Snow-sprinkled forests, reindeer sleighs and those magnificent Northern Lights, Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland is a real-life winter wonderland. It’s where Santa makes his list and checks it twice all year round, and us Brits just can’t get enough. In fact, over 350,000 Brits visited this Arctic paradise last winter to get in on the frosty fun — we’re talking snowmobiling, Christmas shopping, husky sledding and much more.
You’d struggle to fit all this winter wonder into just one day, which is why this place is one of the most-visited winter destinations for UK folk — Brits made up almost one-third of all foreign visitors in Lapland. There are tonnes of fun things to see and do, so naturally, there are countless reasons why we love it so much, and we’ve rounded up some of our top ones below.
1. Santa Claus Village
It’s Christmas all day, every day at Santa Claus Village. As Santa’s official hometown, it’s only right that there’s non-stop festive fun all year round. Visitors of all ages can venture through the enchanting, snow-covered townlet to watch the elves at work, write and post their Christmas letters and even meet the big man himself.
Candlelight at SantaPark
This January, Candlelight is also adding to the enchantment of the village with a series of whimsical concerts that shine brighter than a crackling fire at Christmastime. Thousands of twinkling candles will be lighting up SantaPark, Santa’s secret, cosy cavern hidden deep beneath the Arctic Circle, as a string quartet works their magic on classical and contemporary songs by the likes of Vivaldi, Queen and Coldplay. What better way to beat that post-Crimbo slump, eh?
2. The Northern Lights
Sure, the Northern Lights sometimes make a rare appearance in the UK, but just like their arrival, they’re often gone in the blink of an eye. In Rovaniemi, however, you can gaze in awe at the Aurora Borealis around 200 days a year, particularly from August to April. Unlike the Big Smoke, Lapland has clear skies, little light pollution and is located just above the Arctic Circle, allowing for perfect viewing conditions of this natural phenomenon.
3. Wildlife and nature
Rovaniemi and its surrounding areas are home to some of the rarest animal species in the world. Arctic foxes, moose, snowy owls and more live in Lapland, but the region is probably most famous for its reindeer and huskies. Needless to say, there are multiple safaris where visitors can go sledding with these animals and explore the Finnish wilderness. What’s more, there’s also Ranua Wildlife Park, a nature reserve with over 40 animal species including Finland’s only living polar bear.
4. Activities
Alongside the safaris and sledding, there are tonnes of activities and snowy adventures for adrenaline addicts to enjoy. Think skiing and snowmobiling through the Lappish forests, ice karting down icy race tracks and snowshoeing along the mountains. And for those looking for a more laid-back plan, there are the world-famous Finnish spas that combine toasty sauna treatments with ice-cold water baths for a rejuvenating lift.
5. History, science and culture
Passed down generations for centuries, mythological tales originating in the area explain why Rovaniemi is referred to as Santa’s official hometown. The idea of Santa Claus was based on the image of Odin, a Norse god who plays a key role in ancient Lappish folklore.
Exhibitions devoted to these Nordic legends, as well as the indigenous Sámi people, astrology and the classical music and art native to the region are on show inside the Arktikum Museum, Pilke Science Centre and Korundi House of Culture.
What Rovaniemi lacks in warmth makes up for in things to do. Just take Lordi’s Square as another example. Named after rock band Lordi following their 2006 Eurovision victory, the square is home to loads of charming bars, cafes and restaurants serving traditional Finnish drinks and grub. And to top it all off, alongside commercial shopping centres, there’s a selection of boutique shops selling artisan handicrafts, jewelry and other items native to the region.