Free Things to Do in Rovaniemi

THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Rovaniemi

Best Free Things to Do in Rovaniemi

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What travellers are saying

  • Ignatius
    Singapore, Singapore139 contributions
    It's the official residence of santa claus and it's a village to explore on its own, there are other smaller attractions within like an ice world and stuff but i think it's generally for the young ones and also these smaller attractions within requires an entrance fee.

    I did try the reindeer ride which is well worth for the experience and just to feel what its like on a sleigh with the reindeers.

    The must visit would be the post office whereby you would get to see the letters across the world that were mailed here to santa claus. I would also recommend sending one to yourself from here for the upcoming Christmas just so to remind yourself you have actually been to this almost magical place on earth in the arctic circle.

    Somewhere in the middle of the village is also where you can pay santa claus a visit and have an official photograph taken with him, and yes it cost 50 euros to have it printed in a laminated photo with an official santa claus cover.

    All in all I enjoyed my visit here and lastly it's easy to get here from the city centre, simply hop on the bus that says its going to santa claus village and in doubt just simply ask your hotel receptionist.
    Written 18 May 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ari D
    3 contributions
    It's like to be already on Christmas eve :)
    People there are very nice and the elves when you meet Santa Claus are very funny!
    Written 7 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jules B
    Ormskirk, UK225 contributions
    We took a drive down from Rovaniemi which took just over an hour. Easy to find.

    We only saw two other couples on the entire 3.5km trail - if was a cold day with snow around which perhaps puts the locals off visiting. The cafe was closed.

    The trail is very well marked and once you are away from the force of the dam and former log chute, there are literally no sounds other than nature to disturb.

    An inquisitive reindeer followed us for a while but given it was winter the rest of nature was keeping warm elsewhere.

    There are a few steps up and down and as it was slippery underfoot we covered the route in a steady 2.5 hours.

    A lovely way to take in the fresh air and see some of Finland’s natural beauty.
    Written 13 November 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christian W
    Graz, Austria80 contributions
    Amazing and very impressive view over Finland and rovaniemi if you have a sunny day. Hidden spot but worth to walk there even if it’s cold!
    Written 8 January 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RiSha
    London, UK405 contributions
    Came here recently with friends. A quirky attraction, but really fun to visit! Photo opportunities, a zip line, and lots of snow when we went made for a nice time.
    Written 15 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Malav S
    Ahmedabad, India77 contributions
    nice old church there are as such not much sight seeing places in Rovaniemi so its good if you visit this place
    Written 10 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tyler B
    Tring, UK306 contributions
    We visited the city centre from the Santa Claus Village to pick up some winter clothes that we were renting, so we decided to spend the morning in Rovaniemi. There really isn't much to do here but visit the Arkitrum museum and take in the views of the Lumberjack Candle Bridge. Is it good? Sure. It's an impressive bridge, and it's worth a photo. I'm not sure what else to tell you about it.
    Written 21 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • B T
    London, UK1,140 contributions
    I thought this was the best part of Santa's village. The prices of some of the souvenirs seemed cheaper than other places at Santa's village and it was not as crowded with merchandise. There is a cafe to eat and you could meet Santa here. The queues were shorter than at Santa's office.
    Written 30 November 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lesley2805
    Essex338 contributions
    Our Canterbury travel guide arranged for us to have a short shopping stop here before our flight home from Rovenimi airport. Because we had seen the REAL Santa in his home, we were advised to give the large red building on the right a very wide berth as they advertised a chance to meet a certain person!!! . But that wasn't a problem as there was lots of tourist shops in the Arctic village, they all sold pretty much the same things. But because the place we had stayed had been so remote we hadn't managed to buy any Christmas mementos . At the village there was a good choice of Xmas decor, and obviously lots of soft toys. But we also had the chance to post Xmas cards back to the UK with the Arctic circle postmark direct from the North Pole post office. I had taken cards with us ready just for this..
    We only had an hour there, I would have liked a little longer, but we cut it fine for our flight home. The airport is only minutes away. It was lovely to finish off the perfect holiday here, and nothing was ridiculously priced, even for a captive audience
    Written 16 June 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Mikael F
    Helsinki, Finland30,539 contributions
    This library was completed in 1965.

    It is one of the many libraries designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto who also designed the Lappia House (Rovaniemi Theater) next to the library.

    All of his libraries are known for the spacious library hall, book recesses, and skylights.

    In addition to books, you can always find a small art exhibition at this library.
    Written 13 December 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • justin o
    Vienna, Austria70 contributions
    Yes we have all heard about the Second World War but this memorial is to a part that at least I wasn't familiar with. The dealings between Finland, Germany and Russia are the backdrop to the existence of this memorial/cemetery and an important part of the recent history of the area.
    Written 22 November 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tyler B
    Tring, UK306 contributions
    We visited Rovaniemi city centre from Santa Claus Village to collect from rented winter clothes. While we were there we decided to spend some time and visited Lordi's Square. It's a square. It has some shops. That's all we have to say. It actually turned out useful as our son had a fingernail infection and the pharmacy there were very helpful. But, yeah.
    Written 21 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RiSha
    London, UK405 contributions
    A decent place to explore while you're in Rovaniemi. Restaurants and clothes shops, as well as a cinema and kids play area. We stopped for some lunch at the waffle place!
    Written 15 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Abby H
    Sparks, NV2 contributions
    The shop is very small and cozy. I enjoy looking at the Finnish products and think they are very nice. The place has an interesting background that is good to learn while traveling. It's in a good spot, easy to reach. The workshop is so cool to see and it's great that they make some of their own products, especially using reindeer antler. It is very one-of-a-kind. I like that you can have some things custom-made.
    Written 27 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Expedition69102
    42 contributions
    90 year old knives house…One of the few buildings spared during the second world war. Take a look at the mini museum of old knives and pick souvenirs to bring back.
    Written 30 March 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.