Rovaniemi

[[file:Rovaniemi banner 2 - Detail of the Lordi-monument, on Lordinaukio}} Rovaniemi pajakyla 2 - Santa's Village at the Arctic Circle in the winter season

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland.

An introduction to Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi and the business centre of Finnish Lapland since the 19th century, was razed to the ground by the Germans in the final days of World War II with only a handful of buildings left standing. Rebuilding after the war and economic development over the ensuing decades have left much of the city a featureless expanse of concrete blocks, regardless of Alvar Aalto's famous reindeer antler city plan (try to recognize it if arriving by plane). Rovaniemi became a city in 1960, and in 2006 it merged with the surrounding rural municipality.

Most tourists come because of Rovaniemi's central position for transportation, because of its location at the Arctic Circle or to see Father Christmas, but there are several sights worth a visit.

Because of its central location and status, Rovaniemi has become a center of education in Finnish Lapland. There are as many as 10 000 university and university of applied sciences level students living in Rovaniemi. Compared to the number of inhabitants living in the old city area (pre-2006), as many as one in three or four people are students. During summers this shows as a large drop in the number of people vacating the city.

The river Kemijoki, notable for being the longest river in Finland, runs next to the downtown. On the west side of the river there is a large hill called Ounasvaara.

Travel to Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi train station - Rovaniemi train station 66.499|25.727

By plane

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN or EFRO), 8 kilometers (5 miles) north from the downtown, is the largest airport in northern Finland. Most of the flights go south to Helsinki, served by Finnair and Norwegian Air Shuttle. Air fares are sometimes cheaper than corresponding train connections. There are also seasonal charter and scheduled flight from international destinations, mostly in the UK.

Taxi cabs are readily available at the airport, but are costly. Airport Taxi Rovaniemi provides shuttle van shuttle service between the airport and downtown hotels, fare €7 per person one way. The service is available for every departing and arriving scheduled flight. Local bus service (Line 8 /aikataulut-timetables]) is even cheaper (€3.9), but slower, and is of use only for some flights (check Google maps for timetables /maps/dir/Rovaniemi,+Suomi/@.52686,25.6292175,10z/data=!3m1!4b1]).

Most long-distance buses towards the north (e.g. Pyhä-Luosto, Sodankylä, Saariselkä and Ivalo) stop at the airport, but timetables may not be ideal if arriving by plane.

By train

Rovaniemi is the terminus of most trains from the south. The line extends only a little further north-east to Kemijärvi. The journey from Helsinki takes 9–12 hours and is reasonably comfortable in a sleeper. You can also take your vehicle with you. The train station is next to the downtown and is within an easy walking distance – you facing north when you exit the station, and the downtown is to your right, to the north-east. Most of the long-distance buses stop here as well.

From Russia you can either go via Helsinki or take the train to Kandalaksha on the Murmansk railway and continue by bus.

By bus

Coming by bus from the south is relatively affordable but requires about 14 hours of sitting.

Gold Line and possibly other companies operate daily night buses to Rovaniemi from Helsinki via Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Timetables and tickets available through Matkahuolto]. There's also a seasonal Onnibus connection, not listed by Matkahuolto.

There are connections to Tromsø, Alta and Vadsø in Norway, at least in summertime. For travellers from Russia and there's a twice-weekly cross-border service with Kandalaksha (Finnish: Kantalahti).

The bus station is in the centre, a few hundred metres from the train station.

By car

Rovaniemi is an important road hub in Finnish Lapland. Some of the most important roads are:

• Highway 4 (Finland) from Kemi (southwest) and Ivalo (north). This highway goes all the way down to Helsinki, about 850 kilometers south of Rovaniemi
• Highway 78 from Ranua, Pudasjärvi and Paltamo near Kajaani (south-southeast)
• Highway 79 from Kittilä (northwest)
• Highway 81 from Kuusamo (southeast)
• Highway 82 from Kemijärvi (northeast)

Get around

The core of the city is small (a radius of about one kilometre), i.e. everything there is easily reached by walking. Some attractions located farther away might require other forms of transportation.

Local transportation is provided by private bus companies. Information about local buses can be found /fi/Palvelut/Liikenne here]. You can use route planner to seek local bus routes between given locations and addresses. Local transport is more frequent during daytime of weekdays of school years and less frequent during weekends, summer time, evening and night time.

The Rollaattori city guide, a must for younger or younger-minded travellers, is sold at locations including train station's restaurant, Suomalainen kirjakauppa bookstore, City Hall and Roifoto. Created by a few local residents who got tired of existing brochures and decided to make their own and the Rollaattori guide lists places which are popular among local residents but not mentioned in guidebooks or official Rovaniemi city guides.

What to see in Rovaniemi

Most tourists come to Rovaniemi for precisely one thing: Santa. Santa Claus village 20070107 - Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi Arktikum 01 - Arktikum

• Santa Claus Village - 66.5436, 25.8478 - 8 kilometers north of Rovaniemi and right on the old computed place of the Arctic Circle (now computed to be 2 kilometers north), is a tourist trap if there ever was one – but few tourists can miss the chance to meet Santa Claus|Santa himself. Apart from meeting the man and there are also other attractions like small-scale sledding hills for kids and the Santa Claus post office with special stamps and souvenir shops. The village hosts also several safari companies that organize various activities. During dark times the village has nicely lit ice sculptures. Bus number 8 goes from town to the village.

• Santapark - 66.5395, 25.7974 €20/adults, €10/children Underground amusement park within walking distance from Santa Claus Village.

• Administrative and Cultural Centre 66.4966, 25.7238 - The rebuilding of Rovaniemi after World War II was largely planned by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – particularly its reindeer antler layout. He also designed the Administrative and Cultural Centre which includes the Lappia Hall (culture and congress centre), public library and city hall.

• Arktikum - Pohjoisranta 4 66.5084, 25.7274 opposite to Marttiini ☎ +358 16 322-3260 | Opening Hours: 10:00–17:00 daily in summer, Tu–Su in winter €12 for adults, €8 or €7 for students, re-entry at same day free of charge Arktikum Science Museum One of the best museums and science centres in Finland, focusing on life in the Arctic regions through the ages. Lockers available. Cold in winter time.

• Pilke Science Centre - Ounasjoentie 6 66.5076, 25.7246 next to Arktikum ☎ +358 20-564-7820 | Opening Hours: Tu–F 09:00–18:00, Saturday Sunday 10:00–18:00 €7/5, reduced price for students and children 7–15 Those attracted by northern forests will want to visit Pilke, where exhibitions describe sustainable use of northern forests and diverse yields, forest products and commodities. Same day re-entry free of charge, lockers available.

• Lutheran church 66.49467, 25.72877 - Built 1950, near the administrative centre. Famous for its considerable large fresco "Spring of the Life" by professor Lennart Segerstråle. The fresco uses elements of Lapland in Biblical context (for example there are no lambs but reindeer). There is nice park by the swimmingpool Kirkkolampi right next to the church.

• Orthodox church Ounasvaarantie 16 66.49637, 25.75278 A small Orthodox church is on the other side of Kemijoki river.

• Korundi House of Culture - Mapinkävijäntie 4 66.5030, 25.7224 near shopping centre Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday €8/adult, €5/students, €3/children (7-15) Art, music and events. Art museum collection consists mostly of modern Finnish art. Home of the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland.

• Jätkänkynttilä bridge - Jätkänkynttilän silta | GPS 66.5028, 25.7426 - One of the most important symbols of Rovaniemi. It runs over the Kemijoki close the northern end of the downtown. Bridge has a high pylon with bright yellow light on top.

• Log Train Terminal - GPS 66.4992, 25.6824 about a kilometre west from the train station - Might be worth of seeing during dark times, as the cranes that lift the logs have lights on their arms. Climb to the opposite hill and sit on the fence for a nice view.

• German Soldier Cemetery 66.6277, 25.7857 in Norvajärvi, 19 kilometers northeast from Rovaniemi - Constructed of large stone blocks and located virtually in the middle of nowhere it might be of interest to some. During autumn one can eat berries on the way.

• Hiidenkirnut - GPS 66.413, 25.508 22 kilometers south from Rovaniemi, turn left from the road 926 - Fourteen giants kettles (hiidenkirnut), including three very deep ones, can be found from Sukulanrakka slopes near the island of Rautiosaari.

• Auttiköngäs - 66.27806, 27.19721 by road 81 Rovaniemi–Posio, 80 kilometers from Rovaniemi centre - 16 metres waterfall and old forest. Bus stop at the road, parking area 1 kilometers farther. 50 m steep trail for wheelchairs (assistance needed) to a hut with view to the rapids, 3.5 kilometers nature trail through varying terrain, with campfire sites; reserve plenty of time.

• The famous midnight sun, when the sun doesn't set at all, is seen between June 6th and July 7th. The night sky is luminous from May until mid August. At wintertime Northern lights|auroras are seen on most nights if the sky is clear.

What to do in Rovaniemi

Various Arctic safari companies, many of which are on the west bank of the river, can arrange all sorts of cold and snowy activities like snowmobile safaris, husky sledding and reindeer sledding. Most of the tour operators have summer activities available too.

• Lapland Safaris - Koskikatu 1 66.5015, 25.7372 On the west bank of the river, next to Hotel Pohjanhovi ☎ +358 16 331-1200 +358 16 331-1233

• Unique Lapland | Koskikatu 14 66.5023, 25.7317 ☎ +358 500-599-999 Produces program services, rents and sells snowmobiles, roadsters, and ATVs, organizes events, concerts, training and coaching and sells high quality outdoor clothing.

• Ounasvaara winter sports resort - Taunontie 14 66.5078, 25.7861 ☎ +358 44-7642-830 - Located on the large hill Ounasvaara couple of kilometers from the centre

• Santa Claus Golf - Golfkentäntie 43 66.5043, 25.8173 close to the skiing resort ☎ +358 200-302-00 Nine-hole golf course.

In summertime you may hike on the marked routes around Ounasvaara's forests. Interestingly there are some rocky areas, which are ancient shores from the time of ice age, still visible by these routes. Prepare to face mosquitoes in the forest... From the top of the hill you'll find great views to the forests, hills and swamps outside the city. The downtown is not extremely simple to see from the top, however a short walk to the Belvedere viewing tower provides an excellent panorama.

In summer there is a small sand beach next to the camping area on the Ounasvaara side of the Kemijoki. Swimming close to the shore is safe but because of the dangerously strong stream, do not even consider to swim across the river!

There are a few places that offer bicycle rentals in town, including Hostel Cafe Koti and the Lauri guesthouse. The Rovaniemi Tourism Board Center can provide up-to-date information.

• Arctic Circle National Hiking Area - 66.61923, 26.18348 by E75, 20 kilometers east of Rovaniemi centre - Hiking area with much infrastructure, such as lean-to shelters. There are three trail heads with parking areas. Coaches to Kemijärvi or Sodankylä stop at Lake Vikajärvi, near one of them. Two nature trails (200 m and 1.5 kilometers) are suitable for wheelchairs and prams and the longer with assistance or motor. There are also longer or more demanding nature trails, as well as marked hiking trails and the longest, Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail of 12 kilometers each way, requiring some hiking skills, suitable footwear and possibly equipment for an overnight stay.

• Kalliosalmi–Olkkajärvi canoe route - canoeingroute 66.68525, 26.70944 starting point at Kalliosalmi by road 82, to Kemijärvi, some 55 kilometers from Rovaniemi centre - 64 kilometers canoe route. The last 23 kilometers section, through the Arctic Circle hiking area, is the most demanding. Earlier on the route services are scarce.

Festivals and events

• Santa Claus Marathon - Travel sport event in June

• Jutajaiset - An about one-week-long international folklore festival arranged in July.

• {{event Simerock| Web:

2023 Event | August |10 |month=|date=11 |Ounaspaviljonki, Rovaniemi| country= Finland - Simerock is a rock festival in Rovaniemi

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Rovaniemi

• Sampokeskus - GPS 66.5022, 25.7290 - Shopping centre, main entrance on Lordi Plaza

• Rinteenkulma - 66.50290, 25.72558 - Shopping centre, main entrance next to Scandic hotel

• Revontuli - 66.5027, 25.7232 - Shopping centre, next to Rinteenkulma, main entrance above highway E75

• Marttiini factory outlet 66.5057, 25.7262 opposite Arktikum - Offers the famous knives.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Rovaniemi

A traditional meal is sautéed reindeer (poronkäristys), consisting of reindeer Meat cut in slices and stewed on a frying pan with butter and water. A "bowl" of mashed potatoes is made on the plate and filled with stewed meat. This is garnished with lingonberry jam and slices of pickled cucumber. It's worth trying out once at least - you should be able to find this dish in most restaurants around town.

Budget

Rovaniemi McDonald 01 - The (second) most northern McDonalds in the world

University canteens offer affordable alternatives (€2.50–5 per meal for students, subsidized by the state; €7 for guests), but the meals are served only around noon.

• Rotko - Faculty of Art & Design - University canteen opposite the train station.

• Train station restaurant 66.4982, 25.7054 - The restaurant at the train station is not bad or expensive either. Ask for student pizzas.

• Golden Rax Pizzas Buffet - GPS: 66.502, 25.733 at crossing of Koskikatu and Korkalonkatu - Self-service all-you-can-eat-and-drink Pizzas, Chicken wings, lasagne etc.

• Ciao Ciao Maakuntakatu 29 66.5017, 25.7307 Behind Lordi's Plaza - Serves good y- Halal Kebab & Pizzas. Try the y- Halal Kebab roll! (Rullakebab).

• Meidän Kebab Koskikatu 9 66.5022, 25.7331
• Haruno Pizzas & Kebab Korkalonkatu 27 66.50191, 25.73195
• McDonalds Poromiehentie 3 66.50365, 25.72673 - Open 24 hr. Supposed to be the world's northernmost McD, but that's wrong as McD in Murmansk (Russia) is more north.

• Curries Masala - Valtakatu 33 66.503269, 25.734724 ☎ +358 44 2376113 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:00-22:00, Friday 11:00-23:00, Saturday 12:00-23:00, Sunday 12:00-21:00 Indian and Nepalese restaurant with a good range of Meat and Vegetarian dishes. Very good value buffet Monday - Thursday lunchtime for €9.50, including soup, coffee and mangolassi.

• Torikeidas - Mapinkävijäntie 3 66.4990802, 25.7145657 Near Kauppatori, across from the bus station Opening Hours: From mid-morning to very, very late Grill.

On the main central square (former Sampoaukio, now Lordi aukio) there is often a fisherman selling freshly caught and pan-fried vendace (muikku), a small freshwater whitefish.

Mid-range

• Fransmanni - Koskikatu 4 66.50208, 25.73560 at Sokos Hotel Vaakuna ☎ +358 20 1234695 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00-23:00, Saturday Sunday 12:00-23:00 Traditional Lappish dishes, French cooking and one of the best bars in town.

• Cafe Toivo - Rovakatu 14 66.4991958, 25.7264133 ☎ +358 40 1769969 | Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 07:30-17:00, Saturday 10:00-14:00 - Excellent baked goods and lunch. Very fresh ingredients and all made on site including baked goods.

• Restaurant Saihu - Toukolantie 49, Hirvas 66.4161962, 25.4171301 In the village of Hirvas, opposite the turn to Kalliokumpu, at Hotel Metsähirvas (formerly the Forestry School) ☎ +358 400 315 099 Opening Hours: Dinner Tue-Sat 16:00-21:00, Breakfast Monday to Friday07:00-10:00 and Saturday to Sun 08:00-11:00 A well-hidden restaurant with comfortable atmosphere and a short but very good menu featuring reindeer, moose, and salmon.

Drink

• Doris 66.50208, 25.73535 - Next door to the Restaurant Fransmanni, next to all the safari companies. Fashionable crowd, safari guides, hotel guests and high school students.

• Kahvila Kauppayhtiö Valtakatu 24 GPS 66.50286, 25.73484 100 metres from Hotel Santa Claus ☎ +358 16 3422422 Sandwich shop, ice cream, milkshakes, sushi restaurant. Its slogan is "the café where everything is for sale".

• Paha Kurki - Koskikatu 5 66.50190, 25.73463 ☎ +358 16 317 230 Notable rock-ish Colahouse, located opposite to the safari company offices near the river.

• Tivoli - Valtakatu 19 66.50070, 25.73354 200 metres from Hotel Santa Claus - Two-room night club popular among students, famous for its Beach Party in February. Occasional live acts. safari guides and a bit more older crowd.

• Zoomit - GPS 66.50258, 25.73225 - Café and bar in Hotel Santa Claus

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Muslim Friendly hotels in Rovaniemi

• Guesthouse Borealis - Asemieskatu 1 GPS 66.4993, 25.7105 ☎ +358 16 342 0130 +358 16 310 261 - This is a very friendly guesthouse located in the immediate vicinity of the train station. Cross the road from the train station, directly in front of you is the red-yellowish university building, find a small walking road to your left (facing the building) that goes uphill. Turn left to the bigger road and walk 25 metres (80 feet). If you are looking for a warm and hospitable place to stay then this is worth checking out.

• Hostel Rudolph - Koskikatu 41-43 GPS 66.50528, 25.71878 ☎ +358 16 321321 +358 16 321 3222 Price €50/double - Inexpensive, but the reception for this location is off-site; check-in is at the reception of the Santa Claus Hotel just down from Lordi's Plaza.

• B&B Reindeerstreet 24 - Porokatu 24 66.4940, 25.7631 ☎ +358 40 531 5280 Friendly bed & breakfast next to Ounasvaara, about 1.3 kilometers from downtown, can arrange tours and activities during your stay.

• Ounaskoski Camping - Jäämerentie 1 66.4979, 25.7424 ☎ +358 16 345304 +From €15/RV or €14/tent, +€6 for power (10A), +€7/person - Camping site (100 places) on the other side of the river with view of the city, c-store, cafeteria, laundry, private secluded sauna, playground.

• Hostel Café Koti - Valtakatu 21, Rovaniemi 66.5012, 25.7340 ☎ +358 44 7961 333 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00 from €30 for a bed in a 10-bed dorm, from €99 for a double room

Mid-range

• Scandic Hotel - Koskikatu 23 66.5027, 25.7270 in downtown ☎ +358 16 606000
• City Hotel - Pekankatu 9 GPS 66.5015, 25.7296 ☎ +358 16 3300111 +358 16 311304 - In the heart of Rovaniemi, next to Sampokeskus shopping mall and Lordi's Plaza.

• Cumulus Rovaniemi - Valtakatu 23 66.50163, 25.73318 ☎ +358 16 333600 Mid-priced hotel, centrally located.

• Santa Claus Holiday Village - Tähtikuja 2 GPS 66.5430, 25.8428 ☎ +358 16 3561513 Hotel-like accommodation in cabins in Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle.

• Lapland City Apartments Varies €87 per day single plus €5 internet Small but comfortable apartment close to the town centre, including fridge, oven, microwave, shower, television and optional internet. Booked through booking.com. prices may vary if shared.

• Hotel Santa Claus - Korkalonkatu 29 66.5029, 25.7321 in centre of town ☎ +358 16 321321
• Rantasipi Pohjanhovi - Pohjanpuistikko 2 66.5023, 25.7380 ☎ +358 16-33711 Four-star downtown hotel with saunas and swimming pool.

Telecommunications in Rovaniemi

The Hotel Santa Claus has a laptop in the lobby, meant for guests, where anyone can sit at the computer and use the Internet for free.

There is Internet access via Wi-Fi in the main library, and using their computers is feasible but might require a reservation, ask at the desk.

Free Wi-Fi access is available in the 'trendy' coffee shop Kauppayhtiö, and the 'authentic Lapland' Pub Tupsu, and the Arktikum.

Go next

• Downhill (and cross-country) skiing from November to April in Levi (near Kittilä), Luosto (near Sodankylä) and Pyhä (near Pelkosenniemi).
• Ranua with an Arctic wildlife park

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