The city of Rovaniemi, Lapland, as the "residence" of Santa Claus knows very many. This is a well-known, mostly winter resort, which is visited every year by lovers of sledges and skis. Although the city is located on the Arctic Circle, the severe climate does not scare holidaymakers at all. Due to very snowy winters and lack of strong winds, rest here becomes the most comfortable.
In winter, tourists are offered riding on reindeer and dog sleds, skis and snowboards, and in summer - go on a boat trip along the rivers, go hiking, visit reindeer farms.
Excursions in Rovaniemi
To better get to know the city and gain even more impressions, perhaps, it is worth taking an excursion and going to the sights of Rovaniemi.
The most recognizable landmark of the city is the cultural center "Arktikum". It hosts a variety of museums, and also holds exhibitions dedicated to Lapland.
In Rovaniemi, the Yatkyan Kyunttyla Bridge (Jatkankynttila, "The Alloy's Candle") with Eternal Fire is one of the symbols of the city. The bridge is especially beautiful at night, at this time it is lit by lights from the tops of two towers and other numerous lights. This place offers an excellent view from other bridges of the city.
Also in the city there are such architectural creations as the Church of Rovaniemi, the palace "Lapland", the building of the library and the municipality, which were conceived to become a single cultural complex.
Be sure to visit the local museum "Peukellya", it shows the customs and describes the occupations of the inhabitants of Northern Finland, who lived in the XIX century, for example, reindeer breeding and salmon fishing.
Do not forget to visit the Rovaniemi Art Museum (Rovaniemi Art Museum), it mostly focuses on contemporary Finnish art and the art of northern peoples. A museum of the Lapland forest, which is located in the open air, will tell about the life of Lapland rafters and loggers in the first half of the 20th century.
And how not to mention the famous Zoological Park Rovaniemi? It is located in the village of Ranua, which is located near Rovaniemi. It is almost the northernmost zoo in the world. Here you can see many different kinds of wild animals that live in the arctic zone. To see the inhabitants of the zoo, you will need to use a wooden bridge, the length of which is three kilometers. It will also be pleasant to walk along a special path around the enclosures. In summer, tourists can visit the corner where home and pets live.
The village of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi
I would like to separately note the main attraction of Rovaniemi - Santa Claus Village, which is located 8 km north of the city itself, directly on the Arctic Circle. The village covers the Main Post Office, Santa Claus workshops, many souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants. Here you can see elves ready to provide the warmest
But most of all in the village attracts, especially children, a meeting with Santa himself. He takes in his office, and there everyone can whisper his desire in his ear.
All letters and other correspondence addressed to Santa Claus go to Main Post Office, which is located in the center of the village. Every year the children of the whole world send here about 700 thousand letters. And there is an opportunity to send a letter or a parcel directly to your relatives or friends who will have a unique stamp of the Arctic Circle.