How To Visit Rovaniemi, Finland’s ‘Home Of Santa Claus’

Why settle for a brief encounter with Santa Claus in a crowded mall when you could visit him in his Arctic homeland, surrounded by snowy forests, cozy log cabins, and maybe even glimpse the magic of the northern lights overhead?

As winter blankets Europe, there's one place that captures the essence of a holiday wonderland—Rovaniemi, Finland.

Straddling the Arctic Circle, this small town is known as the 'hometown of Santa Claus' thanks to its Santa Claus Village, which has drawn travelers from all over the world since its opening in the 1980s.

Whether you're planning to explore the Christmas park or simply immerse yourself in the outdoor lifestyle that has made Finns some of the happiest people in the world, here's how to make the most of your visit to Santa's homeland.

Rovaniemi's Santa Claus Village

Visitors to Rovaniemi step into a world where holiday magic is woven into everyday life. Santa Claus Village , open year-round, is at the heart of this charm.

Here, families can enjoy reindeer sled rides, take part in festive workshops, and, of course, there's the chance to meet Santa himself.

Following this memorable visit, there's an opportunity to buy souvenirs and even to mail postcards and letters from Santa's Post Office, complete with a genuine Arctic Circle postmark.

Unusually for an attraction in Northern Europe, Santa Claus Village is open every day of the year, even on Christmas Day itself. As for whether there will be snow, it usually arrives from as early as late October to as late as early December.

There's no need to worry about a language barrier—Finns speak excellent English, and Rovaniemi's attractions are well-prepared to welcome an international audience.

The village also straddles the latitude line of the Arctic Circle , allowing visitors to cross this bucket-list geographical landmark with a single step. It's a photo opportunity that few miss.

Roosevelt Cottage at Santa Claus Village

Before the attraction existed, Roosevelt Cottage was built in 1950 to honor the visit of Eleanor Roosevelt to Rovaniemi.

Her visit—and her wish to step across the Arctic Circle during her stay—helped spark global interest in Rovaniemi, eventually leading to its development as the "hometown" of Santa Claus.

She decided to visit Rovaniemi in the summer of 1950, so she could see the progress of post-war reconstruction firsthand. During the latter years of the Second World War, more than 90% of the town's buildings were burned by the retreating German army, a pattern that was repeated in many Arctic locations.

The wooden cabin commemorates this pivotal moment, housing exhibits that tell the story of her influence on Rovaniemi's growth .

Today, visitors can visit the cottage, learn about its unique place in local history, and experience the magic that drew Roosevelt to this winter wonderland.

Beyond Santa Claus

Meeting Santa and sending a letter from his iconic post office are festive highlights, but there's much more to discover in the heart of Finnish Lapland.

Snow cover permitting, adventurers can set out on exhilarating snowmobile excursions, embark on husky sledding safaris through snow-covered forests, or unwind in traditional Finnish saunas under starlit skies. The Visit Rovaniemi website is the best place to start your search for a winter activity that suits you.

As night falls, the Arctic landscape often reveals its most breathtaking secret: the northern lights. Although many guided tours are available, you don't need to pay anything to appreciate an aurora display. All you need is a clear, starry sky, and some patience.

For a dose of culture, make time to visit the town's two museums. Arktikum is a science center and museum that covers the nature, culture, and history of Finnish Lapland and its people.

In December 2024, a renewed permanent exhibition Arctic Opposites will offer a more immersive Arctic experience than ever before.

Another science-focused center, Pilke is dedicated to the forests of Arctic Finland. Pilke's gift shop, selling only items that are connected to the forest, is a great place for finding a unique souvenir.

Rovaniemi Travel Tips

Despite its remote Arctic location, Rovaniemi is surprisingly accessible from across Northern Europe. More than half a million people use Rovaniemi Airport every year, making it Finland's second-busiest airport.

There are multiple daily flights from Helsinki, Finland's capital, but there are many seasonal options from farther afield too.

This winter, EasyJet offers direct routes from several UK airports, including Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London, and Manchester, while TUI operates pre-Christmas flights from various cities.

Rovaniemi's diverse accommodations add even more appeal for a winter getaway. Families will love the cozy cabins at Santa Claus Village, set conveniently close to the winter park, while the Arctic Treehouse Hotel offers luxurious, nest-like suites with panoramic treetop views for a more secluded, design-led experience.

For those who dream of winter's pristine beauty paired with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Santa Claus in the Arctic, Rovaniemi is a destination that promises to deliver magic and memories that last well beyond the holiday season.

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