Day Trips from Rovaniemi (Finland)

The 6 Best Day Tours and Excursions from Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland

All information about day tours, activities, and excursions around Rovaniemi, Finland. Tips for activities and day trips such as visiting a Sami camp or Ranua Zoo

6 Tips for Day Trips Around Rovaniemi

The city of Rovaniemi is an ideal base for unforgettable day trips in Finland’s Arctic region. 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 enthusiasts, 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 Snow Hotel, entirely built from 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.

1. Korouomo Canyon

The Korouoma Canyon, located about 110 kilometers southeast of Rovaniemi, is an impressive natural area that captivates visitors in every season. In winter, the steep rock walls form massive frozen waterfalls, attracting ice climbers and photographers alike. In summer, the Korouoma Trail offers beautiful hikes with views of deep gorges, expansive forests, and winding rivers. The canyon is part of a nature reserve and showcases the rugged beauty of Lapland at its finest. From Rovaniemi, you can book this amazing day trip to Korouoma Canyon.

2. Ranua Zoo

About 80 kilometers south of Rovaniemi, you’ll find the Ranua Zoo, the northernmost zoo in the world. The park focuses on Arctic and sub-Arctic animals, including polar bears, reindeer, lynxes, wolves, and owls. Visitors have the unique opportunity to see these animals up close in environments that mimic their natural habitats. The zoo is open year-round, making it ideal for both winter and summer visits. In addition to observing the animals, you can enjoy forest walking trails and educational exhibitions about Lapland’s wildlife. Visit the official website or book a day trip from Rovaniemi.

3. Explore the wilderness by Snowmobile

A snowmobile tour from Rovaniemi offers an unforgettable way to explore the magical surroundings of the area. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll speed across frozen lakes, through serene snow-covered forests, and past breathtaking vistas. During the ride, there are often opportunities to take photos or warm up by a campfire with a drink like berry juice. Some tours combine the snowmobile adventure with activities such as ice fishing or an exciting Northern Lights chase (check snowmobile tours here).

• Unique: 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)
• Personal favorite: I’ve tested several snowmobile tours, and this full-day snowmobile safari in the wilderness is my absolute favorite. For more than 5 hours we explored the wilderness around Rovaniemi. This safari is slightly more expensive, but it offers the ultimate snowmobile experience. You have plenty of time to learn how to properly control the snowmobile, which allows you to reach higher speeds, as many shorter tours operate with speed limiters.

4. Arctic Snow Hotel

The Arctic Snow Hotel, located just 30 kilometers from Rovaniemi, is a unique attraction in Lapland. Each year, it is completely rebuilt from snow and ice, making it a temporary masterpiece that exists for only a few months. Visitors can stay overnight in ice rooms with beautifully carved sculptures and atmospheric lighting, dine in the Ice Restaurant, or enjoy a drink in the Ice Bar. Even without an overnight stay in the Arctic Snow Hotel, a visit is worthwhile: you can book this guided tour that will explain how the Snow Hotel is constructed and during the day, visitors can explore all areas and rooms of the hotel. In the surrounding area, you can enjoy snow saunas (the only ones in the world!), snow activities, and, with some luck, the Northern Lights (more info on tours from Rovaniemi or you can book a room in the Snow Hotel and/or Glass Igloos).

5. Levi

The popular Levi, located about 170 kilometers northwest of Rovaniemi, is one of Finland’s best-known winter sports destinations. This cozy ski resort lies in the heart of Lapland and offers excellent opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. With more than 40 slopes and modern ski lifts, Levi is suitable for both beginners and experienced winter sports enthusiasts. Even outside the ski season, Levi is an attractive destination, with beautiful hiking trails, mountain bike routes, and panoramic views from Levi Fell. In addition to winter sports, you can enjoy many Arctic activities here, such as husky safaris, reindeer sleigh rides, and Northern Lights excursions (see all activities in Levi):

6. More things to do near Rovaniemi

There are also several other fascinating day trips around Rovaniemi. Riisitunturi National Park, about 150 kilometers away, offers breathtaking hiking trails through snow-covered forests and over hills with panoramic views, especially impressive in winter. In Luosto, you can visit an amethyst mine, where you can search for gemstones yourself and learn more about geology and mining in Lapland. For a truly unique experience, you can even join a trip on an icebreaker, a powerful ship that navigates frozen waters and showcases spectacular icy landscapes.