Rovaniemi Day Tour: Ounasvaara, Santa Claus Village & Arktikum

A 15-minute climb, Santa's village, wildlife, and three centuries of Arctic history in one day

This full-day guided tour of Rovaniemi covers the Lapland capital's main landmarks: a hike to Ounasvaara hilltop, Santa's Arctic Wildlife Park, Santa Claus Village with its post office and Arctic Circle crossing certificate, and Arktikum museum. You'll get a buffet lunch, meet Santa, and learn about Sami culture and Arctic animals from a live English-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Santa Claus Village2h
2. Arktikum2h · entry included

Explore Rovaniemi and Arctic highlights

• Hike to Ounasvaara hilltop
• Visit Santa and his pets
• Enjoy lunch buffet
• Visit Santa Claus Village
• Get Arctic Circle certificate
• Meet Santa Claus
• Send mail at Santa's post office
• Explore Arktikum museum exhibitions

The experience

The day starts with a 15-minute hike up Ounasvaara, the highest point in Rovaniemi, where you stand in the middle of Finnish forest and see the city spread below. From there you move to Santa's Arctic Wildlife Park to see the animals, then head to Santa Claus Village itself: a working village with shops, an official post office where elves stamp letters to loved ones, and Santa waiting to meet you. You'll receive an Arctic adventurer certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle line, a tangible record of the moment.

Lunch is a buffet served during the tour. The final stop is Arktikum, the museum where you walk through exhibitions on Arctic animals, the indigenous Sami people, and local history stretching from the ice age to now. There's also a display on the Northern Lights. Your guide speaks English and can arrange other languages on request. The tour runs seven hours and includes all entry fees, the certificate, and the meal.

Meet your group at the city center office (Maakuntakatu 29-31, in front of Rosso restaurant) and be ready 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Departure times shift with the seasons, so confirm the exact time in the email the local provider sends. At least two people are required on weekdays and Saturdays. Four on Sundays and public holidays. Note that Arktikum closes on December 24 and Mondays except in December.

What’s included

• Guide in English (other languages available on request).
• buffet lunch.
• entry to Santa's Arctic Wildlife Park.
• meeting with Santa Claus.
• Arctic Circle crossing certificate.
• access to Santa Claus Village and its post office.
• and tour of Arktikum museum.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 32

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Nordic Unique Travels

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want the main sights of Rovaniemi and the Arctic Circle experience in a single day with a guide handling the route and timing. The seven-hour schedule fits all three museums and stops into one outing, so you don't piece the day together yourself.

Traveler reviews

4.33★★★★★★★★★★

87 verified traveler reviews

5 ★60

4 ★10

3 ★9

2 ★2

1 ★6

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What is the hike up Ounasvaara like?

The hike to Ounasvaara hilltop takes 15 minutes and is described as easy, climbing to the highest point in Rovaniemi where you see the city and Finnish forest from above.

Can I send a postcard from Santa Claus Village?

Yes. Santa Claus Village has an official post office inside where elves help you send messages to loved ones with a special Arctic Circle stamp.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included and served during the day.

What does Arktikum museum show?

Arktikum displays Arctic animals, exhibits on the indigenous Sami people, local history from the ice age to the present, and information about the Northern Lights.