Just 10 kilometres below the Arctic Circle lies Rovaniemi, the capital of the Finnish province of Lapland. Here at the official hometown of Santa Claus, you can enjoy the magic of Christmas every day of the year at the Santa Claus Village and Santa Park, just eight kilometres out of town.
Hire a car at Rovaniemi Railway Station and you'll also be able to drive to the famous Arctic Snow Hotel where you can stay the night or just enjoy a meal at the Ice Restaurant. Or hike the magnificent nature trails to the waterfalls at Auttikongas, hidden away in Taiga forest.
The Arktikum, a museum and science centre devoted to the history and wildlife of Lapland and the Arctic, is essential for anyone interested in the north. If you're looking for action, Lapland Safaris offer river cruises, white water rafting and fishing through summer and snowmobiling, skiing and sled safaris in winter.
Of course, if you rent a car at Rovaniemi Railway Station, you can explore further. Ounasvaara offers over 100km of cross country tracks for hiking or cycling in summer or skiing and tobogganing in winter. Alternatively, take your kids to see arctic wildlife at its best at Ranua Wildlife Park.
