//
Photo: Htm, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
The German Military Cemetery of Rovaniemi is located on lake Norvajärvi, in Finnish Lapland. It is the final resting place of 2,530 German soldiers who died in the Finnish regions of Lapland and Oulu during World War II. It was inaugurated on August 31, 1963 and is managed by the German War Graves Commission. The red granite structure houses a mausoleum as well as a bronze interpretation of the Pieta, depicting a mother holding her fallen son.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
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.
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.
See reindeer up close either at the Arctic Circle or 30 minutes away by car at the farm (pickup at the Joulumaa address).