Rovaniemi's rising popularity each year also leads to a growing selection of activities, some of which may not be listed here.
1. NORTHERN LIGHTS
To see the Northern Lights in Finland you need clear skies, solar activity, and minimal light pollution. The season typically runs from the end of August to mid-April (as long as the nights are dark).
Is it worth paying for the Aurora Tour?
In my opinion, it's worth it. They take great photos and videos, often driving harsh weather conditions in the middle of the night. I went on a tour whem my mom visited from Mexico, even though I'm lucky to often see them outside of my in-laws place!
Average cost is 200€ per person during winter season, autumn and spring are slightly cheaper.
2. HUSKY RIDE
Experiences range from 1 km to 5 km and 2 hours.
For the experience, 1 km is enough. The sight of dogs running through snow-covered trees is magical.
Note: the huskies reach about 35 km/h during racing, but the rest of the trip is slower, at 15-20 km/h. If possible, protect your eyes with glasses & wear gloves for warmth, especially if you want to record videos, it gets colder with the speed!
HUSKY PARK
- THE FEELING FIVE (5KM)
⏳Duration: About 15 minutes
💰Price: 80 €/ adult, 45 €/child (4-12 years).
🛷HIGH SEASON ( 11.1.2024. – 10.2.2024)
90 €/ adult, 45 €/ child (4-12 years)
- TINY QUARTER (2 KM)
🗓️ Available: 15.12.2023 – 31.3.2024
🛷 Starting time: 13:30, 14:00, 14:30
⏳Duration: About 8 minutes
💰Price: 45 €/adult, 30 €/child (4-12 years)
- JENGA (500 M) *Sold only on the spot*
Available: 1.12.2023 – 31.3.2024
Starting time: non-stop
⏳Duration: A couple of minutes
💰Price: 35 €/adult, 20 €/child (4 – 12 years)
⚠️ NOTE: When you buy tickets on the spot, there is an additional entrance fee of 10 €/adult, 5 €/child. With the entrance fee you can stay at the park area as long as you like, petting the dogs and taking photos.
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE HERE
3. SNOWSHOEING
If you are dreaming of seeing the trees full of snow, you might want to step into the woods! Tours are bit tricky to recommend for this activity! They will usually take you to a path they know and hardly they will take your to the wilderness because the real deal here is stepping into the "fresh snow"
Luckily youou can always trust your traveling spirit, rent some snowshoeing, wear warm clothes, bring a hot chocolate, some snaks, a head lamp with you, your phone with full battery and start your adventure alone!
Tips: plan to leave early mornig, during the winter you get 2-3 hours max of "light".
4. FLOATING ON ICE (SAMPO ICE BREAKER)
Prices:
Adult 431 € | Children 258.60€
Duration: 10 hours
What you need to know
Kemi is ~1.5 hours from Rovaniemi
The Icebreaker Sampo, the world's only A1 Super class passenger icebreaker, keeps the Bothnian Bay's traffic lanes open during winter. It now offers a unique experience to visitors worldwide.
The Icebreaker Cruise features a trip from Kemi's Port to the frozen sea, a guided vessel tour, a welcome drink, and access to SnowExperience365 and SnowCastle Winter park (seasonal).
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE HERE
5. REINDEER SLEIGHT RIDE
As a foreigner living in Finland, I understand your desire to participate in all the activities but, costs can add up. For a similar experience as the huskies, a 400-meter ride is often enough, unless the trees are heavily covered in snow then it’s super magical to see the snowy landscapes!
⚠️ Please note that the reindeer sleigh ride is charming but slow-paced.
6. SNOWMOBILE
I'm not gonna lie, I've never paid for this activity because my in-laws have a snowmobile! However, I know this activity is one of the most popular and favorite among tourists. If the forest is fully covered with snow, you will definitely be amazed by the winter wonderland views.
7. ICE FISHING
Listen, ice fishing can be both interesting and boring at the same time! I would recommend doing it during the spring (with more sunlight), and please remember that you are standing on a frozen river or lake! That's the amazing part!
*Follow the safety instructions, and noworries the ice is about 70 cm thick!