Santa's village and families
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Claus Village | A wooden village on the Arctic Circle line, which you cross on foot, with Santa's office and the post office that stamps your letters; entry to the village is free. | About 8 km north of the centre, next to the airport |
| SantaPark | An underground theme park in a cave cut into the rock, with elf workshops, Santa's school and a magic train. | Near Santa Claus Village; seasonal in winter, ticketed |
| Ranua wildlife park | Arctic animals in an open forest: polar and brown bears, lynx and wolves. | About 80 km south of Rovaniemi |
Snow and auroras
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Husky and reindeer rides | Sleds pulled by dogs or reindeer through the snowy forests, and reindeer farms where you meet and feed them. | Around Rovaniemi, December to March |
| Glass igloos | A night in a glass-roofed cabin, watching the northern lights from your bed; book months ahead in winter. | On the edge of Rovaniemi |
| Northern-lights tours | Night trips away from the city lights to chase the aurora, by car, snowmobile or on snowshoes. | Late August to early April |
| Ounasvaara hill | A hill on the edge of town with short ski slopes and summer walking trails, and a view over Rovaniemi and the river. | About 3 km from the centre |
The town
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Arktikum museum | A museum of Arctic life and the northern lights, in a long glass building on the river. | Central Rovaniemi |
| The Candle Bridge (Jätkänkynttilä) | A cable bridge over the Kemijoki river with two pylons lit like a candle, loveliest at night in the snow. | Central Rovaniemi |
Tips before you go
- You need a Schengen visa, applied for at Finland's consulate if it is your main destination.
- December is the busiest and priciest month; January and February are snowier and quieter, and the aurora shows from late August to early April.
- From Helsinki it is about 1 h 20 min by air, or an overnight train.
- Wear full winter layers and snow boots: temperatures can fall below minus 20.
Hotels in Rovaniemi
More places nearby
Visa
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Rovaniemi?
Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle, SantaPark, the Arktikum museum, husky and reindeer rides, glass igloos, Ounasvaara hill and Ranua wildlife park.
When is the best time to visit Rovaniemi?
December to March for snow and the Santa atmosphere, and the northern lights from late August to early April on clear nights.
Is Santa Claus Village free to enter?
Yes, entry to the village is free; some activities inside, such as the photographed meeting with Santa and the slides, are ticketed.
Do Saudis need a visa for Rovaniemi?
Yes, a Schengen visa. Fee: €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. Where to apply: The accredited visa centre in Riyadh, Jeddah or Al Khobar for the country where you'll stay longest. Processing time: Usually 15 days, longer in peak season. We prepare your file and follow it up until the visa is issued.
Planning your trip to Finland? Read Travel to Finland from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.