If you’re staying in Rovaniemi and want to make the most of your time with some unforgettable day trips; you’re in for a treat.
Rovaniemi is close to several incredible day trip destinations, and here are my personal favorites:
Ranua Wildlife park (Zoo)
Ranua Zoo is located about an hour’s drive south of Rovaniemi. It is the northernmost zoo in the world and a must-visit for animal lovers.
The park is home to over 50 Arctic and northern animal species, including polar bears, wolves, lynxes, and owls.
The enclosures are designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats, providing an immersive experience as you walk through the beautiful taiga forest.
Book your visit to Ranua Wildlife Park via GetYourGuide*!
Lampivaara Ametyhst mine
Amethyst Mine in Luosto, about 1.5 hours from Rovaniemi, offers a unique opportunity to dig for your own gemstones.
The mine, perched on top of Lampivaara fell, is one of the few gemstone mines in the world open to the public.
You can learn about the geological history of the area, dig for amethysts, and keep any small stones you find as a souvenir.
Lampivaara Amethyst Mine Website
Book your visit to Ametyhst Mine via GetYourGuide*!
Pyhä-Luosto National Park
For those who love hiking and exploring the great outdoors, Pyhä-Luosto National Park is an ideal day trip destination.
Located about 1.5 hours from Rovaniemi, this national park offers a range of trails suitable for all levels, from short walks to longer, more challenging hikes.
The park is known for its ancient forests, stunning gorges, and the beautiful Isokuru canyon, the deepest in Finland.
Book your activities in Pyhä-Luosto national park via GetYourGuide*!
Korouoma Canyon and (frozen) waterfalls
Korouoma Canyon, located about 1.5 hours southeast of Rovaniemi, in Posio, is a stunning natural attraction. It is famous for its rugged landscapes and, in winter, its spectacular frozen waterfalls.
The 30-kilometer-long canyon offers excellent hiking trails that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness.
In winter, the waterfalls freeze into giant ice formations, making it a popular spot for ice climbing.
Book your guided visit to Korouoma via GetYourGuide*!
Riisitunturi National Park
About two hours from Rovaniemi, Riisitunturi National Park in Posio is known for its unique landscapes, particularly in winter when the snow-covered trees create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere.
The park is located on the edge of the Lapland region. It’s a paradise for photographers, with its rolling hills, wetlands, and picturesque spruce trees covered in thick layers of snow.
The park offers several well-marked trails, suitable for both beginners and more experienced hikers.
Book your guided visit to Riisitunturi via GetYourGuide*!
Icebreaker cruise
For a truly unique experience, take a day trip to Kemi, about 1.5 hours from Rovaniemi, for an icebreaker cruise on the frozen Gulf of Bothnia.
The Sampo Icebreaker offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the power of this massive ship as it crushes through the thick ice.
During the cruise, you’ll also have the chance to don a thermal suit and float in the icy waters—a thrilling and unforgettable arctic experience.
Read more about Rovaniemi here!
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