Finland's Rovaniemi: Life under northern lights

Rovaniemi, the capital of Finland’s Lapland region, is globally recognized as the official hometown of Santa Claus and sits right on the edge of the Arctic Circle. With a population of around 66,000, this northern city welcomes nearly 1 million visitors each year, drawn by its fairy-tale-like atmosphere and striking Arctic landscapes. Iconic attractions such as Santa Claus Village, the northern lights and the phenomenon of the midnight sun define its year-round appeal. Winter transforms Rovaniemi into an outdoor playground, offering experiences from snowmobiling and ice fishing to reindeer safaris under snow-covered forests.

The northern lights illuminate Rovaniemi’s skies, Finland, Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo by İlker Topdemir)

Despite its remote location and long, cold winters, the city’s distinctive Lappish culture and enduring sense of magic continue to captivate travelers from across the globe, firmly placing Rovaniemi on the map as one of the Arctic’s most compelling destinations. Discover the Arctic wilderness through an autumn hike in a pristine national park, where fiery foliage meets crisp northern air. Glide across snowy landscapes on a husky sled while chasing the shimmering ribbons of the northern lights. Fall asleep beneath a canopy of stars in a glass-roofed cabin, or gather around a crackling campfire at a remote wilderness hut to experience the surreal magic of the midnight sun, with Arctic fells glowing softly through the endless summer night.

Reindeer