How to Spend THREE DAYS in Rovaniemi, Finland: 3-Day Summer Itinerary

Planning a trip to Rovaniemi, Finland, and not sure how to spend your days? You’re in the right place!

Most people know Rovaniemi as a winter destination, but summer might just surprise you. The Midnight Sun means it never really gets dark, and although it takes a day or two to get used to, it starts to feel normal in no time. Then you get home and realize you actually miss it! 

This 3-day itinerary packs a lot into a short trip. You’ll spend time with huskies and reindeer, go canoeing and horseback riding, explore the town, and fit in a few museums and great restaurants along the way. It’s a great mix of outdoor adventures, sightseeing, great food, and enough downtime to keep the three days from feeling rushed.

Itinerary Overview

Rovaniemi covers a pretty large area, but the town center is compact and easy to explore on foot. Most restaurants, shops, Lordi’s Square, and the main tour offices are all within walking distance of one another. Taxis come in handy for places like Ounasvaara, Santa Claus Village, and hotels outside the center. Local buses are available too, but they don’t run very often, so it’s worth checking the timetable in advance. 

🐶 Day 1: Husky Puppies & Santa Claus Village
Start with breakfast before your husky adventure, spend the afternoon exploring Santa Claus Village, then slow things down with dinner and a relaxing walk along the Kemijoki River. 

🏔️ Day 2: Hike in the Korouoma Canyon, Horseback Riding & Sauna
Ease into the day with breakfast, then choose between hiking through Korouoma Canyon or horseback riding. Grab lunch before exploring Arktikum, then end the evening with dinner and a relaxing sauna back at your hotel. 

🛶 Day 3: Reindeer, Canoes & Scenic Dinner
Kickstart your morning with a breakfast buffet before heading out on a reindeer and canoe tour through the Lappish wilderness. After lunch, spend some time exploring the town center at your own pace, then wrap up your last evening with dinner overlooking Ounasvaara. 

Day 1

Breakfast – Hostel Café Koti

We’d recommend getting an early start because there’s plenty to look forward to for your first day in the city. Hostel Café Koti is a great place to begin the day as it’s one of the official pickup points for the husky experience up next. Plan on getting here around 8 am to be ready to go by 9 am, when the tour starts!

Of course, you can always have breakfast at your hotel if you prefer and choose one of the other pickup points closer to where you’re staying. You’ll find everything from freshly baked bread, boiled eggs, cold cuts, and cheese to lighter options like yogurt, berries, homemade granola, and jam. The perfect light breakfast before you hit the road!

Morning – Meet Lapland’s huskies on a summer kennel tour

After breakfast, it’s time to leave central Rovaniemi behind and meet some of Lapland’s most famous residents! This small-group tour starts around 9 am and takes you behind the scenes at a working husky kennel, where you’ll meet the dogs, learn how they’re trained and cared for during the snow-free months, and see what life looks like when they aren’t pulling sleds.

The guided kennel experience lasts around two hours, but allow closer to three hours once transfers are included. We loved getting such a close look at kennel life and meeting dogs at different stages of their lives, from energetic working huskies to retirees enjoying a slower pace. You might even get to meet some puppies!

When temperatures are below 15°C (59°F), you may also get to experience a short husky cart ride through the forest. Since the dogs can easily overheat, this is entirely weather-dependent, and we appreciated seeing their welfare put first.

The tour generally runs from June through August and is very easygoing, making it suitable for families with young children. Wear comfortable outdoor clothes that can get a little dirty, closed-toe shoes, and bring a light waterproof layer.

Once the tour wraps up, you’re heading to Santa Claus Village for lunch. Ask your guide whether you can be dropped at the Joulumaantie stop to avoid backtracking. Otherwise, return to Rovaniemi and take Bus 8 for around 25 minutes or grab a taxi, which takes roughly 10–15 minutes. Summer bus schedules change, so check the Linkkari timetable before you go.

Lunch – Piparina Day Cabins & Dining

If there’s one thing we’ve learned after tours that last more than a few hours, it’s that we always end up hungry. Luckily, lunch is at Piparina Day Cabins & Dining, right in the heart of Santa Claus Village, so you won’t have to walk far.

This relaxed outdoor restaurant is surrounded by life-sized gingerbread cabins, which is exactly what you’d hope to find in Santa Claus Village. Food here is cooked over an open fire, and you can really taste the difference. If you like fish, we’d definitely recommend the glow-fried salmon. 

We also loved the sautéed reindeer wrap, but if you’re after something meat-free, the vegan fava bean wrap with vegan tzatziki is just as good. And don’t leave without trying dessert! The gingerbread filled with vanilla mousse is a chef’s kiss! 

The restaurant is open seasonally, so check the official restaurant page before you go to make sure the times line up! Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi is another solid option next door, in case it’s closed.

From here, getting to your next activity is easy. Santa Claus Village is compact and easy to explore on foot, with the Arctic Circle line, Santa Claus Office, Main Post Office, and the village shops all just a short walk away.

Afternoon – Cross the Arctic Circle at Santa Claus Village

Now that you’ve had lunch, it’s time to properly explore Santa Claus Village! While it’s best known as a winter attraction, we actually think it’s just as much fun in the summer. With fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and maybe even the Midnight Sun, you can enjoy the Christmas magic without needing to bundle up in five layers first.

We recommend allowing around three hours here, which gives you enough time to hit the highlights, browse the shops, and meet Santa without feeling rushed.

Cross the Arctic Circle

One of the biggest highlights is crossing the Arctic Circle, which runs right through the middle of the village. There’s a clearly marked line where you can step across one of the world’s most famous lines of latitude, making it a must-have photo during your visit.

It’s completely free to cross, although you can pay extra for an official Arctic Circle certificate if you want a souvenir to prove you did it! It’s also a pretty special place to stand, as the Arctic Circle marks the southernmost latitude where the sun can remain above the horizon for 24 hours around the summer solstice.

Meet Santa Claus

Of course, no visit would be complete without meeting Santa himself! Best of all, Santa is here every day of the year, not just at Christmas, and both admission to his office and the meeting itself are completely free.

Professional photos and videos aren’t included, though, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you want something more polished than the memories.

Summer tends to be much calmer than winter, but Santa is understandably a popular guy! There can still be a wait to meet him during busy periods, so having around three hours in the village gives you some useful wiggle room.

Send a postcard from Santa Claus’ Main Post Office

Next, make your way to Santa Claus’ Main Post Office. Sending a postcard from the Arctic Circle is one of those touristy things that’s absolutely worth doing, especially since it comes with a special Arctic Circle postmark.

You can normally choose to have your postcard sent straight away or held for delivery around Christmas. You could even send one to yourself for a fun surprise later! Before leaving, save some time to browse the Finnish design, souvenir, and Christmas shops.

Santa Claus Village is open year-round, although individual attractions have seasonal hours. During the main summer period, Santa Claus Office and the Main Post Office generally stay open until around 6 pm, so you should have plenty of time with this itinerary.

Once you’ve crossed the Arctic Circle, met Santa, and probably bought more Christmas souvenirs than planned, it’s time to head back to central Rovaniemi. Bus 8 takes around 25 minutes, and from the Ruokasenkatu stop it’s a short walk to Roka Street Bistro. Alternatively, a taxi takes around 10–15 minutes. You can head straight to dinner or, after a busy day of huskies and Christmas festivities, stop at your hotel for a quick rest first.

Dinner – Roka Street Bistro

Aim to arrive at Roka Street Bistro around 6 pm for a relaxed dinner. Whether you’ve come straight from Santa Claus Village or squeezed in a quick hotel break, you’ll still have plenty of time afterward for an evening stroll along the waterfront before calling it a night.

This is a small, laid-back bistro that takes classic Finnish ingredients and gives them a modern street-food twist. The menu is packed with delicious options, so it’s hard to choose. We went for the Finnish salmon soup with toasted archipelago bread, but the reindeer sandwich looked just as good if that’s more your thing. 

This cozy little restaurant is worth reserving a table or arriving a little early. And since it’s open daily, it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule!

Evening – Take a relaxed walk along the Kemijoki River

After dinner, don’t feel like you have to squeeze in another attraction. You’ve packed a lot into your first day already, so this evening is all about slowing things down. From Roka Street Bistro, wander over to the Kemijoki River and follow the waterfront toward the Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge. It’s one of Rovaniemi’s best-known landmarks and looks especially nice once the lights come on in the evening.

Cross the bridge for views back toward the city or simply keep following the riverside paths for as long as you feel like it. Around 30 to 60 minutes is usually plenty, but if you’re enjoying the walk, keep going. There’s no rush.

If you’re visiting in June or early July, the Midnight Sun keeps everything bright well into the evening. Even later in the summer, you’ll still have hours of daylight left to enjoy.

For a more relaxed end to the day, head to Uitto Pub for a drink instead. It’s a great little spot in downtown and stays open until midnight.

Day 2

Breakfast – Espresso House Sampokeskus Rovaniemi 

Another day, another adventure. Start it with breakfast and a coffee at Espresso House Sampokeskus Rovaniemi inside the Sampokeskus shopping center. Of course, breakfast at your hotel is always an option, but eating alongside the locals beats a hotel dining room every time (at least for us!). 

This place has cozy seating, super friendly staff, and is a nice spot to ease into the morning before another busy day. On the menu, you’ll find everything from fresh sandwiches and filled rolls to pastries, cinnamon buns, yogurt, and, of course, absolutely fantastic specialty coffee.

It opens daily at 7 am, so there’s plenty of time before either of today’s activities. Around 30 to 45 minutes is all you’ll need before it’s time to head off.

The horseback tour includes pickup from central Rovaniemi, while the Korouoma Canyon tour collects guests from selected accommodations. Either way, check your confirmation email for the exact pickup location and time.

Morning/Afternoon Option 1 – Hike through Korouoma Canyon

If there’s one summer day trip from Rovaniemi you shouldn’t miss, it’s this Korouoma Canyon hike. This is the longer of today’s two options, starting at 9 am and lasting around seven hours, so expect it to take up most of your day.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you’ll travel around 1.5 hours in a comfortable 4×4 to Korouoma Nature Reserve. Make sure you’re waiting in your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before your confirmed pickup time.

We loved this tour because it shows you a completely different side of Finnish Lapland. The guided 4–6 kilometer (about 2.5–3.5-mile) hike takes you through dense forest, open areas, and along sections of the canyon floor, with rugged cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and panoramic views along the way. The terrain can be uneven, so you’ll need a moderate level of fitness, but your guide allows plenty of opportunities to rest, take photos, and learn about the surrounding landscape.

Another big plus is the small group, which keeps the experience feeling personal. And since transportation and a guide are included, there’s no need to hire a car or worry about navigating the trails yourself. You’ll also stop at a designated campfire site for a traditional Lapland barbecue with grilled sausages and hot drinks.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes and comfortable layers, and bring a waterproof jacket, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. You should get back around 4 pm, so it’s a full day, but absolutely worth it for a proper taste of Lapland’s summer wilderness. And with hundreds of five-star reviews, we’re clearly not the only ones who think so!

Morning/Early Afternoon Option 2 – Explore the Finnish forest on horseback

Not much of a hiker? No problem! This horseback riding experience offers a completely different way to explore Lapland’s forests, taking you away from Rovaniemi to a small family-run farm and onto peaceful trails on horseback. Starting around 9 am, the experience lasts approximately five hours, including round-trip transfers from central Rovaniemi.

You’ll travel for around an hour to Kotatuli Farm near Marrasjärvi, where you’ll meet your four-legged companion and help groom and prepare them before setting off. The guided ride lasts around 1.5 hours, taking you along peaceful forest trails and open paths through the Lapland countryside. With the landscape at its greenest, summer is an especially beautiful time to explore, and you may even spot moose or reindeer along the way!

The ride can be adapted to suit the group’s experience levels, so no previous riding experience is required, although you’ll need a moderate level of fitness. With a maximum of just three travelers, it’s also a really personal experience with plenty of attention from your guide. Riding helmets and suitable boots are provided.

After your ride, you’ll return to the farm to care for your horse before enjoying a relaxed 30-minute break with snacks included.

You should arrive back in central Rovaniemi at around 2 pm, just in time to head to Café & Bar 21 for lunch before continuing with the rest of today’s itinerary.

Lunch – Café & Bar 21

Lunch at Café & Bar 21 is only for those choosing the horseback riding option. We recommend getting here around 2 pm, as soon as you’re back from your tour. After a few hours on horseback, you’ll definitely have worked up an appetite!

This colorful, laid-back café is best known for its sweet and savory waffles, although there are plenty of other options if you’re after something a little more filling. We loved the crispy chicken waffle, but you can’t go wrong with the jacket potato with salmon, or any of their salads either. If you’re vegan, the miso-marinated cauliflower and tofu waffle is well worth trying too.

And if you still have room, treat yourself to one of the sweet waffles. Choose from toppings like seasonal berries, vanilla gelato, chocolate, banana, and rhubarb compote (narrowing it down is the hardest part!). The café opens at 11 am from Monday to Saturday and noon on Sundays, so timing shouldn’t be an issue. 

Your next stop is Arktikum, just a 15-minute walk through central Rovaniemi. Or hop in a taxi if you’d rather not walk. It’s only about 5 minutes. 

Afternoon – Learn all about Arctic life at Arktikum

If you’re doing the horseback riding tour today, this is what comes next. After lunch, spend the next couple of hours at Arktikum. We came away with a much better understanding of what life in the Arctic is really like, and it’s well worth making time for. 

This is Rovaniemi’s main museum and Arctic science center, with exhibitions about the environment, history, cultures, and changing conditions of Finnish Lapland and the wider Arctic. You’ll learn about everything from Sámi culture and Arctic wildlife to northern nature and how Rovaniemi was almost destroyed during World War II before being rebuilt. One of the first things you’ll notice is the museum’s long glass corridor, which stretches north toward the Arctic and has become one of its most recognizable features.

Admission is €22 for adults, with discounted tickets available for some visitors. Arktikum is open from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. If your Day 2 falls on a Monday, it’s best to swap this visit with Day 3 or enjoy a slower afternoon exploring central Rovaniemi instead.

Once you’re done, you can walk to Arctic Restaurant in around 17 minutes. However, with dinner planned for 7 pm, there should also be enough time to head back to your hotel and freshen up first if you’d prefer.

Dinner – Arctic Restaurant

Whichever adventure you chose today, plan to have dinner at Arctic Restaurant around 7 pm. If you spent the afternoon at Arktikum, you’ll have time to head back to your hotel and freshen up first. Korouoma hikers should also have a couple of hours to rest after getting back to Rovaniemi around 4 pm. Arctic Restaurant is inside the Arctic Light Hotel, and we recommend booking ahead, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

This place specializes in modern dishes made with northern ingredients, making it a great fit for this itinerary. Their current summer menu has lots to choose from, whether you’re in the mood for slow-braised reindeer neck, king prawns, or pasta with crayfish sauce. You can eat inside the atmospheric dining room or ask for a table on the terrace if the weather’s nice. 

Dinner doesn’t have to end the night, though. You can stay for a cocktail, wine, beer, or something alcohol-free and enjoy Rovaniemi’s long summer light. Otherwise, head back to your hotel and finish the day with a relaxing Finnish sauna.

Evening – Unwind with a Finnish sauna

After dinner, head back to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening in the sauna. Yes, the famous Finnish sauna! After a busy day like today, it’s hard to think of a better way to unwind.

You’ll find a sauna in most hotels around Rovaniemi, although every property does things a little differently. Some include sauna access in the room rate, others ask you to book a time slot, and some might even charge a small extra fee. It’s worth checking with reception when you arrive so you know what to expect.

If it’s your first sauna, don’t overthink it. Sit back and relax, stay for 10 minutes or a little longer, and enjoy it. You’ll be glad you took it easy tonight because tomorrow brings one last morning of adventure.

Day 3

Breakfast – Arctic City Hotel

It’s your last morning in Rovaniemi, so make the most of it with breakfast at Arctic City Hotel, where the buffet is served inside Restaurant Monte Rosa. Of course, breakfast at your hotel is always an option, but if you’re joining today’s tour, this is a really convenient place to start the day.

Expect everything from hot breakfast dishes and fresh pastries to bread, fruit, porridge, and a few local specialties. Dietary requirements are well catered for too, so there’s a good chance you’ll find something you like, no matter your cravings. 

Breakfast is served from 7 am to 10 am Monday to Friday and from 8 am to 11 am on weekends. It’s worth reserving a table, especially during busy periods, as hotel guests get priority.

Once you’ve finished breakfast, getting to your morning tour is nice and easy. The meeting point is only a short walk away, so you can take your time over that last cup of coffee before heading out! If you’re eating at your own hotel instead, simply arrange pickup for the morning tour.

Morning – Meet reindeer and canoe through the Lappish wilderness 

Your final morning in Rovaniemi is all about reindeer, peaceful lakes, and one last taste of the Lappish wilderness! This laid-back experience starts around 9 am and lasts roughly four hours, so you’ll be back in Rovaniemi around 1 pm with plenty of time for lunch and an afternoon exploring the city.

Getting there couldn’t be easier! If you had breakfast at Arctic City Hotel, it’s just a couple of minutes on foot to the Wild About Lapland office on Rovakatu 24. If you’re staying outside the center, pickup may be available from your accommodation, although properties 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) or more away may cost extra. Your exact pickup time, usually 5–30 minutes before the tour, will be emailed the day before.

Then it’s off to a family-run reindeer farm beside a peaceful lake! You’ll meet the reindeer up close, feed them lichen, and learn what life is like for a modern herder and how these adorable animals are cared for year-round.

Next, swap reindeer for paddles and head out onto the lake! Canoeing through the quiet Lappish wilderness was one of our favorite parts of the morning. Beginners are welcome too, with basic instruction and a relaxed pace making it easy to enjoy.

Since this is a small group tour, the whole experience feels relaxed and personal. You’ll finish with hot drinks and cookies before returning to Rovaniemi around 1 pm, just in time to head to Kauppayhtiö for a well-earned lunch!

Lunch – Kauppayhtiö

With your tour wrapping up around 1 pm, it’s time to head for lunch. Kauppayhtiö is a casual restaurant with colorful pop and street art covering the walls. We love this place because it serves burgers, but not your average burgers. 

If you’ve ever wanted to try a reindeer burger, this is the place to do it. There are lots of other options too, including veggie burgers, custom salads, and wood-fired pizzas later in the day.

We went for the Blue Cheese Burger and the Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Burger. You can also swap to a gluten-free bun for a small extra charge. 

The restaurant opens at 11 am from Tuesday to Friday and 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s closed on Mondays, so if that’s when you’re visiting, you’ll need to choose another lunch spot in central Rovaniemi. Once you’ve finished lunch, you’re already in the heart of Rovaniemi, so you can head straight out and start exploring the city on foot.

Afternoon – Explore downtown Rovaniemi  

Rovaniemi covers a huge area, but the town center is compact and easy to get around, which is one of the things we liked most about it. Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the town center. That still leaves plenty of time to head back to your hotel for a short break before dinner. 

Start at Lordi’s Square, the city’s main pedestrian square. Oddly enough, it was named after the Finnish band Lordi following their 2006 Eurovision win. Once there, keep an eye out for the band’s handprints, which make for a cool photo. 

From there, stroll through the surrounding pedestrian streets and pop into Sampokeskus, home to clothing stores, cafés, and a handful of useful shops. Once you’ve had a look around, continue to Rinteenkulma Shopping Center, just a short walk away and connected by an indoor walkway.

While you’re exploring, leave a little time to browse the souvenir shops. You’ll find everything from locally made gifts and Finnish design products to outdoor clothing and Lapland-themed keepsakes. If shopping isn’t really your thing, grab a coffee at Coffee House Rovaniemi, right in the center of town.

Whenever you’re ready, return to your hotel for a quick rest before dinner. From there, it’s only about a 10-minute taxi ride to Sky Kitchen & View restaurant. 

Dinner/Evening – Sky Kitchen & View

For your last evening in Rovaniemi, we’re sending you to Sky Kitchen & View, inside Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. It’s one of the pricier restaurants in this itinerary, but we think it’s worth saving for your final night. 

The menu takes local Lappish ingredients and gives them a more modern twist. The pan-fried pike perch with smoked butter sauce and mushrooms is definitely worth trying, and the lemon and pea risotto with pine seeds is a great meat-free option. If you feel like making your last dinner in Lapland a little more special, the restaurant also offers a six-course surprise menu. 

Whatever you choose, save room for dessert. The sea buckthorn ice cream with licorice cream and macadamia cake was unlike anything we’d tried before. 

Try to book a table for around 7 pm and ask for one by the panoramic windows overlooking Ounasvaara. If the weather’s nice, head up to the rooftop terrace for a drink. It’s a lovely way to round off your last evening in Rovaniemi.  

When you’re ready to head back, the restaurant or hotel reception can arrange a taxi to central Rovaniemi. The drive takes around 10 minutes. 

Related Read: Looking for more activities to fill your time? Check out our blog on the best things to do in Rovaniemi in the summer for our top recommendations.

Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

Now that you’ve got plenty of ideas for your summer itinerary, the next step is finding the perfect place to stay. Prices here definitely aren’t cheap, especially during peak summer months, but the good news is that Rovaniemi has some truly fabulous accommodations. Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime Lapland trip or just want something cozy and convenient, you can make your stay as luxurious or as budget-friendly as you like.

To make choosing easier, we’ve rounded up our top picks for every budget below:

Luxury – $$$

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is one of the most memorable places to stay in Rovaniemi, offering cozy suites with huge picture windows that look straight into the forest and sometimes the northern lights. The Nordic-style rooms come with a minibar, coffee maker, plush robes, and a private entrance, creating a warm retreat after winter adventures. 

Guests love the peaceful location near SantaPark, along with the on-site restaurant, bar, and helpful concierge service that can arrange husky safaris, reindeer tours, and sauna experiences. Winter rates usually go for €850–€1,500+ per night—check Booking.com for the best prices!

Mid-range – $$

Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara is a fantastic pick for travelers who want nature, views, and easy access to summer activities. Set on top of Ounasvaara Fell, this hotel overlooks Rovaniemi and the Kemijoki River valley, with direct access to scenic walking trails. Many rooms even come with a private sauna.

The award-winning Restaurant Sky Ounasvaara is another highlight, serving Lappish and international dishes with panoramic floor-to-ceiling views. Guests also enjoy the cozy lobby bar, fireplace, and spacious rooftop terrace for northern lights spotting. 

Rooms here range from around €360–€800 per night in summer. Browse availability and current rates on Booking.com!

Budget – $

Hostel Café Koti is a bright, stylish, and surprisingly cozy budget-friendly stay right in the heart of Rovaniemi. Rooms and dorms feature clean Scandinavian design, and guests can choose between private bathrooms or shared facilities. The hostel has a fully equipped communal kitchen, a comfy lounge, and even a Finnish sauna—an impressive perk for this price range.

Its central location is a major highlight: shops, cafés, and museums are all within walking distance, and Santa Claus Village is just 8 kilometers (5 miles) away. Summer rates typically start around €150 per night for rooms and just €32 per night for a bed in a dorm room. Check Booking.com for current deals!

For even more great accommodations, check out all of Rovaniemi’s hotels listed here!

Thanks for reading!

Rovaniemi in the summer is truly a magical place! Three days is just enough time to get outside, enjoy downtown, and create some travel memories that will stick with you for a long time.

Before you take off, check out our other Europe travel blogs. We have lots of resources to inspire your next destination and help you plan your trip. Here are a few related blogs you might be interested in – cheers!

How to Spend THREE DAYS in Rovaniemi, Finland in Winter: 3-Day Itinerary

How to Spend ONE or TWO DAYS in Helsinki, Finland: 1 or 2-Day Itinerary

Where to Stay in Bergen, Norway: 2 Best Areas & Hotels