Rovaniemi: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of "Santa's Hometown"

Rovaniemi , Finland

Rovaniemi: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of "Santa's Hometown"

Active

(2 reviews)

30m - 45m

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

See Santa’s hometown on this affordable self-guided walking tour of Rovaniemi.

• Unwrap the history and culture of this Nordic city and learn about the importance of the river, its wildlife and how the beautiful Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge got its name
• Hear from producer Lars Engerengen, a Norwegian writer and photographer with more than ten VoiceMap tours under his belt
• Do it all in 30 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Available options

Rovaniemi: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of "Santa's Hometown"

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

The tour takes place in Rovaniemi, Santa's homeland. As you walk around the town on this self-guided tour, you'll hear about the history and legends connected to the area.

The tour takes you down Koskikatu and into Downtown Rovaniemi. You'll hear a bit about the area while you walk.

The tour passes by Lordi's Square. You'll learn a bit about who Lordi is while you walk.

The tour passes by Hotel Pohjanhovi. You'll hear about the history of the hotel and the area while you walk.

The tour briefly pauses by the river so you can see the Lumberjack's Candle Bridge before continuing on the tour. You'll hear about the bridge while you walk.

The tour passes by a section of the Kemijoki River. You'll hear about the river while you walk.

The tour ends in front of the Rovaniemi Church. You'll hear about the church before the tour ends.

What's not included

Food/Drink

Smartphone and headphones

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finland's Lapland region, renowned as the official hometown of Santa Claus. It offers a unique blend of Arctic nature, cultural heritage, and festive charm, making it a year-round destination for families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers.

Top Attractions

Santa Claus Village

A year-round Christmas-themed attraction where visitors can meet Santa Claus and cross the Arctic Circle.

Cultural 2-3 hours €10-20

Arktikum

A museum and science center showcasing the history, culture, and nature of Lapland.

Museum 1-2 hours €12-15

Ranua Wildlife Park

A zoo specializing in Arctic and Nordic wildlife, located about 80 km from Rovaniemi.

Nature Half-day trip €15-20

Must-Try Local Dishes

Reindeer Sausage

A traditional Finnish sausage made from reindeer meat, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Main Course Contains meat, gluten-free if served without bread.

Salmon Soup

A creamy soup made with fresh salmon, potatoes, and vegetables, often served with rye bread.

Soup Contains fish, gluten-free if served without bread.

Popular Activities

Dog sledding Snowmobiling Hiking Northern Lights viewing Spa visits Coffee breaks Visit Santa Claus Village Explore Arktikum

Best Time to Visit

December to March (Winter) and June (Summer)

Winter is ideal for snow activities and Northern Lights, while summer offers midnight sun and outdoor adventures.

-15°C to -30°C (Winter), 10°C to 20°C (Summer) 5°F to -22°F (Winter), 50°F to 68°F (Summer)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Finnish, Swedish
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rovaniemi is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, winter conditions can pose challenges.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of ice and snow on sidewalks and roads.
• Dress warmly and in layers.
• Stay informed about weather conditions.

Getting there

By air

Rovaniemi Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Rovaniemi Railway Station

By bus

Rovaniemi Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and efficient, with frequent services.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Not commonly used, hail on the street or call a taxi company.

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

City Center Ounasvaara

Day trips

Ranua Wildlife Park

80 km from Rovaniemi • Half-day trip

A zoo specializing in Arctic and Nordic wildlife, offering a unique opportunity to see polar bears, reindeer, and other animals in a naturalistic setting.

Pyhä-Luosto National Park

130 km from Rovaniemi • Full-day trip

A stunning national park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views, offering a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Festivals

Arctic Lights Festival • February Santa Claus Marathon • First weekend of December

Pro tips

Visit Santa Claus Village early in the day to avoid crowds.
Dress in layers and wear waterproof, insulated boots in winter.
Try local dishes like reindeer sausage and salmon soup.
Book accommodations and popular activities well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Consider visiting in shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and lower prices.