Rovaniemen

Rovaniemen, commonly referred to as Rovaniemi in Finnish, is a city and municipality in Finland’s Lapland region. It serves as the administrative center of Lapland and acts as a regional hub for services, education, and tourism. The city lies in northern Finland near the Arctic Circle, along the Ounasjoki River close to its junction with the Kemijoki. It has a subarctic climate with long winters and relatively mild summers, and daylight varies dramatically with the seasons.

The area has a long history as a settlement and trading post, with development accelerating in the 19th and 20th centuries. The modern town center was largely rebuilt after heavy destruction during the Lapland War in 1944–45. Since then, Rovaniemi has grown as a municipal and urban center for the far north, expanding housing, industry, education, and cultural institutions.

Today, the city functions as a regional service and education hub. It hosts the University of Lapland and with other higher education institutions, drawing students from across the region. Tourism is a major aspect of the economy, driven by winter sports, northern lights viewing, and attractions that highlight Arctic culture and nature. Notable sites include Arktikum, a museum and science center focusing on Arctic history and environment, and the nearby Santa Claus Village, which sits on or near the Arctic Circle. The Ounasvaara hill provides a local area for skiing and outdoor recreation, including a small resort and cross-country trails.

Rovaniemi is served by Rovaniemi Airport and has rail and road connections to other parts of Finland, including Helsinki and Oulu. The population is primarily Finnish-speaking, with Swedish-speaking minority communities and Sámi-language presence in the wider Lapland region.