Page 61 - Tourism Diary

rest and grill some makkara (sausage). Some of the The Arctic Circle is the best region to try many winter
best places for hiking in Rovaniemi are Ounasvaara, activities! Downhill skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing,
Santa Claus Village forests, Kuninkaanlaavu in dog and reindeer sledding, skiing, ice swimming…
Santavaara, and The Arctic Circle hiking area. If The list goes on and on! Finns appreciate the great
you’re up for a day trip, Pyhä-Luosto national park is outdoors of their land and the best thing to do after
only a 1.5-hour drive from Rovaniemi. Remember to enjoying it all is to step into a steaming hot sauna.
dress accordingly! Hiking is the most ideal activity to What makes the sauna so special to Finns is the fact
explore Rovaniemi in winter. that the steam room of today was originally invented
in Finland.

The Arctic Circle
About one-third of Finland is north of the Arctic The City of Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
circle and it’s one of the most northern countries in One of the best things about Rovaniemi is the nature
the world. It is also geographically remote. It’s not a that surrounds the city. But there are plenty of things
surprise that the famous Santa Claus Village is located to do within the city as well. The best times to visit are
in Rovaniemi. In case you didn’t know, Santa Claus winter and summer when you can either experience
is originally from Finland. Here you can meet him the snowy Christmas in Finland or the warm
and many of his elves, and take a sleigh ride with summertime. I already mentioned the polar night,
his reindeer or even with his huskies! You can take when it’s dark for 52 days straight. However, during
a tour around the village for free, but if you wish to summer the sun doesn’t set at all. Which means that
participate in activities, most of them come with a the sky is bright even in the middle of the night. So if
price tag. you are visiting Finland in summer, you might want to
make sure your accommodation has thick curtains to
keep out the light.
There are many cozy cafes, restaurants, and pubs along
with interesting museums, shops, and galleries. Many
of them are within a walking distance from the center.
Ounasjoki river flows near the center and is one of the
most beautiful boardwalks in Finland. Across the river
stands Jätkänkynttilä Bridge. It was the first cable-
stayed bridge built in Finland. Jätkänkynttilä is one of
the main landmarks of Rovaniemi.
Rovaniemi is a very unique place and definitely worth
visiting. I invite you to explore Rovaniemi in winter
and enjoy the beautiful nature and the kind people of
Finland!

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