7 days in Rovaniemi & Saariselka Itinerary

An urban center set amongst the great Arctic wilderness, Rovaniemi serves as the capital of Lapland province.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Mon): examine the collection at Santa's House of Snowmobiles, don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Office, then don't miss a visit to Lordi's Square, and finally get engrossed in the history at Forestry Museum of Lapland. On the 26th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, then explore the fascinating underground world of Syvasenvaara Fell, then get engrossed in the history at Rovaniemi Local History Museum, and finally take an in-depth tour of Arktikum.

To see ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Rovaniemi road trip planner.

Madrid, Spain to Rovaniemi is an approximately 11-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of car and train. The time zone difference when traveling from Madrid to Rovaniemi is 1 hour. Plan for cooler temperatures traveling from Madrid in November, with highs in Rovaniemi at -2°C and lows at -7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) so you can drive to Saariselka.

Outdoor pursuits--ranging from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to reindeer safaris and chasing Northern Lights--draw the largest number of tourists to Saariselka.

You've now added Husky & Co to your itinerary. On the 27th (Wed), find something for the whole family at Angry Birds Activity Park, look for gifts at Hippupuoti Gift Shop, then get a dose of the wild on Husky & Co, then examine the collection at Gold Prospector Museum, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel.

For traveler tips, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Saariselka trip builder app.

You can drive from Rovaniemi to Saariselka in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Saariselka can reach -3°C, while at night they dip to -10°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Rovaniemi.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Thu): identify plant and animal life at Arctic Emotions Oy, revel in the low prices at Marttiini Store Old Factory, then engage your brain at Pilke Science Centre, and finally see the interesting displays at Christmas House Santa. On the 29th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the sheer force of Auttikongas, identify plant and animal life at Napapiirin Porofarmi, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church.

To see maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Rovaniemi holiday maker.

Getting from Saariselka to Rovaniemi by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.