The Finnish city of Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland, the Northern most part of Finland. Although the population is only 61,000, making it the 16th biggest Finnish city, it has some famous residents: Santa Claus and the Eurovision-winning rock band, Lordi. Although small, it has lots to offer for all travellers and after visiting you were will raving about Rovaniemi.
As one would expect in Lapland, you are guaranteed snow here in the winter. Temperatures in the winter are regularly around -15 degrees with significant amounts of snow. This makes it a great base for winter sports. Once the river freezes over, you can even go ice fishing to catch some of the tasty Lapland fish. Most winter travellers here head to Santa's village to meet the famous man himself. In summer, travellers will be surprised about how light it is in the middle of the night, making it hard to know whether to sleep or not.
The town is first mentioned in 1453 but there is evidence of the Sami people living here much earlier. Most of the town is fairly modern as the town was completely destroyed during the Lapland War between Finland and Germany in the Second World War. The town is now a thriving capital of the region, attracting travellers and business people alike.
Finns know that the famous man doesn't live in Greenland or elsewhere, he lives in Finland. He even has his own village not far away from where the elves make the toys, he's lives just 8km from Rovaniemi.
As you are guaranteed snow here in the winter, this is the perfect place for skiing, especially in the spring as the days get longer. The slopes of Ounasvaara are a short drive from the town. The ski season starts as early as mid-November.
Lapland is the perfect place to see the Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis. There is little light pollution and so you get a clear picture of these different colours dancing across the sky. There are even hotels here with rooms with skylights so you can fall asleep watching the lights.
Although it attracts a majority of its tourists in winter, Rovaniemi should not be seen as just a winter resort; there are events all through the year.
Midnight Sun Festival: This annual film festival in June takes place in Sodankyla, 130km from the capital of Lapland. It takes place when the sun never sets and is held over five days. For further information [https://msfilmfestival.fi/ohjelmakartta/].
Rovaniemi Marathon: This is one of the few marathons to take place within the Arctic Circle. It is run every year in July. You might even find yourself running alongside wild reindeer and wild salmon jumping up from the Kemijoki river.
The Grand Opening of the Christmas Season: Every November, Santa Claus village host the grand opening of the Christmas season. There is a festive show, performed by the elves and Santa Claus even makes a speech. The event finishes with a Christmas disco.
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