Lapland, true winter wonderland destination: start from Rovaniemi

Often claimed as the last place of true wilderness in Europe, Lapland is the destination for all winter lovers. Starting from Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland continues all the way up close to Arctic Sea. The harsh and unique conditions of the North have shaped Lapland into a magical place: polar nights and northern lights make you feel all the troubles of the world are far away.

Magic of Lapland can’t be described by words - you just have to experience it!

Good place to start your winter adventure in Finland is Rovaniemi, the hometown of Santa Claus. Most places can only dream of such a combination Rovaniemi has: tucked in a nature of Lapland and having all the amenities of a bubbling university town!

Rovaniemi is the home of Santa Claus, don't forget to visit him!
Picture by Visit Finland Media Bank

To be warned, Rovaniemi might not charm you with its architecture but it offers more than a decent compensation: museums, Santa Park, cafes, location in the Arctic Circle and husky farms make a visit to Rovaniemi worth it.

Surrounding areas also have plenty to offer, for example Ranua Zoo with its arctic animals (polar bears!) is only one hour drive away.

Santa’s Hostel Rudolf, Rovaniemi

Santa’s Hostel Rudolf has a central location and offers a good base to explore Rovaniemi. All the rooms have their own bathrooms and room size varies from single rooms to dormitories. Santa’s Hostel Rudolf has been recently granted a HI-Q quality certificate!


Psst! Let your creativity flow while crossing the Arctic Circle! This has become a ritual for those from the South, since after all Arctic Circle is the place where all magic of Lapland begins. The most popular place for crossing is Santa Park and some visitors might be even rewarded a certificate.