Rovaniemi Hotels

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and the de facto commercial, economic and cultural heart of northern Finland. Home to some 60,000 inhabitants, Rovaniemi contains more than 30% of Lapland’s total population. As such, the city is a lively hub and contains many fine heritage landmarks, museums and monuments. The best of the best includes architect Alvar Aalto’s Regional Library of Lapland, the Arktikum Science Museum, Marttiini Knife Factory, Rovaniemi Art Museum and the remarkable Jätkänkynttilä Bridge. Rovaniemi is also a gateway to Lapland arctic safaris and tours, which run the gamut from simple day trips to long sojourns in the desolate north. Superb recreation is on hand, courtesy of the Ounasvaara Ski Centre, and the city hosts a number of wonderful festivals throughout the year. Last but not least, Rovaniemi also has a notable ensemble of decent restaurants and bars for visitors to enjoy.

Rovaniemi History

• Rovaniemi Local History Museum – Contains original buildings from the Pöykkölä farm that are over 100 years old.
• Rovaniemi Lutheran Church – This Evangelical Lutheran church replaces one destroyed in WWII and features the large fresco “Spring of the Life” by Lennart Segerstrale.
• Jätkänkynttilä Bridge – This long structure over the Kemijoki is an important symbol of Rovaniemi.
• German Soldiers Cemetery – Constructed from large stone blocks as the resting place for over 2,500 Second World War soldiers.
• Pilke Science Centre – Learn about the important Nordic forestry industry here.

Rovaniemi Art & Culture

• Rovaniemi Art Museum – Houses collections of Finnish art, with new works by local artists each year.
• Arktikum – Designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, this museum on the river has a permanent exhibit on Sámi culture.
• Santa Claus Village – The most popular tourist attraction in in town, replete with a Santa Claus Post Office, SantaPark and Santa himself.
• Lappia Talo – This Alvar Aalto-designed concert hall is home to the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland.
• Jutajaiset Folklore Festival – This large festival held annually in June and July features songs and dance celebrating the north.

Rovaniemi Shopping

• Sampokeskus – This main shopping centre in Rovaniemi has typical mall stores and many small local shops nearby.
• Kalotinlinna – A shopping mall with the same typical mall stores and a convenient supermarket.
• Rovakatu – A number of local shops line this street that are worth checking out.
• Rovaniemen Markkinat – A bazaar open March to September selling variety of items from reindeer pelts to housewares.
• Christmas Market – At the Santa Claus Village, with plenty of souvenirs for sale (but at high tourist prices).
• Martiini Old Knife Factory – Get these famous knives for cheaper prices here.

Gay & Lesbian Rovaniemi

• Doris Disco – One of the best clubs in Rovianemi and where the Finnish lesbian community usually hangs out.
• Yöhuikka – A small gay nightclub located in Oulu.
• Oluthuone – Local spot where you can get a couple of beers, sit outside and mingle with the locals.
• Pub Ylityö – It has no seats and is definitely eccentric, but even still it was voted one of the world’s best bars.
• Nite Life – Get down on the dance floor for some Finnish-style dancing.

Attractions

• Lappio-talo
• Arktikum Science Museum
• Marttiini Knife Factory
• Rovaniemi Art Museum
• Jätkänkynttilä Bridge

Activities

• Jutajaiset Folklore Festival
• Ounasvaara Ski Centre
• Santa Claus Marathon
• SimeRock Festival
• Arctic Safaris

Restaurants

• Restaurant Nili
• Rosso Rovaniemi
• Xiang Long
• Christmas House Restaurant & Coffee Bar
• Kahvila Pullapiika

Nightlife

• Pub Tupsu
• Paha Kurki
• Doris
• Nite Life
• Roy Club

Climate

Rovaniemi's Nordic climate features long winters and brief, mild summers.

• Winter (November to March) -15--2°C
• Spring (April to May) -4-10°C
• Summer (June to August) 8-18°C
• Fall (September to October) -1-10°C