Aurora Borealis (meaning the Northern Lights) painting the sky with different shades of green, frozen marsh and snowflakes, the sunshine in the middle of summer nights, birds singing in the sunny days of spring and colorful leaves during “ruska” in Autumn. In Finland we have four seasons and no matter what time of the year you come for a visit – the nature of Lapland gives you its best! Lapland is not only for winter holidays, but all year around.
You can experience the magical nature by yourself, for example visiting Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park or with our various nature activities such as Aurora Borealis Picnic, Day in Wilderness with Ice Fishing and Fat Bike Day Trip.
Take a look at Visit Rovaniemi’s tips how to explore nature and what to do in Ylläs!
Lapland is well-known for its arctic animals such as reindeer and huskies. If you are lucky, you may spot a reindeer in the wild (or on the road, so be careful if you are driving in Lapland!). The best place to meet these furry friends is to join our husky safaris and reindeer safaris.
We also recommend a visit to Ranua Zoo which is located about 1 hour drive from Rovaniemi. Get ready to spend an exciting day with your family or friends, and see different kinds of animals – even polar bears! We at Safartica also organize day trips to Ranua Zoo.
What would be a holiday in Lapland without meeting the Santa Claus? If you are visiting Rovaniemi, you probably know that it is the hometown of Santa Claus. Santa Claus Village is located about 8 kilometers from the city center and it is open every day. Come and experience the magic of Christmas, meet Santa himself with his little helpers and reindeer, buy souvenirs for your loved ones and send a postcard from Santa Claus Main Post Office!
If you’d like to to combine driving snowmobile, visiting reindeer farm and Arctic Circle Ceremony to your visit to Santa Claus, we recommend you to take a look at our safaris.
Did you know that most Finns have a sauna in their own house? It is a big part of our culture and everyday life, and we recommend you to try it! Going regularly to sauna has many health benefits, but most importantly it is a place to relax – both physically and mentally.
If you want to try something extreme (but truly Finnish), sit in a sauna for a while, then go outside to roll in the snow and return to sauna. It may sound weird, but is very refreshing! Try also ice-swimming in the winter or swimming in one of Finland’s thousands lakes in summertime. If you want to know more about saunas, here are some tips!
You can experience sauna in all our accommodations in Rovaniemi and Ylläs.
If you are visiting Lapland during winter, you will probably see snow! It allows you to try different kinds of activities such as cross-country skiing, down hill skiing and snowboarding in Ounasvaara Ski Resort in Rovaniemi, and in Ylläs, which is Finland’s biggest ski resort.
There are also other activities you can do. Try for example riding a sled or building a snowman! We offer you many adventures in this winter wonderland, such as skiing lessons and snowshoe walks, riding a snowmobile, ice-floating and hunting the Northern Lights.
Finland and the Finnish culture have a lot to offer! We Finns may seem a little bit shy at the first place, but we are more than happy to welcome you to visit us. Rovaniemi is a lively city with its various restaurants and cafes, shopping centers, events and cultural sights. In Ylläs you can experience the authenic nature and an easy-going feeling of this little and idyllic village. Relax in small cafes chatting with the locals or take part to different kinds of events.
Taste traditional Lappish foods and flavours such as salmon soup, mashed potatoes and reindeer, flatbread called “rieska” and special “bread cheese” with cloudberries.
Read more about best restaurants in Rovaniemi and how to dine like a local!
For many, our everyday life is hectic, busy and it can be difficult to relax. Even though Lapland offers you great adventures, it also provides you a possibility to stop, breathe and truly enjoy every moment. Walking in the pure nature, listening to the silence around you and unplugging from the hustle and bustle of big cities is something worth trying! Most importantly, you can spend precious time with your loved ones. Watch the sky full of stars from glass igloos – and if you are lucky, you may get a glimpse of the Northern Lights!
We offer you great accommodation in our both locations. Experience our cosy Ounasvaaran Lakituvat chalets in Rovaniemi, where you can heat your own sauna after a day of full of adventures, feel the warmth of the fireplace and have a dinner full of northern flavors with your family and friends! In Ylläs we have two hotels in the middle of the purest nature.
As you see, there is a lot to do here in Lapland! We are here to help you and make your holiday special. Take a look at our safaris and accommodation, and if you have anything to ask – don’t hesitate to contact us. We are looking forward meeting you!
