Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle: Culture, Rivers and Nature

Rovaniemi is in Finnish Lapland, right on the Arctic Circle, at the confluence of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers. In the city centre, attractions are close together, making it best explored on foot. Arktikum is on the Ounasjoki and within walking distance of the centre. If you want to shape your stay around culture, riverside landscapes or longer nature trails, you can take these differences into account when choosing where to stay.

Riverside Landscapes, Urban Green Spaces and the Seasons

On a small island on the banks of the Ounasjoki, opposite Arktikum, lies the Arctic Garden. The arboretum park covers about seven hectares. It features various plant species and alpine vegetation adapted to the harsh northern climate of Lapland and the Arctic. The garden thus highlights northern plant life and its riverside setting.

There are birdwatching towers in the city area at Harjulampi, Koivusaari and Niskanperä. The Koivusaari Nature Trail is also close to the centre. The shores of Koivusaari, in the Ounasjoki delta, provide shelter for nesting and migrating birds. 135 bird species have been recorded on the delta islands; 90 to 100 of them nested there or were observed during the breeding season.

The options at Arktikum Beach vary with the seasons: in summer, the beach is suitable for picnics and swimming, while in the darker seasons it is a place to watch the Northern Lights. Viewing conditions vary. There are also different activities on the water: river cruises, canoe trips and stand-up paddleboarding are available in central Rovaniemi or within a few minutes’ walk. Availability and options may vary by season and provider.

Museums, Architecture and Culture

Arktikum is a science centre and museum, offering insights into northern nature, culture and history. The Regional Museum of Lapland is also located at Arktikum. Korundi House of Culture is home to the Rovaniemi Art Museum and the Lapland Chamber Orchestra. Art exhibitions, concerts and performances take place there; programmes vary.

Younger family members can make crafts, draw and create their own works of art at Korundi’s art workshop. The Aalto Centre comprises the City Hall, the City Library and Lappia Hall. Lappia Hall is home to the Rovaniemi Theatre – Lapland Regional Theatre. During a theatre season, it stages up to several dozen different performances.

Rovaniemi Church also has a clear connection to a particular period: it was completed in 1950. The large “Source of Life” fresco, created by Professor Lennart Segerstråle in 1951, dominates the wall behind the altar. Those interested in everyday life and working history will find two more distinct perspectives in Pöykkölä: the Local Heritage Museum illustrates life in the main house and outbuildings of a prosperous farmer about 150 years ago. Its granary houses collections on traditional crafts and food production.

The Forestry Museum of Lapland is dedicated to life and work in the forests of Lapland from the 1870s to the 1950s. Nine original museum buildings each tell a story of work and life under the harsh conditions of the 19th century. The museum thus explores both a longer period and the stories of individual buildings.

Hiking Trails and Activities Throughout the Year

Rovaniemi’s urban area has three nature trails, a winter walking route and a longer outdoor route. At 27 kilometres, the Mäntyvaara–Pohtimo hiking trail is clearly suited to a longer hike and is considered challenging. Near Rovaniemi, the 4.9-kilometre Ounasvaara Nature Trail is a circular route through the landscape, suitable for hiking and Nordic walking. Its snow-free season runs from May to October.

The Ounasvaara Winter Trail is marked, has information boards and partly follows the Ounasvaara Nature Trail. Along it are two shelters and a lookout tower on a rocky, forested slope; from the tower, the view extends over the city centre and the Kemijoki. The Ounasvaara area also has 100 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, 50 kilometres of which are lit. For downhill skiing, Ounasvaara Ski Resort has ten slopes; the longest run is 600 metres. In summer, tobogganing and downhill biking are offered there. Slopes and seasonal activities depend on the season and conditions.

At Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Reindeer offers reindeer experiences and reindeer sleigh rides year-round. Check the provider’s seasonal schedule before booking.

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