6 Reasons to Visit Rovaniemi in the Summer

Summer in Rovaniemi can be a bit of a mystery. The city is known for Northern Lights, snow, reindeer, snow, huskies, snow, Santa Claus, and more snow. It is a real winter wonderland that few consider as a destination outside of the winter months.

What even happens in the summer? Does Rovaniemi have one?

I’ll get back to that second question in July when my poor apartment has an indoor temperature of 30°C and electric fans are sold out everywhere in the city. (The answer is yes, yes we do)

The answer to the first question is a bit more interesting. Here are a handful of reasons why you should choose Rovaniemi in the summer and some suggestions on how to get the most out of it.

1. Is it 2AM or 2PM?

After the dayless days of winter, I present you the nightless nights of summer. Midnight Sun refers to the phenomenon that provides sunlight around the clock – the sun won’t leave the sky for a couple of months. This is a stark contrast to the dark days of Lappish winters, and while many have Northern Lights on their bucket lists, sunny 3am experiences are still underestimated by most.

Arktikum’s Arctic garden is a good place to enjoy the magical view and atmosphere.

2. Have Yourself a Peaceful Little Summer

Take advantage of the fact that Rovaniemi isn’t the most typical Summer destination. If you know where to look, you can have a whole beach to yourself (e.g., Arktikum’s beach is quite well-hidden). Forget stressful crowds and enjoy the quietness and clean air at your own pace.

Also, if you’re anything like me, you might just enjoy a summer that’s a bit cooler than in the south.

3. Those Sweet, Sweet Off-peak Prices

Finland isn’t the cheapest of destinations and Lapland is definitely up there among the most expensive regions in the country. Therefore, it is good news that prices are much lower during the summer months. Most hotel prices are based on demand, so if you book at the right time for the right time, you might be enjoying the Midnight Sun 50% cheaper than you enjoyed the Northern Lights.

How about spending the night at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle or Arctic Treehouse Hotel for the ultimate summer night experience in Rovaniemi?

3. Surround Yourself with Nature

There are plenty of things to do in nature during Rovaniemi’s summer.

• Go hiking in Ounasvaara or try some of their many summer activities
• Say hi to the reindeer wandering through the suburbs of the city
• Choose your favorites from the various water sports available to you
• Adventure Park Huima combines climbing, nature, and overcoming challenges
• Enjoy the landscape from a catamaran boat and spend the evening on Kotisaari island
• Enhance a sauna experience with a relaxing evening or night swim
• Walk the Koivusaari nature trail before dining at Ounaspavillion

4. Exercise Your Everyman’s Rights

Did you know that it is legal to pick berries or camp anywhere in Finland as long as you don’t damage nature? Those are neat little rights to have, but also quite difficult to utilize during the winter months.

What if you tried making a blueberry pie from berries you picked yourself? Or maybe you’d prefer leipäjuusto with cloudberries?

5. Discover New Trivia to Share Back at Home

The local heritage museum is an outdoor museum that is open only during summer. So you can take this opportunity to learn about Rovaniemi’s history in a way that you can’t during winter. Arktikum, Pilke, and Korundi are all worth the visit as well. They are especially good choices during rainy days.

6. Actually Meet Some Locals

Finland might be voted as the happiest country in the world (for the 5th time now!), but it isn’t exactly breaking news that Finns aren’t social by global standards. This often leaves tourists slightly confused.

But you, as a summer tourist in Rovaniemi, might not have the same experience!

Most Finns are tired and stay at home during those dark and cold winters. It’s the Moomin DNA in us – we hibernate through winters so that we have enough energy to meet new people in the summer.

Ready for a Summer in Rovaniemi?

Even if the image of Lapland is based on winter, you may actually get to experience a more authentic Lapland during Summer. Not only do locals spend more time outdoors, but many summer activities are planned with the locals in mind. Especially if you’ve experienced Lappish winter – the contrast between the two is an experience in itself. Can you still recognize Rovaniemi in the summer?

And remember that you can meet Santa Claus every day of the year, some months just require more patience than others. Here’s my final tip for you: the longest lines won’t form in July or August.

What would you like to try in Rovaniemi next summer?

 

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