Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi serves as the administrative capital and commercial hub of Finland’s Lapland region. Located approximately 800 km north of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, Rovaniemi has evolved over the past few decades into a bustling town with a population of over 61,000 residents. It is also the educational heart of Lapland, hosting two universities: the University of Lapland, the northernmost university in Finland and the European Union, and the Lapland University of Applied Sciences, headquartered in the city. Situated on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi attracts over 400,000 tourists annually from around the globe, drawn by its unique location and Arctic charm.

Course venue
LIFE venue is at the Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, and you can stay the last night of the event in a Showhotel or Glass igloo watching the Northern Lights.
Please note that the venue address provided is a preliminary location for our upcoming course. The trainer will confirm the final venue address and provide detailed instructions on how to reach it before the course begins. 

Did you know?

  • Rovaniemi, located in Finnish Lapland, is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, and you can meet him year-round at Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle.
  • The city lies at the confluence of two rivers, the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for river activities like canoeing and fishing.
  • Rovaniemi is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights, with over 200 potential aurora sightings a year during the dark season.
  • The city was rebuilt after being nearly destroyed during World War II, with its modern design inspired by reindeer antlers, created by renowned Finnish architect Alvar Aalto.
  • The Arktikum Science Museum in Rovaniemi provides an immersive experience into Arctic life, showcasing Lapland’s history, culture, and nature.

Accommodations

Another excellent option is the Economy Hotel Rudolf, located just 600 meters from the main venue. Alternatively, you can choose Forenom’s modern apartment building, only 100 meters from the venue.

As January is peak season in Rovaniemi, we highly recommend booking your accommodation as soon as possible. All reservations should be made directly with the hotel, hostel, apartment, or igloo provider.

Looking for a truly unforgettable experience? Consider spending your final night in one of Rovaniemi’s unique Snow Hotels or Igloos:

  • Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle
  • Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
  • Igloo Hotel

Other accommodation options in the city center:

Hotel Arctic Light

Hotel Aakenus

Scandic Polar

City Hotel

Sokos Hotel Vaakuna

Hotel Santa Claus

Keep your mind fresh with
local attractions

Experience Rovaniemi and its attractions

LIFE unfolds right by the Arctic Circle in the city of Rovaniemi, famously known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. During the event, you’ll have the unique chance to meet him in person and enjoy a variety of incredible winter adventures. Located approximately 800 km north of Helsinki, the capital of Finland, Rovaniemi has grown over the past decades into a vibrant city with a population of over 61,000.

As the educational hub of Lapland, Rovaniemi is home to two universities: the University of Lapland, the northernmost university in Finland and the European Union, and Lapland University of Applied Sciences, headquartered in the city.

Rovaniemi’s extraordinary location on the Arctic Circle draws more than 400,000 visitors annually from across the globe. For more information about the city, visit www.rovaniemi.fi.

Make your trip unforgettable by spending your final night in a Snow Hotel or Igloo. Tervetuloa! (Welcome!)

Connections

Despite its northern location, Rovaniemi is well-connected to the world. The easiest way to reach Rovaniemi from abroad is via a one-hour flight from Helsinki. Finnair and Norwegian operate daily flights between Rovaniemi and Helsinki throughout the year. Additionally, many airlines now offer direct flights to Rovaniemi, such as Norwegian, which connects the city with London and Berlin.

Train:
If flights between Helsinki and Rovaniemi are unavailable or inconvenient, the night train with a sleeping compartment offers an exotic and economical alternative. This option allows you to travel comfortably overnight without needing an extra hotel night in Helsinki or Rovaniemi. Two night trains run daily, and daytime trains provide a scenic journey through Finland. The railway station is about 1.5 kilometers from the city center.

Getting from the Airport/Railway Station to Hotels:

  • Buses: There are reliable bus connections from the airport to the city center, hotels, Santa Park, and nearby holiday and ski resorts.
    • Kutilan Liikenne operates routes between the airport and the Pyhä-Luosto ski resort.
    • Some regional resorts arrange airport transportation for their guests.
    • Public transport schedules for buses and trains are available on VR (trains) and Matkahuolto (buses) websites.
  • Airport Express Bus: This bus connects the airport with the city center, stopping at all major hotels and the bus station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes, and the bus departs after every flight arrival. Check with your hotel reception for pickup times for return trips to the airport.
  • Airport Taxi: Shared taxi services are available at the airport upon flight arrivals. These taxis operate within the city and nearby areas, pooling passengers traveling in the same direction.
  • Regular Taxi: Finnish taxis are reliable and accept credit cards. Key taxi services in Rovaniemi include:

Car Rentals:
For those wanting to explore the surrounding areas and Lapland independently, all major car rental companies have offices in Rovaniemi. Renting a car is an excellent option for travelers seeking flexibility and adventure.

Catering options

Your KA1 grant budget covers accommodation, including meals. Many course venues are equipped with school restaurants where you can enjoy nutritious school lunches. If you prefer, you are welcome to bring your own lunch to the venue, and we’ll ensure you have a comfortable space to enjoy it. Vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free meal options are widely available in most schools, catering to diverse dietary needs.

Each course includes relaxing coffee breaks and tea sessions, offering opportunities to recharge and connect. We also encourage you to bring something from your culture to share, making these moments a delightful cultural exchange experience.