Sights and landmarks in Rovaniemi

21 sights worth seeing in Rovaniemi: landmarks, galleries, monuments and viewpoints.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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Kirkkolampi Arboretum
Kirkkolammen puisto
Popular park around the Kirkkolampi pond. Over 250 species of subarctic trees and perennials.
Free
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Korkalonrinne residential area
Interesting, if you are into architecture by Alvar Aalto. The Korkalonrinne residential area consist of bright white row houses and apartment buildings in a park-like surroundings. Built 1956–1958 this neighbourhood follows his vision of a 'garden city'. The neighbourhood is also known as Pikku Tapiola (little Tapiola) after the very similar residential area Tapiola in Espoo.
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Korundi House of Culture
Art, music and other culture events. The art museum collection consists mostly of modern Finnish art. Home of the Chamber Orchestra of Lapland.
Tue-Sun€8/adult, €5/students, €3/children (7–15), Museum Card valid
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Local Heritage Museum
Rovaniemen kotiseutumuseo
A local history museum. The main building and two outbuildings built in 1840, 14 relocated buildings from the Rovaniemi area. The collections consist of household items, hunting and fishing equipment, and agricultural tools. From the river bank there is a picturesque view to the city centre and the river Kemijoki. Café. Within walking distance (1 km) from the Forestry Museum.
Jun–Aug: Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00€6/4, reduced price for students and children, Museum Card valid
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Lutheran church
Built 1950, near the administrative centre. Famous for its considerable large fresco "Spring of the Life" by professor Lennart Segerstråle. The fresco and other wall paintings use elements of Lapland in Biblical context (for example there are no lambs but reindeer). There is a nice arboretum by the pool Kirkkolampi right next to the church.
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Orthodox church
Rovaniemen apostoli Andreaksen kirkko
A small Orthodox church is on the other side of the Kemijoki river. Built 1957 and dedicated to Saint Apostle Andrew.
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Pilke Science Centre
Those attracted by northern forests will want to visit Pilke, where exhibitions describe sustainable use of northern forests and diverse yields, forest products and commodities. Same day re-entry free of charge, lockers available. The museum shop and information has various interior design items made of wood. Maps and other information about nature destinations in Lapland. Tentatively scheduled for closure at the end of 2026, see it while it is still there.
Tue–Fri 09:00–18:00, Sat Sun 10:00–18:00€7/5, reduced price for students and children 7–15, Museum Card valid
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Saarenpudas bridge
Saarenputaan silta
This tiny (just 16 m long) arched bridge, completed in 1925, is the only bridge on the road to the Arctic Ocean that was not destroyed by German soldiers during the Lapland War 1944–1945.
Free
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Santa Claus Village
Joulupukin pajakylä
Located right on the old computed place of the Arctic Circle (now computed to be 2 km north), this is a tourist trap if there ever was one – but few tourists can miss the chance to meet Santa Claus. Apart from meeting him, there are other attractions like small-scale sledding hills for kids, the Santa Claus' Main Post Office with special stamps, several souvenir shops, and restaurants. The village also hosts several "safari" companies that organize various activities. During dark times the village has nicely lit ice sculptures.
All year
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Santapark
Underground amusement park within walking distance from Santa Claus Village. Open only during the winter season.
€39-49/adults
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Somonen Nature Church
Somosen luontokirkko
Unlike many conventional churches, this outdoor place of worship is made of glacial erratic boulders, transforming into a natural church hall with the help of a wooden cross and seat planks. A small bell tower has also been built into the complex.
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Sukulanrakka Giant's Kettles
Sukkulanrakan hiidenkirnut
Fourteen giant's kettles, including three very deep ones, can be found on the Sukulanrakka hill slopes near the island of Rautiosaari. Nature trail with stairs, partly rough. No public transportation.
24 hr dailyThe site is free-of-charge to visit; shelter facilities €30/10 people, bigger groups or overnighting in the shelter €50
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Haunted Walk and Gallery of Darkness
Kauhun Galleria
A horror-themed art gallery by Hanna Pilve.
In summer: Wed–Fri 12:00–18:00, Sat 12:00–16:00; other times by requestFree

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Rovaniemi (CC BY-SA 4.0).