So you've decided to embark on a winter adventure to the magical land of Rovaniemi, nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland! Welcome! But before you pack your bags and hop on a plane, here at Rovaniemi Insider, we want to equip you with some top tips to ensure your Lapland vacation is unforgettable.
Conquering the Cold
- Dress in Layers: Lapland winters are crisp, so pack plenty of warm clothes. Thermal underwear, fleece layers, a waterproof outer jacket, and warm winter boots are essential.
- Don’t Forget the Accessories: Keep your head, hands, and feet toasty with a hat, mittens, and a scarf.
- Embrace the Indoors: After a day of exploring the snowy wonderland, cozy up in a warm restaurant or cafe and enjoy a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
Planning Your Adventure
- Decide which season suits your style the most: The best time to visit Rovaniemi depends on your priorities. Winter offers dazzling snowy landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights, experience the thrill of a fast paced husky ride or enjoy a hot sauna and a cold plunge into a frozen lake, while spring boasts longer daylight hours and comfortable temperatures and still enjoy the snowy landscapes. During summer you can experience the midnight sun, do longer hikes and enjoy the pristine nature that Lapland offers. Autumn offers cheaper prices and the possibility to witness the blazing orange colors as the landscape turns into bright autumn colors. We personally enjoy all the seasons but April and June might be our favorite months.
- Getting Here: Rovaniemi is easily accessible by plane, train, bus or car. Research the best option for you based on your origin and travel style. Traveling by night train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi can be an unforgettable experience by itself and also the most sustainable option. As an additional plus for traveling by train or bus you get to witness a lot more of Finland than by plane! Use VR to book your train rides and Matkahuolto book your bus tickets!
- Book Your Accommodation: From cozy cabins to modern apartments, Rovaniemi offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. I would suggest booking your accommodation early to ensure the best prices and options. We have handpicked our favorite accommodation options to feature on our page so I would highly suggest to start with checking them out here: Accommodation
Making the Most of Your Trip
- Transportation: Public transportation in Rovaniemi is reliable and efficient. Taxis and car rentals are also available for greater flexibility. Most of the tours also provide transportation so you might be ok with just walking.
- Foodie Delights: Don’t just stick to familiar fare! Explore delicious Finnish cuisine, from hearty salmon soup and sautéed reindeer to delicious chocolates and hand picked berries and mushrooms. You can find our top restaurant picks from here.
- Beyond Santa: While Santa Claus Village is a must-see, Rovaniemi offers a wide range of unique activities and we have hand picked the best ones. Here´s few of our top picks! Explore reindeer farms, try ice fishing, or visit the Arktikum museum to learn about Lapland’s fascinating history and culture. To see all of our picks you can visit Activities!
Rovaniemi Insider: Your Local Lapland Experts:
We at Rovaniemi Insider are passionate about sharing the magic of Lapland with visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re a family with young children, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a solo traveler craving adventure, we have the resources and expertise to help you plan your dream vacation.
