Summer in Rovaniemi hits different, and no, it’s not just about the midnight sun. When the Arctic sheds its snow, it reveals a wilder, softer, and deeply soulful side. Think golden nights that never end, traditional saunas by forest lakes, and slow adventures where time forgets to tick. Whether you’re chasing serenity, sunlight, or just a unique Finnish summer, these unforgettable experiences in Rovaniemi are the reason travellers return with hearts full and cameras overloaded.
With plenty of satisfying views, saturated tundra foliage, picturesque remote sites, and natural phenomena straight out of storybooks, the summer experiences in Rovaniemi are bucket list material for everyone.
What makes Rovaniemi’s summer so good?
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, located in northern Finland. Sitting on the Arctic Circle line, Rovaniemi’s summer is defined by a tapestry of delights. Delights that I have fond memories of; savoured and lived under the remarkable midnight sun during a summer in Rovaniemi.
I must tell you that no Finnish experience is complete without the sauna and the lakes. This intimate connection between Finns and nature is reflected in the Finnish touristic landscape. Add to the power-packed list a Finnish Sauna, followed by a plunge in one of the thousand Finnish lakes, a Lappish-style barbecue, and eventually, some berry picking on the way back home.
That’s a comprehensive Finnish wilderness experience for me, with plenty of room to explore from the checklist shared below.
Rovaniemi in Summer – Summarised
Working as a tour guide in Rovaniemi, I have my favourites from Rovaniemi and Lapland. From riding a quad bike with tourists to rushing to the Santa Claus Village from the Lordi’s Square on a Fat Bike; from rafting through the wild rapids of Vikakongas overfed by the melting winter ice, to canoeing through the quiet of the Norvajarvi; from a leisure visit to Ranua to an overnight bear/eagle safari in Kuusamo (near the Finnish-Rusian border), Rovaniemi offers a range of symphony for senses, body, and soul.
With the abundance of exquisite sites, animal farms, and mines, the Lapland summer experience will pamper you with choices.
Here’s my magical recipe for an unforgettable summer vacation in Lapland.
Top summer experiences in Rovaniemi
Keep this list handy while working on your Rovaniemi summer trip itinerary. The linked places and experiences will help you with a thorough plan.
1. Mushroom and berry picking in Rovaniemi
In case you don’t know, Lapland is a treasure trove of some of the most delicious wild berries that grow on earth. Cloudberries, Lingonberries, Blueberries, Cranberries, and a whole bunch of edible and toxic mushrooms adorn the forests of Rovaniemi and beyond in Lapland. Lapland forests lie dotted with wild berries.
Don’t forget to cover yourself adequately. I recommend full-sleeve shirts, trousers, and a light jacket. Additionally, a daypack with some water, mosquito repellent, a knife for mushroom picking, and munchies is always good to have.
If you have trouble recognising plants and berries, I recommend the Picture This app. Point and click at any plant or berry/mushroom that you’re curious about. The app will present you with all the possible information related to that plant.
2. Sauna & a dip in the lake
Sauna, lakes, and forests are more of a sacred ritual to the Finns. It’s satisfying; it’s blissful. When you try it yourself, you’ll know why Saunas are deeply rooted in Finnish culture.
Finland’s landscape has hundreds of lakes and thousands of saunas sprinkled around forests. No wonder the sauna is deeply rooted in Finnish culture. Plenty of commercial and public saunas in Lapland are available at a nominal price. It also includes floating saunas on the lake.
If it’s your first time, I recommend getting acquainted with the sauna culture and rules before signing up for these summer experiences in Rovaniemi.
3. Hiking in a Rovaniemi forest & barbecue in a Kota/Laavu
Hiking is my go-to activity whenever I can. Since the Arctic Tundra has its specialities and secrets, a forest escape can be rewarding in many ways. Forests in Lapland are a treasure trove of some of the most interesting summer experiences in Rovaniemi that are quite unique to the region.
Starting with groves of rustling birch trees with reindeer, moose, and foxes wandering around. Lapland boasts a large reindeer population. These semi-domesticated animals are critical to the Arctic ecosystem. A reindeer farm is another space to catch a glimpse of these beauties in their natural habitat.
Moreover, I don’t remember finishing my nature trips in Lapland without a great barbecue. Finnish forests have plenty of fireplaces for barbecue. There are mainly two kinds of fireplaces in a forest in Lapland – Kota and Laavu – one is hut-shaped with a chimney, while the other is open-air.
If you’re lucky, you might find wood left by some good Samaritan who visited the space before you, but I’d not count much on that. Reindeer sausage, grilled salmon with rye bread and mustard are some of my favourites; if you’re up for trying something really good.
4. Midnight sun experience
Summer in Rovaniemi, Lapland, is marked by nightless nights. It also means there is plenty to do even at late-night hours. If you’re fascinated with the idea of experiencing the outdoors while the midnight sun is still out, you can try almost any/summer activity in Lapland.
Sleeping can be challenging for those who need a dark space. Count on a thick, dark curtain to serve you well.
What are the best midnight sun experiences in Rovaniemi to choose from?
Water activities (Floating in a lake with a floating suit on kayaking, canoeing, rafting, fishing), Hiking and Quad biking are the best things to do in Lapland in summer.
5. Write a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office
Postcards are love. It gets extra special when a postcard bears the stamp and seal with Santa on a reindeer sleigh and Arctic Circle coordinates. Consider writing postcards to your friends/relatives from the Santa Claus post office.
Entry to the Santa Claus Village and meeting Santa Claus is free. You only pay for anything you buy, including the photo with Santa. It’s a tourist trap!! Because they know you’d not refuse a pic with Santa for 30 EUR.
Wondering what it’s like to be in Rovaniemi in winter? Read here: There’s Nothing Like a Snowmobile Ride in Rovaniemi in Winter – My Top Recommendations!
6. Meet the reindeers & huskies
Meet the cutest Arctic residents in their natural habitat. Husky and reindeer farms are among the major tourist attractions in Lapland.
Just so you know, since reindeers are semi-domesticated animals in Lapland, they are released to roam the forest and explore wild food options (like mushrooms). They get back to the farm eventually. During winters, huskies and reindeer pull the sleigh loaded with tourists – a popular winter activity in Lapland.
7. Ride an e-bike to Arktikum
A trip to Arktikum is enriching and educational in many ways. If you’re interested in the history of Rovaniemi and its surroundings, including the Arctic phenomenon, wildlife, Sami culture, geography and topography of the region, the Arktikum Museum trip will make for a great trip. This place offers a deep insight into everything relevant to Rovaniemi, indigenous people, and local culture and tradition.
8. Join a local Sami workshop
Joining a traditional Sami household and learning their craft or digging into their heritage, art is another must-try activity in Lapland for experience seekers.
Explore more about your options here.
9. A day trip to tourist spots around
Lapland spoils every nature seeker for choices. With so many remote spaces to uncover, nature experiences to indulge in, and all the symphony for the senses, you can pick the best locations based on your choice of activities and accessibility.
Top touristic spots in Lapland for an ideal day trip from Rovaniemi: Lampivaara Amethyst Mine, Korouoma Canyon, Ranua, Oulanka National Park, Kemi
10. Glass Igloo Stay in Rovaniemi
A glass igloo is a unique Arctic experience offering a close and intimate encounter with nature. While glass igloos offer uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights in winter, you can behold the summer midnight sun from the comfort of your bed.
The best part, however, is that glass igloos are located far away from the city amidst the wilderness. It’s worth a try in summer. Plus, they’re super cheap compared to prices in winter. Make sure to book your space in advance!
There’s much more about Lapland and Rovaniemi to explore and know. I have written plenty in my other blogs. Make sure to check them out and share them with your connections.
Have you been to Lapland? How was your Lapland trip? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Must Read: 12 Handpicked Winter Activities For A Quintessential Lapland Itinerary
If you need my help planning a trip to Rovaniemi/Lapland, feel free to reach out via email or social media.
As we reach the Solar Maximum, the solar activity will only increase from here, and this autumn/winter in Lapland will be fabulous. Read more here: A Curious Dive into the World of Aurora Borealis & Solar Storm
Usually I don’t read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, very nice post.
Thanks! Appreciate it.