Sightseeing in Rovaniemi - what to see. Complete travel guide

The capital of Lapland and the "residence" Santa Claus, Rovaniemi is a famous winter resort that every year attracts fans of skiing and sledging. Even though the city is located on the Arctic Circle, tourists are not bothered by the harsh climate. Winters here are very snowy, but strong wind is really rare here. This makes rest in this city more comfortable.

Each year the resort offers new entertainments to its guests. You can ride on a reindeer sled, go to a ski base, or visit one of the modern ice rinks. It is also possible to rent a snowmobile and ride along the scenic landscapes of this place. In the evening rest after an active day by relaxing in sauna or visit one of the local restaurants. Every evening concerts and theatrical performances take place in the city, so besides rich athletic program you can make your vacation more diversifying by visiting cultural events.

Travellers with children should definitely visit Santa Park. Here children can meet Santa Claus and his faithful helpers – gnomes - make a ride on the magic sledge and learn how to bake the favorite delicacy of Santa - gingerbread. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Another interesting entertainment for the whole family will be visiting Ranua Zoo. Here you can see over 50 types of the inhabitants of the Arctic Circle. Jatkankynttila Bridge is one of the most spectacular sights of Rovaniemi. In the center of the bridge you will see an eternal flame. Those tourists, who wish to see Santa Claus, should go to Napapiiri village, where are located his shop and post office. The building of the Arktikum Entertainment Complex is the location of the largest museum of the city – Museum of Local History. Its exposition is devoted to life of local residents. In this museum you will learn a lot about commercial work and culture of citizens. Here you will also find the Science Center that often becomes the location of fascinating lectures.

An Arctic Circle pointer is pretty symbolic for the resort. It is located in the northern part of Rovaniemi, near the entrance to the city. The signpost is an interesting wooden structure. It marks the exact distances that share the village of Santa Claus with the largest cities in the world. There is a fabulous legend about the index, according to which, Santa Claus got lost on the way to various cities, once. After that he ordered to establish in his native village a pointer, which he now uses every year.

In Rovaniemi is an excellent Art Museum. It occupies a beautiful modern building. The exposition of the museum includes more than 1500 paintings of contemporary artists. You can see unusual designer winter-based expositions, as well. The museum welcomes its guests all-year-round. It often hosts thematic events dedicated to contemporary art.

A wonderful place for family rest is a deer-raising farm, which is in the immediate vicinity of the resort. A professional reindeer breeder organizes the visits. Under his guidance, everyone can learn to operate a cart drawn by deer. For the guests of the farm, a wide variety of recreational activities are organized from trips on reindeer sleds through the snow-covered forest to gastronomic workshops, where one can learn how to prepare popular dishes of Lapland cuisine.

The winter resort has its own historical symbols, including the old Lutheran church. Its high spire can be seen literally from any street of the city and is directed upwards by 54 meters. The very first church in this place was built over 300 years ago. By the end of the 19th century, it was completely in ruins. The surviving religious monument was erected at the beginning of the 20th century. At the entrance, you can see a large stone - the remaining fragment of the previous building. The main decoration of the church is the altar mural, whose height is 14 meters. The most promising event will be a trip to the Luosto amethyst mine, formed over 2000 million years ago. It is available for visits during the spring and summer period. They hold cognitive excursions, during which everyone can obtain a beautiful stone for memory.