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Things to do in Rovaniemi

Visit Santa and his reindeer, see the Northern Lights, and get a taste of Arctic life in Lapland's capital.

Our most recommended things to do in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi: Apukka Husky Adventure

1. Rovaniemi: Apukka Husky Adventure

Meet and mush with your new howling, furry friends on this safari adventure. Huskies are one of the most beloved animals of the North, and you’ll understand why as soon as you meet the pack. Pet them, pose with them for photos, and listen to stories about their lives.   Then, take a 5- to 10-kilometer long husky sled ride, where you get to be the musher yourself. This means you can control the pack of huskies towing the sled. The dogs absolutely love pulling loads and running on the trail across the forests. Feel the thrill of the ride and the cool wind on your face as you tear through the forests.   Finish off with a hot drink before saying goodbye to your new friends.

Rovaniemi: Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Tour

2. Rovaniemi: Korouoma Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls Tour

Discover Korouoma, a 30-kilometer-long and 130-meter-deep canyon located southeast of Rovaniemi which offers breathtaking scenery all year round. In Winter, the waterfalls turn into fantastic ice formations that are well-known for ice-climbing.  First, get picked up by your guide from your accommodation in Rovaniemi and set off for the Korouoma Canyon nature reserve. Start the tour with a hike through the park, admiring spectacular scenery including cliffs, rapids, and waterfalls. Keep your eyes sharp to observe an array of rare species that call the area home. Snowshoes are optional but may be useful if you need more confidence when hiking down the canyon or just want to enjoy some deep snow walks. Then, have the chance to observe some of the most spectacular frozen waterfalls in Europe and enjoy the beauty of snowy nature. Warm up with a typical Finnish lunch snack around an open fire. Watch as your guide shows you their fire-making skills. At the end of the 6-hour excursion, return to Rovaniemi where you will be dropped off at your hotel by around 4 PM.

Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Wilderness Tour with Camera

3. Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Wilderness Tour with Camera

Drive away from the city to the place with the highest chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Find a warm spot to set up the fire and sit and wait for the show. Benefit from knowing that the more time you spend outside, the greater the chance of you seeing the lights. Usually, you can view the Aurora in the middle of a huge frozen lake or river. Embark on an experience visiting up to 3 locations to give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Huddle around the fire with your guide, who will also tell you all about traditional animals and customs.

Rovaniemi: Lapland Northern Lights Tour with BBQ

4. Rovaniemi: Lapland Northern Lights Tour with BBQ

Discover the dazzling beauty of the Northern Lights on this tour from Rovaniemi. Dive deep into the heart of the Lappish wilderness in search of the dancing Aurora spectacle. Warm up with a mouth-watering BBQ packed with local flavors and pipping-hot tea.  Enjoy the convenience of being picked up directly from your accommodation in Rovaniemi. Relax on the drive through dense forests in Lapland. Arrive at a stunning lake or forest that is far from any light pollution. Relax as your host cooks up a fresh Lappish BBQ meal and brews some blueberry tea. Listen as your guide reveals the secrets of the northern lights to you. Gaze up at the night sky in anticipation of the lights appearing. Return to you accommodation at the end of the your.

Rovaniemi: Snowmobile Safari, Reindeer and Husky Farm

5. Rovaniemi: Snowmobile Safari, Reindeer and Husky Farm

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic wilderness on this day trip from Rovaniemi. Ride through the Arctic forest on a snowmobile. Experience the magic of a reindeer sleigh ride and feed these majestic creatures. Visit the sleigh dogs at a husky farm and keep cozy with hot drinks and snacks. Following pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Rovaniemi in the morning, get ready to meet the lovable animals on arrival and let them take you on an exciting sleigh ride. Listen to stories about each of the animals on the farm, and learn the history and culture of the area. Warm up with some hot drinks and snacks before you feed the reindeer their favorite treats. Receive your International Reindeer Driver's License before you continue your Arctic expedition at a husky farm. Say hello to the friendly dogs and experience the life of a musher as you traverse the snowy landscape on a sled pulled by your new friends. After meeting the lovely animals, it is time to venture into the Arctic forest and experience the winter wonderland by snowmobile. Remember to take some memorable photos during the trip. At the end of an amazing day, you head back to your accommodation in Rovaniemi.

Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Snowmobile Safari & Campfire BBQ

6. Rovaniemi: Aurora Borealis Snowmobile Safari & Campfire BBQ

Chase the Northern Lights on a guided Arctic adventure into the Lapland wilderness on a snowmobile. Enjoy a Lapland-style barbecue snack and the unique snowy landscape at night, illuminated only by the aurora. Go deeper into the brilliant winter landscape of the Arctic Circle in order to chase the auroras. Let your guide lead you on a different kind of snowmobile adventure in an almost completely dark setting, where only moonlight, stars, and snowmobile headlights will light your way. Take in the forests and lakes rising like mysterious shadows towards the night sky in this snow-covered landscape. Warm up at an open fire and wait for the Northern Lights to dance for you in the night sky while you enjoy some warm refreshments and snacks.  If you are lucky and the sky is clear, you might see the flaming Northern Lights dancing in the sky, surrounded by the penetrating silence of the arctic wilderness.

Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Photography Tour & BBQ

7. Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Photography Tour & BBQ

Join a professional Aurora Borealis photographer and learn the tricks of the trade for capturing that perfect Northern Lights moment. The professional photographer will take the best shots for you. Head up to 100 km away from the light pollution of the city, into the mystical forest. Your tour guide will explain how the Northern Lights are formed and tell ancient tales from the local and Lappish cultures. The photographer can provide guidance in setting up the best shooting angles, shooting screens, camera settings, and more.  Sit down for a campfire BBQ and grill some local favorites and delicacies of reindeer sausage and hot blueberry juice. The photographer will also take photos of you and the Northern Lights, so you will have a record of this wonderful moment. After the trip, you will receive your Northern Lights photos by email so that you may download them without any additional cost.

Rovaniemi: Apukka Reindeer Journey

8. Rovaniemi: Apukka Reindeer Journey

Reindeers are a big part of the Lappish lifestyle and have a long history of living side by side with the locals in the north. With this in mind, a reindeer ride is a relaxing way to both explore Finnish nature and get in touch with these beautiful animals. Following a peaceful pace, let the reindeer lead you through the forests. Enjoy the silence of the woods and the still atmosphere all around you and let these beautiful animals guide the way. Afterward, relax with a hot drink. Return from your adventure knowing a lot more than before about the life of the reindeer and reindeer herders in Finnish Lapland.

Rovaniemi: Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village

9. Rovaniemi: Reindeer, Huskies & Santa Claus Village

Enjoy a full day of arctic experiences in Rovaniemi with a guided visit to a husky dog farm and sleigh ride as well as the opportunity to drive your own reindeer sleigh and meet Santa Claus. Learn all about these local traditions from your guide and spend time with the animals. After pickup, start your day at the reindeer farm. Meet the reindeer, feed them, and take pictures. Hear stories about the reindeer herding process and drive a reindeer sleigh for a full 500-meter ride. Take your well-deserved reindeer driver’s license home as a memento.  Feast on salmon soup for lunch before meeting the huskies. After a short introduction, take a short husky sled ride into the arctic forest. Lastly, visit Santa Claus Village, where you will have the opportunity to meet Santa himself.  Step across the Arctic Circle and revel in the Christmas spirit. Take time to shop and send letters from Santa’s Post office before returning to your accommodation.

Northern Lights Sledge Ride Pulled by Snowmobile

10. Northern Lights Sledge Ride Pulled by Snowmobile

The Northern Lights snowmobile sled adventure runs from Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, and offers an exciting chase for the Northern Lights. You will be taken into different areas by sled to look for the Lights. Your experienced guides will make sure to find the best locations to view the Northern Lights in their full splendor. The Northern Lights sled ride search takes place in Lapland, in the middle of the Aurora belt.  The Arctic Circle can offer some of the highest levels of Aurora activity on earth. Enjoy the breathtaking Lapland landscapes and magical snowy fields. Rovaniemi is one of the world's best places for a Northern Lights adventure – especially if you also enjoy nature.  If you are lucky and the sky is clear, you might see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky while you experience the tranquility of the arctic night around you.

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Frequently asked questions about Rovaniemi

What are the best day trips and excursions from Rovaniemi?

The best day trips and excursions from Rovaniemi are:

Korouoma

Other Sightseeing Options in Rovaniemi

Want to discover all there is to do in Rovaniemi? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Rovaniemi

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 3,923 reviews

There was a difficulty to find our location but they were really helpful and was able to pick us up. The experience was amazing even though we didn't really see the Northern lights. Our guide even strayed later to trying to see it at a better location. I would recommend anyone who likes taking roller coasters it's kinda feels similar.

Everything is perfect. We met some problems in the airport and couldn’t arrive our hotel on time. They are so nice that pick up us in the airport. Our tour guide, Ryan, is nice and professional. He gave professional advice for photography of northern lights. We saw wonderful lights.

Amazing day out! Our guide Mario was really friendly and knowledgeable about our activities and there was plenty to enjoy. Definitely recommend this for a fun day out.

The tour is worth it, a beautiful hike in the middle of the winter landscape. Round trip takes 1.5 hours. Should you know

A superb day, very well organized with a great guide (mikael).