Rovaniemi
We went to Rovaniemi to visit the Santa Claus , a place we’d never been before. We really enjoyed the magical atmosphere. The village was even better than we imagined, and we loved every minute of our trip.
Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is a magical destination known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. While the city offers cultural sites, its main attraction is the Santa Claus Village, located right above the Arctic Circle. The village’s history dates back to 1950, when a cabin was built for Eleanor Roosevelt. This marked the beginning of what would become the Santa Claus Village, officially opened in 1985 to give Santa a place to meet people from all over the world without disturbing his secret workshop. Today, the village is a year-round wonderland. We met Santa Claus, and we send postcards from the official Santa Claus Main Post Office with a unique Arctic Circle postmark. This festive atmosphere, combined with the chance to cross the Arctic Circle, maked for us Rovaniemi the perfect place to experience the true magic of Christmas.
For anyone visiting the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, we highly recommend a few key experiences. First, make sure you meet Santa Claus at the Christmas House Santa. The visit itself is completely free, which we found wonderful. We were told that a photo with Santa costs around €35 to €40 during the summer. To give you an idea, that’s roughly £30 to £34, depending on the current exchange rate. It’s a great souvenir to capture the moment. We also loved visiting the Santa Claus Main Post Office. It’s fascinating to see all the letters that have arrived from all over the world, all addressed to Santa Claus. The office is a true testament to the magic of Christmas and the number of people who believe in it. Finally, you can’t miss a couple of iconic photo opportunities. Stepping over the Arctic Circle Line is a simple but exciting moment, marking your visit to this unique northern latitude. And of course, a visit to the Santa Claus Office is a must. It’s a key part of the village and the perfect place to get a great picture. For families with children there is a nice santa-playground.

Hiking
We truly enjoyed our walk in the Arctic Circle Hiking Area. The short loop trekking and the Plant and Fungus Trail were both in excellent condition and very well-maintained. The area also offers other nearby hikes to explore, and for those who wish to rest, there are nice shelters with firepits.
Rovaniemi
Our visit to Rovaniemi offered a fantastic glimpse into the city’s unique blend of nature and culture. Beyond its well-known attractions, we discovered some truly engaging experiences. The Tiedekeskus Pilke, stood out as a highlight. The city of Rovaniemi itself has a compelling history, having been almost entirely destroyed during the Lapland War in 1944. Its post-war reconstruction was meticulously planned by the renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, who designed the city center in the shape of a reindeer’s antlers. This unique layout symbolizes the region’s connection to its natural environment and has helped Rovaniemi become a vibrant cultural hub. The Tiedekeskus Pilke, a part of Metsähallitus, the state-owned enterprise that manages Finland’s state-owned forests and nature reserves, is a testament to this deep-rooted connection with nature. Its very existence celebrates the Finnish people’s profound relationship with their forests. The interactive exhibits provide a deep dive into the fascinating world of the boreal forests that dominate the region, tracing their history, their ecological importance, and their sustainable use throughout the centuries. The museum’s design, with its use of wood and natural light, perfectly mirrors the environment it celebrates. It’s an insightful and educational experience, making it a must-see for anyone interested in forestry, environmental science, and the history of the Lapland region. During our explorations, we also found a pleasant spot for a break. The Home Bakery Antinkaapo Oy proved to be a reliable and pleasant stop, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a good variety of freshly baked goods and pastries. We particularly enjoyed their delicious pastries, which provided a perfect little pick-me-up
Ranua
Ranua, a picturesque municipality in Finnish Lapland, is a haven for nature lovers and a great destination for families. Its main draw is the renowned Ranua Wildlife Park, the world’s northernmost zoo. While we recognize its value for families with children, offering a unique opportunity to see Arctic animals up close, we found some of the facilities a little bit run-down. However, the animals themselves, including Finland’s only polar bears, moose, wolverines, and lynx, are kept in spacious enclosures that simulate their natural habitat. This focus on animal welfare is commendable and makes the visit feel more authentic than a traditional zoo. Beyond the wildlife park, Ranua offers a variety of outdoor activities. For a quieter and more well-maintained option, we recommend Ranuanjärvi Camping, a serene and peaceful spot. We also found a great overnight stop at the parking lot near the Ranua church, which was a convenient location for our motorhome. The area’s natural beauty, with its forests and tranquil lakes, provides ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and simply enjoying the pristine Arctic environment.