Et si je vous disais que nous avons une densité de population globale de 1,98 personnes par kilomètre carré, qui est l'une des plus faibles d'Europe, plus de rennes que de personnes, l'air et les eaux les plus propres du monde. Pourtant, nous vivons dans une ville moderne remplie de services et même de luxe.
Nos nuits d'été sont légères comme le crépuscule rose le plus romantique, et nos températures estivales sont douces comme le lait des oiseaux, comme nous, les Finlandais, aimons à le dire. Me croiriez-vous? Eh bien, vous devriez, car la liste est longue.
Rovaniemi est situé sur le cercle polaire arctique en Laponie finlandaise et malgré notre emplacement éloigné dans l'Arctique, nous sommes faciles d'accès mais encore inconnus par beaucoup.
C'est une ville estivale en plein essor mais détendue avec de nombreuses expériences de vie locales comme le yoga et des randonnées en husky, des visites de brasseries, la cueillette de baies, l'orpaillage et sans parler de la culture arctique à explorer.
Rovaniemi est un joyau caché, offrant des expériences gastronomiques locales et des activités avec des randonnées dans la nature juste au coin de la rue. Et pour vous couper le souffle, je vous donnerai la présence de Noël toute l’année en prime, car Rovaniemi est la ville natale officielle du Père Noël®.
LUMIÈRE – Ici, nous n’avons pas de nuit juste la lumière
Je vous ai promis Le soleil de minuit alors préparez-vous à rester éveillé toute la nuit et à admirer la lumière dans la «nuit sans nuit». Comme nous, Finlandais, appelons cette période, lorsque le soleil ne passe pas en dessous de l’horizon. Ce sont les phénomènes que vous devez vivre pour nous comprendre, gens du Nord.
Quand il y a assez de câlins à l’intérieur, devant la cheminée, après un long hiver froid et neigeux, et le temps de se préparer à syntoniser l’été. Rester debout pendant les nuits blanches d’été et être heureux avec les gens. Dehors sous le soleil de minuit, faire du vélo, du golf, de l’équitation et pratiquer des sports nautiques sur les eaux arctiques.
Everywhere on and above the Arctic Circle the sun doesn´t go below the horizon during the summer months, because the Earth is slightly tilted on its axis. Rovaniemi gets to enjoy the days of the Midnight Sun between 6th June and 7th July. This time is for enjoying Lapland´s beautiful nature, fresh and clean arctic waters and yes the cleanest air in the world. Just breathe and take a river cruise or a photography tour, or why not jump on the sauna ferry m/s Erkin Arkki and have an exclusive sauna experience on the Ounasjoki river. Or rent a SUP board and explore the sandy beaches of Ounasjoki rivers deltas.
ARCTIC – City surrounded by the woods
We Northern people sure appreciate our nature. Since the overall population density is truly only 1,98 persons per square kilometer, we are used to our solitude and our moments in nature. With a population of only 180 000, Lapland truly offers the space to breathe. The amount of reindeer, 200 000+, surpasses the amount of people, and we love it that way. We get to enjoy the wilderness destinations nearby like Vietonen, Ranua and Pyhä-Luosto with Bliss Adventures. We get to have adventures up north and visit Aurora Village in Ivalo and Wilderness Hotels in Inari, and to have shorter daytrips at the Amethyst Mine of Lampivaara, and spend a night at Pyhä Igloos or Pyhän Asteli.
We northern people are active hikers and many of us spend nights outdoors annually even in the changing seasons. The beauty of Rovaniemi is that you do not need to be born with hiking boots to experience Lapland nature here and truly have moments of green safe solitude. You can roam the woods in the morning sun just a short walk from the city centre and be back for a Lappish dish served in a fine dining restaurant by lunchtime. The Lappish superfood cuisine is a phenomenon itself, and it celebrates the best that our nature provides like mushrooms, game, fish and berries. Tip: do not forget to order some of our local water, the crystal clear taste will blow your mind!
Rovaniemi is proud to carry a Reindeer Antler Town Plan designed by Alvar Aalto. Reindeer have always been a big part of livelihood and culture here in the northern regions for the herders and locals. Summer is the best time to see the offspring of these beautiful Arctic Animals at reindeer farms. How about a hike with reindeer or huskies? If you love huskies then summer is your season here at the Arctic Circle, because in most farms it is husky-baby season at its best!
COOL – Dip in the cool arctic waters after a hot cleansing sauna
Can´t stand those hot summers, constantly trying to search for shade and somewhere to cool down? Look no further Lapland´s cool summer breeze awaits! Imagine the cool Arctic forests filled with pine woods covering the landscapes, and the cool dip into one of the purest lakes or rivers in the world. In Lapland even the accommodation is built to free flow the natures cool vibes between spaces. If your vegan or into food experiences or hip rustic indoors with a thought, then the award-winning Rovaniemi accommodations and versatile restaurants are just up your alley.
It wouldn´t be a cool Arctic summer without sauna. To live like us locals you must do Sauna. You have to experience the amazing cleansing effect of a hot sauna and a dip in the cool pure lake. This is a country up here on the Arctic region, a country where almost every home has a sauna, imagine that, or better yet come and see!
I still have one more thing to share with you, and it is Christmas in the middle of the summer <3 We just love Santa Claus and all the sweet kindness that surrounds him and Christmas. Rovaniemi is the Official Hometown of Santa Claus® and also a city where new stories are created every day. Here you can visit Santa Claus and the magic of Christmas all year round.
Be a part of the Arctic Phenomena and add Rovaniemi to your bucket list! Not sure how to get here? Read below:
Fly to Rovaniemi with Finnair who operates via Helsinki to Rovaniemi. Or get groovy with our Railroads and jump in the train by VR or bus by Onnibus or Matkahuolto. By renting a car, it’s easy to move around in Rovaniemi and make even road trips to destinations close by. And to ensure a cool place to get cozy, you can choose from various types of Rovaniemi Accommodation and contact the companies directly to make reservations.
Latest updates on accessibility and services:
ROVANIEMI TOURIST INFORMATION
Tel. +358 (0)16 346 270
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