You made it to Rovaniemi!
Great!
To help you get the most out of our town, we have made this pocket guide for summertime holidaymakers.
More holiday tips available from the Tourist Information office
You can find the Rovaniemi Tourist Information office along the pedestrian street at Koskikatu 12. Tel. +358 40 829 0676, www.visitrovaniemi.fi
Experience the following and you can proudly say you´ve seen Rovaniemi
Meet Santa Claus and cross the Arctic Circle at the Santa Claus Village
Learn about the history of Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland
CULTURE
PASS (Arktikum and Korundi) Your ticket to Rovaniemi’s main cultural attractions! With the Pass you can learn about the history of Lapland and Arctic research at Arktikum and get to know Northern contemporary art at Korundi House of Culture. The Culture Pass is personal and valid for seven days. Prices: adult 30 €, students/pensioner 20 €, children (7–17 years) 10 €. Familypass (2 adults +2 children) 65 €. Children under 7 years free. www.culturepass.fi
6. Rovaniemi Local Heritage Museum
Pöykköläntie 4, Pöykkölä (3 km from town). Nineteenth century South Lapland rural romanticism. Quaint summery grounds on the banks of the river. Open 2.6.–31.8. Tue–Sun 11–17, Other times by arrangement. Admission fee: Adults 8 €, children (7–16 years) 5 €. Tel. +358 50 325 2017. www.totto.fi
7. Lordi’s Square At Lordi’s Square, the handprints of the members of Lordi have been immortalised in concrete. Try placing your own hand in the handprint. On sunny afternoons, the Square can get quite warm, but nearby ice cream kiosks offer a perfect way to cool off.
8. Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge One of Finland’s most peculiar bridges, Rovaniemi’s landmark. This bridge spans 323.5 metres and crosses the River Kemijoki in the town centre. The bridge was completed in 1989 to be Finland’s first cable–stayed bridge (resembles a suspension bridge having columns with cables supporting the bridge deck). Right at the top of the pillar is a bright light that depicts a lumberjack’s candle burning day and night.
9. Aalto walking trail Reindeer Antler Town Plan by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. Find the route from the QR code.
EXPERIENCE EVERLASTING
12. Santa Claus Village
Joulumaantie 1. Arctic Circle (66°33’07” northern latitude and 25°50’51” eastern longitude). Santa Claus really does exist! Christmas carols can be heard jingling in the Santa Claus Village even on the hottest days of summer, not to mention bags full of Christmas shopping. Free admission. See opening hours www.santaclausvillage.info
• Santa Claus Office is where you can meet Santa Claus every day of the year. Open daily: 1.-14.6. at 9-17, 15.6.23.8. at 9-18, 24.8.-23.10. at 10-17. www.santaclausoffice.com
• Santa Claus Main Post Office Real post office elves and greeting cards for the whole family. Open 1.6.–31.8. daily 9–18, 1.9.-31.10. daily 10-17. my.posti.fi/en/ santa-claus-main-post-office
DISCOVER THE TOWN’S HIGHLIGHTS
13. Ounasvaara Nature Trail Easy access to wilderness from the city centre. A walking trail of ca. 8 km with 2 campfire shelters and an observation tower. The trail is marked with blue walker signs.
14. Juhannuskallio Midsummer Rock
Ounasvaara is one of the best places to experience the Midnight Sun. The rocky hilltop of Juhannuskallio offers sweeping views and a perfect setting for a midnight picnic, continuing a long tradition of Midsummer celebrations. The brightest Midnight Sun period lasts from 6.6. to 7.7., though the nights remain light well beyond these dates.
15. Ounasvaara Summer Bobsleigh Run, Panoramic Lift and Bike Park
The bobsleigh offers a thrilling ride covering 750 metres, falling 110 metres. The summer bobsleigh run and panoramic lift are open 10.6.–16.8. Wed–Sun at 12–19. Closed when raining. Exceptions: 19.6. at 10 -15, 20.-21.6. closed. Tickets: 14 €/1 run, 45 €/5 runs, 65 €/ 10 runs. For safety reasons all children under 8 years must be accompanied by an adult. The summer chair lift 7€ one way, 14€ up-anddown. The Bike Park features four maintained downhill biking tracks accesible by chairlift. Bike Park tickets: 25€ / 2h, 35€ / day. Ounasvaara Ski Resort, Taunontie 14, Tel. +358 44 764 2830. www.ounasvaara.fi/en/summer/
16. Santa’s Backyard Bike Trails Four short , clearly marked mountain bike trails designed for beginners and young riders, as well as for anyone who enjoys playful riding. Trails run through wooded areas and feature elements such as gentle rollers and mellow turns. www.etiainen.fi/en/cycling
19. Swimming Hall Vesihiisi
The Swimming Hall Vesihiisi offers a wide range of opportunities for different types of water activities. Enjoy the sauna, try the water slide, or relax in the lagoon pool. Open: Mon–Fri 14–19.30, Sat–Sun 11–16.30. (Closed 10.-24.8.). Tickets: adults 8,30 €, children 7–15 years 3 €, children 2–6 years 1,50 €, students/ pensioners 5,20 €. Family ticket (2 ad + 2 children) 18,50€. Tel. +358 16 322 2592.
20. Väki Climbing and Yoga Centre Suosiolantie 5. Try climbing with their 60 diverse routes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber, Väki has something for everyone. Open: 1.6.-2.8. Tue-Fri 14-20, Sat 12-18. Closed 19.-21.6. Other times: Mon-Sun12-20. Price: Single ticket 16€ / adult, 7€ / child (7-14 years). Rental shoes 4€. For more detailed prices, see www.vaki.fi, Also yoga classes by advance booking.
21. Jätkänpuisto Park
While you enjoy a picnic, sunbathe, or play frisbee on the lawn, a statue of a lumberjack, or jätkä in Finnish, is shown debarking a log, its face frozen in a perfect expression of hard work.
22. Koivusaari Nature Trail
The idyllic, lush delta island of the Ounasjoki River features an easy-to-walk 2.5 km trail. It’s well worth wearing rubber boots and departing from Ounaspaviljonki.
23. Arctic Circle Hiking Area 25km from city centre. Ideal for day trips. The versatile nature trails invite visitors to take outdoor exercise for a few hours or all day, exploring the natural or cultural heritage of the area. Hiking Area has also two demanding
destinations/arctic-circle-hiking-area
24. Kirkkolampi Pond Along the walk around the pond, visitors will find an ice cream kiosk as well as ducks, flowers, and environmental art to enjoy.
25. Kirkonjyrhämä Campfire Shelter You don’t always have to head for the depths of the forest if you want to sit by a campfire and fry sausages – these places can be found very close to the town centre. A picturesque riverside route leads the way to the Kirkonjyrhämä campfire shelter.
26. Arctic Garden Located next to Arktikum, this scenic arboretum presents arctic vegetation and Northern plant biotopes.
27. Angry Birds Activity Park At the park children can enjoy themed play inspired by the birds and pigs from the popular Angry Birds franchise, including cable run, ball game areas, and a small running track. SEE THE RIVER
28. Ounaskoski Beach and Restaurant Valdemari Rolling lawn, sandy beach and warm riverside rocks almost in the centre of town. Find a nice place and watch the boats pass by and admire the ever-flowing Kemijoki River. For food, drinks, and live music, head to Valdemari Restaurant by the beach. www.valdemari.fi
31. Riverboat Cruise Following the Log Floating Route
A traditional riverboat takes you along the Ounasjoki and Kemijoki rivers, which once was an important route for transportation of logs by floating. 1.6.–31.8. Mon, Wed at 15.00, Sat at 9.30. Price 48 € /adult, 24 € / child (4-14y.).Min.2 adults, duration 45 min. Book in advance. Lapland Safaris. Lapland Safaris, Koskikatu 1, tel. +358 16 331 1200, www.laplandsafaris.com
32. Tour the Bridges Popular with locals, this cycling and walking tour across Rovaniemi’s bridges offers beautiful river views from several perspectives. The full circuit takes about an hour and includes Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, Suutarinkorva Bridge, and Nelostie Bridge. The Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge, or Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, serves as a striking landmark in Rovaniemi itself.
ADMIRE THE ANIMALS
33. Ranua Resort –Arctic Wildlife Park Rovaniementie 29, Ranua (80 km from Rovaniemi). Animals of the Northern regions from polar bears to reindeer. If you’re looking to take something home with you, there’s Fazer confectionery shop and cute cuddly toys for sale. Open 1.6.–31.8. daily 10–18. Other
SHOPPING CENTRES
International brands, Finnish design and local products.
40. Rinteenkulma Koskikatu 25. www.rinteenkulma.fi 41. Sampokeskus Maakuntakatu 29–31. www.sampokeskus.fi
10. Lauri Handicrafts Pohjolankatu 25. The only historical log farmhouse complex in the city centre with a workshop where you can watch the making of finest local craftsmanship and buy items at factory prices. Shop open: Mon-Fri 10-17. Tel. +358 44 70 600 60. www.laurihouse.com
11. Cemetery of German Soldiers Norvajärvi (18 kilometres from Rovaniemi). The mausoleum is the final resting place for 2,500 German soldiers who fell in the Second World War. The impressive atmosphere is enhanced with the magnificent shadowy forest. Open to the general public 1.5.–30.9.
17. Santasport – Spa Hiihtomajantie 2. The fun of sports and play together for the whole family. The Spa department with its Jacuzzis always has perfect weather for a swim. Spa open Mon-Fri 14-21, Sat-Sun 12-19. Closed 19.6.-12.7. due to maintenance. Tickets: Adults 10 €, children (8-16 years), students and seniors 7€, children (3-7 years) 4,50€. Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) 26€. Tel. +358 20 798 4202. www.santasport.fi
18. Santasport – Adventure Park Huima Hiihtomajantie 4. In the Adventure Park Huima you can enjoy the nature whilst tree climbing –Challenge yourself! Park has 10 different tracks. Adventure Park Huima open 4.6.–9.8. ThuSun at 12-18, 10.–29.8. Sat at 12-18. Closed 18.-21.6. Tickets140cm28€,125–140cm24€, 110–125 cm 15 €. There is also a mini-golf course in the adventure park. Minigolf is open daily at 8-21. Minigolf Tickets: Adult 9€, child 6€, Family ticket 24 €. www.santasport.fi
29. Roiske Summer Activities Centre & Ounaspaviljonki Beach Ounaspaviljonki offers an idyllic sandy beach setting with family-friendly summer activities, including volleyball courts and a playground. Nearby Roiske provides wakeboarding, water skiing, sauna experiences, a floating water park, and dining on the summer terrace. Open:12.6.6.8. daily at 13-21. Reservations & information: www.roiskeelle.fi Tel. +358 40 5022 500.
30. Summer Restaurant Kesärafla Sauna Pallarintie 15. Bathe in the traditional Finnish sauna by the river and enjoy the scenery from the terrace. Enjoy a burger, salad or refreshments in the terrace restaurant. Open: 30.5.–19.6. daily at 15–21, 20.6.–9.8. daily at 12–22, 10.-16.8. daily at 15-21. Fri-Sun 21.-23.8. and 28.-30.8. at 15-21. Price: Sauna payment 5 € (with own towel), towel rent 6 €. Lapland Hotel Ounasvaara Chalets, tel. +358 40 480 1132. www.laplandhotels.com/en/hotels-and-destinations/rovaniemi/lapland-hotels-ounasvaara-chalets/kesarafla-sauna
34. Arctic Circle Husky Park Come and see the life of Huskies at the
Village, enjoy campfire coffee, and explore reindeer life during fascinating info moments every hour. Stay as long as you like — ticket includes unlimited time with the reindeer and our local guides. Pedal gocarts are also available for children. Tickets Adult 19 €, child (3-12 years) 10€. Open 1.6.31.10. daily 10-16. Tel. +358 40 833 9818. www.santaclausreindeer.fi
36. Santa´s Pets Pukinpolku 12, Santa Claus Village. On our yard you can familiarize with our cute reindeer, alpacas and other domestic animals in their daily activities. Also children’s playground and campfire site. Open: daily 11-18. (Fri-Sat 19.-20.6. at 11-15.) Tickets: 10 €/adult, 6€/child (3-15 y.) Tel. +358 40 645 8903. www.santaspets.fi
TASTE THE ARCTIC SUMMER
Rovaniemi has numerous, cozy restaurants, cafés and terraces to suit all tastes. More information: www.visitrovaniemi.fi/summer-terraces-rovaniemi Here are a few worth checking out.
37. Morning Coffee at the Market Square Lapinkävijäntie 5. Eat fresh crepes in the café or just enjoy the local atmosphere.
38. Piparina’s Summer Restaurant Joulumaantie 8, Santa Claus Village. Openfire dishes and summer drinks surrounded by charming gingerbread cabins. You can also enjoy your meal in a private gingerbread cabin. Open: 22.6.-9.8. daily at 11-16. www.piparina.fi/summer-restaurant
39. Savurafla Kotisaari - Smoky BBQ Dishes on a Lush Green Island The Rovaniemi summer is scented with smoke and BBQ delicacies! Savurafla restaurant is situated in
Palojärven Lomakeskus E-fatbikes, SUP boards, water jets. There is also a disc golf park and mini golf in the area. Hoikkaniementie 19 (40 km from Rovaniemi). Tel. +358 40 932 1313, www.palojarvenlomakeskus.com
48. Santa Claus Holiday Village Fatbikes. Tähtikuja 2. www.santaclausholidayvillage.fi
49. Hostel Cafe Koti Bikes. Valtakatu 21. Tel. +358 20 730 4722, www.hostelcafekoti.fi
49. Beyond Arctic Camera gear, Fatbikes. Valtakatu 21. Tel. 050 323 1090. www.beyondarctic.com
