Rovaniemi Guide

Welcome to my Rovaniemi Guide! Enchanting gateway to Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus! Rovaniemi, nestled right on the Arctic Circle, is a city where the magic of Christmas meets the breathtaking beauty of the arctic wilderness. As a lifelong resident of this winter wonderland, I’m here to give you an insider’s perspective on what makes Rovaniemi truly special.

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Reindeer in Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi, Lapland

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Santa Claus Village, in Rovaniemi, Lapland
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How to Get to Rovaniemi

By Train

Taking the train to Rovaniemi is another popular and relaxing way to travel, especially if you’re coming from Helsinki or other southern cities. The Finnish railway company VR operates regular services to Rovaniemi, including the famous overnight train known as the Santa Claus Express. The journey from Helsinki to Rovaniemi by train takes about 8-12 hours, depending on whether you choose a day or night service.

Rovaniemi’s train station is centrally located, just a short distance from the city center, and provides easy access to hotels and local attractions.

Find bus tickets on VR.fi

By Plane

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is located eight kilometers north from the city center, is the largest airport in northern Finland. 

During winter season you can fly to Rovaniemi directly from London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Liverpool, Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, Naples, Brussels, Milan, Istanbul, Izmir, Madrid, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Stuttgart, Vienna, Barcelona, Tromso, Reykjavik, Munich, Zurich, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Bordeaux, Geneva, Lyon and Nice. (visit Rovaniemi) There are also several flight connections via Helsinki to Rovaniemi all year round.

By Bus

The city is well-connected by long-distance buses that run throughout Finland, making it an accessible destination even from remote areas.

Buses to Rovaniemi operate frequently from major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Oulu, as well as from smaller towns. The main bus station is located in the city center, making it easy to reach your accommodation or connect to other local transport upon arrival.

During the winter season, additional bus services are often available for tourists heading to Lapland.

Find bus tickets on Matkahuolto and OnniBus

Rovaniemi Posts



Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and offers the magical experience of the Northern Lights, unique arctic wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. It’s the perfect destination for a winter wonderland adventure.

Having travel insurance is important when visiting Rovaniemi, as it can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and activities like snowmobiling or skiing. The harsh arctic conditions make it wise to be prepared for unexpected events.

Rovaniemi is an excellent destination for families, offering a wide range of activities like meeting Santa Claus, reindeer sleigh rides, and visiting interactive museums. It’s a magical place where both kids and adults can enjoy the wonders of Lapland.

Winter temperatures in Rovaniemi can plunge to -20°C or lower, so it’s essential to dress warmly. Wear multiple layers, including thermal clothing, a waterproof outer layer, and insulated boots, gloves, and hats to stay comfortable. Read more about layering for winter in lapland here!

Driving in Rovaniemi during winter is generally safe, but it requires extra caution due to snowy and icy road conditions. Make sure your vehicle has proper winter tires, and always drive slowly and carefully to navigate the challenging terrain.

Santa Claus Village, in Rovaniemi, Lapland