Things to do in Rovaniemi before snow comes
Mother Nature being unpredictable, you might arrive in Rovaniemi in Autumn before the first snowfalls, whereas you expected to experience the white winter wonderland postcard… Unfortunately, Autumn is always uncertain about the amount of snow that arrives in Lapland : some years, snow comes as early as the end of October, some other years you may need to wait until the end of November to have the first white layers covering the surrounding landscapes… But don’t worry, we have presented here a selection of fun and unique activities to do in Rovaniemi that will make your stay in Lapland memorable, even without snow! Adaptation is key when venturing into Arctic regions!
1. SPOT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
You might have seen it on the internet, you might have heard of it and it is probably on your bucket list … Seeing the Northern lights in Rovaniemi!
While the nights are long and full of darkness, it is to be expected that Mrs Aurora would brighten it up! However, this phenomenon depends on several factors, the most important of them being the weather forecast! Believe it or not, aurora hunters don’t like snowfalls! With a clear sky or partly clear sky, and a dry climate, the weather conditions are indeed more favorable for northern lights observation. The weather also changes very fast in Lapland, so be ready to drive away from Rovaniemi to end up in the most promising locations!
With more than 90% of success on our Northern Lights Photography tours (actually 100% in season 2024-25 so far!), you can trust our experts to do whatever is possible to make this hunt memorable, even if it means driving far into Sweden to escape the cloudy sky covering the Finnish Lapland!
We recommend our private tours for intimate and comfortable experience of the Northern Lights. This autumn we have three private tour options: Our Private tour (3h30); Our Family Tour (3h) for children under 8 years old and our Premium Experience (6h) with our dinner option.
If you wish to join a small group (max. 8 persons) we have our best northern lights hunting tour available until the 16th of November in Rovaniemi where you will get guided by one of our professional Aurora experts, enjoy some snacks and explanations around the fire and, of course, get memorable photos!
2. HIKE INTO THE WILD
Hiking is an all year long activity in Finland and especially in Lapland regions! You can visit the same nature reserve during different seasons and observe the changes of scenery. In the Rovaniemi region, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails with viewpoints and beautiful nature features, that are perfect for a half-day trip. Your outdoor expert guide will lead you through arctic nature, teach you about your surroundings and survival tips and will prepare a Finnish barbecue lunch on an open fire.
For a long nature hike you can adventure yourself to the famous Korouoma Canyon and Auttikongäs waterfalls departing from Rovaniemi, located in an area with a colder climate. Despite the lack or small amount of snow you may find there, you will still enjoy the breathtaking rock canyon with their waterfall starting their freezing process! You do not need to have the physical condition of an athlete but be prepared to walk a 5km trail during approximately 2 hours, concluded by a lunch break around an open fire.
3. FIND THE SNOWY LANDSCAPES
This is then the opportunity to discover different landscapes, with fells (tunturi) or some gorge. By the end of October – early November, we recommend our early snow adventure departing from Rovaniemi for a full day adventure! Even if the first snowfalls are late in Rovaniemi, this tour will take you to another part of Lapland, higher in altitude or in latitude, in order to allow you to experience the first snowfalls and the white landscapes! In these conditions, snowshoeing is the ideal way to test out the fresh snow.
4. RELAX IN A WILDERNESS SAUNA
With an estimate of three million saunas for a population of five and a half million, it is fair to say that saunas are an important component of Finnish culture. It is also said that most important decisions in Finland are taken in saunas. So, how about starting your holidays in Rovaniemi by a sauna, to think about the next activities you can book?
Finns go to sauna regularly to relax their body and mind! The whole process of sauna and cooling has been known for its various health benefits and that is why, you should have at least one sauna stop in your journey!
We have two options for you to try this very local activity : either by night to (maybe) spot the Northern Lights, or during the day coupled with a visit to a long-established reindeer farm. Both offer an authentic experience in a log sauna lost in the middle of nowhere! Don’t worry if you are not familiar with the sauna process : our guide will be there to assist you, light the wood-burner in the sauna and give you more instructions on how to use it in the very Finnish way. There is also a pontoon that leads directly to the lake if you are brave enough to go in the cold water!
Our sauna experiences are always private for intimacy reasons. We have two saunas available, one offering a traditional atmosphere in the middle of the forest and another one with a panoramic view by the river. Please contact us if you would like to organise it for yourself or your group, at info@nordicodyssey.net.
Please contact us if you would like to organise the panoramic sauna session for yourself or your group, at info@nordicodyssey.net.
5. FEED THE REINDEER
Did you know that there are more reindeers than people in Finnish Lapland ? It would be a shame to miss the opportunity to encounter a reindeer in its very local habitat. Reindeers are semi-domesticated animals, half tame and half wild ; they all belong to a herder, even those you might meet in the forests!
Before the snow comes and being able to hop on a sleigh, you still have the chance to visit a reindeer farm, hear about the lifestyle of herders and get close to their lovely animals by feeding them directly from your hands! The off-season visits indeed allow for a more intimate experience where you can really go inside the fences!
If you would like to combine two experiences in one, we highly recommend our E-fatbike trip to the reindeer farm. It is a great way to discover Rovaniemi’s surroundings from another perspective and actively reach one of the most traditional reindeer farm of the area.
6. RIDE A HUSKY WHEELCART
Huskies are another animal you can get close to in Finnish Lapland. While they need cold temperatures to feel comfortable, their favorite activity is running : they don’t just love running and pulling sleighs, they need it for their well-being! Mushers then have to prepare their dog teams before the busy snow season starts. As soon as lower temperatures allow it in Autumn, sled dogs practice on wheel carts to build their muscles and cohesion. So even without snow, you get the opportunity to enjoy a nice ride and take part in husky training!
If the wheel cart ride is not something for you, but you still want to enjoy nice moments with the dogs, a simple visit to the ethical kennel is still possible.
Our recommendation : make it a combo! Visit a reindeer farm in the morning and enjoy a husky ride (or simple visit) in the afternoon!
7. THE RANUA WILDLIFE PARK
Most Arctic animals will be very difficult to spot in the wilderness, especially when the winter season is coming up : they will hear, see, smell you before you can even imagine they are nearby! Don’t worry about missing your chance to encounter the animals of the Far North!
Located one-hour drive away from Rovaniemi, the Ranua Wildlife Zoo is the world-northernmost wildlife park where you can spot polar bears, arctic foxes, wild reindeer, wolves, wolverines, lynxes, predatory birds, otters, wild boars… A gentle path through the forests takes you from animals to animals, giving the feeling of an immersion into their natural environment. And even without snow, the park keeps all its charm. Actually, the lack of snow is even your luck, since you will be able to spot them more easily in their large habitat!
Treat yourself and your family with a guided trip from Rovaniemi to Ranua Park ; our guided tour includes transportation in very small groups, entrance tickets, buffet lunch at the Ranua restaurant and the explanation of our outdoor guide!
8. RIDE AN E-FATBIKE AND VISIT ROVANIEMI CITY
You feel like getting some speed and exploring around Rovaniemi? Unfortunately, snowmobile tours usually start at the very end of November, when the snow amount is enough to offer a good layer on the ground. As an alternative, you may opt for a not less adventurous fatbike ride to discover Rovaniemi area and the surroundings of our lovely little town.
Equipped with big tires, fat bikes are an easy way to move around in October and November as they adapt to most types of terrain (including snowy roads!). So don’t be afraid of slippery tracks, the tyres are made for Arctic conditions and will offer you a safe ride!
Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced biker, you can enjoy an experience adapted to your level. For example, we offer cultural guided tours around the city and Santa Claus Village to discover Rovaniemi and its history, as well as more physical rides into Arctic forests to reach viewpoints! Independent travelers may also rent the bikes at a very affordable price.
Have a look at our recommended tracks around Rovaniemi here!
9. ICE ICE BABY!
No snow does not mean no ice… The minus temperatures usually come a bit earlier than first snowfalls. From early November, small lakes and ponds start freezing, soon allowing for one of locals’ most favorite activities : ice fishing!
Ice fishing has been part of local culture in the Far North for centuries. Traditionally it was one of the rare ways to get food in wintertime when the conditions are the roughest. Nowadays, many Finnish people still enjoy sitting on a frozen lake for hours to try to catch their lunch and relax. So, don’t you want to try?
One good place where you can experience ice fishing is at our sauna facilities close to the lake and river! The pure waters are full of pikes and perches ; so why not test your fishing skills while waiting for the sauna to warm up? If you are looking for an ice fishing experience please contact us : info@nordicodyssey.net .
Looking for an ice-skating experience?
Experience the thrill of ice skating or catch an exciting ice hockey game in Lapland this autumn with all that Rovaniemi has to offer! Rent ice skates in various locations within the city center when ice rinks are available. The small lake near Rovaniemi church is a favorite spot for locals to enjoy a leisurely skate after work. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there’s endless fun to be had on the ice. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness Finland’s national sport by attending an ice hockey game during your visit. Check out the season’s game schedule here.
Don’t miss out on this unique and unforgettable early-winter experience in Lapland!
10. LEARN MORE ABOUT LOCAL CULTURE
Visit Arktikum Museum
Clouds and gray days usually call for museums! And the Arktikum Museum, lodged on the shore of the Ounasjoki river, is definitely a must-see when visiting Rovaniemi (no matter if there is snow or no). You will be probably surprised by how rich and diverse the Museum is, covering the wide topic of “life in the Arctic” : indigenous Sámi cultures, arctic fauna and flora, history of Finland, Northern lights, climate change…
If you are interested in museums, we recommend buying the cultural pass that gives you access to the three main museums of Rovaniemi : Arktikum, Pilke (Forest & Nature) and Korundi (Contemporary Art). The pass can be bought in any of the three places.
An evening of Finnish tales and legends
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of local cultures with our unique Finnish legends evening around the fire. Around a crackling fire, ancient tales will transport you back in time, revealing the essence of Nordic cultures, traditions and life. Enjoy pancakes cooked on the open fire while listening to your guide’s captivating tales.
This evening cultural tour is designed to offer a special moment of peace in the company of your knowledgeable guide, who will take his time to share information about the cultures of the Far North, local customs, important historical events in Rovaniemi, Finnish art and literature, the indigenous communities, and a few other delightful anecdotes…
Reindeer Handicraft Workshop
A unique reindeer farm visit that combines meeting & feeding the reindeer with an artisanal handicraft workshop hosted by the herder. For a total local experience, you can make this a private visit by adding the wilderness sauna option.
11. SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE
Rovaniemi has named itself as the official hometown of Santa Claus. A necessary stop is therefore required at Santa Claus Village when visiting Rovaniemi, even though the village might seem a little less fairy without the snow… From mid-November, the underground cavern of Santa Park is also opening its doors, giving a nice opportunity to enter the Elf’s world and immerse yourself in the Christmas magic! Unlike the Santa Claus Village which is free, you will need to purchase your entrance at Santa Park.
We do not offer a guided tour for these activities as we believe you can easily discover the village and the Santa Park by yourself. The two places are located 6 and 8 km away from Rovaniemi city center ; you may get there by taxi or city bus (no. 8) or by renting your fat bike to enjoy the scenic cycle path!
That’s it! We hope you enjoyed reading this blogpost.
If you have any question, feel free to contact us!
We will be super glad to help you plan your trip to Rovaniemi!
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