Essential Rovaniemi: A Guide to Santa’s Hometown
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About the Tour
About the Tour
Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, sits just below the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland. On this charming walking tour, you'll discover how this northern city blends its magical Christmas heritage with fascinating history, outdoor culture, and Finnish traditions. From busy shopping streets to peaceful riverside paths, you'll experience the unique character of Santa's official residence.
The tour starts in downtown Rovaniemi at the pedestrian walkway Koskikatu. You'll explore the city's main shopping district, visit Lordi Square (named after Finland's Eurovision-winning hard rock band), and discover some of the city's best restaurants. As you walk, you'll learn how Rovaniemi was almost completely destroyed during World War II and rebuilt with resilience, transforming into a modern Arctic city with a unique character.
Along the Kemijoki riverbank, you'll enjoy scenic views of the Lumberjack's Candle Bridge and Ounasvaara hill while hearing tales of gold fever and lumberjack history. You'll discover how this northern city thrives despite its Arctic location, becoming a hub for tourism, education, and cultural life. The tour ends at the beautiful Rovaniemi Church, featuring its famous illuminated cross and impressive fresco The Source of Life.
During this 30-minute walking tour, you'll have a chance to:
- Visit Lordi Square, named after the masked hard rock band that brought Eurovision glory to Finland in 2006
- Learn about the Lumberjack's Candle Bridge and its historical significance to the timber trading past of the region
- Discover the fascinating history of Hotel Pohjanhovi, which hosted world leaders from Eleanor Roosevelt to Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev
- Explore the banks of Kemijoki, Finland's longest river, where locals fish for trout and salmon
- Appreciate the architectural significance of buildings designed by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto
- Hear about the unique Arctic ingredients used in local specialties like Arctic Ice Cream with flavors such as cloudberry and lingonberry
- Learn how gold fever shaped northern Lapland's history over 150 years
Whether you're visiting at Christmas time or during the midnight sun of summer, this tour will give you insight into why Rovaniemi is much more than just Santa's hometown. Keep your eyes open for glimpses of the jolly man in red – after all, this is where he lives year-round!
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Stormposten Lars Engerengen
In the northern reaches of Europe, amidst the crisp air and breathtaking landscapes, resides an Arctic storyteller whose words weave magic into the frozen silence. Meet Lars Engerengen, a passionate narrator of the Arctic wilderness, a voice that carries the echoes of history and the whispers of untamed nature.
Living beneath the shimmering Northern Lights and the endless glow of the Midnight Sun, Lars discovered his fascination for the Arctic’s lore in childhood. Nights spent listening to age-old tales by the fireside sparked a curiosity that would shape his life’s journey. That spark grew into a flame as he ventured across icy tundras, sailed through fjords, and trekked along snow-laden paths, collecting stories etched into the land and its people.
His storytelling is more than words—it is an immersive experience. With a voice that soothes and inspires, Lars transports listeners to remote landscapes where ancient myths meet modern realities. Through his narratives, one feels the biting wind, hears the crunch of snow underfoot, and senses the resilience of those who carved out life in this harsh yet beautiful region.
Lars doesn't tell you everything, but he tells you enough to pique your curiosity. Enough to make you want to learn more. Enough to make you want to stay a while longer.
Join Lars on a journey beyond the ordinary—a voyage into the soul of the Arctic. Each tale is an invitation to explore a world where nature reigns supreme, and history lingers in every frozen breath. Step into the story, and let the Arctic speak through him.
Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 7
The Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge
If you face the river, and then turn your head left, you may see the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge, built in 1989. This is the first suspension bridge built in Lapland in modern time.
The twin towers on the bridge have lights, and symbolise the torc... Read More
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Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Lordi's Square
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Rovaniemen kaupunki
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Scandic Pohjanhovi
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Lumberjack's Candle Bridge
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Konttisenpuiston leikkipaikka
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Rovaniemi's urban garden
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Angry Birds Theatre - Park
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Rovaniemi Church
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Koskikatu
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start locationRovakatu 26, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
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Total distance1km
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Final locationYliopistonkatu 1, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland
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Distance back to start location947.99m
Directions to Starting Point
Head to the main shopping street, Koskikatu, and locate yourself in the western end of it, between Scandic Hotel City and the fan shop of RoPS. Face the pedestrian zone, with the shopping center "Rinne" behind you.
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Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
There are a huge number of cafes, restaurants and pubs along the route, espescially in Koskikatu. Feel free to drop in and buy the local beer or maybe a dish of sauted reindeer? You may also experience Lordi Square, the lovely view point by the river, and a nice pathwalk along the riverside of Kemijoki.
Best time of day
All day - all year! Well, maybe not on Christmas eve!
Precautions
Please be careful crossing the roads, but otherwise it is very safe in Rovaniemi, and the tour is also wheelchair accessible.
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