As a lifelong resident of Rovaniemi, I’m here to share some honest insights about my hometown. Known globally as the official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi attracts tourists from all over the world. While the magic of Santa and the charm of Christmas are undeniable, there’s a side to Rovaniemi that many visitors don’t always know.
Rovaniemi is more than just Santa Claus and Christmas lights. I often hear people say that Rovaniemi is the ultimate tourist trap and not authentic Lapland at all. When I get the chance to ask where they went in Rovaniemi, the answer is ALWAYS: Santa Claus Village, Santa Park, and sometimes Snowman World. I’m sorry, but these places are built for tourists—of course they don’t feel ‘authentic’. Don’t get me wrong, they are still super fun and beautiful.
Rovaniemi is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. By looking beyond the tourist traps and embracing authentic experiences, you can discover the true Rovaniemi. Let’s ensure that tourism benefits both visitors and the local community, preserving the magic of this Arctic wonderland for generations to come.
The Santa Claus Phenomenon
Rovaniemi’s identity as the “home of Santa Claus” is a major draw for tourists. The Santa Claus Village, located on the Arctic Circle, is a bustling hub of activity year-round. Here, you can meet Santa, send postcards from his official post office, and explore various Christmas-themed shops and attractions.
While this sounds enchanting, it’s important to recognize that Santa Claus Village is a highly commercialized operation. The experience can feel more like a theme park than a genuine encounter with Christmas magic. Long lines, crowded spaces, and overpriced souvenirs can detract from the joy of meeting Santa. For locals, the commercialization of Santa has turned a beloved tradition into a mass-market spectacle.
Still, IT IS a beautiful and cozy destination, but it is not all Rovaniemi has to offer.
If you want to learn more about Santa experiences in Rovaniemi, read my post Meeting the Santa in Rovaniemi
How to Avoid a Bad Experience?
The answer is pretty simple: Don’t travel to see Santa near Christmas. Santa Claus Village is super beautiful, but quite small. If you want to actually experience the magic of the Christmas village, avoid coming in December.
If you still need to come in December, maybe skip the lines in the Santa Claus Village and meet Santa in the city instead. The Village is beautiful even without seeing the big man himself, and you can visit from the city separately. The city Santa is actually a really good and less crowded experience, in my opinion. Also private Santa experiences, like Joulukka – Santa Claus Secrect Forest are amazing option for that ‘authentic’ feeling. They are quite pricey, but in my opinion, they are worth it.
Also, many (not all) souvenirs in the Santa Village are not authentic at all and the prices are high. Save your money and do your shopping in the city. My favorite shops in the city are Mainoa Craft & Design and Arctic Design Shop.
Finding Authentic Experiences
Despite the commercial Christmas aspects, there are ways to experience the true essence of Rovaniemi and its surroundings.
Explore Beyond Santa Claus Village: Visit local museums like the Arktikum, which offers fascinating insights into Arctic life and culture. Right next to Arktikum stands the Science Centre Pilke. Pilke is an interactive destination and learning environment for all ages and has a great souvenir shop! The Korundi House of Culture showcases contemporary art and music, providing a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Local Cuisine: Try traditional dishes like reindeer stew, salmon soup, and Karelian pasties. (These are mostly served only in ‘touristy’ restaurants, since we Finns cook these mostly at home. All these are pretty common “everyday” foods here.) There are at least two salmon places in Santa Village, and they are both great! Also, visit local markets to sample fresh produce and regional specialties. I have big restaurant blog post coming, where I go thru all the places I think are worth mentioning.
Stay in Unique Accommodations: Instead of the usual hotels, try staying in a traditional Finnish cottage or cozy Airbnb. These options provide a more intimate and authentic experience. Finns enjoy a pretty simple life, but if you want a bit of glamour on your visit, glass igloos or the Arctic Light Hotel are very good options. Bonus point to Arctic Light—they have an amazing breakfast!
Seasonal Activities: Depending on the season, engage in activities that showcase the real Lapland. Go ice fishing or try a snowmobile safari. There are plenty of options around the city. Reindeers and Finn horses are a big part of Lappish culture, so go ahead and try some horseback riding in the wilderness. Laenlammen Tila is a really good option near Rovaniemi city and they have Finn horses also in the Apukka resort during winter season. You can find many great guided activities in GetYourGuide*.
And DO NOT underestimate the beauty and fun of the snow. You can easily have hours of fun by just walking in a snowy forest, making snow angels or sledding.
Responsible Tourism
While traveling, support local businesses and artisans by purchasing genuine Finnish products rather than mass-produced souvenirs. Most importantly, take the time to learn about and respect the local culture and environment. By doing so, you help preserve the magic of Rovaniemi for future generations.
Rovaniemi has so much more to offer than just Santa Claus. By exploring beyond the tourist traps, you can discover the authentic beauty and culture of this Arctic wonderland.
More posts about Rovaniemi you can find here!
Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you exploring the real Rovaniemi soon!
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