Rovaniemi Activities & Guided Tours

Best winter activities, guided tours and trips from Rovaniemi Finland

All information about guided tours, activities, and excursions in and around Rovaniemi Lapland. Tips for fun things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland, can be found here:

Tips for activities in Rovaniemi

Online you will find a wide range of guided tours, husky rides, winter activities, and excursions in Rovaniemi. I have selected the most interesting activities and things to do for you in each category:

1. Husky Tours

Husky tours in Rovaniemi are among the most popular activities in Finnish Lapland. You can choose to drive the sled yourself or relax as a passenger while an experienced guide leads you through the stunning, snow-covered landscape. After the ride, there is often an opportunity to cuddle the huskies and learn more about their training and character. Many tours include warm clothing, a meal, and transportation from Rovaniemi. These adventurous excursions are suitable for all ages and offer a unique way to experience the Arctic wilderness. Be sure to book early, as tours fill up quickly! Choose from these husky tours:

2. Northern Lights tours from Rovaniemi

Northern Lights tours from Rovaniemi offer an unforgettable opportunity to witness the enchanting aurora borealis. Lapland lies right in the aurora zone, which makes the chances of seeing the Northern Lights particularly high, especially between September and April. The tours are led by experienced guides who choose the best locations based on current weather forecasts and light conditions. There are various ways to experience this magical natural phenomenon:

• Bus or minivan tours take you to remote spots away from light pollution. Guides combine their knowledge of the area with weather forecasts to find the optimal location for spotting the aurora (more info about minibus tours).
• Snowmobile tours combine excitement and adventure with the Northern Lights. As you race through the Arctic landscape, you’ll stop at locations offering the best views of the dancing lights. Warm drinks and a campfire are often included for extra comfort (more info about snowmobile tours).

With a bit of luck, you’ll see dancing green, purple, or pink lights above the Arctic landscape. Be sure to book early, as Northern Lights excursions are very popular in Rovaniemi!

3. Visit a Reindeer Farm

A visit to a reindeer farm from Rovaniemi is one of the most unique and authentic experiences in Lapland. Just a short distance from the city, you’ll step into the world of the Sami – the indigenous people who have lived in harmony with nature for generations and have traditionally herded reindeer. During your visit, you’ll meet these gentle animals, learn about their importance in Sami culture, and have the chance to feed them or enjoy a ride in a traditional reindeer sleigh. You can find more information about visiting a reindeer farm or go directly to this page to compare tours from Rovaniemi.

4. Snowmobile Tours

A snowmobile tour from Rovaniemi is an exciting and unique way to explore the enchanting winter landscape of Lapland. Together with an experienced guide, you’ll ride across frozen lakes, through silent snowy forests, and past breathtaking panoramas. Along the way, there’s often time to stop for photos or to enjoy a warm drink like berry juice by a crackling campfire. Some excursions combine the ride with a visit to a reindeer or husky farm, or with an adventurous Northern Lights chase. (When comparing snowmobile tours, pay close attention to how long you’ll actually be driving the snowmobile.) Choose from the following options:

• Recommended: Snowmobile tour (3 hours) + Ice Fishing (more info and reservations)
• Standard snowmobile tour (1 – 1.5 hours) (more info and reservations)
• Snowmobile tour (1 hour) + Barbecue (more info and reservations)
• Northern Lights Snowmobile Tour (2 hours) (more info and reservations)

5. Winter Activities

In winter, you can enjoy a variety of fun snow activities such as snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing, or even floating in icy water while wearing a special thermal suit. Here are some unique activities to try in and around Rovaniemi:

6. Day tours from Rovaniemi

From Rovaniemi, you can take various day trips that showcase the beauty and diversity of Lapland. About 80 kilometers south of the city is the Ranua Zoo, the northernmost zoo in the world, where you can admire Arctic animals such as polar bears, lynxes, and moose. For nature lovers, the impressive Korouoma Canyon (around 110 km) is a must-see: a stunning gorge with frozen waterfalls in winter. Just 30 km from Rovaniemi is the enchanting Arctic SnowHotel, entirely built of snow and ice, including an ice restaurant and bar. A bit further away, at 150 km, lies Riisitunturi National Park, famous for its fairytale-like winter landscapes and snow-covered trees.