Rovaniemi in Autumn
Travel Diaries 2024
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Upon arriving in Rovaniemi, I picked up my Green Motion Finland rental car and made my way to Santa Claus Holiday Village. I was grateful for the short commute while driving a manual on the wrong side of the road in a foreign country after travelling for 2.5 days! I was sensing some regret when I sat in the drivers seat to find that it was manual, it was just another thing I had to think about when driving. I talked to myself a lot and reminded myself to stay right! When we were here in 2022/23, we did the same thing. If in doubt, turn right and stay right. I have two more weeks of that and hundreds of kms to do so I’m sure I’ll have it down pat by the time I am done!
Check-in was smooth and exciting! It is my second visit to Santa Claus Village and I’m 43 and I was still excited to be at Santa’s home! There were some backpackers (late 20s-early 30s) who just got off the bus at the same time and they were all so excited, too. It is amazing to finally step foot in this place when you have been planning it for so long. It’s one of those pinch yourself moments.
Once I got into my room, I did a quick photoshoot of my cottage to share on my Instagram page and had a well overdue shower before heading out. I was seriously unprepared for the length of my travel. I didn’t even think about it prior to going. Even the full day in Singapore and how hot I would be with a long stopover at Jewel Changi. It felt great to be clean. I would definitely pack a change of clothes next time.
It was time to wander! It was only eight degrees celsius outside so I rugged up! I went straight for the Village Central Square, passing by Three Elves Restaurant igloos and Snowman World, places I remember well from when we were there in winter. It all looked so different, but the same, too. As I continued into the square, it really felt like a walk down memory lane. I can honestly say, hand on my heart, that trip was probably the best I’ve ever done. We had the most incredible Christmas in Lapland together. We knew it was great at the time but I think being back there was such a significant realisation.
I called my Dad from the main square and spoke to him in front of the live webcam while talking to him on Messenger video. He couldn’t see me on the web cam because we were on the call! Anyway, it was novel and fun so we did it! I am planning to call the boys tomorrow. They will love seeing me there.
It truly is a beautiful place! I realise it is called Santa Claus Village for a reason but I have to admit I wondered whether it would lose it’s Christmas feel outside the snowy season – it doesn’t. It was just as exciting to be there. I know people are reluctant to travel to Lapland in seasons outside winter but if they’re after a Christmas buzz, it really does exist any time of year here.
One of the things I have been most looking forward to about this trip was seeing the autumn colours and getting out into nature. I spent a good hour wandering through the forest just next to SCHV. The trails are used and open year round. You can walk, mountain bike or cross country ski in winter.
Dinner was great. I ate at Three Elves Restaurant. I ordered a reindeer burger and a Karhu Beer. They brought bread complimentary which was nice. The beer was a pint, I didn’t order that, it was just the only option. I didn’t argue. My meal was delicious and the vibe in the restaurant is great. It was an easy place to sit for a while. There is also a bar and lounge chairs if you just want to go in for a drink. I did some more research and planning while I ate. I then returned to my cottage and enjoyed the heated floor to stretch out a bit. It wasn’t long before my head hit the pillow as I was very tired!!
The following day I woke up and wandered over to the Christmas House for my buffet breakfast. It was good. One of the highlights was the smoked salmon! If you are a smoked salmon lover, then you will love this treat throughout Finland!
I got myself organised and headed out for a bit of a hike. I was pretty conscious and cautious on the roads. It does take a bit of a toll driving on the “wrong” side of the road. I set Google Maps and just did what they told me to do! Worse case scenario, I had do a u-turn and go back. Not really a big deal.
I made it to Ounasvarra Nature Trail car park. It was raining so I had prepared myself with waterproof clothes and a beanie to keep me warm. The trail was well marked and easy to follow. It is open year round and has marked tracks for the Nature Trail for hikers as well as the Nordic Trail for Nordic skiing (cross country skiing). The trail I did was 5.5km and relatively easy, I think it would be well manageable in winter. One thing I did note was the very sturdy boardwalk along the track. It was very handy as there were a number of boggy areas underfoot.
Following my walk, I made my way into Rovaniemi town centre. I wanted to buy some groceries and just have a wander around in the daylight, without snow. I parked just nearby to the sled hill in the centre of town, which was also just down the road from where we stayed in Rovaniemi in 2022. Of course, I had to walk past and send a picture to the family.
I reminded myself of some grocery shopping lessons and then made my way back to the car only to find I had a parking fine!! I was so annoyed because I didn’t know why! I had parked in a 2h section and had only been an hour and a half. I contacted Visit Rovaniemi to find out why this happened and they explained it to me. At least now I can share with others how not to get a parking fine in Lapland!
Once I got over the fact that I had a parking fine, I went to visit a business I had been following for quite a while – Roiske – who had generously offered our followers a discount on their winter products. They were doing works on the place at the time of my visit so I wasn’t in a position to use their facilities. I am looking forward to re-visiting one day in the winter.
Finally, for the day, I took an early mark. Went back to Santa Claus Holiday Village and enjoyed an easy dinner in my cabin… and a sauna, of course!
The next morning, I was up and at it, had breakfast and ready to hit the road towards Posio, with a slight detour to Korouoma Canyon for a hike!
Erin Parker is a Finnish Lapland specialist, women’s adventure host and founder of Lapland Lowdown & Travel Her Way. She has travelled six continents and brings first-hand experience to every destination she writes about – from the Arctic wilderness of Finnish Lapland to the high Andes of Peru. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Erin helps long-haul travellers plan extraordinary Finnish Lapland adventures and leads small group trips for women who are ready to explore the world boldly.
