10 Great Things in Rovaniemi

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Most people who go to Finland visit Lapland in the winter. And it really is a must see. The largest city is Rovaniemi and it is famous for the Santa Claus Village where you can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and play with huskies and reindeer. It truly is a magical city and there are plenty of activities year around to keep people entertained. But the problem is that it is so expensive. Like, really really expensive. So trying to get the most out of your experience and trying not to break the bank is a challenge. So here are some things to see and do on a budget. 

10. Fishing: fishing is very popular in Lapland and there is an abundance of fish. In the summer, there are plenty of areas to go fishing in. But in the winter, you can go ice fishing, and that is quite an experience. So why not try to do like the Finns do for a day and enjoy the calm of the nature while catching dinner. 

9. Go skiing: in the winter, skiing is great in Rovaniemi for those that enjoy some calm skiing. But don't worry, in the summer time, the ski area turns into an activity park where you can ride a toboggan down the hill. If you're not a skier, go buy a cheap sled at the store, find a hill, and have some fun. There is always something to do in Rovaniemi, and sledding might actually be the cheapest. 

8. Jump in the ice hole: this completely free activity is not for the faint of heart. It is jumping into a frozen lake for a second then running your butt back to the warmth. Finns love it and it is common for them do to do it every day. They say it wakes you up better than coffee and the morning. I have done it, and it isn't that bad, as long as there is sauna after. Just never go alone. 

7. Sauna: there are plenty of saunas in Rovaniemi, many of them in the hotels, homes, and apartments that you are staying at. But if you are renting a cottage by the lake, sauna is a must for Finns. In the summer, go for a nice swim in the lake then jump in the sauna for a nice relaxing day. In the winter, play in the snow then warm up in the sauna. The bright side is the private ones are free!

6. Meet Santa: Rovaniemi is known for being the home to Santa, so of course you have to go and meet him when you visit. In Santa Claus Village you can go and meet Santa, hang out with the elves, and learn about where all those letters go. 

5. Reindeer Safari: reindeer are quite popular in Lapland and they are used for a variety of things. So why not enjoy a nice sleigh ride drawn by reindeer? These can get quite expensive if you go for a few hours, but if you just want the experience, you can do a short ride in Santa Claus Village with Santa Claus Reindeer for a relatively affordable price. It was quite relaxing and fun to learn about reindeer. 

4. Go snowmobiling: ok, so maybe this isn't that cheap, but it sure is fun and it is a great way to see a lot of the area. Some safaris take you across the frozen lake, others take you through the forest. You just have to do some research to see what safari you would like. They're usually at least $100+ per person but they last quite a few hours. And it is a fun way to see the countryside. 

3. Hiking: Lapland is known for its green landscapes, so visiting in the summer time is not a wasted trip. There are still plenty of things to see and do, such as hiking. The Finns loving hiking so much, and the lush forests of Lapland make for some beautiful landscapes. But that doesn't end in the winter time! You can throw on some snowshoes or some cross country skis and check out the sights in the snow. 

2. Watch the Northern Lights: this is one of the most beautiful things to possibly see in the winter time. The problem is that you never know if you will get to see them or not. So it can be tricky when deciding to book with an agency that goes "Northern Light hunting." Usually these cost up at least $100 and there is no guarantee that you will see the lights. So, if you're considering this, try picking an experience that would be memorable whether or not you can see them, such as a reindeer ride or a snowmobile safari at night. It's not something you would get to do at home so if you don't see the lights it won't be the worst. What I ended up doing was walking to the lake in Rovaniemi and standing there at night to try and find them. It's free and away from city lights so you have a chance to see them. Unfortunately, it was too cloudy when I went so I didn't get to see the lights. 

1. Dog Sledding: this was probably my favorite thing to do in Lapland. At first I was worried about the animals, if it is safe for them, and if it ethical. But seeing that all the dogs were so excited and the handlers limit that amount of runs the dogs can do in a day, made me want to try it. And it was one of the best experiences in my life. The view is beautiful as they pull you through the forests. I chose to do a short session to save money but still get the experience. It was much less expensive than actual tour agencies. I did it through Husky Park in the Santa Claus Village and I was not disappointed.