Things to do
ACTIVITIES
During the warmer months, board a sauna ferry and steam gently away on a river cruise. Or escape to a wilderness cabin for a traditional log-heated sauna, followed by a rejuvenating icy dip in the lake. Hike the Auttiköngäs trail through the tranquil Taiga forest, past one of Finland’s greatest waterfalls. While a guided mushroom and berry picking tour is an unmissable foodie’s treat. Go on a reindeer safari, and run wild with the huskies, as the mushers safely steer your sled. Treat little ones to a Toy Factory visit in Joulukka, the Santa Claus Secret Forest. Or, in late August, simply let nature provide the light show when the Northern Lights season starts.
HISTORY
Once inhabited for millennia by the indigenous Sámi people, the small, isolated village of Rovaniemi became a trading hub for fur, fish and timber in the 16th century. Then, after most of Rovaniemi was tragically destroyed during World War II, the celebrated Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto, rebuilt it – designing the city’s street plan in the shape of a reindeer’s head with Keskuskenttä sports stadium as the eye. Today, the impressive architectural masterpieces of the Arktikum Museum, Korundi House of Culture, and the Science Center Pilke bring the history, traditions and contemporary arctic art to life.
FOOD
Whether you’re wrapped up warm in one of the famous ice restaurants or a cool city centre bistro, you’ll find everything from award-winning fine dining to traditional Lappish cuisine in Rovaniemi. Begin with the iconic staple of salmon soup served with a soft barley flatbread called rieska. Tuck into sautéed reindeer served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. Responsibly hunted roast bear or elk might also be on the menu. And for dessert, try ice cream flavoured with angelica – a herb that grows wild in Lapland.
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