5 day itinerary for Rovaniemi

Itinerary

Rovaniemi is a fantastic destination, especially for young adventurers looking to experience the magic of the Arctic. Let’s dive into a fun-filled 5-day itinerary that includes chasing the Northern Lights, thrilling daytime activities, and cozy accommodations.

## Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Rovaniemi

Morning:

• Arrival in Rovaniemi: Check into your hotel. I recommend the Arctic Light Hotel for its modern vibe and great location.
• Car Rental: Rent a car from a local agency like Sixt or Europcar for easy exploration.

Afternoon:

• Santa Claus Village: Head to the iconic Santa Claus Village. Explore the shops, meet Santa, and cross the Arctic Circle. Don’t forget to take a picture with the Santa Claus post office!

Evening:

• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at Restaurant Nili, where you can savor traditional Lappish cuisine.
• Northern Lights Chase: Join a guided tour to hunt for the Northern Lights. Companies like Lapland Safaris offer great packages. They’ll take you to the best spots away from city lights.

## Day 2: Adventure in the Arctic Wilderness

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Husky Safari: Book a husky sledding adventure. You’ll get to drive your own sled through the snowy landscapes. It’s exhilarating!

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Grab a bite at Cafe & Bar 21 for some local flavors.
• Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing: Rent snowshoes or skis and explore the beautiful trails around Rovaniemi. It’s a great way to enjoy the winter scenery.

Evening:

• Dinner: Try Ravintola Roka for a casual dining experience with delicious burgers and local dishes.
• Northern Lights Viewing: If you didn’t catch them the previous night, head out again! You can also check out the Ounasvaara Hill for a great view.

## Day 3: Culture and Relaxation

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Arcticum Museum: Visit this fascinating museum to learn about the culture of the Sámi people and the Arctic environment.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Kota Restaurant, where you can try traditional Lappish dishes in a cozy setting.
• Reindeer Farm Visit: Head to a nearby reindeer farm. You can feed the reindeer and even take a short sleigh ride.

Evening:

• Dinner: Dine at Sky Restaurant at the Arctic SnowHotel for a unique experience with stunning views.
• Northern Lights: If the weather permits, take another chance to see the auroras. You can also relax at your hotel and keep an eye on the sky.

## Day 4: Thrills and Chills

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Snowmobile Safari: Book a snowmobile tour for an adrenaline-pumping ride through the snowy forests and frozen lakes.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Stop at Ravintola Roka again for a quick meal.
• Ice Fishing: Try your hand at ice fishing! It’s a unique experience, and you might catch some local fish.

Evening:

• Dinner: Head to Restaurant Roka for a relaxed meal.
• Northern Lights: If you’re up for it, consider a night-time snowshoeing tour to see the auroras in a different light.

## Day 5: Relax and Reflect

Morning:

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit the Rovaniemi Church: Check out this beautiful church and its unique architecture.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a final meal at Cafe & Bar 21.
• Shopping: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs in the city center. Look for local crafts and Arctic-themed gifts.

Evening:

• Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at Restaurant Nili or Sky Restaurant if you want to splurge a bit.
• Final Northern Lights Chase: If you haven’t seen the auroras yet, this is your last chance! Join a tour or find a good spot outside the city.

Tips:

• Clothing: Dress warmly in layers! The Arctic can be quite chilly, especially at night.
• Aurora Apps: Download an app to track aurora activity; it can help you know when to head out.
• Flexibility: Be flexible with your plans, as weather can change quickly in the Arctic.

Enjoy your adventure in Rovaniemi! It’s a magical place that’s sure to create unforgettable memories. 🌌✨