Rovaniemi is the capital Lapland, that forest dense northernmost region of Finland, and is perhaps most famous for its proximity to the Arctic Circle (and the ongoing show of the Northern Lights) – only a mere 8 km north of the city centre! It is situated on the Kemijoki, Finland’s longest river with Ounasvaara, a sizable hill overlooking Rovaniemi to the west. Once completely destroyed in 1944 during German occupation, Rovaniemi has grown to its present day population of 60,000, with some 10,000 students (thanks to two universities in the city). airBalticTravel is pleased to offer you cheap travel packages to Rovaniemi.
Languages
The major language spoken in Rovaniemi is Finnish with Swedish in use, but to a lesser degree. On your city-break, you are likely to find service at the hotels and restaurants in English. All in all, some knowledge of basic Finnish will come in handy, though is not absolutely a must.
See and Do
After World War II, Rovaniemi commisioned the architect Alvar Aalto to rebuild the demolished town. In addition to superb plans for city hall, the Lappia theatre venue and the town library, he contributed to the present layout of Rovaniemi’s streets with the regionally inspired shape of antlers. But that’s the spirit of Rovaniemi today. Here, you can meet jolly old Santa Claus in the town’s own Santa Claus Village to the north of city centre, where tourists join the faithful who flock year on year to meet Kris Kringle, mail a special letter at Santa’s Post Office and enjoy all the fun at Santa’s Amusement Park, nestled underground and out of the Arctic elements. As for other attractions in city centre, the city’s own Rollaattori guide book provides local opinion on what’s worthwhile – and a few insider spots as well. That being said, there are really just a few notables. Be sure to get tickets to the Arktikum Museum and discover life as it was and is throughout the whole of Lapland. Spend an afternoon in the Art Museum, which offers a moderate collection of mainly Finnish modern art or catch an evening concert or show at the Lappia. And if time allows, pass by Jätkänkynttilä bridge, whose always lit lamp on the central pylon has a special significance for Rovaniemi. With its wealth of lakes, forests and Arctic tundra to explore, thousands upon thousands of visitors stop through Rovaniemi on a longer outdoors adventure – or to enjoy some excellent skiing at nearby Ounasvaara. And with 200 chances a year, catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is a captivating reason to visit the heart of Lappland.
