Santa Claus Village sign outside of Rovaniemi
Highlights
Rovaniemi is home to Santa Claus Village where the Arctic Circle line runs through. Ruka Valley is a hiking destination. Between the two, there are reindeers and tons of outdoor activities.
Time of Visit: June 2024
Duration of Visit: 5 days
Description
Rovaniemi is located at the edge of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland. It is often celebrated as a winter wonderland because of Santa Claus Village where the Christmas Holiday is celebrated every day.
The long days and the Midnight Sun create an enchanting environment in Finnish Lapland during summer. Rovaniemi is a fantastic summer destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Ruka Valley is located just over two hours drive east of Rovaniemi. It is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts because it offers a variety of year-round activities. In winter, the area is renowned for its excellent snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
In summer, Ruka Valley is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. The area is crisscrossed with hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. This includes Oulanka National Park which is known for its dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and the famous Karhunkierros (Bear’s Trail).
In addition to these activities, both Rovaniemi and Ruka Valley offer year-round opportunities to experience the rich local culture and natural phenomena. Visitors can enjoy traditional Finnish saunas and see the region’s wildlife. The mesmerizing Northern Lights are often visible during clear winter nights.
With such a diverse range of activities, Rovaniemi and Ruka Valley provide an unforgettable outdoor adventure in the heart of Finland’s beautiful Lapland.
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is a decent sized city in Northern Finland. It lies just below the Arctic Circle.
Fishing enthusiasts will find Rovaniemi an ideal location. The region’s rivers, particularly the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki, are teeming with fish such as salmon and trout. Guided fishing trips are available, which can take you to the best spots and offer a chance to learn about traditional Finnish fishing techniques. For a more tranquil experience, visitors can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle along the serene waterways, enjoying the peacefulness and the chance to see wildlife up close.
Cycling is another excellent way to explore the area. Rovaniemi has a network of cycling paths that run through both urban areas and the surrounding countryside. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails offering varying levels of difficulty. The Midnight Sun allows for extended hours of activity, so you can enjoy a long day of cycling without worrying about nightfall. Additionally, Rovaniemi’s proximity to wilderness areas means that you can easily combine cycling with other activities like berry picking or visiting a local reindeer farm.
For those looking to relax, Rovaniemi offers several options to unwind while still enjoying the beauty of the Arctic. The Midnight Sun provides an extraordinary setting for evening activities. Many visitors enjoy a late-night sauna session, a quintessential Finnish experience. After a hot sauna, you can take a refreshing dip in one of the nearby lakes, a practice known as “avanto” in Finnish. Some saunas are located by the rivers, allowing for a quick plunge into the cool water directly from the sauna.
Another relaxing activity is berry and mushroom picking, which is a popular summer pastime in Finland. The forests around Rovaniemi are rich with wild berries like lingonberries, cloudberries, and blueberries, as well as a variety of edible mushrooms. This activity not only provides a peaceful way to connect with nature but also gives you a taste of the local cuisine, as these berries and mushrooms are often used in traditional Finnish dishes.
Lastly, a river cruise offers a serene way to experience the natural beauty of Rovaniemi. Cruises on the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers give you a unique perspective of the city and the surrounding wilderness. Some cruises are themed, such as those focusing on the history of the region or offering dining experiences on board. The gentle pace of the cruise allows for relaxation and the opportunity to spot wildlife, such as birds and occasionally even reindeer along the riverbanks.
Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is just at the outskirts of Rovaniemi. The village is free to the public and has a number of souvenir shops and restaurants. The village is open year round and offers a variety of activities.
You can meet Santa, send postcards from the official Santa Claus Post Office, and walk along the Arctic Circle line which runs through the village. You can have your picture taken with Santa though it will set you back a significant amount (35 Euros during our visit). There are two Santa in the village, one at the Christmas House (#25) and the other at the Santa Claus Office (#28).
Arctic Circle Hiking Area
A few miles East of Santa Claus Village on Highway E75 is the Arctic Circle Hiking Area. The hiking area provides trails through diverse terrains, including forests, wetlands, and rocky landscapes. The extensive trail network allows you to do short or long day hikes.
Keep your eyes on the road while driving Highway E75. A bull moose crossed the highway in front of us. Luckily, the moose paused on the road side before crossing so we were able to slow down and avoid an accident.
One nice thing about Finnish trails is that there are open pit cooking areas with bench seating. Cooking areas typically have a stack of firewood. Anybody can use the cooking area and the firewood, whether to warm themselves up or roast food in an open fire. Finnish people seem to favor cooking sausages/hotdogs on the trail.
Ruka Valley
Getting to Ruka Valley from Rovaniemi
Ruka Valley is just over two to three hours drive from Rovaniemi, depending on which route you take. There are a couple of ways to get to Ruka Valley. We took Highway 81 to Ruka Valley and Highway E63 back to Rovaniemi. Highway 81 is a shorter but slower route as the highest speed limit is only up to 80 kph. Highway E63 is longer but faster because its speed limit goes up to 100 kph.
Highway 81 is more enjoyable to drive if you are not pressed for time. The road has less vehicular traffic and is almost certain to see reindeers on the road side. We also saw reindeers along Highway E63 but we needed to be really alert so we could slow down when approaching one.
Things To Do In Ruka Valley
Ruka Valley is a popular summer and winter destination.
As the snow melts, the lush landscapes of Ruka come alive with vibrant flora and fauna. During the summer, visitors can explore the extensive trails in Oulanka National Park. Two of the most popular trails are Karthunkierros (Bear’s Trail) and the Pieni Karhunkierros (Little Bear’s Trail).
We only did a couple of miles of the Pieni Karhunkierros because of bad weather. Overall, it was a nice walk through the pine forest, a couple of suspension bridges and had lake views.
In addition to hiking, Ruka Valley is known for its excellent opportunities for water-based activities during the summer months. The region’s numerous lakes and rivers are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and rafting. Anglers can try their luck catching local fish species. Families can enjoy a leisurely (calm water) or an exciting (white water) day of paddling. The surrounding nature also provides great spots for picnicking or relaxing by the water, making it a perfect setting for a day out in the sun.
Ruka Valley transforms into a winter wonderland, making it a prime destination for a variety of snow-based activities. The area boasts some of the best ski slopes in Finland, catering to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
With over 30 kilometers of well-groomed pistes and a range of terrain parks, visitors can enjoy both downhill skiing and snowboarding in a breathtaking alpine setting. Additionally, the region offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, with an extensive network of trails winding through scenic forests and along frozen lakes, perfect for those looking to embrace the tranquility of winter.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Ruka Valley provides a wealth of unique winter experiences. Visitors can try their hand at snowshoeing or take guided husky sledding tours through the stunning, snow-covered landscape, creating unforgettable memories in the crisp Arctic air. For a more leisurely pace, ice fishing on the frozen lakes is a popular pastime, allowing for peaceful moments surrounded by nature.
With its stunning scenery and diverse winter activities, Ruka Valley is a fantastic destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation during the colder months.
Summary
Both Rovaniemi and Ruka Valley are great destinations in Northern Finland for outdoor activities.
Biking, berry and mushroom picking, fishing, hiking, kayaking and whitewater rafting are some of the outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in this area of Finnish Lapland. And you are almost guaranteed to see reindeer on the roadside as there are more of these animals than people. Just keep an eye on the road to avoid running into them.
The long summer days and the Midnight Sun add to the allure of spending a fantastic day outdoors. And in the winter, you may get lucky to see the Northern Lights while skiing in Ruka Valley. And what could be better than to spend a day in Santa Claus Village during the Christmas holiday.
Rovaniemi and Ruka Valley offer a diverse range of activities that cater to all interests. These locations near the Arctic Circle are truly year-round destinations, offering unforgettable experiences in every season.