Arriving in Rovaniemi and Santa Claus Village

Arriving in Rovaniemi

When we woke up, we were still on the train.

Since we had brought our own food, we did not eat anything from the train.

By the time we arrived in Rovaniemi, it was already 11 o’clock.

All the passengers, myself included, were in an excited mood.

There had been no snow in Helsinki, so seeing the whole place covered in snow when we arrived was honestly quite thrilling.

After everyone collected their luggage, people rushed off to transfer.

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Heading to the Hotel

The transport app here is different from the one in Helsinki, so take note.

We took a bus to our hotel — Scandic Rovaniemi City.

Basically, if the destination showed Rovaniemi, we got on.

We kept watching Google Maps along the way.

We got off at this stop and walked to the hotel.

This was the opposite side.

The sign at the bus stop:

They had set up a snowman-themed park for children to play in.

Walk in the opposite direction from the bus, then when you reach the main road, turn right, cross the road and keep going straight.

Then you will see the hotel.

There was a very large shopping mall on the left.

When we reached the hotel, it was not check-in time yet.

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Heading to Santa Claus Village

After dropping off our luggage, we went straight to Santa Claus Village.

This was the bus timetable the hotel showed us.

You can buy tickets with the QR code.

At first, we thought we still had time to walk around the mall.

When we got to the bus stop, a passer-by asked us about the stop.

To be honest, we did not know either, but the bus stop said it went to Santa Claus Village, so we answered them.

Then suddenly, another bus that also went to Santa Claus Village arrived.

We asked the driver whether it was the same bus.

The driver said it was not, but since he saw that we had already bought tickets, he let us get on.

Here are a few scenery photos from the road.

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Arriving at Santa Claus Village

The final stop is Santa Claus Village.

When getting off the bus, remember to watch out for traffic. Do not get too excited and forget yourself — there are lots of vehicles coming and going.

We finally arrived!!!

The long-awaited Santa Claus Village:

This is the map of Santa Claus Village. Santa Claus Village Map

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Lunch and the Food Market

The first thing we did was go to eat the legendary best salmon.

Santa’s Salmon Place

So we walked over.

Unfortunately, there was a long queue. And we had already booked a tour.

So we had no choice but to eat something at the Food Market.

Places we passed along the way:

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The Tour Begins

We booked the tour here: getyourguide

After buying it, you receive an email confirmation.

Husky Ride

After we got in the car, the driver took us to do the husky ride.

Santa Claus Village Guided Tour

After that, we returned to Santa Claus Village.

A guide took us around and introduced Santa Claus Village.

There was a road sign along the way showing the direction and distance to different places.

Unfortunately, we could not find Hong Kong.

Reindeer Sled Ride

After that, we went on the reindeer sled ride.

When it was finished, you could ask the staff to take a photo of you with the reindeer.

Basically, the staff were happy to help.

After it ended, the guide took everyone to wait by the fire pit for the others.

Some people roasted marshmallows and bread by the fire.

Meeting Santa Claus

It was time to go meet Santa Claus.

When we arrived and were waiting, this was what the TV display showed.

At that time, the display said the queue had already closed at 4.

We were really lucky to have a fast pass, so we could go straight in without queuing.

We went in.

If you do not want the mystery lifted, you can skip the photos below.

As we walked, the guide introduced this corridor.

After leaving the corridor, we reached a place that looked a bit like a reception area.

Here, you could buy something to give to Santa Claus.

While waiting after buying, many celebrities from around the world were shown there.

There was Hong Kong artist Priscilla Wong.

And also Ping Jai.

After passing this point, we could also see Santa Claus.

Photography was not allowed inside.

The elves help you take videos and photos.

At the end, you can collect the photos and videos. They charge for them.

You can also ask Santa Claus questions.

In reality, you really only meet him for about five minutes.

But Santa Claus let me ask one more question at the end ❤️

When you come out, you reach the souvenir area.

That area is exit only; you cannot go back in.

You can also send postcards there.

There is more variety here, but it is more expensive.

If you can resist buying anything, you can go up the stairs after leaving the souvenir shop.

There is another souvenir shop there too. It has fewer styles, but it is cheaper.

When the tour is over, you can follow the tour back and they will take you back to the hotel.

Santa’s Salmon Place

But we still had not eaten the salmon that everyone had been thinking about, so we did not follow them back.

The shop grills the salmon over firewood.

The seating is quite tight. If you have bags and coats, there may genuinely not be enough space.

Sorry, I did not take a photo of the menu for everyone.

The two of us ordered different desserts, but we both had salmon.

Night Walk Around Santa Claus Village

After eating, everyone still wanted to stay a bit longer, so we decided to wander around slowly.

When I saw the map, I deliberately took a photo of it.

The place is too big, and I did not want to get lost.

Photos from walking around:

The lighting here is very good for photos.

Lucky Enough to See the Northern Lights

When we were getting ready to leave,

we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights.

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Returning to Rovaniemi

Since the buses from Santa Claus Village stop at around 6,

after comparing taxi and Uber at the time,

we called an Uber.

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Final Thoughts

Actually, Santa Claus Village is free to enter. If you come in the low season, you do not need to pay for a tour.

Buying the tour means you do not have to wait.

But in peak season, I really recommend buying one; otherwise, you may have gone all that way for nothing.

The husky sled ride is actually only around two minutes and then it is over — basically just one loop.

They were not all sled dogs either. I saw some local mixed-breed dogs too.

Personally, I liked riding the reindeer more. The seat was comfortable, and the pace was slower.

The staff at the Information Centre can speak both Chinese and English.

So if your English is not strong, you do not need to be afraid.