Rovaniemi

Administrative and Cultural Centre

The rebuilding of Rovaniemi after World War II was largely planned by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto – particularly its reindeer antler layout. He also designed the Administrative and Cultural Centre which includes the Lappia Hall (theatre, culture and congress centre), the, and the.

Alvari food and drink

Asemaravintola

The restaurant at the railway station is not bad or too expensive either.

Daily 07:15–21:00; breakfast buffet until 10:00

Arctic Arboretum

The arboretum is about 7 hectares in size and on the southern bank of the Ounas river behind the Arktikum Science Centre. It showcases plant species which survive in the local conditions, with an emphasis on varieties of trees. Because of its location, the midnight sun shines nicely on the park's shore in the summer. In the winter, it is a reasonable place to look for northern lights.

Free of charge

Arctic Circle National Hiking Area

Hiking area with much infrastructure, such as lean-to shelters. There are three trailheads with parking areas. Coaches to Kemijärvi or Sodankylä stop at Lake Vikajärvi, near one of them. Two nature trails (200 m and 1.5 km) are suitable for wheelchairs and prams, the longer with assistance or motor. There are also longer or more demanding nature trails, as well as marked hiking trails, the longest, Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail of 12 km each way, requiring some hiking skills, suitable footwear and possibly equipment for an overnight stay.

Arctic Design Shop

Local design from local producers, most of them study or have graduated from the University of Lapland. Selection extends from clothes to sex toys(!).

Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00, Sat 12:00–17:00, Sun closed

Arctic Restaurant

Another stylish restaurant with northern specialties on their menu.

Daily 17:00–23:00

Arktikum Science Centre

One of the best museums and science centres in Finland, focusing on life in the Arctic regions through the ages as well as the Sami culture, history of Finnish Lapland and Rovaniemi city. The museum shop has books, postcards, delicacies and jewellery. Sami music and some books in Sami languages. Lockers available. The building is actually quite cold in winter time. Lunch restaurant with student discount. In summer, don't forget to take a look at the arctic arboretum along the river bank. Visiting the arboretum is free of charge.

10:00–17:00 daily in summer, Tue–Sun in winter·€18 for adults, €11 for students, the fee covers re-entry on the same day; Museum Card valid

Auttiköngäs waterfall

A 16-m-high waterfall and old-growth forest. Bus stop at the road, parking area 1 km farther. A 50-m steep trail for wheelchairs (assistance needed) to a hut with view to the rapids, a 3.5-km nature trail through varying terrain, with campfire sites; reserve plenty of time.

Free

Bar 21

Café, gelateria, tapas and cocktail bar. Brunch every Sunday.

Mon Tue 11:00–21:00, Wed Thu 11:00–22:00, Fri 11:00–02:00, Sat 12:00–02:00, Sun 12:00–21:00

Bar Iloinen Ilves

Right next to the Paha Kurki. A very small pub without background music. Fancy Rovaniemi themed interior.

Tue–Sun 16:00 until the closing time; Mon closed

Bar Zoomit

Café and trendy cocktail bar in the lobby of Hotel Santa Claus.

Sun–Tue 11:00–00:00, Wed–Sat 11:00–03:00

BioRex Rovaniemi

Five screen cinema with Dolby 7.1 sound system and Dolby 3D. Ticket sales in the ground floor, screens in the second floor.

Bord

Restaurant of the Scandic hotel. In addition to normal à la carte there is a separate Lapland menu.

Lunch: Mon–Sat 11:00–14:00, Sun closed; dinner: daily 17:00–22:00; café: daily 11:00–22:00

Café Antinkaapo

Popular and traditional café and confectionary established in 1984. Sweet and savoury cakes and buns.

Mon–Fri 07:30–17:00, Sat–Sun closed

Café Kauppayhtiö

Sandwich shop, ice cream, milkshakes, hamburger restaurant and bar. Lunch. Its slogan is "the café where everything is for sale". The Pure Pizza has authentic Neapolitan style pizzas.

Café Kauppayhtiö and Pure Pizza

Sandwich shop, ice cream, milkshakes, hamburger restaurant and bar. Its slogan is "the café where everything is for sale". The Pure Pizza has authentic Neapolitan style pizzas.

Café Toivo

Excellent baked goods and lunch. Very fresh ingredients and all made on site including baked goods. The café itself is closed for the time being, but catering is available.

Culture Pub Musta Kissa

Small and cosy culture oriented bar opposite to the Student Theatre of Lapland. Occasionally live artists.

Mon–Thu 14:00–23:00, Fri Sat 14:00–02:00, Sun 14:00–22:00

Curry Masala

Indian and Nepalese restaurant with a good range of meat and vegetarian dishes. Very good value lunch buffet, including soup, coffee and mangolassi.

Mon–Thu 11:00–22:00, Fri 11:00–23:00, Sat 12:00–23:00, Sun 12:00–21:00; lunch Mon–Thu

Da Zhong Hua

Chinese with Lappish tint in some dishes. Also sushi. Lunch buffet M-F.

Mon–Fri 11:00–22:00, Sat Sun 12:00–22:00

Forestry Museum of Lapland

Lapin metsämuseo

A fancy museum dedicated to forestry in Lapland from 1870 to the 1970s. The museum consist of old buildings brought here from all around the province, and the collections are inside the buildings. The museum area is also worth visiting. Various items from saws to tractors. The museum holds one of two modified steam locomotives brought to massive loggings in Savukoski in the 1910s (the other one is still in Savukoski). Small café and museum shop. Within walking distance from the Local Heritage Museum.

Feb–Mar: Mon–Wed 10:00–16:00; Jun–Aug: Wed–Sat 10:00–17:00·€6/4, reduced price for students and children, Museum Card valid

Frans and Chérie

Traditional Lappish dishes and French cooking à la carte. Fresh mussels every Friday.

Mon 12:00–23:00, Tue 12:00–16:00, Wed 12:00–22:00, Thu Sat Sun 12:00–23:00, Sun 12:00–22:00

German Soldier Cemetery

Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Rovaniemi Norvajärvi

This is the final resting place for 2,683 German soldiers who died during the World War II in Lapland. Constructed of large stone blocks and located virtually in the middle of nowhere, it seems to be of interest to some, as there are about 10,000 annual visitors. During autumn one can eat berries on the way. The road to the cemetery is not maintained in winter. No public transportation.

Free

Hanki Korean Restaurant

Small Korean restaurant. Excellent and authentic Korean food.

Mon–Fri 11:00–20:00, Sat 12:00–20:00, Sun closed

Harjulampi bird watching tower

Wooden bird watching tower by the eutrophic lake Harjulampi, built in 1995. Over 80 bird species have been observed here, of which 32 nest here regularly. Easy to access as the tower is less than 100 m off the street and within walking distance from the centre. There is a sign by the street and the path is easy to walk. Best times to visit are May and August–September.

Free

Hietavaaran Frisbeegolf Rata

Established autumn 2024. An 18-hole disc golf course in the former Hietavaara gravel pit with turf tees and prodigy T3 targets. A mixture of open and wooded terrain. Dog friendly. No water or restrooms.

Häkinvaara hut

Häkinvaaran kammi

In the village of Saarenkylä, on the top of Häkinvaara a stone-built kota, in front of which opens an amazing view over the rivers Ounasjoki and Kemijoki.

Jätkänkynttilä bridge

Jätkänkynttilän silta

Accomplished in 1989, the bridge has become one of the most important symbols of Rovaniemi. It runs over the Kemijoki close the northern end of the city centre. The bridge has a high pylon with bright yellow light on top.

Free

K-Citymarket Rovaniemi

K-group hypermarket. There are also recycling stations, an Alko store, a flower shop Elrika, a Subway café, and a Hesburger hamburger restaurant in the same building.

Mon–Sat 08:00–22:00, Sun 09:00–22:00

K-Market Kairatie

Small grocery store in residential area. Fuel station across the road. Long distance bus stop to direction Kittilä-Muonio-Enontekiö-Tromsø is 200 metres north, behind the roundabout.

Mon-Fri 07:00-22:00, Sat 08:00-22:00, Sun 09:00-22:00