasjoki from the northern point of the island is awesome. The trail also visits a site where the railway passed the river before World War II. Try to spot some birds and rare plants like Siberian blue lettuce, bluntleaf sandwort or almond-leaved willow on your way. Beware that there are sheep grazing freely on the island! Getting to the trail from the bridge is a bit tricky as you need to go under the bridge first but there are signs. Not suitable for people with disabilities. The trail can not be used during the spring flood (May–early June).
Joulupukin metsä -luontopolku
A nature trail next to the Santa Claus Village. From the Santa's Village you need to walk through the underpass next to the bus stop and there you are. The trail starts with duckboards over a beautiful aapa-type mire (aapa mires are extremely typical for these latitudes) and then continues to nice pine and spruce forests. In the far end there is a park-like planted spruce colony called "Santa's forest". The trail is 1.5 km in one direction and returns the same route. There are wooden stairs as help at the steepest climbs. The trail is not suitable for the disabled.
Wooden bird watching tower by the eutrophic lake Harjulampi, built in 1995. Over 80 bird species have been observed here, of which 32 nest here regularly. Easy to access as the tower is less than 100 m off the street and within walking distance from the centre. There is a sign by the street and the path is easy to walk. Best times to visit are May and August–September.
Popular bird watching tower at a place where river Kemijoki expands into a lush bay, about 10 km off-town. Numerous northern waders and waterfowl. The tower is on the point of peninsula, a 300-m walk from the end of the road, and is not accessible for the disabled. The trail is a bit rugged and the last part of it is on narrow duckboards.
Bird watching tower by river Kemijoki. Numerous different waders; the fauna is most diverse during the migration season: May–June and September–October. The site is easy to access by a car or by bike. From highway 4 turn east on road Niskanperäntie and continue driving until you see the tower on your left. The parking lot is right next to the tower but to enter the tower you need to climb narrow stairs.
The deserted cabin is the former fire guard's hut. The wilderness cabin is log-built, reasonably spacious and gets warm enough to sleep in during the winter (using the stove). In the vicinity of the hut, about half a kilometre away, there is the scenic Kuusilampi, which can be reached by following a hiking trail from the hut. In the hut there is also basic tableware for the use of hikers. An old fire guarding watch tower with a metal frame can be found near the hut. Enquiries: Pilke.
Hiking area with much infrastructure, such as lean-to shelters. There are three trailheads 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.
Siperian puulajipolku
During past decades the Finnish Forest Research Institute planted over 20 different species of economically important tree species to this area to observe how well they grow and survive this climate. There is a 2-km-long circular nature trail through the area. Next to the parking lot there is a day-trip hut and a campfire site at the yard. The place got its name from the Siberian larches. The site is distant and not accessible with public transportation.
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.
Popular sand beach for swimming in the river. Locker rooms and toilets. The current of the river is strong, the safety barrier is there for a reason.
This rather popular beach by a lake doesn't have the problem with strong current but suffers occasionally of swimmer's itch.
Popular sand beach by river Ounasjoki. Playground for children and a beach volley court. Café service in the summer.
Uimahalli Vesihiisi
Swimming hall with indoor and outdoor pools. Gym and massage available. Café.
The spa is suitable for competitive swimmers, water sports enthusiasts and tourists alike. The pool area has a large pool, a children’s pool, hot and cold pools, a hot tub, a hot tub and a massage pool.
Open June-August. Very popular unisex sauna for up to 35 people. Beach volley court and SUP board rental. The terrace restaurant offers drinks and charcoal grilled food. In winter 2024 there is also the WNTR Sauna.
Asemaravintola
The restaurant at the railway station is not bad or too expensive either.
Wings and other finger food.
Weekday lunch special.
Finnish pizza franchising restaurant.
Serves good kebab & pizza. Try the kebab roll!
Excellent self-made döner.
For some reason, vastly oversize pizzas seem to be some thing in Northern Finland. Here you'll find the biggest ones in Rovaniemi.
Pizzas from a wood-burning oven. Kebabs, chicken döner, etc.
Subs.
For over two decades the world's northernmost McD was at Rovaniemi, and perhaps again, as the ones in Arkhangelsk and Murmansk (Russia) are no more McD. In 2024 Rovaniemi McD moved some 1 km southwards and is now located next to Minimani hypermarket a bit outside downtown.
Hamburger chain from Northern Finland.
Main Finnish hamburger chain.
Indian and Nepalese restaurant with a good range of meat and vegetarian dishes. Very good value lunch buffet, including soup, coffee and mangolassi.
Indian restaurant with lunch buffet and à la carte. Indian style reindeer dishes.
Buffet lunch M–F, special buffet Sa. Burgers and salads from the menu.
Lunch restaurant and art café in the lobby of the art museum.
Non-expensive 25-seat street food bar and bistro. Street food lunch in weekdays.
Small lunch café in the middle of town. Full gluten-free lunch, cakes etc. available.
Grill. Perhaps the most famous kebabs in town. The favourite place for Mr. Lordi!
Finnish pizza franchising restaurant.
Lunch buffet.
Very popular pizzeria in Saarenkylä suburb, next to the K-Citymarket. Very tasty pizzas.
Käyrämön keidas
Roadside restaurant. Chinese and European kitchen, sautéed reindeer and hamburgers (also take-away). Wi-Fi. Fuel. Small shop. Accommodation in four rooms (en suite shower and toilet), one of which for families. Camper parking.
Mexican style food, steaks and burgers.
Restaurant of the Scandic hotel. In addition to normal à la carte there is a separate Lapland menu.
Chinese with Lappish tint in some dishes. Also sushi. Lunch buffet M-F.
Traditional Lappish dishes and French cooking à la carte. Fresh mussels every Friday.
Lapland style restaurant. Awarded with the Chaîne de Rôtisseurs shield.
Chinese food.
Small Korean restaurant. Excellent and authentic Korean food.
Asian restaurant specialising in Japanese food. Run and maintained by a Vietnamese-origin chef. Also offers a cooking program (ideal for those staying in the country for a long time).
Sandwich shop, ice cream, milkshakes, hamburger restaurant and bar. Its slogan is "the café where everything is for sale". The Pure Pizza has authentic Neapolitan style pizzas.
Opened in December 2019. The northernmost sushi buffet in Finland, possibly in the world.
Italian pizzeria opened in 2022.
Mexican food. Platters. Burgers, including mega sized ones. Lunch at weekdays.
Bistro food and tapas. Wine bar in the cellar.
Italian style food. Lunch.
Small Vietnamese restaurant. Try their reindeer spring rolls.
A well-hidden restaurant with comfortable atmosphere and a short but very good menu featuring reindeer, moose, and salmon.
Smoked BBQ dishes. Kotisaari has got a lot of fame due to popular four seasons island meme!
Excellent baked goods and lunch. Very fresh ingredients and all made on site including baked goods. The café itself is closed for the time being, but catering is available.
Chicken wings, nachos, wraps, hamburgers, steaks and salads.
Authentic Chinese. Separate menu for Chinese customers (or anyone who can read it). Lunch buffet downstairs.
Highly renowned Nordic-style restaurant. Full menus €44/€56 (+ drinks). Booking a table strongly recommended.
A Lapland themed restaurant specialized on local specialties like arctic char and bear meat.
Another stylish restaurant with northern specialties on their menu.
A legendary restaurant and a bar in even more legendary hotel. Tables by the windows have excellent view to the river. The breakfast buffet is open to everyone.
Cosy restaurant at the Arctic City Hotel. Lapland delicacies on the menu. Best steaks in town.
Panorama restaurant at the very top of Ounasvaara hill.
Russian restaurant.
A fine dining restaurant at the Arctic Circle. Has lately got remarkable attention among gastronomy enthusiasts. Table reservation recommended.
Known as Roippari by the locals. Small nightclub established in 1985 and open every single day of the year. Awarded as the Best Bar in Finland 2016. Karaoke pub in the ground floor, nightclub in the cellar. Age limit 18.
Irish style pub with a cosy nightclub and customers typically over 25 years. The place is often crowded and the line outdoors might get long.
Cheapest and therefore also fairly popular among young locals. Might be surprisingly crowded during the weekend evenings before people head to the nightclubs. Age limit 18.
Café, gelateria, tapas and cocktail bar. Brunch every Sunday.
Sandwich shop, ice cream, milkshakes, hamburger restaurant and bar. Lunch. Its slogan is "the café where everything is for sale". The Pure Pizza has authentic Neapolitan style pizzas.
Rockish bar established in 1991 (but moved thrice since) in the Sampokeskus shopping centre. Entrance from Pekankatu. Occasionally live artists.
Notable rock-ish beerhouse, close to the safari company offices near the river.
Right next to the Paha Kurki. A very small pub without background music. Fancy Rovaniemi themed interior.
A Finnish franchise pub. Age limit 20.
A popular old-time forestry themed pub. Pizzas, salads and hot dogs for food.
A stylish public house established already in 1960. According to famous Rovaniemi-born novellist Jari Tervo "You haven't been in Rovaniemi unless you have been in Pisto". This pub appears in many of Tervo's novels.
Café and trendy cocktail bar in the lobby of Hotel Santa Claus.
A classy (and expensive) cocktail lounge in the Arctic Light Hotel. Their drinks have got a lot of attention among professional bartenders in Finland.
Cosy and fairly typical Finnish pub at the pedestrian street but for some odd reason doesn't seem to attract too much foreigners. Customers are mostly 30-year-old and up locals. Cheaper than many other bars in the centre. Pool table in the cellar. Outdoor terrace in summer.
Small and cosy culture oriented bar opposite to the Student Theatre of Lapland. Occasionally live artists.
A pub populated by middle-aged locals. Karaoke.
Summer terrace and food restaurant for elderly people. Live Finnish bands playing social dance music.
A village pub.
Lapin Panimo
The northernmost brewery of Finland, established in 2016.
Popular and traditional café and confectionary established in 1984. Sweet and savoury cakes and buns.
Probably the northernmost chocolaterie in the World.
Finnish chain café. Popular among the local young.
Small, local bakery and café
Kivitaipaleen kesäkahvila
Summer café.
Camping site (100 places) on the other side of the river with view of the city, c-store, cafeteria, laundry, sauna, playground.
Small camping area opened already in 1972. Cottages by the riverbank in an idyllic and fairly rural landscape. Minimum cottage rental period 6–7 nights during Christmas, 4–5 nights in New Year, and 2–3 nights otherwise. Campers and tents are welcome June–August without minimum stay. Reception open only 15:00–19:00..
This is a very friendly guesthouse located in the immediate vicinity of the railway station. Cross the road from the railway station, directly in front of you is the red-yellowish university building, find a small walking road to your left (facing the building) that goes uphill. Turn left to the bigger road and walk 25 m (80 feet). If you are looking for a warm and hospitable place to stay then this is worth checking out. Shared kitchen. Free WiFi.
Small guesthouse on a silent street near the city centre. Accommodation in 1-3 person rooms with cooking option. Shared toilets and bathrooms. Linen and towels are included. Free Wi-Fi.
Inexpensive, but the reception for this location is off-site; check-in is at the reception of the Hotel Santa Claus at the Lordi's Square. Chinese restaurant in the same building.
Hostel opened in 2016. Rooms, two mixed dorms and one female dorm. Breakfast included. Bar and popular lunch restaurant in the ground floor.
Friendly bed & breakfast. Can arrange tours and activities during your stay.
Motel and cottage village outskirts of the city. Also camping site. Rooms have cooking option. Café.
Hotel in a former forestry school. Husky safaris and forest oriented activities. Their restaurant Saihu has got very good evaluations. The building was built in the 1930s and survived the devastation of the Lapland War.
An inn.
Käyrämön keidas
Accommodation in four rooms is available in connection with the roadside restaurant. The family room has beds for three and the possibility of additional beds, as well as a private bathroom (shower and toilet).
Hotel. Restaurant and a lobby bar.
Two restaurants. Lobby bar.
Mid-priced hotel. Open during the winter season only.
Hotel-like accommodation in cabins.
Small hotel with 47 rooms. Restaurant and lobby bar. Breakfast and evening sauna included. Holiday apartments in separate buildings around the area nearby.
There is a viewing platform on the roof accessible by stairs outdoors. You don't need to be a guest to visit there but the hotel asks a small fee for non-guests. Panorama restaurant.
Ounasvaaran pirtit
Cottages. Breakfast available. Very popular summer restaurant. Public sauna KesäRafla by the river.
Ahosen Lomamökit
Cosy holiday resort on the shores of Lake Vikajärvi.
Holiday resort. Accommodation varies from suite to glass igloos and cottages. Various activities in summer as well as winter. Own restaurant. Car rental service.
Vaattungin Kämppäkartano
Small wilderness resort quite literally in the middle of Arctic Circle Hiking Area by the Vaattunkiköngäs rapids. Extensive marked trail network for hiking. Services include pre-order catering restaurant. Staff present November–April, otherwise this is "cold" site.
Wilderness boutique hotel with husky safaris.
The Aurora Island
Hotel made of snow. Snow sauna, too. Art made of ice and snow. Glass igloos are open for reservation September 20th 2022 – March 31st 2023.
Stylish hotel. Restaurant, bar and café. Interior design shop.
A 14-room boutique hotel. No restaurant. All rooms have their own kitchen and breakfast supplies are included to the price. The building has historical value as it is one of those few that survived World War II.
Famous four-star hotel. Has had visits by presidents and royals, now part of the Scandic chain. Saunas and swimming pool.
Privately owned modern boutique hotel, opened in 2015. Famous for its innovative design. Some rooms in the top floor have roof windows for aurora watching. The building was the city hall until 1988.
Chinese-owned hotel.
A resort village.
Cube-like cottages on the slope of Syväsenvaara hill. All rooms have a large window facing north, so visitors may easily watch northern lights or midnight sun from the rooms. Restaurant and bar in the reception building downhill.
The hotel consists of 71 glass roofed igloo-like cottages, some of which have their own sauna. Restaurant and lobby bar.
Family business hotel with accommodation in igloo-like cottages. The conical shape of the igloos is inspired by the Sami culture. Restaurant.
High quality villa with own sauna, hot tube (extra charge) and a high level of equipment.
A holiday farm with a relaxed atmosphere on the shore of Lake Siika-Kämä. Also glass igloos.
Luxury lakeside resort featuring glass igloos, aurora treehouses, and boutique rooms. Facilities include a wellness spa. Arctic activities available.
An outlet store offers the famous knives in the old knife factory building. The knife factory building itself is one of those few that survived the Lapland War. Marttiini knives are still made in Rovaniemi but the factory is nowadays in the industrial area of the city. There is another outlet store in the Rinteenkulma mall.
Souvenirs and some local delicacies.
Local design from local producers, most of them study or have graduated from the University of Lapland. Selection extends from clothes to sex toys(!).
Traditional gifts and handicrafts manufactured in the same building. The design is inspired by the Sami ancestry of the owner.
Grocery store (K-supermarket), local design shops, souvenir shop, sports equipment. The K-supermarket Rinteenkulma has a wide selection of local delicacies including reindeer meat products.
Several clothing stores and sports equipment stores. Free toilets downstairs.
K-group hypermarket. There are also recycling stations, an Alko store, a flower shop Elrika, a Subway café, and a Hesburger hamburger restaurant in the same building.
Grocery store.
S-group hypermarket near the city's industry area. Notable selection of trekking equipment. Alko store, Pharmacy, and a Hesburger hamburger restaurant in the same building.
Grocery store.
Hypermarket of a small independent Finnish chain, with an ATM, public laundrette, and a Subway café in the same building.
Alcoholic beverages.
A small S-group grocery store. This is the only grocery store in the centre that is open around the clock (as of 2024).
S-group grocery store right next to the university.
Large grocery store.
Small grocery store in residential area. Fuel station across the road. Long distance bus stop to direction Kittilä-Muonio-Enontekiö-Tromsø is 200 metres north, behind the roundabout.
Grocery store in residential area.
Large grocery store and fuel station.
Large S-group grocery store.
Reissumies is a popular pit-stop for many who are heading through Rovaniemi without intention to visit the town itself. Located just off of highway E75 on the southern outskirts of the city at the first traffic light when heading north into the city. Gasoline, a convenience store, café, a lunch restaurant, and a Kotipizza restaurant. Not all services are available at night.
Shell gas station with some restaurant services and even a caravan park.
K-group grocery store. Well-stocked. Mail service.
S-group grocery store in Muurola village. Some non-prescription medicines available.
Grocery store.
Grocery store.
Small grocery store in the northernmost village.
Grocery store.
Grocery store and café. Fuel station.
Grocery store.
By train
Rovaniemi is the terminus of most trains from the south. The line extends only some 80 km further east-north-east, to Kemijärvi.
By bus
Rovaniemi Coach Station is about a kilometre from the city centre, a few hundred metres uphill from the railway station.
By car
Rovaniemi is an important road hub for Finnish Lapland. The most important directions are:
By public transport
Local transportation is provided by city of Rovaniemi and the services are collected under the Linkkari portal. A route planner for local transport is available.
By car
There are several car rental companies operating in Rovaniemi, many of them close to important public transport hubs, if you feel that walking and public transport are too limiting option for you.
By taxi
Taxi services can be rather expensive. Below is a list of some taxi call centres operating in the city. You can ask the staff at your accommodation to call a taxi for you.
By scooter
You can rent electric kick scooters for use in the centre from Finnish Joe Scooter.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Rovaniemi · International · RVN
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Rovaniemi and Finland.
InspirationThe best places to visit in December across sun, snow and culture, comparing Lapland, Chiang Mai, Vienna, Costa Rica and Cape Town.
7 min read
Nature & adventureWhere to see the northern lights in 2026 and 2027 during Solar Cycle 25, comparing weather in Tromsø, Abisko, Fairbanks and Iceland.
7 min read
InspirationDiscover 10 rewarding emerging travel destinations for 2027. Escape crowded tourist hubs and explore quiet spots with rich culture and great food.
8 min read
ItinerariesHighway 4 (Finnish: Valtatie 4, Swedish: Riksväg 4) is by far the longest numbered road in Finland. It stretches 1,295 km (805 mi) from Helsinki to Utsjoki, almost the full length of the country from south to north.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.