Rovaniemi in Summer: DIY Trip Travel Guide Itinerary (5 Days or More)

Hei, Rovaniemi!

DINING OPTION: Restaurant Nili is an authentic Lappish restaurant in the heart of the city and you’ll be assured that everything is made from the freshest Arctic ingredients. As you enjoy these delights, you’ll also be surrounded by genuine Lappish furnishings and materials — a truly Finnish experience! Not to mention, this has been once chosen as the best ‘Taste of Finland’ restaurant as well as one of the best dining places on TripAdvisor.
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: If you have more time during Rovaniemi in summer or if you simply want some other choices, consider the following:
– With Safartica
Do some Arctic Survival: Join a special day trip to the forest where you can learn how to survive in the wild as they teach you how to build an emergency shelter, make fire without matches and so much more.
Do berry picking: Lapland’s forests are known for its rich wild berries! To find the best spots, you can go through the forest with a local and pick up some fresh superfoods that are pure from the ground.
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– With Happy Fox
Do a canoe trip: Enjoy a leisurely canoe trip along the Ounasjoki river as you admire beautiful views and sights wild animals.

◘◘ Experience a unique floating experience

Arktikum Beach: Arktikum Museum is a popular attraction in Rovaniemi — but more on this later on in the next few days. For today, I suggest that you go in front of this museum to the hidden garden that’s on this small island. Besides, this is a great place to swim in during the midnight sun, if not a great spot to just simply admire the views. It is even possible to do a long leisurely walk via a trail from this beach that goes all the way to the south of the city by the Ounasjoki River.
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Rovaniemi City Library: Designed by one of Finland’s most famous architects, Alvar Aalto, this city library is a great place to be if you’re a book lover. But other than its large selection of books, you will surely be filled with awe at its wonderful design and expanse.
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Pilke Science Centre: This is a fun place for visitors of all ages as it tells the story of the northern forests and our relationship with them. For sustainable travelers, you’ll even be happy to know that this center is notable for its low carbon footprint and use of sustainable wood materials in its design!
- TIP: If you’re into culture, it’s best to get the Culture Pass which is good-for-value access that allows you to visit all of the top 3 museums in Rovaniemi (Arktikum, Korundi, and Pilke). This is valid for 7 days and you can purchase it from any of the 3 aforementioned attractions.
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Lordi’s Square: Though not one of the striking highlights in the town, due to its central location, it’s a great place to be in if you’re looking to do some shopping (e.g. the shopping center of Sampokeskus) if not some good ol’ dining. Moreover, in the summer, this becomes a very popular place as it hosts a number of events.
- TRIVIA: This square was renamed in tribute to the Finnish band that won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006.
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Rovaniemi Church: Completed in 1950, this church is not only picturesque from the outside but also from the inside. After all, it has a huge fresco behind the altar as well as a grand 45-key organ.
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Angry Birds Activity Park: I bet you didn’t know that Angry Birds was made by a Finn! Due to its huge popularity worldwide, you can find an official park for it right here in Rovaniemi. No matter if you have kids or not, this is a fun place to enjoy some ropewalks, slides, swings, ball games, and more!
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Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge: Also called Jätkänkynttilä Bridge, this 320-meter bridge connects Ounasvaara to the town center and it’s a great thing to see at Rovaniemi in summer. This iconic structure which is an easily recognizable landmark of Rovaniemi’s cityscape takes its name and shape from a type of torch log that is carved from wood by lumberjacks. The easiest way to enjoy this bridge other than driving or biking through it is to walk towards the riverside from the center. In just a few minutes, you will see the bridge easily — once there, don’t forget to take some good photos!

◘◘ Experience a unique floating experience
◘◘ Experience a unique floating experience
◘◘ Experience a unique floating experience
◘◘ Experience a unique floating experience
◘◘ Experience a unique floating experience
MEAL OPTIONS: Amarillo may not be an authentic Lappish restaurant but it’s a popular Mexican-style restaurant that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
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SUBSTITUTE ACTIVITIES: If you have more time during Rovaniemi in summer or if you simply want some other choices, consider the following:
– With Helios Tour: Up on Lampivaara hill is an amethyst mine and each visitor can dig up their own lucky quartz that can fit in one fist.
– With Happy Fox: How about some gold? With Happy Fox you can join a tour where you can experience gold panning along with a boat trip.
◘◘ Do an evening photography tour (maybe spot some Northern Lights!) ^{Photo by ©Visit Rovaniemi (Rovaniemi Tourism & Marketing Ltd.)}

NOTE: You can choose from either a manual or electronic fat bike. Helmets are provided and you can also strap in a GoPro on it if you want to.
Relaxing in a Finnish sauna is a must to do when you’re in Finland! Sure, Tampere may be the sauna capital but there are lots of sauna places in Rovaniemi where you can start. After all, a Finnish sauna experience is at the core of every Finnish person’s lifestyle and culture, so why not give it a try too?
^{Photo by Safartica}