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Rovaniemi
Gateway to Lapland
Welcome to Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus! Rovaniemi is also the capital of Lapland, located in Northern Finland near the Arctic Circle. Renowned as the hometown of Santa Claus, the area attracts numerous visitors from around the world each year into its unique Christmas atmosphere. During the winter season of 2023-2024, Rovaniemi has direct flight connections to over 20 European cities, including London, Manchester, Bristol, Milan, Edinburgh, Paris, Amsterdam, Naples, Dublin, Brussels, Liverpool, Istanbul, Madrid, Berlin, Vienna and Barcelona. In addition, numerous flight and train connections through the Finnish capital Helsinki make it possible to enjoy a northern holiday throughout the year.
The city also serves as the gateway to the Finnish Lapland, offering the chance to experience authentic arctic wilderness near the Arctic Circle. Situated on the banks of the Ounasjoki river, the city has grown into a significant tourist centre, providing visitors with diverse activities throughout the year. The numerous lakes and forests in the region offer a perfect setting for hiking and fishing. Popular winter activities, such as husky safaris, snowmobiling and Northern Lights hunting are also available. Rovaniemi seamlessly blends traditional Lappish culture with modern city life, making it an ideal destination for those who want to experience the magic of urban Lapland together with the charm of Santa Claus.
Official home of Santa Claus
Rovaniemi is famously known as the official home of Santa Claus. The Santa Claus Village is situated in the northern part of the city and is one of the region’s largest tourist attractions. There, you can meet Santa Claus in person year-round, send postcards to Santa’s post office and experience the one-of-a-kind magic of Christmas. Santa welcomes guests with open arms, offering the chance to take photos and share secret Christmas wishes with them. The Santa Claus Village features factory and workshop stores filled with local products, where visitors can purchase unique Christmas gifts and decorations. There are also cosy cafes and restaurants in the village for indulging in delightful treats.
The city is not, however, just a realm of Santa’s magic as it also boasts urban life with many stores, museums, and quality restaurants. Whether you’re on a family vacation or seeking adventure in Lapland’s stunning landscapes, Rovaniemi offers an unforgettable journey into the world of Santa Claus. Welcome to experience the magical and diverse Rovaniemi!
The most famous hometown of Santa Claus
About 12 500 reindeer inhabit the surrounding nature
Rovaniemi is home to around 65 000 residents
Approximately 500 000 tourists visited the area last year
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