Rovaniemi Travel Guide

How Far Is It?

Santa Claus' Village is cute. It's more geared toward kids. But if you're up there it's worth a peek. First of all, it gives you the opportunity to meet Santa Claus. As any Fin will attest the “Real” Santa lives in Finland. But seriously, it’s a good place to take the kids. They have live reindeer, dog sledding, a souvenir shop and they’re located above the Artic Circle, so that’s one more line crossing you can cross off your list of things to do.

Website: http://www.santagreeting.fi/

The Arctic Circle

Santa Claus Village lies right on the Arctic Circle. If you’re making the trip to Northern Finland, you might as well just go that extra mile and take the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle. I mean, you don't get to say you've been above the Arctic Circle everyday, do you? Unless, of course, you live there.

Woong and I spent a week in northern Finland summer 2005. It was so beautiful. Rovaniemi is a great place to begin with. We got an overnight train there and then rented a car to drive to our rented cottage in Kaaresuvanto on the border with Sweden. We spent the week trekking and enjoying the sights and nature. It was well worth it. Would definitely recommend finding a nice cottage as a base from which to explore. Coming back to a warm fire and sauna every evening sure made the trip that much better.