Day Trips from Rovaniemi (Finland)

The 5 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

5 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 SnowHotel, 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 day trips 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 Surroundings 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).

• 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)

4. Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos

The Arctic SnowHotel, 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 Glass Igloos, a visit is worthwhile: guided tours explain how the hotel is constructed and what life in an ice hotel is like. In the surrounding area, you can enjoy saunas, snow activities, and, with some luck, the Northern Lights (more info on tours from Rovaniemi or book a room in the Glass Igloos).

5. More Around 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.