3 Days in Rovaniemi: The Perfect Winter Itinerary

Before we look at the itinerary in more detail, there is one important thing to bear in mind. Rovaniemi is located around 1,200 km north of Helsinki, right on the edge of the Arctic Circle. In winter, temperatures can drop to as low as -30°C, so it is essential to dress warmly if you want to enjoy your stay comfortably. But don’t let the cold put you off! Breathing in the crisp Arctic air is all part of the magic of visiting Lapland. Also, despite its remote location, Rovaniemi is well served by transport infrastructure. Check out our guide to getting to Rovaniemi for helpful tips.

Visiting Santa Claus Village

Your adventure begins at Santa Claus Village, just a few kilometers from the city center. This is the official hometown of Santa, with free entrance it’s a must-visit for both adults and children. You can reach it on your own by public bus, the Santa Express, or car. If you don’t want to worry about logistics, you can join our guided tour of Santa Claus Village, which includes round-trip transportation and a buffet lunch.

The village is open until 5 p.m. in summer and 7 p.m. in winter, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore. Start your visit by crossing the Arctic Circle. Fun fact: There is a  live webcam all year round to let your friends and family see you.

You’ll also find a reindeer farm within the village. “If seeing reindeer is on your list, Santa Claus Village is actually a great place to do it,” Mégane explains. “You can simply visit them while exploring the village, or enjoy a short sleigh ride” In winter, these rides offer a magical way to experience one of the Arctic’s must-see traditions.

Santa Claus village also offers plenty more things to do: You can meet the real Santa at his Christmas House, send a letter with the special Arctic Circle postmark from the official Post Office and even eat a proper warm lunch at one of the restaurants. For more information, we encourage you to read our separate article on Santa Claus Village.

Catching Northern Lights

Hunting the Northern Lights is a non-negotiable activity in Lapland. Auroras occur frequently at this latitude during winter. In the Rovaniemi area, they can be spotted almost every other night, especially in March, the best month for viewing the Northern Lights.

To see Northern Lights, you will need:

• Clear skies: Auroras appear above cloud cover, so visibility is essential.
• Low light pollution: City lights dim the effect, so head to darker areas for the best view.
• Solar activity: This is the most special part, when nature puts on a spectacular show.. Auroras occur when highly charged solar wind particles from the sun collide with air molecules in the atmosphere resulting in an energy transfer into light.

The best time to view the Northern Lights is usually between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., so be prepared to spend a few hours in the cold in the hope of catching a glimpse of them. Choosing a Northern Lights tour led by experienced guides can increase your chances of success, as most guides have spent years tracking down the perfect locations and timing for witnessing this natural phenomenon.

Another advantage of guided tours is that they usually provide insulated overall suits and winter boots, which can enhance your experience if you don’t have the right clothing. However, if you would prefer to chase the Northern Lights independently, you can rent rent high-quality winter gear in Rovaniemi, including insulated overalls and boots. That way, you can stay warm and comfortable throughout your trip without having to invest in equipment that you might only use once.

After chasing the Northern Lights the night before, your second day in Lapland continues with a morning full of adventure and adrenaline, followed by a relaxing evening the Finish way.

Snowmobile Morning Ride

For thrill-seekers, nothing beats the adrenaline rush of snowmobiling through Lapland’s snowy forests or across a frozen lake. As it is rather difficult to rent snowmobiles independently in Rovaniemi, you will probably need to join an activity organised by a company. Fortunately, guided snowmobile excursions make the experience accessible for all, including first-time riders.

In particular, Mégane recommends this activity to couples or groups of friends seeking adventure. “Snowmobiling is fantastic because it combines the thrill of motorsport with stunning Arctic landscapes,” she explains. “It is also a very flexible activity, with tours ranging from short rides to longer excursions, depending on your preference.” However, it may not be the best option for very young children, as they cannot sit on the snowmobile unless they are over 150 cm tall. However, they can usually ride in a sledge pulled behind the guide’s snowmobile, which is also great fun.

Family-friendly Alternative: Husky Sleigh Ride

If you’re travelling with young children, or simply enjoy being around animals, a husky sleigh ride organised by a tour operator is an excellent alternative to snowmobiling for the day. Meet the energetic and friendly dogs and sleigh across the snow, experiencing both the thrill of the ride and the joy of bonding with these incredible animals.

This experience often becomes the highlight of a family’s trip. “Huskies are great for families with children,” says Mégane. “There’s speed and excitement, but it’s not overwhelming. Children absolutely love meeting the dogs, and parents appreciate the balance between adventure and safety that this well-organised activity provides.”

However, she does offer one important piece of advice: “It’s incredibly fun, but it can be very cold, especially when the sled is moving fast. The speed makes the air feel even colder. Make sure children are dressed in proper thermal layers with good gloves, socks and face protection, so they can truly enjoy it.”

Traditional Sauna Evening Ritual

After an exciting day spent dog sledding or snowmobiling, treat yourself to an authentic Finnish ritual in the evening: the sauna. For locals, the sauna is much more than just a place to warm up; it’s a way of life and a time to recharge and find balance.

Many hotels have saunas or well-equipped spa facilities where guests can conveniently experience this important part of Finnish culture. Some local tour operators also offer sauna and spa experiences for visitors who would like to enjoy the tradition in an authentic setting. An essential part of this tradition involves alternating between the intense heat of the sauna and a refreshing cold shower; or even a quick dip in an ice hole, if you’re feeling adventurous!

On your last day, explore the Arctic wilderness beyond the city. Hiking is the perfect way to connect with the local landscape in winter. Although Lapland’s nature is magnificent in all directions, there are a few spots that capture its essence perfectly. We highly recommend choosing one of these two unforgettable tour excursions.

The Frozen Waterfalls of Korouoma

The frozen waterfalls of Korouoma are one of Finland’s most spectacular winter hiking destinations and are particularly recommended for couples or groups of friends. Located around 110 km from Rovaniemi, the waterfalls can be reached by car in about an hour and a half. It is therefore advisable to start your tour early in the morning. Our guided tour, for example, usually departs between 8:00 and 9:00 am.

As soon as you enter the forest, you are greeted by the stunning sight of snow-covered trails and frozen waterfalls draping a steep cliff face. The cold can be tiring, so make sure you plan ahead and bring enough food and drink for your hike. If you join a guided tour, however, food and drink are usually included, as well as a campfire, so you won’t need to worry about bringing your own lunch.

Lastly, as Mégane points out, “Korouoma is not extremely difficult, but you do need to be in good physical shape to fully enjoy the adventure and spectacular scenery. It’s a more active, immersive experience than a simple stroll.”

Riisitunturi National Park

If you’re looking for a gentler, family-friendly experience, Riisitunturi National Park is the perfect choice. Located around 160 km from Rovaniemi, the park is renowned for its iconic snow-laden trees.

Hiking through Riisitunturi is a peaceful and immersive experience, offering panoramic views of endless snowy landscapes. “Riisitunturi is ideal for families,” Mégane explains. “The trails are gentle and the views are breathtaking. Everyone from children to grandparents can enjoy it safely and comfortably.”

As Riisitunturi is located quite far from Rovaniemi, arranging transportation is necessary to get there. Our tour of Riisitunturi National Park includes transport and a traditional Lappish barbecue, offering a convenient, stress-free way to experience this iconic Finnish location. Later in the afternoon, the real magic happens as the sun sets behind the frosted trees, casting golden and pink hues across the snowy landscape. This Arctic sunset will create memories to cherish forever.

In just three days, Rovaniemi can be fully experienced. During this time, you can meet Santa Claus, stroke reindeer, go on a husky sleigh ride, try snowmobiling, and admire the snow-covered trees in the Arctic forest. And you know what? You’ll even have time for a few restaurant meals.

So, yes, it’s definitely possible to plan your short trip to Rovaniemi yourself and still have an amazing experience. Of course, tailor-made or pre-arranged holidays designed by travel specialists can definitely make things easier and more convenient in some cases, but they are by no means the only option. Whatever you decide, we hope this guide has given you some ideas of how you’d like to spend your time in Lapland and convinced you that it’s worth a visit, even if it’s only for a few days.

Whether you follow this itinerary exactly or simply use it for inspiration, we hope it helps you plan your own Arctic getaway. Now all that’s left to do is start planning, pack your warmest clothes, and get ready to experience the magic of Lapland for yourself!