Rovaniemi is the center of Lapland and a very beautiful city.
The name of the city comes from the Sami ROAVVE ("Besled Hill"). Indeed, the city's landscapes are dense forests. Rovaniemi is just 8 km from the Polar Circle. By the way, if I am not mistaken, it is a large-scale city in Europe. Snowpalls are covered by the town of 180 days a year (November-April), but the weather with the weather takes respecting such beauty as a polar shine, which can be observed from September to November, as well as in February and March.
Well, even, Rovaniemi is the birthplace of Santa Claus, so that half a business is tied in the city. In addition, the city became famous as a winter sports center, as well as the dog and the reindeer herring center. All these joys (in the sense to ride dog or deer sled) are available and tourists.
It should be noted that Rovaniemi is a rather cultural city. Here, what sights are there:
Yatkänkynttilä Silta Bridge (Jätkänkynttilä Silta)
One of the symbols of the city. This bridge passes over the Kemiyoki River, which previously fused the forests. The bridge is impressive, powerful! In the middle there are two huge pillar, in which the fire lights up at night. Thus, at the same time, the bridge serves as a peculiar beacon for travelers. By the way, the name of the bridge is translated from Finnish as a "candle of a sprinkler" (but in Finnish this FIG utters) - these pillars are like candles. Before construction of the bridge, the Lapland government announced a competition for the best project. It was in 1983, and six years later the winners-architects have already presented the finished design. Bridge in length is 327 meters, in the height of -47. The bridge is quite wide, about 25 meters.
By the crossing can drive cars (4 bands), walk pedestrians and ride cyclists on special separate tracks. By the way, it is best to admire the bridge, standing on the next bridge. And it is better in the evening when it is beautifully highlighted and when "candles" light up.
Arctic Circle
This, of course, is not a historical any relevance, but the fact that the city stands next to him here is also played as. The position of the polar circle is not particularly recorded, but chose somewhere on the road on the Kemiyarvi Place specifically for tourists, which are always very happy to cross the border. For admiring "Yuzhan", there is even a certain ritual of baptism on the polar circle, and then give a solemn testimony of its intersection. In general, an excellent reason to boast of friends! And at the same time, on the border there is a shopping center, where you can buy souvenirs on the topic, as well as mail, where they produce their own postage stamps. Filatelists will appreciate!
Local Lore Museum of Pokkel (Pöykkölä)
This museum is located the building of the Manor of Pakekel, which was erected here at the end of the 19th century. The estate is quite large, with a barrier, a barn and a small garden. Members of the Local Heritage Association in the last century were bought in 57 and two years later opened the museum there. In it today you can admire the objects of life and life of the population of Northern Finland. 19-20s: All about traditional fishery (fishing, reindeer herding, hunting), photos, cards and many other things.
Schedule: From June 1 to August 31, Tuesday-Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00
Address: Pöykköläntie 4
Lapland Forest Museum
In this museum you will learn how local loggers lived and worked, from the 1870s to the present day. Exhibits are stored in the building itself, and in the open sky. Many "exhibits" are trees of valuable northern breeds. As you know, the woodworking industry brings Finland and profit, and glory. The museum complex stands on the shore of Lake Salmiarvi. On the territory of the complex you can see different cute log houses that gave the Lapland village museum. With every house, a stable and sauna (where without it). Also, it is possible to look at tools and techniques, for example, about the locomotive used in the first mechanized work in the forest in Finland. And here there is a cute "forest" photo gallery.
Schedule: From June 1 to August 31, Tuesday-Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00
Address: Metsämuseontie 7
Lutheran Church of Rovaniemi
The Lutheran Church was built in the 50s of the last century on the foundation of another temple, which was destroyed during the Second World War. In memory of the temple near the church lies a memorial stone. Also in the courtyard at the temple, you can see a monument to Finnish soldiers, participants of the Second World War, and a monument to Finnish fighters for independence who died in 1918. Inside the church is strict, but very beautiful. Impressive altar fresco in 14 meters. Also at the church there is an organ brought from Denmark. It is quite powerful, with 4000 pipes! The church roof is decorated with a 54-meter spire with a cross. To visit the church is opened in the summer and during the Christmas holidays. At another time, the temple can be visited by agreement.
Address: Rauhankatu 70
Art Museum of Rovaniemi (The Rovaniemi Art Museum)
Opened this museum was in 1983, in the premises of the former post office, which worked less than 10 years before. By the way, this building is one of the few, which surrendered during the Second World War. In this museum you can admire the subjects of Finnish art, the art of indigenous peoples, modern art, as well as the works of the founders of this museum. The museum stores about 1500 exhibits, including temporary exposures. The museum covers an area under 700 sq.m.
Work schedule: W --VSK 12: 00-17: 00
Address: Lapinkävijäntie 4
Santa Park (Santa Park)
This is a very cool theme park located near Rovaniemi. The park is located in a huge artificial cave and offers all kinds of entertainment: attractions, exhibitions, fairs, - all about Christmas. On the carousels can ride and the smallest and large. And attractions are the most diverse, carousels, sleigh, Santa helicopter (cabins with pedals) and so on. There is a separate zone for children and a hall with slot machines, a puppet theater, a cafe and a shop. Children to bring here - do not pull out for the shake!
Work schedule: in the summer, from Monday to Saturday, 10: 00-17: 00. In winter - 10: 00-18: 00 (Read more schedule here www.santapark.com)
Address: Tarvantie 1, Napapiiri