Traveling in the Lapland region of Finland, we were able to experience many things. We tried local cuisines, stayed and wonderful hotels, and just had an amazing time. Our last stop on our Finland journey was to the city Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is situated right on the line for the Arctic Circle and turned out to be the perfect ending to our trip. After all, no visit to Finland is complete without Santa.
Enjoying the Snow
Cathy and I are huge fans of the snow. We just love skiing, sledding, and the first activity on way to Rovaniemi…snowshoe trekking.
While we were in Finland we used the great Kairankutsu Outdoor Outfitters to supply the gear and lead us to the top of Pyhä fell. We trekked along the fell ridge admiring the wonderful snow-covered landscape. Partway through the trek, we stopped at a beautiful vista to enjoy refreshments and take lots of pictures. It was an awesome mini adventure on our way to our hotel.
Arriving in the Arctic Circle
Santa’s Village Workshop
Children of all ages can’t help but get a little excited arriving in Rovaniemi. Not only because Rovaniemi is the gateway to the Arctic, but just on the other side of the line marking entering the Arctic is Santa’s Workshop Village. Rovaniemi is recognized as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Driving past the colorful lights will definitely bring a smile to your face.
Crossing into the Arctic Circle
Right next to Santa’s Workshop Village was our hotel, Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle. What better way to appreciate being in the Arctic than to spend it in an awesome glass igloo. We loved our previous stays at other Santa’s Hotels in Finland. Getting the chance to stay in an amazing glass igloo right next to Santa’s Workshop Village was the best.
Staying at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle
Igloos at Santa’s Hotel
The experience of spending the night in a comfy bed with a view of the Northern night skies overhead is amazing. If the conditions are right, you may even get to see the Northern Lights dance across the skies.
Hotel staff are extremely helpful to alert guests of optimal times to see the Northern Lights. They will even dim the hotel lights to allow guests the best viewing possible.
Our Igloo
Bonus Video of Santa’s Igloo
Relaxing Outside of Santa’s Hotel
Cute Decorations Everywhere
Hotel Lobby
Santa’s Hotels offer the perfect unique experiences you should expect while traveling. The food at their Arctic Eye restaurant was always delicious. Whether enjoying their complimentary buffet breakfast or savoring artfully crafted dinner, we loved being able to dine in these surroundings.
Arctic Eye Restaurant
Buffet Breakfast
Amazing Dessert at the Arctic Eye
As a bonus extra special dinner one night, we traveled to another of Santa’s Hotels located in central Rovaniemi to eat at Lappish Restaurant Gaissa. This stylish location offered a variety of Finnish dishes with modern twists and touches.
  
Delicious Food
Finland Firsts
Part of the fun of traveling to new destinations for us is being able to experience unique or new outdoor activities. Lapland, Finland did not disappoint in being able to offer those experiences. Walking distance away from the hotel was Bearhill Husky Tours offering dog-sledding and petting of their huskies.  The tour operators were very proud and eager to share information about their huskies and the long history of dog-sledding in Lapland.
The last outdoor activity we had in Finland was definitely our most unique experience called ice floating. An outdoor adventure company called Safartica picked us up at our hotel and drove us to a remote lake. There we donned special extreme cold weather survival gear and led out to a frozen lake.
Taking an Icy Dip
Stepping into a section of the lake where ice had been removed, we could just float comfortably without having to swim and staying fairly warm in the process. They even offer an Aurora Ice Float where you can have the same experience under the Northern Lights.
Bonus Ice Floating Video
No Trip to Rovaniemi is Complete Without Santa
Santa’s Workshop
We had so much fun in Santa’s Workshop Village. They have the cutest shops, ice bars to get something to eat and drink, and a place offering reindeer sleigh rides.
Goofing Around at the Arctic Circle
Kissing Across the Arctic Circle
This was all great fun but you can’t call it a trip to Rovaniemi without going into Santa’s Workshop. I would have lost my mind to be there when I was a kid. Although I am way past being a kid, that did not stop me from visiting Santa. Kids and just kids at heart are always welcome to visit Santa.
   
Lots of Fun at the Santa’s Workshop Village
The wait in line was worth it as Santa was the best. While waiting in line, we got a chance to see the wall of famous people from around the world who have come to visit Santa. Everyone from celebrities to world leaders have met Santa. Santa was everything you would expect. A friendly engaging figure that was a joy to meet. It was the perfect way to round out our trip to Finland and a great memory to cherish.
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Thank you to Santa’s Hotels who provided our lodging and tours. As always our opinions are honest and our own.
Check out our visit to Saariselka, Finland!
Click here for our tips about seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland
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About
Frank is the creator of the RoarLoud website, go to guy for gear reviews and Cathy’s IT guy. I know that stands for information technology but Cathy calls him her “IT” guy because he is everything! A lover of nature and a curious soul he tries new adventures eagerly. Fortunately he is also the voice of reason to level out Cathy’s wildcat side.
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