After delving into the magical things to do in Rovaniemi, from meeting Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village to witnessing the Northern Lights, day trips from Rovaniemi invite you to explore the Arctic Circle’s wider wonders. These excursions offer a deeper connection with Lapland’s pristine nature and Sami culture, extending your adventure into the Finnish wilderness.
Venturing beyond Rovaniemi, you’re introduced to a broader range of things to do in Finland, such as husky safaris through snow-laden forests and ice fishing on frozen lakes. Each journey enriches your understanding of Finnish traditions and the stunning Arctic environment.
Selecting where to stay in Rovaniemi is crucial for adventurers eager to experience the city’s enchanting attractions and the ease of accessing the natural beauty that surrounds it. The right accommodation not only places you at the heart of Lapland’s magic but also serves as a cozy retreat after a day of exploration.
Discover Best Day Trips from Rovaniemi, Finland
1. Ranua Wildlife Park, Finland
Ranua Wildlife Park, located in the Lapland forests, offers a chance to see Arctic wildlife in naturalistic habitats. It’s home to polar bears, lynxes, and various species native to the region.
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, lynxes, and other species in naturalistic habitats
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Adult Ticket: €17
- Child Ticket: €14
Budget: Approximately €30-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Wildlife enclosures, forested walking paths
Travel Tip: Dress warmly in layers, as the weather can be quite cold, especially in winter months.
2. Ounasvaara, Finland
Ounasvaara is a hill near Rovaniemi and a popular outdoor destination offering activities like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. It’s known for its beautiful landscapes and great trails.
Distance: Approximately 5 km
Travel Time: About 10 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, and snowboarding, plus scenic viewpoints
Best Time to Visit: Summer for hiking, winter for skiing
Entrance Fees:
- Ski Pass: €30
- Hiking: Free
Budget: Approximately €20-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Northern Lights viewpoint, ski slopes, hiking trails
Travel Tip: The hill provides a great viewpoint to witness the Northern Lights during winter.
3. Kemi, Finland
Kemi, a city by the Gulf of Bothnia, is famous for its SnowCastle and the Icebreaker Sampo tours. The SnowCastle features a hotel, restaurant, and chapel all made of snow and ice.
Distance: Approximately 115 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by train or car
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: SnowCastle of Kemi, Icebreaker Sampo tours, winter swimming
Best Time to Visit: Winter
Entrance Fees:
- SnowCastle Entrance: €15
- Icebreaker Cruise: €340
Budget: Approximately €40-€380 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: SnowCastle, frozen sea views
Travel Tip: If visiting in winter, don’t miss the Icebreaker cruise for a unique experience of swimming in the frozen sea (in a special suit).
4. Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Finland
Pyhä-Luosto National Park offers magnificent Lappish scenery, hiking trails, and ski resorts. It’s an excellent spot for experiencing Lapland’s natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Distance: Approximately 130 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Lappish scenery, hiking trails, ski resorts
Best Time to Visit: Year-round (summer for hiking, winter for skiing)
Entrance Fees:
- Free (for park entry)
Budget: Approximately €20-€50 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: National park trails, Luosto ski slopes
Travel Tip: In winter, the park’s trails are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
5. Korouoma Canyon, Finland
Korouoma Canyon, a part of a nature reserve, is known for its breathtaking frozen waterfalls in winter and beautiful hiking trails in summer. It’s a great spot for ice climbing and trekking.
Distance: Approximately 110 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Frozen waterfalls in winter, hiking trails in summer
Best Time to Visit: Winter for ice climbing, summer for hiking
Entrance Fees:
- Free (for canyon access)
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Frozen waterfalls, canyon hiking trails
Travel Tip: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for a more comfortable and safe hiking experience.
6. Santa Claus Village, Finland
Santa Claus Village is a must-visit for a trip from Rovaniemi, especially if traveling with children. Meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, and enjoy various Arctic activities.
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Travel Time: About 15 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Meet Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle, various Arctic activities
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Free (village access)
- Activities: Varies by activity
Budget: Approximately €20-€50 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Arctic Circle line, Santa Claus Post Office
Travel Tip: Send a postcard from Santa Claus’ official post office for a unique souvenir with an Arctic Circle postmark.
7. Sampo Icebreaker Cruise
The Sampo Icebreaker cruise provides a unique experience of crushing through the frozen waters of the Bothnian Sea. You can also take a dip in the icy waters in a special survival suit.
Distance: Departs from Kemi, approximately 115 km from Rovaniemi
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car to Kemi
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Icebreaker ship, swimming in frozen waters
Best Time to Visit: Winter
Entrance Fees:
- Icebreaker Cruise: €340
Budget: Approximately €350-€380 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Frozen sea, ship’s observation deck
Travel Tip: Book your cruise in advance as this is a popular attraction, especially in the winter months.
8. Luosto Amethyst Mine
Luosto Amethyst Mine allows visitors to learn about this rare purple gemstone and even dig for their own. It’s the only amethyst mine in Europe open to the public.
Distance: Approximately 115 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Digging for amethysts, learning about the rare gemstone
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Mine Tour + Digging: €20
Budget: Approximately €30-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Amethyst mine, panoramic hill views
Travel Tip: Participate in the amethyst digging activity; any stones you can fit in your closed fist, you can keep.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Rovaniemi, Finland
What are the best day trips from Rovaniemi?
Top day trips from Rovaniemi include visiting Santa Claus Village, exploring the Arctic Circle, husky and reindeer safaris, and trips to see the Northern Lights.
Is a visit to Santa Claus Village worth it?
Absolutely! Santa Claus Village is a must-visit for families and Christmas enthusiasts. It offers a magical experience with Santa meet-and-greets, an official Arctic Circle crossing, and unique Arctic activities.
Can I experience the Northern Lights on a day trip from Rovaniemi?
Yes, Rovaniemi offers guided Northern Lights tours. These excursions typically take place in the evening and venture into areas with minimal light pollution for the best chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon.
Are there wildlife tours available near Rovaniemi?
Yes, there are wildlife tours near Rovaniemi that focus on Arctic animals like reindeer, huskies, and in some cases, moose. These tours often include a visit to a local farm or safari.
What cultural experiences can I find near Rovaniemi?
Near Rovaniemi, you can immerse yourself in Sami culture, including traditional Sami meals, storytelling, and visits to Sami villages to learn about their way of life and reindeer herding.
Is a trip to Ranua Wildlife Park recommended?
Definitely! Ranua Wildlife Park, a short drive from Rovaniemi, is home to Arctic wildlife including bears, wolves, and lynxes, offering a great opportunity to observe these animals in natural-like habitats.
Can I explore Lapland’s nature on a day trip from Rovaniemi?
Yes, Rovaniemi is the gateway to Lapland’s stunning nature, with options for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in pristine landscapes like Riisitunturi National Park.
Are there ice and snow building experiences in Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi offers unique experiences with ice and snow, including visits to snow hotels, ice sculpting workshops, and tours of the famous Ice Hotel.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/rovaniemi-l2653?activity_type=dayTrip
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