How To Spend ONE Day In Rovaniemi Lapland

Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is one of the biggest cities in the Arctic — yet it still feels small and welcoming. Its compact city center makes it easy to explore on foot, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Even if you’re only using Rovaniemi as the beginning to your Arctic adventure, you should not miss exploring what the city has to offer.

In this post, we’ll show you how to spend one day in Rovaniemi, hitting all the highlights.

When we visited in January 2023, a single day was just enough to give us a magical first glimpse into Arctic life and culture — and we’re excited to help you plan your own unforgettable day here.

Depending on if you are renting a car or not, I have two suggestions on how to spend your morning.

Option 1: Morning with car — Drive to Santa Claus village

If you don’t have a car, you can jump straight to option 2 here.

Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus—and no, I’m not joking. They’ve literally trademarked the title! Santa lives in a charming holiday village just outside Rovaniemi, right across from the airport.

Is Santa Claus Village worth it? Yes—if you’re here for the festive spirit, it’s a must-see, even though touristy.

The village is only a short drive from the city center, and there’s plenty of parking available if you’re renting a car.

Worried about driving in snowy Lapland?

👉 Check this out:
How to drive safely in the Winter in Lapland!

Not renting? You still have options—either take a taxi or use public transportation. But here’s the catch: the bus takes over 30 minutes and only runs every 45 minutes. Honestly, unless you have a car or can grab a taxi, you might want to skip Santa Claus Village.

Still set on meeting Santa? Here’s a local tip: he has an office in the Rovaniemi city center too! You can read more about it in Option 2 here.

How to get to Santa Claus village?

By Car

Starting from Rovaniemi, follow the signs for Road E75/4. You’ll cross Koivusaari Bridge (one of the two main bridges in Rovaniemi — the other being Ounasvaara) and continue straight for about 7 km. The village will be on your right-hand side. Just follow the signs to one of the free parking lots — easy!

✅ Check rental car prices and book HERE!

By Taxi

There are two official taxi companies in Rovaniemi: Meneva and Lähitaksi. Prices are quite similar, and we tried both during our stay — no complaints!

A one-way trip from the city to the village costs around 20 EUR.

Just a heads-up: as of January 2024, ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt do not operate in Finland.

By public transport

Hop on Bus 8, which runs between Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village. It stops at various points in the city, but if you get on at the railway station, the journey takes about 35 minutes.

A single ticket costs 3.60 EUR and can be purchased directly from the driver.

Just note: service is somewhat limited — especially on weekends — so check the schedule in advance!

What to do in Santa Claus village?

You’ve got plenty of options! The village may be compact, but it packs in everything you need for a fun visit. There are even a couple of hotel complexes — though we found them a bit on the pricey side, so we opted to stay elsewhere.

You can check out the map of the whole place here.

Here are a few highlights from us:

1. Meet Santa in His Main Office

It’s completely free to enter and meet the man himself. Just be prepared to wait, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. When we were there in early January, we queued for about 20 minutes before being greeted by the elves. However, on our other visit in late November, it took us an hour.

You’ll get a quick chat with Santa — possibly in one of the 12 languages he speaks (English included!) — and then be gently ushered out. Before leaving, you’ll get the chance to buy a memento from your meeting. Totally optional, so feel free to skip it if it’s not your thing.

2. Send a Christmas Card from the Official Santa Claus Post Office

There is an official working branch of the Finnish Post in the village, operating under the name Santa Claus Post Office. You can send a normal card from there to friends and family that will be delivered without any delay. The other option, which I think is great, is to put it in a box that will be emptied and delivered to them in time for next Christmas, with a stamp from the North Pole! You can also find some souvenirs and jigsaw puzzles in there.

This is a real working branch of the Finnish Post, operating right in the village. You can send a card that arrives just like any other mail — or, even cooler, drop one in a special box to be delivered next Christmas with an official North Pole postmark!

We truly enjoyed sending postcards to our family at the end of November — and they all arrived before Christmas! Our family and friends loved the gesture and truly appreciated the surprise.

The post office also has some fun souvenirs and puzzles if you’re in the mood for a little shopping.

3. Cross the Arctic Circle and Get a Certificate

One of my favorite parts — and totally free — is crossing the Arctic Circle. You can’t miss it: there are large pillars marking the exact line.

Snap a photo in front of the giant thermometer (especially great on those chilly days), then head up the tower next to the post office. There, for 5 EUR, you can get a certificate to prove you’ve officially crossed into the Arctic.

⭐ Bonus: You can check out the live cam from the village on YouTube if you want a sneak peek before your visit!

Doing all that should easily get you to lunchtime, for which I have two suggestions below.

Option 2: Exploring Rovaniemi on Foot

If you’re not planning to rent a car and prefer to skip the taxi ride to Santa Claus Village, spend some time wandering around Rovaniemi’s compact city center.

🏨 Check out our TOP PICKS for staying in Rovaniemi HERE!

It’s nothing extraordinary, and you can easily walk the entire area in under 30 minutes — but there are still a few cool spots and local gems worth checking out along the way.

Here are my top things to do:

1. Go to Lordi Square

This is one of Rovaniemi’s main public squares, named after the Finnish hard rock band Lordi, who are hometown heroes and winners of the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest.

You’ll know you’re there when you see the big TV tower in the middle. It’s a nice spot to start your walk and soak in a bit of local pride.

2. Visit Santa Claus City Office

If you didn’t manage to visit Santa Claus Village, don’t worry — Santa also has a city office just a stone’s throw from Lordi Square.

The visit is free, and you’ll still get the full magical experience (including a meeting with Saint Nick himself). Just know that you’ll be offered the option to purchase photos or videos afterward — totally up to you.

It’s meant to be open year-round, but their website mentions they only operate during the winter season (November to April), so be sure to double-check if you’re visiting outside those months.

3. Go to Lauri Handicrafts

Lauri’s House sits at the edge of the city center, but don’t let that stop you — it’s only about a 10-minute walk from Lordi Square.

This charming place doubles as a guesthouse and a shop for beautiful, locally made handicrafts — many created right in their on-site workshop. You can also book a hands-on crafting class starting at 69 EUR per person.

While you’re there, I recommend picking up a bag of chaga chai — made from a type of mushroom that grows mainly in the Arctic and parts of China. It’s been used for centuries by the Sámi and Finns for its potential health benefits, from boosting mood to even cancer prevention.

Whether it’s truly a miracle mushroom or not, we found it quite enjoyable!

4. Walk Along the Kemijoki River

Rovaniemi has its fair share of parks, so it’s worth wrapping up your walk with a bit of nature. Start at the Angry Birds Park (yes, the game was created in Finland!) and stroll along the Kemijoki river promenade toward the Arktikum Museum.

The park next to the Arktikum museum is especially beautiful and is considered one of the best places in the city to spot the Northern Lights. It’s also lovely during the day — peaceful, quiet, and full of that Arctic charm.

If you’re visiting during the deep winter months and notice locals walking on the frozen river — go for it! It’s usually totally safe when the ice is thick.

⚠️ However, there are areas where walking on the ice is not safe. These spots are clearly marked with warning signs, so be sure to keep an eye out and always follow the locals’ lead — just like I did in the picture below. Stay cautious and you’ll be fine!

Lunch

Where To Have Lunch At Santa Claus Village

If you want to linger a bit longer in Santa Claus Village, there are a couple of spots I can wholeheartedly recommend:

Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi (No. 13 on the map)

This cozy little restaurant is built inside a traditional Kota (a Finnish tepee-style hut), giving it a warm and authentic feel. It’s not very big, but there’s a steady turnover of guests, so even if it’s full when you arrive, the wait shouldn’t be too long.

They serve soups, main courses, and desserts, with prices ranging from 10 to 20 EUR per dish. The atmosphere alone is worth the visit.

Santa’s Salmon Place (No. 14 on the map)

This place is legendary — and for good reason. They do just one thing: salmon grilled over an open wood fire. That’s it.

It’s absolutely incredible and 100% worth trying. Simple, smoky, and unforgettable.

Where To Have Lunch in Rovaniemi

If you’ve had your fill of Santa’s Village and want to return to the city, make your way to the Arktikum. This Arctic-themed science center and museum also has a fantastic café that offers a daily all-you-can-eat buffet lunch — and you don’t need a museum ticket to eat there! Just walk in and turn left after the entrance.

• Opening hours: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM on Mondays, and 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM the rest of the week
• Price: 15 EUR per person, including unlimited tea and coffee
• Food options: Vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore-friendly

We found the food to be both delicious and surprisingly diverse. It’s seriously one of the best value-for-money meals in Rovaniemi — a great little secret, especially if you’re traveling on a budget!

👉 You can check the current weekly menu here.

Afternoon

I’d recommend reserving your afternoon for exploring some of Rovaniemi’s museums. The city has three main ones worth visiting:

• Arktikum Museum
• Pilke Science Centre
• Korundi Museum of Modern Art

Arktikum and Pilke are conveniently located right next to each other, making it easy to visit both in one go. Korundi, on the other hand, is about a 20-minute walk from the others — but it’s very close to the railway station, so it’s a great stop if you’re heading that way later in the day.

Arktikum Museum

Arktikum is divided into two distinct sections: a science center and a museum.

Upon entering, you’ll find the science center on the left side and the museum on the right.

• The science center focuses on the Arctic ecosystem, including fascinating exhibits on the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), Arctic wildlife, and the challenges of life in the far north. We found this part especially illuminating.
• The museum offers a closer look at Lapland’s history and culture, with exhibits that provide context to the region’s people, traditions, and way of life.

While both sections are worth exploring, the science center was definitely the highlight for us.

If you’re interested in a deeper dive, you can also book a guide via a platform like GetYourGuide to walk you through the exhibitions and share even more insight into Arctic life.

🎟️ Entry ticket costs 20 EUR for adults or 45 EUR for a family.

Pilke Science Center

Pilke is all about Finland’s forests — and considering that 74% of the country is covered by them, it’s only fair they have a museum of their own!

Here, you’ll learn about the many ways forests have sustained Finnish life for centuries, from providing food and resources to shaping the national identity. What makes Pilke stand out is how interactive it is — this is a place where you engage all your senses to discover the secrets of the forest.

It’s a fun, hands-on experience and especially great for kids (or curious adults)!

🎟️ The tickets are 7 EUR for adults and 5 EUR for kids.

Korundi museum of modern art

Korundi gives you a peek into Finland’s contemporary art scene. It hosts rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see.

Now, I’ll be honest — modern art isn’t really my thing, so I can’t personally comment on the quality or depth of the exhibitions. But if you’re into this type of art, Korundi might be well worth a visit.

🎟️ Tickets cost 11 EUR and a family ticket is 25 EUR.

⭐ To Sum It All Up:

We visited all three museums during our stay — and without a doubt, the Arktikum was our favorite. It was so fascinating and well done that we’re already planning to return on our next trip to Lapland.

If you are short on time, you can skip the other two, but we think the Arktikum is a Must-Visit!

Should you get the culture pass in Rovaniemi?

Absolutely!
The Culture Pass is a fantastic option if you’re planning to visit all three museums — or even just two. In fact, you’ll break even or come out ahead with just two visits.

The pass gives you multi-entry access to:

• Arktikum Museum
• Pilke Science Centre
• Korundi Museum of Modern Art

…for a whole week. Yes, you read that right — you can go back as many times as you want for 7 days.

Price: 30 EUR
Valid for: 7 consecutive days
Where to buy: Available at any of the participating museums

It’s an amazing value for money, especially if you like to take your time or want to split your visits across a few days. Plus, warming up in a museum after Arctic adventures is the perfect way to recharge!

Dinner

After soaking up the culture and museum-hopping, there’s one last thing to round off your day: exploring Rovaniemi’s food scene. The city has plenty of restaurants, but these two stood out to us the most — both for their top-notch food and genuinely warm service. You really can’t go wrong with either.

👉 Check out our FOOD GUIDE:
Heavenly Lappish Foods You Will Love — With Restaurant Recommendations

Nili

Restaurant Nili is the more upscale of the two options, with a strong focus on traditional Finnish cuisine. You can order à la carte or opt for one of their set menus. They also offer seasonal specialties, like bear meat or wild porcini mushrooms (ceps), depending on the time of year.

It’s a popular spot, so I’d recommend reserving a table if you can — but we actually walked in without a booking and were lucky enough to be seated.

👉 Tip: If you didn’t reserve, try showing up a little after the hour (e.g., 7:10 PM instead of 7:00 PM). That’s often when no-shows free up reserved tables.

Prices:

Mains: 20–40 EUR

Chef’s Surprise Menu (what I had!): 62 EUR. This is a four-course meal likely to feature salmon and reindeer in different forms, but you can ask for a vegetarian option, too.

Roka

Roka is more of a bistro-style restaurant, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a great balance between traditional Lappish flavors and modern twists. It’s also more affordable than Nili, with mains ranging from 15 to 30 EUR.

In addition to local specialties, they serve creative burgers and elaborate sandwiches, making it a great choice whether you’re in the mood for something hearty or just want to try something a little different.

We went there for lunch and it was relatively quiet, but when we walked by in the evening, it was usually quite busy — so, once again, booking a table in advance is probably a good idea if you’re planning a dinner visit.

Wrap-up

Whether you’re chasing the magic of Santa Claus, crossing into the Arctic, or immersing yourself in Lapland’s rich nature and culture, Rovaniemi truly has something special to offer — even if you only have a single day.

From meeting Santa and sending postcards from the Arctic Circle, to walking the snowy streets of the city and exploring world-class museums, it’s a day full of memorable moments.

Add in a hearty Lappish dinner and, if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the Northern Lights, and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect day.

We hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in Rovaniemi — and that it inspires you to slow down, look around, and soak up the magic of Finland’s Arctic capital.