Between safaris, Rovaniemi has plenty to see — much of it indoors and warm, which matters at −20 °C. From the Arktikum museum to polar bears at Ranua and a traditional sauna by a frozen lake, here are the best Rovaniemi attractions and how to fit them into your trip.
Popular attraction tours
Tours and tickets (live prices)
Book online
Dates, prices and seats in real time
- Free cancellation on most dates
- Secure payment
- Verified reviews
Arktikum
Rovaniemi’s must-see museum combines the Arctic Centre science exhibition and the Regional Museum of Lapland. You learn about Arctic nature and climate, the northern lights, the Sámi people and Lapland’s history — including 1944, when retreating troops burned most of Rovaniemi. The building itself, with its long glass corridor pointing to the Ounasjoki river, is a landmark. Allow two to three hours.
Ranua Wildlife Park
About an hour south of Rovaniemi, Ranua shows around fifty species of arctic and northern animals in large forest enclosures along a boardwalk trail: polar bears, brown bears, lynx, wolverines, wolves, arctic foxes, elk and owls. Best on a crisp, bright day; tours with transfer make it easy without a car.
SnowMan World
An ice and snow park at Santa Claus Village in winter: snow slides, ice sculptures, an ice bar and even an ice restaurant. Fun for families, best combined with your Santa Claus Village visit.
Ounasvaara
The fell rising east of the city is Rovaniemi’s outdoor playground: downhill slopes, cross-country tracks, snowshoe trails and a viewpoint over the confluence of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers. A good free evening walk with a chance of auroras above the city glow.
The Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge and the city
Rovaniemi was rebuilt after 1944 following a plan by architect Alvar Aalto, often described as a reindeer’s antlers. Walk along the river, cross the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge (Jätkänkynttilä), whose lights recall a traditional log fire, and visit Korundi House of Culture (art museum and concert hall) and Rovaniemi church.
Pilke Science Centre
Next to Arktikum, a hands-on centre about northern forests — great for children on a cold afternoon.
Sauna and ice swimming
The most Finnish experience of all. Many hotels have saunas; for the real thing, book a wood-heated lakeside sauna with a dip through a hole in the ice, or try “ice floating” in a survival suit under the stars.
Free things to do
- Walk on the riverside and across the Candle Bridge at night.
- Hike or snowshoe on Ounasvaara.
- Visit Santa Claus Village and cross the Arctic Circle.
- Watch for auroras from dark spots outside the centre.
Read also:Things to do in Rovaniemi
Quiz: Rovaniemi sights
Three questions.
-
Which architect designed Rovaniemi’s post-war town plan?
Alvar Aalto’s plan is often described as a reindeer’s antlers.
-
Which animals can you see at Ranua Wildlife Park?
Ranua shows arctic and northern species.
-
What is the Jätkänkynttilä?
The bridge’s lights recall a traditional log fire.
Answer every question to see your score.
Frequently asked questions
What is Arktikum?
A museum and science centre in Rovaniemi about the Arctic, Lapland’s nature and history and the Sámi, combining the Arctic Centre and the Regional Museum of Lapland.
How far is Ranua Wildlife Park from Rovaniemi?
About 80 km south, roughly an hour by road. Tours with transfer are available.
What can you do in Rovaniemi for free?
Walk along the river and across the Candle Bridge, hike Ounasvaara, visit Santa Claus Village and look for auroras outside the centre.
Where can I try a Finnish sauna in Rovaniemi?
In many hotels, public saunas and on tours combining a lakeside sauna with ice swimming or ice floating.
By
Aino lives in Finnish Lapland and writes about everything that matters on the ground; Markus is a travel editor who compares tours, prices and hotels. We are independent — not a tour operator, and not affiliated with Visit Rovaniemi or Santa Claus Village.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links (GetYourGuide, Booking.com & co. via Stay22). If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked at the time of writing — the live price on the booking page always prevails.