DIY Journey Information Itinerary (High Suggestions)
Hei, Rovaniemi!
◘◘ Discover Rovaniemi’s prime highlights
Picture by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising Ltd.)
- Arktikum Seaside: Arktikum Museum is a well-liked attraction in Rovaniemi — however extra on this in a while within the subsequent few days. For right this moment, I recommend that you simply go in entrance of this museum to the hidden backyard that’s on this small island. In addition to, it is a good spot to swim in throughout the midnight solar, if not a fantastic spot to only merely admire the views. It’s even doable to do an extended leisurely stroll by way of a path from this seashore that goes all the best way to the south of town by the Ounasjoki River.
. - Rovaniemi Metropolis Library: Designed by considered one of Finland’s most well-known architects, Alvar Aalto, this metropolis library is a superb place to be in the event you’re a guide lover. However apart from its giant choice of books, you’ll certainly be full of awe at its fantastic design and expanse.
. - Pilke Science Centre: This can be a enjoyable place for guests of all ages because it tells the story of the northern forests and our relationship with them. For sustainable vacationers, you’ll even be completely happy to know that this middle is notable for its low carbon footprint and use of sustainable wooden supplies in its design!
- TIP: Should you’re into tradition, it’s greatest to get the Culture Pass which is good-for-value entry that permits you to go to all the prime 3 museums in Rovaniemi (Arktikum, Korundi, and Pilke). That is legitimate for 7 days and you should buy it from any of the three aforementioned points of interest.
.
- TIP: Should you’re into tradition, it’s greatest to get the Culture Pass which is good-for-value entry that permits you to go to all the prime 3 museums in Rovaniemi (Arktikum, Korundi, and Pilke). That is legitimate for 7 days and you should buy it from any of the three aforementioned points of interest.
- Lordi’s Sq.: Although not one of many placing highlights within the city, resulting from its central location, it’s a fantastic place to be in in the event you’re seeking to do some procuring (e.g. the procuring middle of Sampokeskus) if not some good ol’ eating. Furthermore, in the summertime, this turns into a highly regarded place because it hosts numerous occasions.
- TRIVIA: This sq. was renamed in tribute to the Finnish band that received the Eurovision Music Contest in 2006.
.
- TRIVIA: This sq. was renamed in tribute to the Finnish band that received the Eurovision Music Contest in 2006.
- Rovaniemi Church: Accomplished in 1950, this church isn’t solely picturesque from the skin but additionally from the within. In any case, it has an enormous fresco behind the altar in addition to a grand 45-key organ.
. - Indignant Birds Exercise Park: I wager you didn’t know that Indignant Birds was made by a Finn! On account of its large recognition worldwide, yow will discover an official park for it proper right here in Rovaniemi. Irrespective of if in case you have youngsters or not, it is a enjoyable place to take pleasure in some ropewalks, slides, swings, ball video games, and extra!
. - Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge: Additionally known as Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, this 320-meter bridge connects Ounasvaara to the city middle and it’s a fantastic factor to see at Rovaniemi in summer season. This iconic construction which is an simply recognizable landmark of Rovaniemi’s cityscape takes its identify and form from a kind of torch log that’s carved from wooden by lumberjacks. The best strategy to take pleasure in this bridge apart from driving or biking by it’s to stroll in direction of the riverside from the middle. In just some minutes, you will note the bridge simply — as soon as there, don’t neglect to take some good photographs!
◘◘ Enterprise out to Ounasvaara
Picture by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising Ltd.)
This can be a beautiful hilltop that’s only a 15-minute stroll away from town, which you’ll attain by merely passing by the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge. It won’t be the most important nor the best, nevertheless it’s an area favourite for its intensive community of nature trails you could run, stroll or bike by.
◘◘ Expertise a novel floating expertise
Picture by Safartica
One of the widespread actions in Rovaniemi these days is ice floating whereby you merely float round a frozen lake with only a thermal wetsuit on. It turns into extra of a magical factor when there are some Northern Lights up excessive to see.
However don’t fret, even when it’s in the summertime, this is among the nice issues to do in Rovaniemi! I went by this expertise myself and it was so stress-free to drift within the water with simply the sound of Lappish nature surrounding me. Now, this may sound harmful to you, nevertheless it isn’t! In addition to, an expert information will likely be with you all the time — to not point out that it’s fairly straightforward to do.
Should you’re in search of the most effective tour supplier for this, I extremely suggest reserving with Safartica. Not solely was the information a pleasure to be with however the expertise additionally ends with some heat drinks and snacks by the fireplace.
DINING OPTION: Restaurant Nili is an genuine Lappish restaurant within the coronary heart of town and also you’ll be assured that all the pieces is created from the freshest Arctic components. As you take pleasure in these delights, you’ll even be surrounded by real Lappish furnishings and supplies — a really Finnish expertise! To not point out, this has been as soon as chosen as the most effective ‘Style of Finland’ restaurant in addition to among the best eating locations on TripAdvisor.
.
SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you’ve got extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or in the event you merely need another decisions, contemplate the next:
– With Safartica
Do some Arctic Survival: Be part of a special occasion journey to the forest the place you possibly can learn to survive within the wild as they educate you the right way to construct an emergency shelter, make hearth with out matches and a lot extra.
Do berry selecting: Lapland’s forests are recognized for its wealthy wild berries! To search out the most effective spots, you possibly can undergo the forest with an area and decide up some contemporary superfoods which might be pure from the bottom.
.
– With Happy Fox
Do a canoe journey: Get pleasure from a leisurely canoe journey alongside the Ounasjoki river as you admire lovely views and sights wild animals.
Benefit from the year-round Christmas Spirit
◘◘ Go to Santa Claus Village!
Are you seeking to meet the actual Santa? Effectively, you’ve come to the suitable place! Irrespective of your age, Rovaniemi is the place to be given that it’s the Official Hometown of Santa Claus — and as a magical latitude village that’s filled with enjoyable, beneath are a number of the actions that you are able to do…
- Meet “the person” himself: It’s FREE to satisfy Santa Claus and the one time you’ll shell out some cash is if you wish to pay for photographs. Now right here’s the factor: I is likely to be a grown-up however for some motive, I felt so giddy and nervous after I was going to satisfy him — however all these nerves went away after I met him! He was so heat and enjoyable to speak to, irrespective of the bizarre questions that I ask (lol). He even helped me perceive some extra of the Finnish tradition! The most effective half? Visiting throughout the summer season will certainly offer you extra time to speak to him as a result of the gang is lots lesser. In fact, visiting him in December is good however you’ll have a while to barter your standing on his ‘naughty record’ in the event you’re right here throughout off-season.
. - Cross over the Arctic Circle: The Arctic Circle’s latitude (66°33′45.9′) crosses by the Santa Claus Village and this spot is correctly marked on the middle of the sq. with an enormous line. With that mentioned, just be sure you get a great commemoration photograph for this!
. - Ship postcards from Santa Claus’ Predominant Publish Workplace: That is an official Finnish publish workplace service station and it’s specifically made for the Santa Claus Village. Except for sending postcards to your loved ones and associates, you can even speak to the elves right here and ask extra about their line of labor. By them, I realized that I can even ship postcards or request a letter from Santa that will likely be scheduled for sending throughout the Christmas season; so even in the event you’re right here in the summertime, the elves have all of it coated for you! Moreover, as I went by the shop inspecting souvenirs, I additionally noticed some attention-grabbing statistics concerning the quantity of people that ship Santa letters.
- NOTE: It’s doable on your youngsters to ship letters to Santa Claus and at instances, he even replies! (Tackle: Santa Claus, Santa Claus’ Predominant Publish Workplace, Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland)
◘◘ Meet Santa’s reindeer!
Discovered simply behind Santa Claus’ Workplace is a Reindeer Park and for simply €5, you possibly can pet, feed and mingle with these mild animals for so long as you need! This opens from the early summer season to the start of autumn so it’s greatest that you simply preserve this in thoughts on your Rovaniemi itinerary.
Should you ask me, I certain had a swell time right here whereby from the second I got here by the door, a child reindeer came to visit to greet me — it was so heart-warming! And sure, I took my candy time taking photographs and selfies with them.
Now, one other beauty of visiting this park is the guides as a result of apart from the truth that they offer out attention-grabbing information concerning the reindeer, they’re additionally very happy to entertain your questions. As an example, it’s by them that I realized how reindeer mainly quantity greater than the Lappish individuals! I additionally acquired to know the method of how reindeer lose their antlers and a lot extra.
◘◘ Go river rafting
For Rovaniemi in summer season, join with Santa’s Adventures to expertise fast-falling rapids! Held within the rafting space of Vikajärvi close to Rovaniemi, that is positively among the best methods to take pleasure in Finnish nature to its fullest!
Relaxation assured, although that is thrilling, it’s a completely protected exercise to get your adrenaline flowing. The icing on the cake? As soon as the journey is completed, you possibly can sit down and have some heat drinks and grilled sausages by an open hearth. So collect your loved ones and associates for this exercise — if not, doing it solo is ok too because you’re sure to satisfy equal-minded individuals who like your kind of enjoyable!
DINING OPTION: Except for being an exquisite lodging place, Cafe & Bar KOTI is a superb spot to dine in not just for a snack however for a meal too. They’ve a every day lunch particular or salad buffet you could attempt — in any other case, they’ve a la carte dishes so that you can take pleasure in. In different instances, their espresso is a should as it’s created from freshly floor beans. Pair it off with some pulla (Finnish candy bread) and also you’re solved! (If pulla isn’t your factor, additionally they haver different baked pastries accessible).
.
SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you’ve got extra time or in the event you merely need another decisions, contemplate the next:
– With Arctic Joy
Do a canyon tour: Accomplished as a day journey, that is executed in Korouoma’s 100-meter rocky partitions and serpentine river, and as you do that in the summertime, you’ll get to benefit from the canyon’s distinctive flora and nature.
.
– With SantaPark Arctic World
Go to one other Santa Claus park: Separate from the Santa Claus Village, it is a paid park the place you possibly can take pleasure in numerous actions in any season with your loved ones. In the summertime you are able to do issues like going by a Santa Claus’ Helper Course, using the Magic Prepare, becoming a member of Elf College, visiting the Ice Princess and plenty of others. (Sure, you can even meet Santa Claus right here!)
A day for Arctic animals
◘◘ Do an moral husky kennel go to
I’m in love with canine and I like huskies probably the most! Since Rovaniemi’s sled canine excursions are insanely widespread, I had the prospect to go to a good husky kennel middle close to town and it was known as Bearhill. I can completely suggest them as a result of they put the well being of the canine before everything whereas being a contemporary eco-friendly institution as effectively.
And in the event you ask me, late summer season is definitely a good time to go to Bearhill as a result of you possibly can witness how the canine are educated and ready for the approaching winter. You may even meet all of the new child husky puppies which might be being taken care of.
Throughout my go to with them at Rovaniemi in summer season, I had the prospect to participate of their canine group coaching* as I rode a husky cart myself, and it was SO a lot enjoyable! To not point out, that I additionally helped give a number of lovely puppies their every day train within the woods. Naturally, I used to be in canine heaven all all through my expertise! (And sure, I took loads of canine selfies. In fact.)
NOTE: Since huskies can not do strenuous actions when temperatures are larger than 15 levels Celsius, driving a husky cart for 30 to 40 minutes is climate dependent.
◘◘ Get pleasure from a riverboat cruise to a reindeer farm after which do a ceremonial Arctic Circle crossing
Picture by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising Ltd.)
This can be a distinctive expertise that you are able to do with Lapland Safaris. The very first thing that you simply do on this tour is to journey a wood riverboat as you undergo serene landscapes to expertise the summer season of the Arctic.
When you attain the reindeer farm, you’ll take part in a standard ceremonial crossing of the Arctic Circle which makes for a memorable expertise — I received’t spoil the enjoyable nevertheless it was fairly attention-grabbing! When that is executed, you’ll lastly get to satisfy the majestic reindeer that they’re maintaining on the farm as you feed them up shut.
Earlier than doing one final river cruise (again to town middle) that marks the tip of the tour, additionally, you will get to take pleasure in some drinks and snacks in a standard Finnish dwelling. The guides that they’ve are additionally approachable and pleasant, and they’ll share with you some nice trivia about Finland and common; in any other case, don’t be afraid to ask some questions!
DINING OPTION: Cafe & Bar 21 is arguably the good place to dine in particularly with their distinctive dishes and candy waffles you could order all day! If there’s one factor that you have to attempt, it will likely be their Lapas Plate (Lappish Tapas)!
.
SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you’ve got extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or in the event you merely need another decisions, contemplate the next:
– SnowCastle: This can be a excellent place to go to if in case you have a automobile. Situated in Kemi, which is 80km south of Rovaniemi (which can take about an hour by automobile or bus), is SnowCastle. Principally, it is among the greatest ice buildings on this planet and past its beautiful faux-drawbridges, ramparts, and ice watchtowers is its well-known SnowRestaurant. Should you book online, you possibly can sit on a fur-topped tree stump and desk manufactured from strong ice, as you take pleasure in an incredible 3-course dinner!
.
– Ranua Wildlife Park: Additionally present in Kemi, this zoo affords its guests the chance to watch Arctic animals all all year long in a pure atmosphere for as a lot as doable.
TIP: Reserve your tickets and be a part of a Ranua guided tour to keep away from the effort of driving right here by your self. In addition to, this tour begins from Rovaniemi with a cease to Ranua Wildlife Park and lasting for under half a day.
.
– With Arctic Nature: Do horse path using ~ Participate on this 2-hour horse journey by a phenomenal forest, round some fields and up the hills. To mark the tip of the tour, campfire lunch will even be served.
.
– With Nortsav: Do boat fishing ~ Expertise a guided boat fishing tour on the rivers of Kemijoki and Ounasjoki. Should you get some catch, it’s completely doable to arrange and smoke them! (This tour already consists of fishing gear and fishing licenses).
Take pleasure in tradition and science
◘◘ Tour Arktikum Museum and Korundi
Picture by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising Ltd.)
When you’ve made your go to to Pilke, contemplate making a go to to those different prime museums in Rovaniemi…
- Arktikum: Should you solely have the time to go to one museum throughout your keep, then a cease by Arktikum is your best option you could make! In any case, this world-class museum has various exhibitions that may lead you on an journey to find extra concerning the tradition and historical past of Finnish Lapland, in addition to the details concerning the Arctic area.
- One other side to like about Arktikum is its design through which it boasts a 172-meter lengthy glass tuber over its primary house. On account of its picturesque aesthetic, it is a favourite spot amongst photographers and Instagrammers. It’s additionally fairly a sight from the skin too through which you will note the museum wanting as if it’s buried within the earth — a fantastic design that mimics the best way Arctic animals hibernate throughout the winter time.
- TICKETS: E-book online
.
- Tradition Home Korundi: This contemporary construction holds 2 artwork establishments, particularly the…
- Chamber Orchestra of Lapland: The multi-purpose live performance corridor has 340 seats and there are numerous occasions held right here, from concert events to conferences.
- Rovaniemi Artwork Museum: Options Finnish fashionable and advantageous artwork from the Forties as much as the current.
- TICKETS: E-book online
.
TIP: It’s greatest to get the Culture Pass which is a good-for-value entry that permits you to go to all the prime 3 museums in Rovaniemi (Arktikum, Korundi, and Pilke). That is legitimate for 7 days and you should buy it from any of the three aforementioned points of interest.
◘◘ Do a night images tour (perhaps spot some Northern Lights!)
Picture by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising Ltd.)
If you wish to discover the most effective areas round Rovaniemi to expertise and {photograph} the distinctive nature of Lapland, then a images tour with Beyond Arctic is a should!
In case you are fortunate you may even see the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) particularly in the event you time your go to across the finish of August — in any case, it’s the time after they begin to present. If you wish to be up to date on the forecasts, you possibly can obtain this app.
TRIVIA: Finnish individuals used to assume that the flick of a fox’s tail by a snowdrift brought about the looks of the Northern Lights!
MEAL OPTIONS: Go over to Frans & Cherie Restaurant, a French bistro that additionally serves a number of native Lappish dishes reminiscent of leipäjuusto or Finnish squeaky cheese which is considered one of my favorites! That is greatest eaten heat, in my view. (And sure, because the identify suggests, it does have a particular texture which makes some kind of ‘squeaky’ sound when chewed).
.
SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you’ve got extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or in the event you merely need another decisions, contemplate the next:
– Do different Aurora Borealis excursions: As an example, Arctic Lifestyle affords this type of tour on jet skis whereas Lapland Welcome does it with an ATV.
– Do climbing or biking: Go on a day journey on a nature path resulting in the 16-meter waterfalls of Auttiköngäs that’s primarily open in the summertime. This can be a forested canyon that’s a part of the Northern Finland’s old-growth forest safety program so that you’re actually going to see some wealthy fauna and flora!
Immerse your self in Rovaniemi’s nature
◘◘ Check out fatbiking!
Fats bikes are nice to make use of within the winter — nevertheless it’s a enjoyable journey to do in the summertime too! I did fats biking with Roll Outdoors in the summertime by the close by woods of Rovaniemi and it was one of the vital enjoyable actions that I did throughout my keep. Throughout our time out, I additionally had the prospect to take pleasure in some views from up excessive in addition to some berry selecting.
NOTE: You may select from both a guide or digital fats bike. Helmets are supplied and you can even strap in a GoPro on it if you wish to.
◘◘ Meet an area artisan and do a workshop
Picture by ©Go to Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Advertising Ltd.)
Head on over to Hornwork to go to the artisan workshop and residential of Mrs. Irene & Mr. Ari Kangasniemi. With them, you will get a deeper understanding of the native way of life, in addition to have the prospect to make your personal souvenirs.
Fact be instructed, there are lengthy traditions of arts and handicrafts from native supplies like wooden and reindeer antlers in Lapland and that is one of the simplest ways to be taught extra about it!
◘◘ Expertise an genuine Finnish sauna
Stress-free in a Finnish sauna is a should to do whenever you’re in Finland! Positive, Tampere stands out as the sauna capital however there are many sauna locations in Rovaniemi the place you can begin. In any case, a Finnish sauna expertise is on the core of each Finnish individual’s way of life and tradition, so why not give it a attempt too?
So the place to do it? Most probably, your resort will have already got a sauna middle on its premises — if not, ask them about it they usually’ll certainly level you in the suitable path. In any other case, right here’s a listing of some nice sauna experiences on this page.
~ Wanna know some how-to’s, suggestions and issues to do in a Finnish Sauna? Learn right here.
MEAL OPTIONS: Amarillo will not be an genuine Lappish restaurant nevertheless it’s a preferred Mexican-style restaurant that’s certain to fulfill your cravings!
.
SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: When you’ve got extra time throughout Rovaniemi in summer season or in the event you merely need another decisions, contemplate the next:
– With Helios Tour: Up on Lampivaara hill is an amethyst mine and every customer can dig up their very own fortunate quartz that may slot in one fist.
– With Happy Fox: How about some gold? With Joyful Fox you possibly can be a part of a tour the place you possibly can expertise gold panning together with a ship journey.