Spending a winter holiday in Lapland is a dream for many, but if you’re wondering what to experience and where to go, combining Rovaniemi and Levi is an excellent choice. These destinations offer a wide range of activities and sights to enjoy.
Both locations are easily accessible despite the long distance from southern Finland. Rovaniemi and Leviโs Kittilรค airport have good flight connections, and Rovaniemi is also reachable by train. From there, you can rent a car for a more flexible exploration of Lapland. The drive from Rovaniemi to Levi takes about two hours.
Renting a car in Finland is generally reliable, and in winter, all vehicles are equipped with winter tires, making driving in snowy conditions safe. Find the best deals for rental cars from rentalcars.com.
Here are some must-see attractions for a winter holiday in Lapland:
Santa Claus Village & Crossing the Arctic Circle
Santa Claus Village is located on the Arctic Circle, just eight kilometers from the center of Rovaniemi. Here, you can experience the magic of Christmas year-round, regardless of the season.
In winter, Santa Claus Village transforms into an enchanting winter oasis where visitors can enjoy a variety of winter activities or simply soak in the festive atmosphere by exploring the attractions and marveling at the surroundings. The area offers exciting options like reindeer and husky rides, letting you glide through snowy landscapes led by either reindeer or a dog sled team. Reindeer rides are naturally calmer, while husky rides offer a thrilling burst of speed. For those who prefer to admire these majestic animals from a distance, watching others enjoy the rides is a wonderful way to appreciate their charm.
If youโd like to get to know huskies better, a visit to one of the husky farms in the Santa Claus Village area is a great alternative to a sled ride. Husky farm visits are a budget-friendly option, giving you the chance to meet these energetic dogs up close. The best experience combines a farm visit with a sled ride. At the farm, you can freely wander around and see nearly 100 Siberian huskies, and some of them are even available for petting. The dogsโ boundless energy and howls give you a taste of the exhilarating ride they provide. With a farm entry ticket, you can spend as much time as you like there, as long as itโs within opening hours.
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The Santa Claus Village offers other exciting activities as well, such as snowmobile safaris, which are an excellent way to explore the remote wilderness of Lapland. And, of course, no visit would be complete without meeting Santa Claus himself. You can meet Santa at a couple of locations within the Village for an additional fee. If you also plan to visit SantaPark, note that meeting Santa there is included in the entrance fee.
A must-visit spot is Santa Claus’s official post office, where you can send holiday greetings to friends and family. This is the only place where you can get the special Arctic Circle postmark on your postcard! No matter when you visit Santa Claus Village, you can choose to send your postcards immediately or have them delivered during the next Christmas season.
Throughout the Village, you can enjoy the festive ambiance, complete with Christmas music playing everywhere and elves wandering around all year. Mrs. Claus also has her own beautifully lit house with a charming yard. Visiting Mrs. Claus is a paid activity, but the ground floor hosts a cozy cafรฉ with free entry.
One of the unique features of Santa Claus Village is the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle on foot. This symbolic crossing marks your entry into the northern hemisphere. The Village itself is free to explore, offering numerous shops where you can purchase handmade crafts, Lapland delicacies, or souvenirs. Well-known Finnish brands also have stores here. Additionally, there are several dining options, so you wonโt go hungry while exploring.
SantaPark: Santa Clausโs Underground Home
SantaPark, Santaโs underground cavern, is located 50 meters below ground and is a popular attraction in Rovaniemi, close to Santa Claus Village. It offers magical experiences for Christmas lovers of all ages.
The themed park allows visitors to meet Santa Claus, interact with his helpers, and participate in activities like elf school, where you can learn essential elf skills and earn a diploma. Other activities include decorating gingerbread cookies, taking a virtual sleigh ride, watching an acrobatic elf show, and the unique experience of crossing beneath the Arctic Circle.
SantaPark is an entertaining destination where you can easily spend several hours, making it a hit with both children and adults. The park has one restaurant offering a buffet lunch in the central square, where you can enjoy your meal while watching the elf show. Check the showtimes in advance to plan your meal accordingly. Arriving early is recommended to secure good seats for the performance. All park activities are included in the entrance fee.
Levi: The Hub of Winter Activities
Levi, Finlandโs most popular winter sports resort, is about a two-hour drive from Rovaniemi and just 15 minutes from Kittilรค Airport. With 44 ski slopes catering to all skill levels and most illuminated for nighttime skiing, Levi is a haven for skiers and snowboarders. The slopes offer a vertical drop of 325 meters and the longest run stretches 2.5 kilometers. Well-maintained slopes, cozy restaurants, and aprรจs-ski options can be found both on and off the slopes. For those who enjoy off-piste adventures, Levi also has magical, snow-laden forests for untouched skiing.
Leviโs village center feels like a winter alpine town, full of shops, restaurants, and cafรฉs, making it a perfect place to relax after an active day. Besides skiing, the area offers other activities such as bowling, a spa, and year-round experiences. If skiing isnโt your thing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing are popular ways to immerse yourself in Laplandโs breathtaking nature.
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SnowVillage: A Magical Icy World
Lapland Hotels SnowVillage, a must-see attraction, is a spectacular snow-and-ice construction built annually with a unique theme. Covering two hectares, this winter wonderland features an ice restaurant, ice bar, snow suites for overnight stays, and numerous ice sculptures. Over 20 million kilograms of snow and 300,000 kilograms of natural ice are used to create this masterpiece each year. Located about 40 kilometers from Levi, between Levi and Yllรคs, SnowVillage is an experience you wonโt want to miss.
Winter in Lapland: A Dream for Everyone
A winter trip to Lapland offers a magical blend of Christmas wonder and winter activities to suit all tastes. From the festive charm of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi to thrilling pursuits like husky safaris, snowmobiling, and skiing, thereโs something for everyone. For those seeking tranquility, options like reindeer rides and snowshoeing through snowy forests and fells provide breathtaking views.
If youโre lucky, your visit might be crowned by the dazzling northern lights dancing across the sky.
Travel Tips:
- Dress warmly with layered clothing for the winter weather.
- Drive cautiously, as roads can be extremely slippery.
- Use an Aurora app to track northern lights activity.
- Donโt miss out on tasting local delicacies like reindeer stew.
- Take time to enjoy the stunning winter landscapes!
