Destination Guides > Finland > Lapland

Lapland

Not many backpackers make it as far north as Lapland, however those that do discover an untouched wilderness and unique experiences such as the midnight sun.

Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the gateway to Lapland and is a popular destination both in Summer and in December when thousands of tourists come to visit the home of Santa Claus (even though it's still another couple of thousand kilometres from here to the North Pole).

Practical Information

Rovaniemi Tourist Information Centre

Koskikatu 1, Rovaniemi

Tel (016) 346270

Website www.rovaniemi.fi

Coming and Going

Rovaniemi has five trains a day to Helsinki via Oulu. Bus connections are a lot better for travel throughout Lapland with frequent services to most destinations in the region as well as international buses to Nordkapp in Norway and Murmansk, Russia.

Rovaniemi's airport (website www.ilmailulaitos.fi/airport_rovaniemi) is located 10km from the town centre. The Airport Express bus connects with all flights and costs €5.

Local Transport

Local buses run frequently to destinations around Rovaniemi, although the town is compact enough that most travellers don't need to rely on the bus service. Bus 8 runs between the town centre and the Artic Circle.

Accommodation

Hostel Rudolf

Koskikatu 41-43, Rovaniemi 96200

check in at Clarion Hotel Santa Claus (Korkalonkatu 29, Rovaniemi 96200)

Tel (016) 321 321

Sights

Artikum

The glass-roofed Artikum Centre is home to both the Arctic Science Centre and the Provincial Museum of Lapland. Permanent exhibits focus on the life, history and culture of Arctic regions. The museum also features a programme of temporary exhibits, many with an Arctic theme.

Pohjoisranta 4, 96200 Rovaniemi

Tel (016) 317 840

Website www.arktikum.fi

Admission €11

Open 1-6 Jan 10am-6pm daily; 7 Jan-31 May Tue-Sun 10am-6pm; 1-15 Jun 10am-6pm daily; 16 Jun-15 Aug 9am-7pm daily; 16-31 Aug 10am-6pm daily; 1 Sep-30 Nov Tue-Sun 10am-5pm; 1-31 Dec 10am-6pm daily

Santa Claus Park

This Christmas theme park is located inside a cave 2km from Santa Claus Village. It's expensive and really just for kids with craft classes where you can help the elves make toys. There are also games and rides.

Arctic Circle, 96930 Napapiiri

Tel (016) 333 0000

Website www.santapark.com

Admission €20, family ticket €50

Open 1-8 Jan Tue-Sun 10am-6pm; 22 Jun-13 Aug Tue-Sat 10am-4pm; 23-31 Dec Tue-Sun 10am-6pm

Santa Claus Village

Historical records show St Nicholas as hailing from Turkey with Bari, Italy laying claim to his final resting place and different versions of the children's tale show Santa's home as being either the North Pole or Korvatunturi Fell in Finnish Lapland. However the folks at Rovaniemi's tourist office will have you believe that he lives at Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle 9km north of town. The village is home to Santa's office where he works and the post office where the letter elves read and reply to his mail.

Joulumaantie 1, 96930 Napapiiri

Tel (016) 3562096

Website www.santaclauslive.com

Open 3 Jun-31 Aug 9am-7pm; 1 Sep-2 Jun 10am-5pm

Ranua

Ranua is located 80km south of Rovaniemi. Many travellers either make a day trip to Ranua or stop here en route between Oulu and Rovaniemi to visit the Rauna Wildlife Park.

Coming and Going

Lapinbussivuorot (website www.lapinbussivuorot.com) operate a bus service between Ranua and Rovaniemi. Route 24 stops near the entrance to the wildlife park.

Accommodation

Hostelli Pikki Ilves

Keskustie 10, Ranua 97700

Tel (016) 355 1201

Sights

Ranua Wildlife Park

This wildlife park, 80km south of Rovaniemi, is home to around 60 species of Arctic wildlife including bears, polar bears, lynx, moose, reindeer and wolves.

Rovanementie 29, 97700 Ranua

Tel (016) 355 1921

Website www.ranuazoo.com

Admission Jan-Mar €10, Apr-Aug €12, Oct-Dec €10

Open Jan-May 10am-4pm daily; Jun-Aug 9am-7pm daily; Sep-Dec 10am-4pm daily