Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and sits right on the Arctic Circle. It is the official hometown of Santa Claus, and in April there is usually still snow. We arrived on the night train from Helsinki and stayed two days. It was here, at a reindeer farm, that Richie asked André to marry him, and we said yes.

Getting there

We took the overnight sleeper train from Helsinki: you go to sleep in the city and wake up in Lapland.

Where to Sleep?

We stayed at Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara, on top of Ounasvaara hill, looking over Rovaniemi and the forest.

Day 1 - Huskies, reindeer and snowmobiles

Our first day was a full day tour that combines the three most popular activities in Lapland. It lasts about seven hours, with pick-up and drop-off at the hotel, and thermal overalls, boots, helmets and balaclavas are provided.

1. The husky farm

We started at a local husky farm, meeting the dogs, and then a sled ride of about a kilometer through the snowy forest trails, led by professional mushers.

2. The reindeer farm

Next came a traditional reindeer farm, with a peaceful 500 meter sleigh ride pulled by a reindeer, and our very own reindeer driving licence.. This is where Richie asked André to marry him.

3. Lunch

Halfway through the day we warmed up with a Finnish buffet lunch.

4. Snowmobiles

The afternoon ended with a 45 minute to one hour snowmobile ride across the snowy Arctic landscape. Two people share each snowmobile and can swap driving at the break. You need a valid driving licence to drive.

Tip: In 2026 this kind of combined tour costs around €290 per person with a shared snowmobile. Book ahead, and be on time for the pick-up, because if you miss it there is no refund.

Dinner at the hotel

To celebrate, we had dinner at our hotel, Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara. It was an amazing experience, with king crab, reindeer and berries from Lapland.

Day 2 - The Santa Claus Village

The next day we went to the Santa Claus Village, a few kilometers north of Rovaniemi, right on the Arctic Circle, and saw everything there is to see:

• The Arctic Circle line, painted on the ground, so you can step from one side to the other.
• Santa Claus Office, where you can meet Santa himself, every day of the year.

• Santa Claus Main Post Office, where letters from all over the world arrive. You can send a postcard with the special Arctic Circle postmark.
• Shops, restaurants and plenty of Christmas spirit, whatever the month.

Entrance to the village is free.

Going home

In the evening we took the night train back to Helsinki, and from there the flight home to Porto, engaged.