Often considered as one of the northernmost regions of the world, Lapland in Finland is known for its picturesque landscapes, subarctic wilderness and natural phenomena like the northern lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. Located above the Arctic circle, this region in Finland borders Norway, Sweden and the Baltic Sea and has a majority of its area covered by forests. The gateway to this region is the town of Rovaniemi which is considered as the capital of Lapland. Located just over 500 miles from the capital city of Helsinki, Rovaniemi is synonymous with being the home of Santa Claus and is hence known for its magical Christmas season. But did you know that Rovaniemi offers an equally immersive experience even in the summer season? Well, read on to find out more.
Experience the Midnight Sun
Given that Rovaniemi sits exactly on the Arctic circle, summers here means endless hours of sunlight; in that the sun in the region stays above the horizon for several weeks from the beginning of June. This phenomenon known as the Polar day is highly looked forward to by locals and tourists alike. The long days are reserved for a host of outdoor activities including midnight cruises, hiking and cycling. There are several events including music concerts, culture festivals and other sporting events to celebrate the brightness all around.
Visitors can also take specific tours like hiking with the huskies, berry picking and even biking adventures in the wilderness. All in all, a period of great fun and an innovative way to learn about the unique vibe of the region. In case you are someone who just wants to relax and soak in the serene ambience, the place is absolutely safe for you to take leisurely walks on your own. Just sitting in the outdoors amidst the pristine ambience is an experience you are sure to cherish for a long time to come.
Museum Hopping
If you are fan of museums, Rovaniemi does not disappoint. Visit the Arktikum which is one of the most important museums in town. It is also a science center which gives visitors an insight into the distinctive geography of the Arctic region including its seasons, flora, fauna and culture. There are sections dedicated to the history and development of Rovaniemi especially after it was majorly destroyed by a bombing in World War II. The museum chronicles tales of grit, resilience and courage as the town rebuilt itself after the tragedy. The display includes photographs, relics and several objects discovered from centuries ago. The museum also throws insights on the Sami people who are the indigenous population of Lapland with its display of their costumes, art and craft.
Located in close proximity to the Arkitikum is the Pilke Science Center which is a perfect place to visit if you are looking to learn all about the great forests of Finland. A highly interactive museum cum science center, this one is a great idea to visit with children. It explains the importance of forests, the need to preserve them and the advantages they offer. Characteristics unique to Finnish forests including the native species, the life of a forest harvester and the concepts of sustainability, reuse and recycle are well elucidated. Both these centers give visitors invaluable information about the unusual ecosystem that exists in the Arctic region which is quite unlike any other.
Further, if art is your beat, the Korundi House of Culture must be on your list. Located close the city center this one offers an interesting perspective to the creative side of Lapland. There are several permanent and temporary exhibitions that showcase the work of contemporary Finnish artists including those from the collection of the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation. There are shows relating to Sámi contemporary art as well. The museum also offers guided tours and art workshops for children and adults.
Santa Claus Village
No visit to Rovaniemi is complete without a stop at the town’s most famous Santa Claus village. Set amidst a fairy tale like atmosphere that is sure to excite the inner child in you, Santa Claus village is all about experiencing the magical and enjoying the world of Santa Claus. It is open throughout the year and it is here that you can actually visit Santa Claus, take a picture with him and also visit his office replete with gift parcels and elves. You can visit the Santa Claus post office where you can send postcards to your loved one and also to Santa! There is a provision to have them delivered on Christmas day irrespective of when you post it. You can also visit Santa’s pets including reindeers, mountain goats and Alpacas. There is also a husky farm where you can learn all about these native dogs.
The Arctic circle is also marked in the village in the form of a prominent line and it is a great place to symbolically cross this landmark. Click a picture and obtain a certificate that you have officially made it to this major circle of Latitude located approximately 66° 33′ 45.9″ north of the Equator.Getting there: There are several ways to reach Rovaniemi from Helsinki and this includes road, rail and air. While there are regular flights from Helsinki which take about 3.5 hours, the 8.5-hour train is one of the most popular ways to reach the town. The Santa Claus express is known for its scenic route, (especially in the snow-covered winter), comfortable cabins and large windows which enable visitors to view the midnight sun during summer and in case you are lucky the spectacular northern lights in the winter.
