What to do in Rovaniemi in winter. Lapland, Rovaniemi. Journey to a fairy tale. Ounasvaara ski resort
Introduction
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland. It is here that thousands of tourists flock every winter. It is in Rovaniemi that there are many interesting museums. The population of the town is about 60 thousand people.
The city is located 8 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, right at the junction of two rivers: Ounasjoki and Kemijoki. In terms of area, Rovaniemi is considered the largest city in Europe, its area is 8016 square kilometers.
How to get to Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi has an ancient railway station, and 10 kilometers from the center is Rovaniemi Airport, its IATA code is RVN.
A bus service has been established with Russia: Kandalaksha of the Murmansk region in the direction of Kandalaksha-Kemiyarvi-Rovaniemi. There is a convenient bus route Murmansk-Ivalo-Rovaniemi.
In addition, across the whole of Finland from the very south you can get to Rovaniemi by train, there is even an atypical night train for Finns.
Due to the long distance, there are no direct flights by plane, but you can find good options via Helsinki on the Aviasales website.
A more budget option is to take the Lux Express bus or the Allegro train to Helsinki Airport and fly from there.
Flight schedule between Helsinki and Rovaniemi
Select dates to see prices.
If you do not want to fly by plane, a night train with sleeping cars runs between Helsinki and Rovaniemi. By night train, the travel time will be about eleven and a half hours.
On a regular train, you can get there in eight hours. The ticket price is about eighty euros.
Suburban train
City contrasts
Nature
From September to March, the northern lights can be observed in the nearby area:
During the summer season, Rovaniemi offers many useful activities: hiking and boat trips, getting to know the farms that specialize in reindeer herding. You can also visit the Santa Claus Village, which welcomes guests all year round.
In the winter season, tourists are offered many types of interesting and active recreation: mountain and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, sledding.
Returning to summer time, it is worth noting that the nature in the city of Rovaniemi is simply amazing: a huge number of unusual plants prevail, the city looks very beautiful and even for the most sophisticated flora lovers there is a place for walking.
Summer in Rovaniemi Jätkänküntilla bridge and panoramic views of Rovaniemi
The most recognizable symbol of Rovaniemi is the Jätkänküntilla Bridge, which connects the two banks of the Kemijoki River. At the top of the bridge structure is an element that lights up at night.
It serves as a beacon and allows ships and other moving objects to pull out the necessary landmark.
Bridge length: 327 meters, width: 26 meters, height: 47 meters.
The bridge is equipped with four lanes for the passage of cars, and on both sides there are sidewalks for pedestrians and a bicycle path.
Yatkyankyuntilla bridge The bridge offers a beautiful panorama overlooking Rovaniemi and the Kemijoki River:
There are also neighboring bridges, which also offer a great view:
original monuments
Walking around Rovaniemi, you can see many unusual monuments:
Sculptures can also surprise both children and adults:
Lappia house in Rovaniemi
It is a public center of culture, also known as the Palace of Lapland (Lappia-talo). The architect Alvar Aalto designed not only the Lappia House, but also many other architectural works in various countries of northern Europe. The construction of the Lappia house was completed in 1975.
Scientific Arctic Center Arktikum
The center specializes in studying the regions of the north, and it also houses a museum dedicated to the traditions, history and culture of the peoples of the north.
The museum has been open since 1992. The stone building has the shape of a semicircle, from which you can go to the observation deck by the river through a long glass tunnel, the length of which is 172 meters.
This tunnel received an unofficial name - the Portal to the Arctic.
You can get to Arktikum by buses No. 8,10,12, which depart from the Rovakatu E stop.
Entertainment complex Snowland
This is one of the most popular places in Finland. The territory of the complex can accommodate 270 people.
In snowland, everything is made of ice and snow: from buildings to furniture and sculptures. This place is ideal for a fun and friendly family holiday.
The complex has a lot of entertainment, as well as restaurants and karaoke.
Ice sculpture competitions are held, and you can also book a room for honeymooners.
Location: Rovaniemi, Kajaanintie, 1.
You can get from the Keskussairaala L station by bus number 5, reaching the Lumimaa Snowland stop.
Bearhill Husky Farm
The most popular tour is 22 kilometers long and takes you through snowy forests as well as beautiful surroundings.
You will be put into a special sleigh that can accommodate one or two people. Such entertainment is sure to appeal to both children and adults.
You can also choose a one-day or overnight trip to the Pohtimo and Karhuvaara area. There are three-day expeditions to the Swedish border and eight-day trips around the Arctic Circle.
Visitors to the farm will get to know kind and fluffy dogs.
Address: Rovaniemi, Juolukka, 5. You need to get from the center of Rovaniemi by buses No. 4, 5, 8, 10 to the stop Korkalovaaran Kappeli P, then take a taxi (the trip will cost about 30 EUR).
Santa Claus Village
Undoubtedly, for children and their parents, the main purpose of visiting Lapland is a trip to the real Santa Claus, in Finnish he is called Joulupukki.
The Santa Claus Village or Santa Park is not far from Rovaniemi: just take the special Santa’s Express bus number 8 and you will reach the fabulous village in just 15 minutes!
We visited the village in the summer, and we invite you to read about our article
Ranua Zoo
It is located at Ravoniementi 29. Ranua Zoo is popular all over the world and is the northernmost zoo.
Animals are in their natural habitat and here you will not see cages. The length of the zoo is 2.5 kilometers.
It is located in the forest and visitors are securely fenced from wild animals. Walking paths and bridges, as well as a playground for children, make the zoo an ideal place for families to experience wildlife.
Please note that it is forbidden to feed the animals in the zoo!
On Easter and during the holidays, demonstration animal feedings are held, which is very interesting for children.
Free sleds and snowmobiles are provided for visitors at the entrance to the zoo.
reindeer farm
Just seven kilometers from Rovaniemi, there is a reindeer farm that will allow you to get to know the cute animals and their daily routine better.
Here you can get a driver's license to drive a deer, you can also ride in the forest in a sleigh, you can also get a certificate that allows you to catch ice fish, and you can also participate in the ice fishing championship.
Ski resort Puha and Luosto (Puha Ja Luosto)
On the territory of the oldest national park, Pyhätunturi (Sacred Mountain), there are two ski resorts at once: Pyhä and Luosto.
They are only 120 kilometers from Rovaniemi and every year attract hundreds of tourists from all over the world.
The season opens in early November and closes in early May.
If necessary, the slopes are covered with artificial snow, which is made from pure lake water and does not contain harmful substances.
Ounasvaara ski resort
Located 2.5 kilometers from Rovaniemi. Here you can find slopes of different difficulty levels.
Ideal place for snowboarding or skiing.
There are cottages available for rent.
lutheran church
The church is located at Rauhankatu 70. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Church height: 54 meters.
The main value is a large fresco (Source of Life), whose height is 14 meters, it is located on the altar.
Elven Castle Mur-Moor
The elves' workshop is located in a beautiful stone castle. The fund contains 1500 interesting exhibits and 800 dolls.
Visitors will be able to listen to fairy tales of elves, as well as purchase memorable souvenirs.
Ideal time to visit: December and August.
Location: Rovaniementi, 29 Ranua.
Pilke Discovery Center
The Pilke Center is a collaboration of a scientific and office center. It was built in 2011 and has a modern design both outside and inside.
The building is constructed from sustainable wood and the carbon dioxide emissions of a building this large are two-thirds lower than other structures of the same size.
Inside the Pilke Center there are scientific exhibits and exhibitions for visitors of all age groups.
Main topics: forest management, forest growth and use.
Hotels in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the undisputed center of attraction for tourists from all over the world, so the choice of hotels is quite extensive. The only thing you will most likely not find is these cheap accommodation options.
You can book hotels on the websites, Hotellook.com, and many others.
Below we have prepared a selection of popular hotels in Rovaniemi.
Moscow - Rovaniemi
The best way to fly from Moscow to Rovaniemi is via Helsinki. You can, of course, take the Lev Tolstoy train and transfer to another train, but such a journey can take more than a day. If that doesn't scare you, buy tickets online.
And if you need to get there quickly - study the schedule of Moscow - Helsinki flights.
Click on the appropriate option to find out the price on the site.
One of the best options for a winter holiday in Scandinavia is the resort of Rovaniem. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come here every year to relax and enjoy the nature of Finland.
Rovaniemi Finland is a great holiday destination for both adults and children, because the resort is maximally equipped for people of all ages.
There are several ways to get to the ski resort:
- by train, because the city has its own railway station. From the city of Helsinki, you can drive in about 10-12 hours, because the distance between cities is 812 km. The cost of a train ride is about 40 euros.
- by bus in 12 hours. The cost of the trip is 100 euros, and flights depart every 4 hours.
- by plane is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between cities. From the city of Helsinki to Rovaniemi, you can fly in 2 hours, and the ticket price is from 80 euros.
Rovaniemi Finland map
When is the best time to go to Rovaniemi
Holidays in Rovaniemi are possible in any season, but most tourists prefer winter, because this is a great opportunity to learn more about the ski resort and try out the slopes and slopes for yourself. But also Rovaniemi Finland has the same attractions in winter and summer, so you can visit the city in any season.
Weather and climate
Finland The city of Rovaniemi has a temperate climate, although the city is located near the Arctic Circle. Winter lasts approximately 180 days. All this time, the air temperature averages from -12 ° C to -15 ° C, but in mountainous areas it drops to -35 ° C.
Fans of outdoor activities in the ski resort can come from December to March, because this is the winter holiday season in Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi is not very popular in summer because the climate is cool. The average air temperature does not exceed +17°C.
Things to do in Rovaniemi with kids
Rovaniemi Santa Claus Village is a favorite pastime for children in winter. For the youngest tourists, excursions to the village are conducted, where children are introduced to Joulupukki (Finnish Santa Claus) and Christmas legends from around the world.
After the tour, you can visit souvenir shops and buy unusual gifts for children and loved ones. Also, be sure to visit the park and get to know Santa's helpers - elves. In the park, you can try real gingerbread cookies and send greeting cards to friends anywhere in the world.
An equally popular place is Huskypark, where you can go on a dog sledding trip.
Winter holidays in Rovaniemi
The most popular in Rovaniemi is winter holidays, because winter lasts about 180 days and this is the time when one of the best ski resorts in the world works.
The resort includes three ski centers, which are fully equipped in accordance with international standards. There are trails of different difficulty levels, places with equipment rental, hotels and souvenir shops. In addition, there are places for recreation - restaurants and cafes, as well as tourists have the opportunity to participate in an entertainment program - underwater fishing or a winter dog safari.
Skiing
In the ski resort, you can rent all the necessary equipment, including skis, in special places. If necessary, you can contact the resort staff to find out your concerns.
Trails, slopes, lifts
Each of the centers of the general ski center has a separate specially equipped track and lifts:
- Olos has 10 slopes for adults and one slope for children. The maximum length of the route is 1400 m with a height difference of 210 m.
- Pyha-Luosto has 8 slopes, which are divided into three groups according to the level of difficulty. The maximum length is 1800 m with a height difference of 230 m.
- Ounasvaara has 9 runs for adults and one for children. This ski base is suitable for beginners as well as inexperienced holidaymakers. There are 5 lifts on site and there is a free ski pass.
Prices for ski passes and lifts
Prices depend on duration:
Ski rental
Ski rental is available at special equipment rental points. The cost of renting skis for a day is 20 euros, and for a week - 156 euros.
Summer rest
In summer, you can get closer to the culture of Scandinavia and visit the Museum of Local Lore. In the museum, you can learn more about how the ancient Finns lived, as well as how they equipped their homes and life.
In the evening you can go to the bar, which is made entirely in the style of this state.
What to see
The most famous and visited place in the city is the Arktikum scientific center, which contains exhibits dedicated to the nature and history of the country. But the most interesting place in the center is the Polar Theatre, where you can look at the infinitely beautiful northern lights.
Things to do
Tourists have few options in Rovaniemi. Many go to a ski resort to spend the whole day on the slopes, others explore the city with tour groups or in museums.
But you can also go out of town to get into the reindeer farm. Here you can learn more about winter fishing and see how the locals breed animals.
Where to stay
There are no hostels in Rovaniemi, so all vacationers can stay in one of the hotels that have different prices. The most budgetary accommodation option is in three-star hotels:
- Cumulus Resort Polar;
- Hotel Aakenus;
- Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara.
On average, the cost of a room per night is from 90 euros with breakfast.
The most popular middle class hotels:
- Snowman World Igloo Hotel;
- Arctice Igloo.
Suffice it to say about Rovaniemi that this is the official residence of Santa Claus. Well, and to add that this city is located near the Arctic Circle and that in winter the muslin of the northern lights is rinsing over it. Also, it is the largest city in Europe by area. Another thing is that both planes and deer take off from the city's airport. More…
No, perhaps, all the charms of Rovaniemi cannot be contained in a short description. We will have to tell about it in detail and name many more reasons why holidays with children in Rovaniemi are so attractive. We will reveal all the secrets: when is the best time to come to the main city of Lapland, where to look for Santa and how to organize a memorable family vacation in cold latitudes.
Where is Rovaniemi
The city of Rovaniemi is the administrative center of Lapland, or Lappi, the northernmost province of Finland. In terms of population, Rovaniemi is not among the ten largest cities in Finland, but in terms of area it ranks first in Europe. The territory is more than 8 thousand square meters. km inhabited by only about 60 thousand people. If we imagine that the city is divided into quarters of 1 sq. km, it turns out that only 7-8 people live in each quarter.
The distance from Rovaniemi to Helsinki is 812 km, to Ranua - 78 km, to Levi - 170 km, to St. Petersburg - 940 km. Rovaniemi is located at the confluence of the large northern rivers Kemijoki and Ounasjoki, just 8 km south of the Arctic Circle. In winter, there is a very short daylight hours, but in summer, white nights last for two whole months.
Vacation with children
Every journey becomes more interesting if you dream about it first. So before a trip to Rovaniemi with children, it would be good to organize a family anticipation: soon deer with luminous horns will rush you to where the snow is waist-deep, where the long polar night stretches, where a magician lives in the forest among the sprawling fir trees, who gives gifts to all the kids on Christmas night …
And let instead of deer there will be a plane or a train, let the polar night reign a little to the north, but everything else is the absolute truth. Moreover, while children are looking forward to meeting Santa Claus, adults are not forbidden to dream about venison with lingonberry sauce and a hot sauna: after all, we are talking about a trip to Finland.
Family holidays in Rovaniemi are good for many other reasons. The first is easy to get to: the city has its own airport and railway station. The second is to live pleasantly: the hotels are very comfortable, and the cottages create the best environment for reading Sami fairy tales.
Another advantage of this resort for families with children is that there is something to do here: the city has several extraordinary museums, excellent entertainment centers for children, and nearby is the Ounasvaara fell - the ski resort of Rovaniemi.
The fourth reason is that it is interesting to travel: where else can you relax with a child so that you can step over the Arctic Circle, participate in the extraction of amethyst and stand nose to nose with a polar bear (with awe and delight, but without risk to life)? Finally, the fifth - it is convenient to be the parents of babies: if you are relaxing with a baby, then in any public place you will find a changing table and a quiet corner to feed the baby.
When is the best time to go to Rovaniemi
Residents of the resort know: the colder it is in the city, the greater the influx of tourists. People come to Lapland in search of a real winter, with frost, snow, skiing and magical holidays. Therefore, the high season in Rovaniemi begins at the end of November and lasts until April, and the real tourist boom occurs from late December to mid-January.
But it is not necessary to strive to this city for the New Year. In March, there is as much snow as in January, but the severe frosts are behind us, and the day is gradually lengthening. And Santa is oh so busy in winter, so he is even glad when guests come at other times of the year.
In summer, there are also a lot of tourists in Rovaniemi, but at this time there is a greater choice of housing, and prices are lower than in winter, and there is enough entertainment. The only difference from winter is that instead of skiing there will be hiking in the forests and river walks, and instead of long winter evenings - endless summer days.
Weather and climate
Try to imagine the weather at a resort that lies near the Arctic Circle. Perhaps frosts rage there all year round and a blizzard howls? It turns out that the climate of Rovaniemi is not so severe: although the winter in these parts lasts half a year, the cold still gives way to heat for at least three months.
Yes, summer in Lapland is short and cool. The average temperature in June and August is +12.5°С, in July it is warmer, +15°С. During the day in these months it can reach +20°C, and occasionally a record heat reaches +30°C. Mushroom rain often drizzles, but there are also heavy showers with thunderstorms.
August spends the last crumbs of heat. In September, the daily temperature does not exceed +10°C, and in October, the thermometers barely rise above zero. In November, Rovaniemi meets winter: during the day the frost stays down to -6 ° C, and at night it freezes even more. It snows often, and now the path for cross-country skiing is ready.
December-February are the coldest months. But frosts do not rage all the time: the average temperature of the winter months is -10-12°C and can reach -25°C, and the record cold of -45°C mostly frightens tourists. But winter does not spare snow. In cold weather, trees and houses are covered with snow, and on the hills the thickness of the snow cover exceeds 40 cm.
In March, as well as in November, a slight minus temperature is stable, and only in April, on thermometers, no, no, and it will seem + 1-2 ° С. At the end of April, the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers are freed from ice - this is the last frontiers of winter. But it will really blow in spring only in May, when it will rain instead of snowfalls, and the air will warm up to +10°C.
There was confidence that you can fully relax only by the sea, on a snow-white beach, swimming and sunbathing. We sold a lot of tours to Finland specifically for families with children. Finland was associated only with snow and Santa Claus. We were pleasantly surprised that Finland is interesting for holidays all year round. And all thanks to what we saw and felt during these 4 days. The purest intoxicating air, clean drinking water from the tap, good clean roads, friendly Finns, a huge number of lakes that you can not stop looking at, many excursions that are associated with animals. Our partners professionally compiled a program, thanks to which we saw the country from the capital to Lapland and crossed the Arctic Circle.
In addition to the advantages of ecology, I would like to note several more important arguments. This is the proximity of Russia to this wonderful country. Can be reached by car, train, plane. Ease of obtaining a visa: no need for salary certificates and from the bank, just fill out a questionnaire and attach two photos.
And, of course, the main reason to go to Finland is a huge variety of entertainment, as the Finns call them, activists. Moreover, both the famous winter and summer, autumn. We were lucky to visit Finland in the fifth season, which is called RUSKA, in short, it is something like our Indian summer, but for some reason this riot of colors on the trees is especially noticeable here, which are reflected in the lakes, which are not many here. 180,000 is not enough, but we were not mistaken with the number, imagine how beautiful it is here. So, regarding the activities, we visited one of them, it is called HIKING. This is a hiking trip along the river with rapids, but our organizers, thanks again to them very much, decided to combine this so-called walk by tying cute and kind Husky dogs to us. By tying it, because it is impossible to keep a dog on a leash, which runs in a harness in winter. It was so cool, fun and unpredictable that we were completely delighted. For two hours we walked through the forest with dogs, admired nature, could not breathe in the purest forest air, picked ripe berries that simply strewn the whole earth.
On another day, we had the opportunity to visit the RANOA Arctic Zoo. This park makes a very good impression on children and adults. There are no cages here, and the inspection of animals takes place along a three-kilometer wooden bridge. From above, visitors observe about 60 species of Arctic wildlife. And of course, what is Finland without Santa Claus, here he is called YOLOPUKI. After visiting the zoo, we went to visit him at his residence, he was waiting for us in his cozy house, sitting in his armchair, and sorting out mail from children from all over the world, we pulled his beard, made sure that it was real, took a photo for memory, he wished us a Happy New Year and promised to fulfill all our wishes, which we wrote to him in postcards. After meeting with Santa, we headed to Santa Park, where we were met by magical Elves and checked into the park. The park is located in a mountain, there are no windows, it is a cave with different rooms, there is an ice cave, there is a room for gnomes, a room for elves and their school, in general, children and adults are just in a fairy kingdom. We can share our impressions with you for a long time, but we will do this at a personal meeting in the office, when you come to select and book a tour to Finland, and now we will tell you where you can stay here, the features of the resorts, possible excursions from them. So, let's start with the capital:
Helsinki
- the beautiful capital of Finland on the shores of the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea will always welcome guests into its arms. famous for its museums, shops, water parks, the largest amusement parks in Europe. The most famous of them and the largest in Finland is Linnamaki Park. It combined 44 rides and the Sealife Aquarium. Families with children, active youth, and the elderly come here. Everyone will find something for themselves here. Helsinki has 75 hotels of different levels, restaurants with excellent cuisine, all kinds of excursions. The most favorite excursion for tourists is a trip to the Suomenlina fortress, which can only be reached by boat.
In Helsinki, it is very fun and quite affordable to celebrate the New Year. In the upcoming 2012, many restaurants in the city center offer New Year's programs for Russian guests, including broadcasting congratulations from our president.
Helsinki has excellent communication with Russia. You can directly get here on comfortable high-speed trains "Lev Tolstoy", on the route Moscow-Hlsinki, which departs from the Leningradsky railway station and "Allegro", a train following the route St. Petersburg - Helsinki. You can also sail here by ferry from St. Petersburg or fly by plane.
Rovaniemi
The fabulous capital of Lapland. It is a cultural, sports and entertainment center. Here is the famous Arctic Center, which explores and acquaints visitors with the surrounding nature and cultural heritage of this region. There is also a great opportunity for active recreation in the Ounasvaara ski center, 2 km from the city center. Naturally, the main attraction of Rovaniemi is the village of Santa Claus and Santa Park, where crowds of guests come to the New Year and Christmas holidays with their children. Here you can write a letter with wishes to Santa Claus, as well as see him in person at his residence. Santa Claus Village is located right on the Arctic Circle. Therefore, all those who come here receive a diploma on crossing the Arctic Circle. Starting from November, the inhabitants of Rovaniemi decorate their city with Christmas lights, and it becomes unforgettably beautiful. The most famous hotels in this city are: hotel , ?? .
Ski resorts in Finland
Finland is famous for its many ski resorts with guaranteed snow cover. There are about 80 of them, and they are scattered throughout the country. It should be noted that there are still not mountains, but hills. Therefore, lovers of three-, four-thousanders are unlikely to rejoice when they come here. But for beginner skiers and snowboarders, there are all conditions for a great holiday. I would even say that it is ideal to learn to ride here. In Lapland the skiing season lasts from November to May. To guarantee snow, each resort also has snow cannons. A huge plus of these resorts is the absence of queues for lifts and illuminated slopes. Families with children especially like to come to Finnish resorts. Since the Finns themselves love to relax in their resorts, and they always have a lot of children in their families, they took care of a comfortable stay. I will note, perhaps, the best of these resorts.
ski resort- the most visited resort by Russian tourists. It is located 25 km from the city of Kuusamo, a little south of the Arctic Circle. The duration of the season here lasts from October 10 to June 11. It is considered the best resort in Finland for snowboarding. The maximum height is 492 m, the longest descent is 1300 m, the total length of the tracks is 2000 km, the height difference is 201 m. The Battery Run freestyle center is located here. The resort offers a wide range of entertainment: restaurants, shops, an aqua park, a wide range of activity programs (snowmobile safaris, dog and reindeer sledding, fishing and a trip to Santa Claus).
is the largest ski resort in Finland. It is located in Northern Lapland and differs markedly from traditional Finnish resorts, as it resembles alpine ski centers with their compact buildings and developed infrastructure. The season here runs from October to May.
This resort is the only one in Finland where a gondola lift has been built. The proximity of the ski lifts to the hotels allows us to make the most of the skiing time. The resort has 45 slopes, 26 ski lifts, snowboard parks, snowmobile trails, 230 km of cross-country ski trails and 886 km of snowmobile trails. Also, more than 50 companies organizing entertainment at the resorts work here for vacationers. Ski school with Russian-speaking instructors during the season and a Park for children with a weekly free program active rest!
The largest hotels in Levi are:
Located at the top of the hill. 4*. New hotel in 2009 of a modern level.
25 apartments in a separate building. A special feature of this hotel is panoramic saunas on the 7th floor overlooking the slope.
– a small 3* hotel in the center of the resort. The hotel has its own deer paddock.
Iso Syote resort is the southernmost resort of Lapland, 1 hour from Kuusamo, 2 hours from Rovaniemi, 1.5 hours from Oulu. The ski season here lasts from late November to late April. The coldest month here is January, the daylight hours are very short.
There are two centers in Iso-Syuete: Iso-Syuete is a large center and Pico-Syuete is a small center. The distance between them is 4 km. Here, in total, there are 25 ski slopes, 120 km of cross-country trails. The region is small, but very cozy and friendly. All ski lifts are within walking distance. Here you can sometimes see the northern lights. From the entertainment in the resort there is a husky farm, which has about 100 dogs, snowmobiles, a deer farm, a snow world for children that works all day.
Hotel base in Finland
Hotels in Finland have some features. Firstly, they do not have the star rating that we are used to, and if we say that this or that hotel is close, for example, to 4 stars, this is absolutely conditional. Secondly, there are no porters in hotels in Finland. This service, if it is in the hotel, is purely paid. And the third main distinguishing feature of Finnish hotels is the absence of any luxury in them.
A very common type of accommodation in Finland is cottages. There are a huge number of them in this country. They are divided into two main groups. The first is those that are located in recreation centers, and the second is detached cottages at a distance from civilization, on average, 10 kilometers. The second group of cottages is more suitable for large companies that travel by private transport.
There are also many hotels in Finland. The main holding of hotels is Restel Hotel Group. It includes 47 hotels + restaurants. The most famous hotel chains are Cumulus, Rantasipi, Crown Plaza and Holiday inn.
Cumulus means "cloud" in Finnish. There are 20 hotels in this chain. All these hotels are urban, conditionally belong to the category of 3 * good level and are located in the city center. Basically, their target audience is families with children and business travelers. One of these hotels is located in the city center of Rovaniemi.
The Rantasipi chain includes 11 hotels. They conditionally belong to the 4* category. These are Spa-hotels and ski hotels. Their feature is that they are in nature. The most famous of them: the Unique Rantasipi Hotel - Spa-hotel in the form of a castle.
Rantasipi Rukahovi - located in the Ruka ski resort, directly at the ski lift. Rantasipi Pohjanhovi - hotel in Rovaniemi.
Holiday Inn - 7 hotels of about 4 * category. They are located in the main cities of Finland. In these hotels, meals for children are provided free of charge, provided that an adult orders a hot meal.
The hotel is located in the center of Helsinki. This is one of the largest hotels in Finland. For 4 years in a row, it is also considered the best hotel.
All Restel Hotel Group hotels have modern room equipment.
There are two more very famous hotels in Finland. These are Haikko Manor Hotel and Korpilampi Hotel.
Hotel - located in Porvo, 50 km from Helsinki, on the seashore. This is a Spa-hotel, whose history begins in the distant 14th century. It is located on the territory of an old manor. The hotel is famous for its chic cuisine and wine. The number of rooms includes 27 romantic rooms. The hotel's wellness center offers cryotherapy.
- the motto of this hotel is "harmony with nature." This hotel is located in a pine forest on the lake, a 25-minute drive from Helsinki, a 5-minute drive to Sirena Water Park. The hotel pays much attention to children and Russian guests. Rooms - 151 rooms. Free internet, swimming pool, sauna, children's pool and children's playroom, parking. The menu includes Finnish and Russian dishes, ecological food. The hotel offers various activities such as fishing, a smoky Finnish sauna and the official summer residence of Santa Claus. New Year in 2012 will be arranged here only for Russian guests with an entertainment program.
Hospitable and so close to us, Finland is waiting for its guests all year round. Fresh air, pure water, excellent ecology, natural products, an endless number of lakes and forests will not leave anyone indifferent. But keep in mind, Finland is a vacation for active people who love movement and communication with nature.
Have a nice holiday!
Do you want to be in a fairy tale? Then you have a direct road to the Finnish city of Rovaniemi, the capital of the magical province of Lapland, a wonderful place to relax with a child of any age.
Only 800 m from the capital of Suomi - Helsinki, 1025 km from St. Petersburg, more than 1500 from Moscow. Not so much, in general, to get to the home of Santa Claus.
The population of Rovaniemi according to 2009 is 59.8 thousand people.
Rovaniemi is the largest city in Europe in terms of area, 8016 square kilometers (of course, all the general adjacent territories are considered, where deer roam now).
The climate of Rovaniemi.
The climate of northern Finland is truly magical, you don’t feel severe frosts here. The average January temperature is −14.2 °C (absolute minimum −45.3 °C), July +14.4 °C (absolute maximum + 30.6 °C).
The most famous phenomenon, which any photographer considers to be lucky to catch, is the Northern Lights.
History of Rovaniemi.
The first people settled on the site of modern Rovaniemi as early as the 11th century. As the city of Rovaniemi was first mentioned in 1453. The name itself goes back to the Sami word "roavve", which means forested hill.
In the 19th century, the development of Rovaniemi received a new impetus due to the “Gold Rush” that swept the locals, which led to an increase in the city itself and to an increase in its economic stability.
From the point of view of architecture, Rovaniemi is a modern city, as it was rebuilt almost anew after the Second World War, so you will not find historical buildings here, but you will find a lot of things from the world of a fairy tale.
In 1960, Rovaniemi received city status.
Winter fairy tale Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi is rightfully considered the most famous northern city.
According to legend, Santa Claus' house on the Korvatunturi fell is located near Rovaniemi, and tourists from all over the world come to see old man Santa in his office in Santa Claus Village.
In addition to visiting Santa in his office, parents with children can look into the magical Santa Park, where the gnomes mined semi-precious stones in the old days, and now there is a magical world that every child in the world will love.
Not far from Rovaniemi, there is the Nautilus water center (aqua park), where there is a swimming pool, a children's slide, saunas and a jacuzzi.
Santa Claus’ Sport Institute is located 2 km from the city with a swimming pool, sauna, bowling, badminton and tennis.
There is also a well-equipped Ounasvaara ski resort in Rovaniemi.
Shopping lovers will also have something to do in Rovaniemi: there are clothing stores, supermarkets, and numerous Santa Claus-themed shops in the capital of Lapland.
Official website of Rovaniemi – www.visitrovaniemi.fi
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.
The Mecca of all Rovaniemi tourists: Wooden Santa Claus, his work office, through which the Arctic Circle runs as a white line.
The place owes its birth not only to the magic of the magic line, but also to the arrival of the wife of US President Eleanor Roosevelt in 1950 in Finland.
You can get from Rovaniemi to Santa Claus Village by regular bus number 8, which runs between the Village and the railway station.
You don't have to pay to enter the Santa Claus Residence.
You can take a picture with Santa, it costs about 30 euros, but everything is optional, but it will definitely arise.
In addition, you can send your family and friends a message from Santa's Village: there is a magical post office.
Santa Claus Village official website - www.santaclausvillage.info
Sights of Rovaniemi except Santa Claus.
Arktikum cultural center - thanks to its unusual architectural design (a glass building in the Arctic), Arktikum is one of the most significant sights of Rovaniemi. Arktikum was opened in 1992 on the banks of the Ounasjoki River. The building houses a cultural center where exhibitions and events on the theme of Lapland are held, a library and a gift shop with handicrafts on original themes.
www.arktikum.fi/en/
The northernmost zoo in the world, Ranua, is strictly speaking not located near Rovaniemi, but this did not make it any worse, on the contrary: at the Ranua Zoo, you and your children are given the opportunity to observe polar animals in conditions as close to nature as possible. "Ranua" is open all year round. You and your children will be able to see about 50 species from the wild world of the polar nature in Ranua. In the summer, you can get acquainted with the life of domestic animals at the zoo. There are wonderful souvenir shops at the Ranua Zoo.
www.ranuawildlife.com
Rovaniemi Art Museum - located in a former postal machine depot, converted into a museum. The museum presents the art of the northern peoples living in Finland. Exhibitions of artists. which are held at the Rovaniemi Art Museum, mainly introduce the work of artists who were related to Lapland - lived here or worked.
www.rovaniemi.fi
The "Forest Museum" in Lapland is a museum spread out in an open space under the open sky among forests and mountains. The museum will tell you about life in the spirit of Jack London's stories in a Finnish way: how the lumberjacks of Lapland lived and worked in the old days.
The Peukella Local History Museum will tell you and your children the history and customs of everyday life of the inhabitants of Lapland, you will learn how salmon was caught and how deer are raised.
At the entrance to Rovaniemi, you will immediately see a sign with the exact coordinates of the Arctic Circle.
