Winters in Rovaniemi
We want to share for travelers and our Booking/Airbnb customers what we have personally loved doing during winters in Rovaniemi.
In this blog you will also find answers to the most common questions that our customers ask us.
Rovaniemi - The Official Hometown Of Santa Claus
For us, Rovaniemi is much more than just a city – it’s home, where we’ve experienced the best parts of a Lappish winter. Even though we’re now traveling the world, winters in Rovaniemi have given us countless amazing and magical moments. In this blog post, we want to share what we have personally loved doing during winters in Rovaniemi and what we recommend to those who want to experience the magic of Lapland. We hope these tips inspire your own winter adventure! Additionally, we’ve created this guide for our Airbnb guests in Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi is easy to reach. The international airport is located approximately 9 km from the center. In winter, Rovaniemi has good air connections, and you can check flights here.
Rovaniemi’s Winter Companions – Reindeer and Huskies
Reindeer and huskies are inseparable from Lapland’s winter, and Rovaniemi offers many opportunities to experience these animals up close. We’ve enjoyed both reindeer safaris and husky sledding, and these activities are highly recommended for winter visitors. A reindeer safari lets you relax as a reindeer pulls your sled through snow-covered forests, while husky sledding is a more thrilling adventure, with the dogs’ excitement and strength propelling the sled through the white wilderness. These activities are easy to arrange in this guided tour.
Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing – Perfect for a Winter Day in Rovaniemi
One of favorite ways to spend a winter day in Rovaniemi has been by combining snowmobiling and ice fishing. Snowmobiling allows you to explore the winter landscape and reach more remote lakes, where we can enjoy ice fishing. Ice fishing in Lapland’s winter is meditative – sitting on the ice lets you savor the silence of nature and wait for a fish to bite. In winter, you can rent a snowmobile or join a guided safari from Rovaniemi’s center.
Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle – A Must-Visit in Winter
Santa Claus Village is Rovaniemi’s most famous attraction, and for good reason! You can meet Santa year-round, but winter adds an extra layer of magic with snow, Christmas lights, and holiday cheer in the air. Spend the day exploring the wonders of Christmas, local craft shops, and Lappish delicacies. A guided tour to Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle is a great way to make the day even more memorable.
Finnish Sauna and Ice Swimming – A Unique Experience in Rovaniemi
Sauna and ice swimming are essential parts of Finnish winter. Known for their health benefits, they’re also an unforgettable experience. When we’re in Rovaniemi in winter, we go ice swimming every week. You can easily try it during your stay.
Experiences Outside Rovaniemi
Ranua Wildlife Park – Northernmost Zoo in the World
Ranua Wildlife Park, about an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi, offers a unique opportunity to see Arctic animals up close in wintery surroundings. Home to over 50 animal species, including polar bears, lynxes, wolves, and arctic foxes, it’s a great day trip for families and nature enthusiasts.
Icebreaker Cruise – A Winter Adventure
For an extraordinary experience, take a day trip to the coast for an Icebreaker Cruise. Sail through the frozen Gulf of Bothnian on a massive icebreaker, and if you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in the icy waters in a survival suit. This thrilling and educational cruise is a highlight for those wanting to experience the Arctic waters.
Useful Tips and Links for a Winter Trip to Rovaniemi
We hope this guide helps you enjoy Rovaniemi as much as we do. Winter in Rovaniemi is full of experiences you won’t find anywhere else. We hope these tips inspire you to come and enjoy the magical winter of Lapland!We have collected useful information for those staying in our apartment.
Rovaniemi’s compact center makes walking convenient, but local buses cover key tourist spots like Santa Claus Village. Taxis and are also available, with easy access to and from anywhere.
Airport transfers are straightforward as well, with taxis providing easy access to and from Rovaniemi Airport, about 10 minutes from the city center. Rovaniemi airport is small and at peak times you may have to queue for a taxi. We personally prefer private transfer when traveling, even though it is a bit more expensive. In addition, this bus runs between the city center and the airport.
If you need mobile data, a Finnish eSIM card can be purchased online easily.
For laundry (24 Pesula), there’s a self-service laundromat inside Minimani “shopping center”, a convenient stop for travelers. You can find the location of the self-service laundromat in this link. Lampelankatu 3, Minimani, 96100 Rovaniemi, Suomi
Here are the links:
- Watching the Northern Lights Under the Lapland Sky
- Reindeer and Huskies – Rovaniemi’s Winter Companions
- Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing – Perfect for a Winter Day in Rovaniemi
- Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle – A Must-Visit in Winter
- Finnish Sauna and Ice Swimming – A Unique Experience in Rovaniemi
- Ranua Wildlife ParkRanua Wildlife Park – Northernmost Zoo in the World
- Icebreaker Cruise – A Winter Adventure
- Ice Floating in Lapland With Northern Lights
- Korouoma Canyon and Frozen Waterfalls Tour
- Hiking and Snowshoeing Adventure in Lapland
Unfortunately, there is often another customer in the apartment. After they leave, the apartment is cleaned. We will do our best to allow you to check in earlier. I will send a message if the apartment is ready earlier than 15:00.
Unfortunately, we don’t have a free parking space. There are parking spaces along the street near the apartment (Ukkoherrantie, Korkalonkatu and Maakuntakatu). You can pay with the EasyPark app or cash.
Use the EasyPark app or pay with cash at the parking meters. Most streets in the city center offer paid parking, so keep your app handy. There is only one parking fee zone in Rovaniemi, the parking fee is EUR 2.00 / 1 hour in all paid places and it must be paid on weekdays between 8:00 and 18:00 and on Saturdays between 8:00 and 16:00.
The Sampokeskus shopping center has a parking hall in the heart of the city, providing secure parking in all weather. It’s ideal if you’re planning a day in the city center and want peace of mind about your car. The address of the parking hall is Maakuntakatu 31 A, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland. Location on the map.
Winters in Rovaniemi is beautiful, but temperatures vary each month. Here’s a quick breakdown:
– November: The start of winter, with temperatures around -5°C to -10°C. Snowfall is light, so roads may be icy.
– December to February: Deep winter, with temperatures often reaching -15°C or lower, occasionally dropping below -30°C. It’s essential to dress warmly in layers, especially if you plan to spend long periods outdoors.
– March to April: Late winter and early spring. Temperatures start rising, typically ranging between -10°C and +5°C. Snow cover is still thick, but the days are sunnier.
How to Dress: We recommend warm, layered clothing, thermal underwear, waterproof gloves, hats, and scarves to protect against the wind. Good quality winter boots are a must – they keep your feet warm and provide grip on icy surfaces.
The Tourist Information Center is conveniently located in the city center. Here, you can find maps, brochures, and friendly staff ready to answer any questions you might have about exploring Rovaniemi and the surrounding areas. The Tourist Information address is Koskikatu 12, 96200 Rovaniemi, Suomi. Location on the map
If you need a secure place to store your luggage, Rovaniemi offers various options.
SANTA’S GIFT COMPANY / WINTERENT: Koskikatu 20, Rovaniemi. Location on the map
Open: Daily 9.30-19.00. Price: 5 € / bag. No need to book in advance.
ROVANIEMI INSIDER LUGGAGE STORAGE: Korkalonkatu 36, Rovaniemi. Location on the map
Open 24/7. Online booking here.
Price: 15€ / locker / day. You can fit up to 10 luggage in the same locker.
These are self-serviced lockers. After online booking, you will receive instructions how to access the locker.
Some useful links
Catch up - *Affiliate links
We work remotely as digital nomads and want to offer you the benefits of our partnerships! The affiliate products, services, and partners we represent are marked with an asterisk (*).
Take advantage of our Affiliate-Partners’ great deals, recommendations, and discount codes!