Rovaniemi – near the Arctic Circle
The capital city of the northern Finnish region of Lapland is just eight kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. About 36,000 residents live in the city at the confluence of the Ounasjoki and Kemijoki rivers. These two impressive and partially lake-like rivers dominate the landscape, dotted with forests and moorland.
The colourful spectacle of the Northern Lights, the almost unique opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle as well as the nearby Santa Claus Village make Rovaniemi an interesting travel destination – especially in winter. The main highlights of the winter season include motor sled safaris, reindeer and husky sled rides, ice fishing and visits to husky or reindeer farms.
Rovaniemi is the economic centre of Finnish Lapland. The most northern university in Europe is located there. The city centre is easy going and situated next to the water. The works of the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto populate the city’s skyline. City hall, library and the Lappia Hall theatre were designed by him. Also worth a visit is Arktikum – a museum that retells the history of the indigenous people of Lapland, the Sami, all the way from the Stone Age to today.
Special service
Germania offers free transport for ski and snowboard equipment on its direct flights to the snow covered Finnish region. Sport equipment can be registered at the Germania website: https://www.flygermania.com/de/fluege/finnland.
Arrival / airport
Rovaniemi Airport lies about ten kilometres northeast of the city centre. The centre can be reached easily with the airport bus. Travel time is 20 minutes.
