Rovaniemi is a good base for day trips, because the region around it has a surprising range of landscapes within two hours by road. The town is a transport hub, the roads are well maintained and many tours depart daily in winter. The challenge is not finding something to do but choosing what to leave out. This guide ranks the best day trips by what they offer, how far they are and when they work best, so you can pick one or two that suit your interests and your energy.
Ranua Wildlife Park
About an hour south-east, Ranua is a zoo devoted to northern animals, including brown bears, lynx, wolverines, elk and polar bears. It is open in all seasons, and it suits families, animal lovers and anyone who wants a gentle day out. Tours often include transfers, so you need not drive on winter roads. It is also a good rainy-day plan, since walkways let you see the animals in short stretches, with cafe breaks in between.
Korouoma Canyon and Auttiköngäs Falls
About two hours east, the Korouoma canyon is a deep gorge with cliffs, forest and, in winter, frozen waterfalls that glow blue and white. Guided hikes lead along the canyon edge to the best viewpoints, and many include a lunch cooked over a fire. Visit in January to March for the frozen falls. In summer and autumn the canyon is green or golden, and the river rapids at Auttiköngäs are at their most powerful.
Riisitunturi National Park
Further south-east, in the Posio area, Riisitunturi is famous for its snow-laden spruces, sometimes called snow monsters. The walk is steady and scenic, and the day is long, so it suits active travellers. It is at its best in midwinter, from about January to March.
Luosto and the amethyst mine
About an hour and a half to the north-east, Luosto offers an amethyst mine and the rounded fells of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. The mine is underground, which makes it a useful choice on a stormy day, and the area is quieter than the Santa Claus Village. It suits couples, families with school-age children and those interested in geology.
The icebreaker coast
Roughly an hour and a half to two hours south, the Gulf of Bothnia freezes in winter, and icebreaker cruises sail through the ice. Some departures include a float in a thermal suit. The season depends on the ice, so aim for midwinter to early spring. The day is long, and the cold is serious, but the experience is unlike anything else in the region.
How to choose
Pick one big day trip for every three or four nights of your stay. Mix the days, so that a long excursion is followed by a lighter one closer to town. If you have only three nights, Ranua or Korouoma is a good choice. With four or five nights, add Riisitunturi, Luosto or the coast. Keep one evening free for a Northern Lights hunt, and do not schedule a long day trip after an aurora night if you can avoid it.
Practicalities
Winter roads are well ploughed, but conditions can change quickly, and daylight is short from November to January. Tours handle the driving and know when to turn back, which is a strong reason to book a guided day rather than rent a car. Dress in layers, carry snacks and water and bring a charger for your phone. Ask each operator about pickup times, lunch arrangements and what happens if conditions are poor.
Self-driving
If you rent a car, make sure it has winter tyres, and allow extra time for snowy stretches. Fuel stations can be far apart in the north, so fill up before you leave. Mobile coverage is generally good, but there are gaps in remote areas, so tell someone your plan. Moose and reindeer can wander onto the road, especially at dusk, so drive carefully and keep your speed down.
Sample plans
For a four-night stay, try Santa Claus Village and SantaPark on day one, a husky or reindeer safari on day two, Korouoma or Riisitunturi on day three and a lazy morning followed by Arktikum and an aurora hunt on day four. For a five-night stay, add Ranua or the icebreaker coast. Leave at least one evening unscheduled, since cloudy nights may force you to postpone the Northern Lights hunt, and an empty evening gives you a second chance.