Rovaniemi, Finland, is often associated with a very specific image: that of Santa Claus’s village, lost in the heart of Lapland. An almost “obligatory” stop when you’re planning a trip to the Far North… but one that also raises quite a few questions.
Very often, this trip is made in winter with the magic of snow and the Northern Lights, but the price of such a stay, however magical, is often exorbitant! We therefore decided to explore this corner of Lapland in summer for economic reasons, of course, because you’ll see that prices are then divided by three, but also because Lapland in summer offers an incredible face that one wouldn’t expect!
But then Rovaniemi, is it really worth the detour? Isn’t it too touristy? Can one experience something other than the magic of Christmas there, especially in summer?
During our motorhome road trip in Lapland, we decided to stop in Rovaniemi to form our own opinion. And as often with such well-known places, the reality is a little more nuanced than one might imagine.
We’ve made a YouTube video dedicated to Rovaniemi, feel free to check it out to complete your preparations for your stay.
What to see and do in Rovaniemi all year round?
Santa Claus’s Post Office
In the heart of Santa Claus Village, you’ll find Santa Claus’s Post Office. It’s actually a regular post office, open all year round. From there, you can send mail, letters, and parcels. The main attraction is the postmark, which is the official Arctic Circle postmark: you can only get it here.
For our part, to get it, we sent ourselves a nice postcard!
You can send letters as well as parcels. Everything is well thought out, and you’ll find everything you need inside the post office to pack, prepare, and even fill your parcels!
Regarding prices, these are standard postal rates: the price will therefore depend on the weight and destination of your shipment. Don’t hesitate to ask at the counter to see the stamps, their collection is magnificent!
As for delivery times, these are normal: allow 10 days for a letter to France.
And for Christmas magic, you have the option to post your letters in a dedicated Christmas mailbox. Letters from this box are then sent for receipt on Christmas Day of the year you deposit them! Isn’t that great? Imagine your little one receiving their letter on Christmas Day with Santa’s stamp and postmark! Enough to make the magic even more incredible!
The Arktikum Museum
The Arktikum Museum is, in our opinion, one of the most interesting visits to make in Rovaniemi if you truly want to understand the region you are traveling through. Located by the river, the building itself is already impressive, with its long glass tunnel stretching outwards and letting in beautiful natural light.
Inside, the visit is modern, immersive, and accessible. The museum traces life in the Arctic regions through various well-designed exhibitions. You discover, in particular, living conditions beyond the Arctic Circle, natural phenomena like the midnight sun or the polar night, as well as the unique fauna and flora of these extreme environments.
An important part of the museum is dedicated to Sámi culture, the indigenous people of Lapland. You learn a lot about their way of life, their connection with reindeer, their traditions, and the current challenges they face. It’s an interesting and well-explained approach that allows you to go beyond the tourist image one might have of the region.
What makes the visit particularly enjoyable is that it’s suitable for all audiences. The exhibitions are interactive, well-staged, and easy to understand, even with children. It’s therefore an ideal activity to include in a road trip, especially for a break if the weather isn’t cooperating.
For our part, it was a visit we weren’t necessarily looking forward to… and which turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. It adds a real extra dimension to the stay and allows you to see Lapland as more than just a nature or “Santa Claus” destination.
Meeting Santa Claus
Of course, this was the activity we were all eagerly awaiting, yes, all of us! We didn’t really expect much, fearing disappointment or based on preconceived notions, and in the end, it was an incredible experience, full of magic, a memory we will all cherish for life.
First of all, we had this encounter at Santa’s office. The decorations in the queue are magnificent; you can even see the elves working by peeking through the keyholes!
Then comes the meeting. An elf asks us a few questions in English, then we enter a beautiful room and the big man is there! Magnificent, with clothes that blend Sámi traditions and Santa Claus traditions. He is tall, strong, with a magnificent beard. Even we, as adults, are impressed! We had never seen such a handsome Santa Claus before!
And then, surprise, he speaks impeccable French! The children are thrilled and very intimidated. He asks us questions and we chat for about 5 minutes, then it’s time for a photo and we leave.
Regarding prices, the meeting is free. It is filmed, and for 50 euros, you can, at the end, purchase the video and photos in digital format. It’s a budget, but sincerely worth it, especially if you have children.
You can also, at the reception, buy a surprise pouch for 30 euros each that Santa Claus personally hands to the children. Again, it’s a budget, but the children were so happy, and let’s be honest, it’s not every day you receive a gift from the “real” Santa Claus in person!
In this pouch, we got: a plush toy, a notebook and a pen, a key ring.
Seeing Animals at Santa Claus Village
Inside the village, you have the opportunity to visit a husky farm, a small petting zoo, and meet Santa’s reindeer.
We really enjoyed the husky farm. The guides were passionate and interesting; we learned a lot about the dogs, about the musher profession, and how to drive sleds…
You can only feed and pet the dogs that want it. Indeed, some don’t like it, and we clearly felt that their well-being was the priority.
Please note that visits are by reservation only!
Regarding the small farm, admission is 10 euros, and children can feed various farm animals. A simple little activity that isn’t necessarily worth a special trip, but the children enjoyed it.
Unfortunately, we did not enjoy the visit to Santa’s reindeer for several reasons. First, the price, and then animal welfare. We found the space far too small and unsuitable. Furthermore, in the middle of summer, there were no trees or sheltered areas from the sun for the reindeer. After seeing so many wild reindeer all over Lapland, this is not an activity we recommend if you are concerned about animal welfare.
What to see and do in Rovaniemi only in summer?
Hiking around Rovaniemi
The hikes around Rovaniemi are clearly among the most pleasant surprises of our stop. We didn’t necessarily expect them, and yet, it’s probably where we felt Lapland most intensely.
Just a few minutes from the city center, you quickly switch to a completely different setting: boreal forests as far as the eye can see, total silence, wild rivers… Here, nature is omnipresent and incredibly accessible.
The Ounasvaara area is ideal for a first approach. Easily accessible, it offers several well-maintained trails, perfect for families. You’ll find clear viewpoints, forest paths, and even some designated areas for a break. It’s a simple but pleasant walk, ideal if you don’t want to venture too far.
But our real favorite remains the Arctic Circle Hiking Area, located about twenty minutes from Rovaniemi. Here, you enter a much wilder atmosphere. The trails wind through the forest, follow rivers, cross wooden footbridges and suspension bridges. The scenery is superb, almost unreal at times.
The routes are well-marked and accessible, even with children, making it a perfect family activity. You can easily adapt the duration according to your wishes, whether for a short hour’s walk or a longer hike.
What we particularly appreciated was the calm. Even in the middle of summer, you encounter very few people. You quickly find yourself alone amidst immense landscapes, with that feeling of freedom characteristic of the great Nordic expanses.
A small detail that makes all the difference: many areas are equipped with wooden shelters, fire pits, and sometimes even wood available. It’s typically Finnish, and it makes the experience even more enjoyable. Stopping by the water’s edge, grilling something, or simply enjoying the silence is a true timeless moment.
If you need to balance your visit to Rovaniemi between tourist activities and nature, these hikes are essential. They allow you to discover another side of the region, more authentic, calmer, and ultimately much more striking.
Rivers and Landscapes around the City
The rivers and landscapes around the city are also among the pleasant surprises in Rovaniemi. You don’t necessarily expect to find such peaceful spots right next to a rather touristy town, and yet, you just need to move a little further away to find yourself in very natural settings.
The city is crossed by several rivers, including the Kemijoki, which offer superb viewpoints, especially in summer. The banks are easily accessible and perfect for a leisurely stroll, a break, or simply enjoying the scenery.
What we particularly loved were these large expanses of water surrounded by forests, with very soft light at the end of the day. In summer, with the midnight sun, the atmosphere is quite unique: the light never truly disappears, giving incredible colors to the sky and reflections on the water.
You also find a few small, sometimes almost hidden, developed spots where you can settle down for a picnic or even swim if you’re brave enough. The water remains cool, but on sunny days, it’s quite a nice experience.
It’s also an ideal place to slow down. After the hustle and bustle of Santa Claus Village, sitting by the river really allows you to relax and fully enjoy the natural setting.
Once again, it’s this contrast that makes Rovaniemi interesting: between a very touristy place and omnipresent nature. And clearly, these moments spent by the water are among those that stick with you the most.
What to see and do in Rovaniemi only in winter?
Seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi
Seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi in winter is one of those experiences you dream of having at least once in your life.
Located just below the Arctic Circle, the region offers excellent conditions for observing them, provided you have clear skies and a bit of patience.
As soon as you move away from the city and its light pollution, the show can begin: green, sometimes purple, veils dancing slowly in the dark sky. The atmosphere is quite unreal, especially when everything is covered in snow and the silence is absolute.
Some nights will be magical, others much more discreet, or even without any appearance. But that’s also what makes the experience so special; we hope to see them one day!
Snow Activities at Santa Claus Village
In winter, Santa Claus Village transforms completely and offers a multitude of snow-related activities. It is during this period that the experience truly comes alive, with a truly magical atmosphere.
Among the must-do activities are, of course, husky-pulled sleigh rides. It’s a rather impressive experience, both fast and silent, gliding through snow-covered forests. Depending on the package, it’s sometimes possible to drive the sleigh yourself, which makes the moment even more memorable.
Reindeer sleigh rides are also offered. Calmer and slower, they offer a different, more traditional approach, linked to local culture. This is a very accessible activity, especially with children.
The village also offers simpler but equally fun activities, such as sledding on groomed slopes, areas for playing in the snow, and small downhill runs accessible to everyone. For children, it’s a real open-air playground.
You can also try typical Far North activities like snowmobiling, very popular in Lapland. Excursions are organized directly from the village, allowing you to explore the surroundings through the snowy landscapes.
Finally, the overall atmosphere of Santa Claus Village in winter truly makes all the difference. The lights, omnipresent snow, decorations, and Christmas atmosphere create an immersive experience not found in summer. It is clearly at this time that the place truly comes into its own, especially if you are visiting with family.
However, all these activities come at a very high cost. The village primarily thrives on mass tourism that occurs in winter and largely takes advantage of it to drive up prices.
Our Honest Opinion: Is it Worth It?
We loved it. In summer, there’s almost no one, so no feeling of mass tourism. The weather is mild, you can enjoy the village all day until late, and prices are much lower. This allows you to indulge more, whether it’s on activities or restaurants.
The meeting with Santa Claus clearly remains our favorite: it was magical.
A small downside regarding the shops and souvenirs. Apart from a few very rare creations and Sámi craftsmanship, everything is “made in China,” very touristy, and often junk. Moreover, the shops are not particularly pretty.
Another negative point: the village itself isn’t necessarily very pretty without snow and lacks decorations in summer, in our opinion.
In conclusion, in summer, visiting the village is a must-do for meeting Santa Claus and the huskies. The rest isn’t really worth the detour.
However, the hikes around Rovaniemi are incredible. Lapland in summer offers sumptuous landscapes, absolute calm, with thousands of wild reindeer. We more than loved it… and we will come back!
Where to Sleep in a Motorhome in Rovaniemi?
Very touristy, the village has thought of everything for motorhome travelers!
A large free parking lot is available 3 minutes’ walk from the village, and you can sleep there. It’s clearly the simplest and most practical option to enjoy the site without constraints.
If you need electricity or services, you will find a paid area on the other side of the road, near the gas station.
For our part, we opted for the free parking lot as we are self-sufficient, and it was perfect: quiet and very practical for doing everything on foot.
How Long to Spend in Rovaniemi and Our Tips for a Successful Stay
In summer, one day is enough for Santa Claus Village, as many activities are designed only for snow. You’ll have plenty of time to explore and enjoy the essentials without rushing.
However, all around Rovaniemi, between museums and hikes, there are tons of things to see. The ideal is therefore to plan 3 full days to truly enjoy the region.
Of course, in winter, allow a minimum of 5 days to be able to do all the winter activities offered.
