Less known than Ounasvaara, Santavaara is a peaceful hill that offers an exceptional panorama over the Arctic forests and the Ounasjoki River. The trail is quieter and less frequented, making it ideal if you are looking for an authentic experience in the heart of nature. Accessible with snowshoes or Altai skis, this outing is perfect for an afternoon of exploration away from the crowds. Upon reaching the “Kuninkaanlaavu” shelter, you can light a fire to warm up (remember to bring matches and some snacks; firewood is available on-site).

Santavaara is located 7 km from Rovaniemi city center. To get there, you’ll need your own car (you can park along Ounasjoen itäpuolentie road or Santavaarantie road). Another option is to rent an electric fatbike to reach the hill, which takes about 30 minutes.

If you wish to venture beyond the immediate surroundings of Rovaniemi, Lapland’s national parks are true treasures:

Pyhä-Luosto: From Rovaniemi, explore the boreal forest on snowshoes and hike up to the famous amethyst mine, where you can even dig out your own semi-precious stone.

Riisitunturi: Located 2 hours east of Rovaniemi, this park is world-renowned for its “snow-covered cotton trees”: blanketed in a thick layer of snow during winter, they take on fantastical shapes. With Altai skis or snowshoes, you’ll wander through a magical landscape, as if straight out of an Arctic fairy tale. A popular trail here is Riisin rääpäsy (4.3 km, see map below).

Going snowshoeing or ski touring from Rovaniemi is a unique way to discover Lapland in the heart of winter. With Nordic Odyssey, you can join small-group adventures led by an expert guide who will take you far from the city to enjoy the peaceful silence of snowy forests, pristine hills, and Lapland’s untouched wilderness. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights about the region, its traditions, and the local wildlife and flora that thrive in these Arctic landscapes.

Whether you are a complete beginner or already an outdoor enthusiast, there are options suited to every level. A short introduction tour in backcountry skiing, for instance, allows you to gain confidence and have fun while discovering this unique Nordic activity. For those who want to go a little further, a half-day snowshoeing or ski adventure is the perfect way to step off the beaten path and embrace the vast white landscapes surrounding Rovaniemi.

For travelers looking for something truly special, night tours on skis or snowshoes are an absolute highlight. These excursions are designed to combine outdoor activity with Northern Lights hunting — a magical moment when snowy landscapes may be lit up by dancing green and purple auroras. And even if the sky doesn’t reveal its colors, the experience of venturing into the Finnish wilderness at night remains unforgettable.

If you want to immerse yourself even deeper, a full-day Altai ski tour will take you into some of Lapland’s most remote corners. You will even get the chance to try pulling a small expedition sled — known in Finnish as a pulkka — before warming up around a campfire and enjoying traditional Finnish snacks.

And for the perfect balance between effort and relaxation, you can also combine a snowshoeing excursion with a traditional sauna experience. After exploring the serene, snow-covered landscapes, the soothing heat of the sauna offers the ultimate Finnish way to unwind.