Rovaniemi of Finland offers a 'true' winter holiday

Tourists enjoy their winter holiday around a campfire in Rovaniemi, Finland. / Courtesy of Visit Rovaniemi

By Jun Ji-hye

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland in northern Finland, provides travelers with quality time with their loved ones, delicious Lapland food and magical nights under the auroras.

Visit Rovaniemi said the city offers a “true” winter holiday as visitors can celebrate Christmas all year round, with snowy landscapes surrounding them all the way until April.

Surrounded by a winter wonderland, Rovaniemi is close to Santa Claus Village, where people can meet Santa Claus.

Visitors can take part in an “elf school,” helping elves make Christmas preparations in the Santa Claus Secret Forest.

Marveling at the beauty of the northern lights can be another new experience.

Tourists marvel at the northern lights in Rovaniemi, Finland. / Courtesy of Visit Rovaniemi

It is also recommended to try various winter activities such as snowshoeing, winter biking or ice fishing, where you can snap some of the most Instagrammable shots of your life.

Other activities include ice climbing in Pyha and enjoying a thrilling experience in a hot and steamy “snow sauna.”

Tourists can also encounter a variety of animals, such as huskies and reindeer, during a visit to Ranua Wildlife Park.

Visit Rovaniemi said the city has an overall population density of 8.31 per square meter, noting that it is easy to maintain safe social distancing amid the prolonged pandemic.