A popular attraction in Lapland, the Arktikum science museum is home to a range of exhibits about Finnish Lapland and its culture. The biggest attraction is the Arctic Garden, a glass-domed building with great views of the Northern Lights.
Such a nice museum! You'll have plenty to see. The museum is full of old fashion interactive information, where kids will love to pull ropes, switch lights and so on.
It is a lot to read so it might take some hours.
You'll be able to learn about climate change and the future of the Arctic, the history of Finland and populations around Lapland, the Finnish wildlife.
Also, if you want to experience typical Finnish food, try the lounas at the café. Much better than the food served to tourists in town.
Petitpo — Google review
This is a great museum, presenting everything from history and culture to astronomy, geography and lifestyle in the Arctic Circle. The exhibition design is very professional, allowing visitors of all ages to have a lot of experience. I recommend visiting with children.
Anna — Google review
Great source of information about anything connected to the North and its nature. As a visitor, you will learn how the people used to live in the North, what kind of animals live there, how to explore the nature at the North Pole, and much more.
As the permanent exhibitions are huge, reserve few hours for this place, especially if you don't want to just walk through them in half an hour. But that would be really just walking through.
Staff working at the place is very nice. As the visitor, you can leave you backpack at the storage room that the staff has keys from.
Jana Krištanová — Google review
Large museum on the history and culture of Lapland and the Arctic. The exhibition is fascinating. There is also something for children to experience. Visitors can borrow a free audio guide at the entrance. That's great! There are also free lockers for luggage and jackets. Food and drinks are available in the adjoining café. You should allow three to four hours to visit the museum. Unfortunately, the entrance fee is comparatively high.
Oskar Vitlif — Google review
Nice museum. Pretty small, a lot of interactive displays. The ticket price is a bit high in my opinion considering the size of the exhibitions. Overall, if you're in Rovaniemi, I recommend taking a look - even just for seeing the building itself, from inside and out.
Shachar Pinkas — Google review
This place is a fantastic pitspot 🚏 on your next trip to Rovaniemi! 🇫🇮 Arktikum is a nice science 🔭 and natural history 🫎 museum 🖼️ with an impressive architecture 🏛️ that includes a stunning glass ceiling. Around this spot is a lake 🌊 from which you might be able to see 👀 the northern lights! I wish I could spend more time here! ⏳
Alon Grinshpoon — Google review
It's a really nice experience here. Awareness to climate change and its effect on Artic flora and fauna.
We also learn about Sami people and their cultural foundation.
Overall there is a lot to see and explore, but depends on what you are interested in.
We had a museum card to enter but you can buy tickets at the counter. Friendly staff and guides with loads of information about the exhibition.
I recommend you visit this place.
pooja mansha — Google review
I enjoyed my visit to this museum even though some of the reviews say it's geared towards children. It's perfect if you have a spare days in Rovaniemi and you've already done everything else. The exhibition's are surprisingly good so they must have invested a fair bit into it. A good balance of history and current events.
Daniel Koh — Google review
The place is good
To visit for one time. The experience of
Northern Light at the middle of the museum is mind blowing. The information about Rovaniemi’s history is one of the interesting things it describes.
Vineet Gupta — Google review
Beautiful exhibitions, lots of information about the arctic. Cafe with delicious food. Northern Lights & ice cave. I especially love the garden which changes with the seasons and is very well kept. When Northern Lights season is on, it's a great place to be 👍.
BB UpNorth — Google review
It’s one of the best museums Ive ever been to!
So recommended!!
Nour M. Radwan — Google review
This is the signature museum in Rovaniemi with an interesting architecture and utilises natural lighting to illuminate the museum. It tells the story about Lapland and the Artic Circle, from science to history. The exhibits are also fun and informative.
I strongly recommend this to be part of your Lapland itinerary, as it helps you to understand the region as a whole.
There's also a cafe, gift shop, a garden and a forestry museum nearby, if you want to fully utilise your time here. Finding the exhibits was initially challenging though, as they were all behind huge doors.
Entrance is paid, of course, but there are free toilets here.
Luke Phang — Google review
The Arktikum Science Museum in Rovaniemi is an exceptional destination for those intrigued by the Arctic region and its science. It's particularly captivating for children, as evidenced by an 8-year-old who had a fantastic time exploring its interactive exhibits. The museum offers a wealth of information on Arctic nature, culture, and history, presented in an engaging and educational manner. To truly absorb the rich experiences Arktikum provides, it's advisable to plan a visit lasting at least two to three hours. This duration allows visitors, both young and old, to immerse themselves fully in the wonders of the Arctic world that the museum vividly brings to life.
We didn't time to take any photos of the interactive part of the museum though 🤷🏼♀️
Marina S — Google review
It’s a must visit place if you are in Rovaniemi to get to know the history of the city as well as saami culture. There are loads of interesting visuals inside regarding reindeers, arctic circle, climate etc. It takes about 3-4 hours to completely go through it all. You can get a culture pass and get access to two more additional museums.
Ady H — Google review
Great exposition, great sceney, finally discovering the Finnish Culture and the Lapland.
You have seat all the way if you need to rest or waiting, there is a coffee shop straight on your right hand side when you enter the Museum; Gifts shop available and also for your clothes you have storages available. So no need to pack your clothes for the whole time you will be in the Museum.
I recommend taking your time to enjoy every little corner of the museum. Trust me it worth it
Mo — Google review
A huge and sprawling science centre with loads of fantastic exhibits. I especially loved the old fashioned stuffed animal dioramas. A great place to learn about the history of Lapland and the Sámi peoples. It also has a brilliant interactive climate change exhibition space.
All of the captions are in a variety of languages, including English. The English translations are a bit wonky but in a very appealing way. They read almost like poems with a lilting dream-like quality. They possibly revealed an aspect of the Finnish language itself. I found them very enjoyable to read
The building's very distinctive and very of it's time, the early '90s. It looks dated at the moment but in a few decades and generations will likely become a treasured example of that era's architectural style.
It is completely wheelchair accessible with disabled lavatories.
Bill Edwards — Google review
A great visit for all ages - ( 3 generations gor our trip). Not busy, even at peak tines,and the cafe lunch was excellent and very good value.
Bob Kimmerling — Google review
Cool place to learn about northern light, pola circle and Finish natural. Ticket is 18€/person and located near city center.
If you're looking for a festive place to visit this Christmas, consider Santa Claus Office. The rustic setting and the charming characters can make any holiday feel special. You can also take beautiful photos without any crowds!
The Santa Claus Village is the best and major tourist spot in Lapland – Santa’s own hometown!
It is almost impossible not to cross the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi. The Arctic Circle runs through the Santa Claus Village, located eight kilometres north of the city centre, where it is clearly marked. Santa Claus Village in Lapland is a popular place to cross the Arctic Circle: here the line is marked, and you can even get a certificate confirming the feat. At that moment, I felt I was the luckiest man in the world.
We first stepped into the Santa Claus Office. The ambience was just fantastic and a real fairy-tale-like experience. We were ushered in by Santa’s hard-working and beautifully cute helpers, the elves. We couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw Santa seated inside on a wooden chair amidst a lot of gifts with his big fat belly resting on his lap! He is around 6.5F tall with a long real looking beard. He greeted us and gave us our seat. And had a little chit chat about the Xmas and arctic history. However, photos and videos are prohibited inside. For 45 Euros, we all got one photo each to cherish as a memoir for a lifetime.
Prathesh Jaison — Google review
This is where you can meet santa clause any day of the year. Unlike usual grottos that come up during christmas, his room here is well decorated and he is well dressed up to bring up that perfect christmas vibe.
Meeting santa claus is free. But you cannot take pictures or videos inside. Pictures and a video will be taken by the staff there and you have to purchase them. For the picture you have to pay EUR 35. For EUR 80 you can get one printed picture and link to download all pictures and the video.
However, unlike most of the pictures taken and sold at attractions, pictures here are taken by a professional using high end gear. Pictures are of superb quality. Printed photo is bigger than A4 size. It is sharp and has crisp colours. Given in a pocket that can be carried as a side bag.
Office is open from 10 am to 5 pm. It is located in Santa claus villege, rovaniemi which is about 3 km away from the airport and 9 km away from town centre.
Buses between town centre-santa claus villege-airport are operated by two bus companies. Buses are there every hour and they are reliable. But they dont run late. Last bus is at about 6.15 pm. Taxis are alao available. They charge EUR 30 to town centre. Bus fare to town centre is EUR 4 and to airport EUR 8.
You can even take Santa claus express night train to and from Helsinki which has upstair cabins with private shower and toilet. Regular seats are also available. This should be booked in advance at VR trsins website. Train has a good restaurant on board which operates till late night and from 4 am in the morning. Remember to check in at the station so that conductor will not disturb you to check tickets at the cabin.
Santa claus village has lot of activities such as rain deer sleigh rides, husky rides and snowmobile rides, nothern light tours, polar explorer tour, frozen waterfalls tour etc. There are more than one operator for raindeer, husky and snowmobiles. You need to have a valid driving lisence including class D to ride snowmobile. All rides are expensive.
You can see snow capped arctic forest.
Arctic circle which runs across the santa claus villege, is also marked here and you can cross it.
Santa clauses post office is also there where you can send a post card stamped here to anywhere.
There are some good accommodation options too, but expensive. There are many restaurants. Most of them close early like 5-6 pm. Restaurants that are open for dinner are expensive. Food here in general is expensive.
Remember to bring your layers and sun glasses.
You can get a live view of the central courtyard area via youtube through webcam fixed on one of the pillars marking the arctic circle.
Hasitha Manage — Google review
A magical place if you visit during Christmas. It is for children but also for adults. You can find many gifts for your loved ones, send a letter from Santa Claus, see him and take a photo with him. The landscape is completely covered with snow. I highly recommend it.
Panagiotis Sarikas — Google review
nice place, of course its for tourists but you can spend a half day here exploring everything. All basics are free (Meeting Santa is to) but the photos come with a somewhat high price of 35/50€. To many low quality gift shops, I would wish for more authentic and handmade or locally produced goods.
Simon Filler — Google review
Beautiful like in fairy tail place.
Details, music,lights and overall feeling is magical!
As we have been few times here during our stay. We recommend to come here in the morning or late afternoon (before closing time)
In this time you can take beautiful pictures without so many people.
Dusan Radivojevic — Google review
I'm not a Christmas Person , I thought it was ok , but not "wow" like seeing Disneyland castle. Though I could see other people super excited, happy to see all the Christmas themed buildings , there is actually a lot you can see and do completely free of charge.
I did think that charging €35 Euro for 1 picture with Santa was a bit expensive but for someone else that could be a bargain and something they treasure for a very long time.
For kids it must be a magical place.
The "Artic Circle" was great, as was the "post office "
Lots of places where you can take pictures.
There were people from all over the world , just to name a few people I came across , Romanian, American, Chinese, Polish, Korean and Finnish of course :)
T Hussain — Google review
I recommend it 100%! Santa impressed our daughter (10) very much, by speaking our language (German) and by surprising her with her favorite gift (coincidence or the Christmas Magic)
The line was about 30 mins but definitely worth waiting.
The costs for the gift are 28€ the photographs taken there 45€ or the full package, photographs and video 70€ downloadable.
Lua Sav — Google review
Most visit . Atmosphere of miracle, even the evening is highly commercialized. Wondering around the place, between attractions and shops .
Visited- Santa (of course), Snowman word, shops (of course)
One day covers all
Zalman Talan — Google review
Was worth coming to see Santa Claus with kids. It was our second time but 10 years apart. Last time it was during summer, now during winter it felt really magic, full of snow, trees covered in snow as well... Love it!
Jovita Lazdinis — Google review
Maybe it was because of visiting Santa Claus Village during May when it was very much out of the season, but I didn't meet Santa. When I was at the building, Santa was on his lunch break. And considering the whole atmosphere at the Village during summer, I didn't make the effort to wait for Santa to return from his lunch break and talk to him. Since there was no right setup, it would felt very cheesy to me.
Besides meet and greet place with Santa, there is also a giant souvenir shop inside of this place.
Jana Krištanová — Google review
Extremely expensive!
Obviously it's magic of Santa, Christmas etc, but expect pricey visit. 30€ for gift from Santa, 35€ for printed photo, 50€ for online download and 85€ for both option. Gift shop double prices than in Rovaniemi center for the same products.
krzysztof rakowski (Kris) — Google review
It is lovely but extremely commercialised. It is mostly shops. 3 hrs spent there with reindeer ride wh8ch was beautiful, visit to Santa, crossing Artic Circle, waving at webcam. We did all we wanted to do there. No tickets needed as we went in January.
Lisa Fisher — Google review
Very poor atmosphere. It must to be centre of magic… but here is not. Now it’s looks like we come here to stay in line to make photo. No music, no Christmas lights… just dark interior. With this opportunities you can make magical place for everyone. But now it’s just place to make photo with man with beard.
Anna Egorkina — Google review
Absolutely fantastic place a money pit but I really loved it and well worth it beautiful food and beautiful animals freezing at -5 -8 do keep a hold of your sledge as we had our hats in then outside restaurant and someone stole the whole lot Absolutely devastated
Brooke T (RIVERROOTS WHIPPETS) — Google review
The supposed main attraction of the Santa Claus Village, this is where they charge you an arm and a leg to print a photo of you with Santa. And nope, you are not allowed to use your own personal camera or whatever device you brought to take photos with Santa. Only official cameras are allowed.
Meeting Santa is free though, you have to give then that, and the Santa does give off Dumbledore vibes when you're talking to him. It's an experience that children would definitely enjoy, not so much adults. Unless you're still very much a child at heart and still believes in Santa.
We would have enjoyed our experience here more, even paid for the photo, if it's not for how insanely expensive the photo is. 50 euros! And it can go all the way up to hundreds of euros if you opt for the entire package, with digital photo and video included. They didn't even bother listing the price upfront and would only tell you when you ask them. A complete ripoff, we feel.
Still, it's still a rite of passage to visit this place if you're in Lapland, just don't have too high an expectation.
Luke Phang — Google review
Beautiful place to visit with kids. Best to visit winter time.Open 365 days. Perfect!
Zlatko Tota — Google review
Santa is surely hardworking. He knows many languages. I enjoyed meeting him even as an adult. Pictures are pricey but consider it a part of the package of the whole experience. Other than Santa there is not much to do, but the entrance really was picturesque during winter.
Yen — Google review
This place will make you believe in Santa! Wonderful place for kids and even adults, the view is magnificent during the wintertime!
The Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, also known as the Lumberjack's Candle, is an iconic cable-stayed road bridge in Rovaniemi, Finland that connects the town center to the East. It opened in 1989 and is famous for its two main pillars designed to resemble a lumberjack's candle - a log cut and lit to create a large candle.
The Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge stands as a delightful addition to any setting, exuding a charming aura with its rustic design and a warm, inviting glow. Its presence effortlessly cultivates a cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a harmonious blend of aesthetics and ambiance. The intricacies of its design contribute to an overall sense of craftsmanship, enhancing the visual appeal.
In moments of serendipity, the fortunate may be treated to the ethereal spectacle of the Northern Lights. This celestial dance elevates the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge from a simple decor piece to an experience of natural wonder. The interplay between the flickering candlelight and the mesmerizing Northern Lights creates a unique and enchanting ambiance that captivates observers.
For those with a penchant for both style and the magic of the natural world, this candle bridge is a delightful choice. It seamlessly combines the allure of rustic craftsmanship with the unexpected beauty of the Northern Lights, offering a sensory journey that transforms any space into a haven of comfort and awe.
Ramy Darwish — Google review
A beautiful bridge overlooking the water of kemikoji. This is a gorgeous bridge with a bright red flame log design, hence called lumberjack bridge. The log is cut from the middle and burnt from inside, and I think this bridge resembles this very nicely.
Michael Suhonen — Google review
During winter it is a very cold place, even for me (and i am used to -20).
Have GOOD warm shoes, scarf, professional gloves (not from the skin), etc.
Dont expect much from polar lights, i was disappointed (comparing to french lavander fields).
????? ???????? — Google review
I came here during winter season in March. Here are some pictures below. The walk is lovely, the air is fresh and clean. People ice skate across the walking path! Visit the angry bird park three minute walk down the path from the lake and sleigh down the hill- make sure your wearing a padded coat to avoid injury !! There was kids sliding down this as well but take caution it’s very ICY ❄️
Z — Google review
Beautiful bridge with history. The lights at the top is an historical reference to the lumberjacks of Rovaniemi. When they worked at winter season the had to see from far where was the bridge. The view from car is excellent at the two sides of Rovaniemi. Bridge also has a pedestrian road and bicycle road at any side and I think that this figure is like an old ship. At winter time the water of the river behind the bridge doesn't frozen
Jannis Dimitrelis — Google review
Beautiful bridge with amazing Northern Lights✨✨✨ The photo was taken at around 23:00 and the temperature was -4°C. Please dress warmly to avoid catching a cold and come to see the Northern Lights.
If you have an iPhone 11 or newer, you can see the aurora more beautifully than in reality with the automatic night mode on the camera.
Thanks for the best memories🫶
CHIHIRO — Google review
Amazing view with the freezing river background. A must visit place in Lapland. In winter the river is frozen and we can see many winter activities around. there is a walkway and a small park along with the river there we can take good photos and spend some time.
Prathesh Jaison — Google review
This place is a must-visit pitstop 🚏 on your next trip to Rovaniemi! 🇫🇮 Lumberjack's 🪓 Candle 🕯️ Bridge 🌉 crosses the lake 🌊 and offers breathtaking 🌬️ views 🪟 of the winter ❄️ scenery! It's so fun 😊 walking 🚶♂️ across the bridge - definitely bring your best camera 📷 for some Instagram-worthy 🤳 photos! 📸 I wish I knew about this place sooner!
The Joulukka Santa Claus Secret Forest is an amazing experience that you will never forget. It is a private forest where you can meet Santa and take elf-led tours of a toy factory. The forest is complete with gingerbread houses, northern lights and Christmas stories.
If anyone can take another 2 adult and 1 child in 24-26 of december..thanks
Sorin Banciu — Google review
We booked it because of the reviews but sadly today elfs did not know anything special about the kids and in the bus they asked KIDS to fill up what they wish for Christmas:))) so there was really no surprise for them when Santa said what was their wish. Santa was very real looking, though. The age, the beard .... just wow. He gave hugs to kids... that amazed them. Thank you!
Elfs were fun and helpful🌟 really nice and energetic even though -28 outside.
I'm leaving 4 stars as I heard Santa in SCV does not seem more different than, let's say, irish Santa, so we booked the Secret Forest experience. For the price, I think they could squeeze a bit of "surprise" for kids to make it more special.
Overall, the forest is absolutely beautiful, the marshmallows, hot juice and ginger bread cookied are delicious.
Taisa Gwaj — Google review
Absolutely amazing! Worth every single penny! Completely private and personalised. Didn't feel rushed at all when seeing Santa. I don't want to say too much as it would ruin the magic, but suffice to say it was like nothing I've experienced before.
Gary Bowdery — Google review
Wonderful experience. The elves and santa made a huge effort. The kids loved it.
Ljhgalway — Google review
Is changing all the time the location and cost 200 per person with agency
The Rovaniemi Church is a renowned Protestant church situated in the heart of Rovaniemi, Lapland. Although it was founded in 1817, the current structure was built by architect Bertil Liljequist in 1950 after the original wooden building was destroyed during World War II. The church is capable of accommodating up to 850 people and houses an impressive 45-key organ made by Christensen Organ Factory.
Opening times do vary, but a beautiful church with an outside appearance and design giving it a much older period look than it actually is. Interior still very beautiful, but less period. Red lit cross on the top of the spire very unusual. Well worth a visit.
Adrian Allsop — Google review
Live the peace inside you..
John Dimitrelis — Google review
While in my opinion the church looks not really special from the outside, I did really like the interior. The style of the frescos differs from what I've seen anywhere else so far. Also I like the possibility to watch the services online.
P R — Google review
Best church in Lapland. Good atmosphere inside. And Mess and celebration are always unique and special. Service every Sunday @10AM.
Paölö R. — Google review
Very beautiful Church with good architecture
Priyanka Gorde — Google review
Such an incredibly beautiful church, if you have time to spare, please visit it.
M Winterwild — Google review
Very nice church, but it's closed for most of the day. We didn't found time to visit it. I don't understand why can't it stay open like in the rest of Europe. There's also a nice graveyard nearby.
Shachar Pinkas — Google review
A beautiful church. They have a team of organists who play at each event. The lady at the reception was very kind and helpful too. Good place to meet and talk to people who come by.
Cheryl Chua — Google review
Beautiful Lutheran Church with a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Attached is a graveyard for locals who died in WWII
John Phillips — Google review
Great temple. I was there at the evening of Christmas concert. Orchestra was amazing, church was full of people. I was amazed by people at "front desk". They had really friendly attitude to strangers. This place has amazing atmosphere. I think it's heart of Rovaniemi.
Joanna — Google review
Very refreshing surprise to see a fresh interiors
Pramod Deshpande — Google review
Saturday it’s closed.
Behind this church, there are semester who died in ww2.