BEATING THE ARCTIC HEAT
While Nordic winters may be world famous, thanks to Northern Lights, the summers are equally breathtaking with the Midnight Sun, and more
When it comes to visiting Northern Europe, most opt to visit during the winter to witness the spectacle called Aurora Borealis aka Northern Lights. But what if your bravado fails you when it comes to extreme cold? Well then, Nordic summers would be the perfect choice for you.
So, having taken the brave decision to visit a Nordic site during the week when it was predicted to be the hottest, I rounded in on Rovaniemi, Finland, for it offered me a chance to cross the Arctic Circle (under the most friendly weather) and visit the real Santa Claus (there is just no debate here). To my pleasant surprise, I discovered that the capital city of Lapland had so much more to offer that no matter what one’s personality, they will find something of interest.
ARKTIKUM
It is good to make the museum your first stop, as you get to visually witness the history of the land. Right from how the light travels in the country with the changing seasons, and taxidermy specimens of polar bear and moose to pre-war and post-war models of the city (it was burned down by Germans during the Lapland War, 19441945), it is the perfect icebreaker to Rovaniemi. Like all museums, one can avail of the services of a guide who will explain in detail the history and culture as you pass through various sections in the Arktikum.
HUSKIES
These native canines are an essential part of the Nordic culture. In the olden days, they were used a lot for transportation in the Arctic region. Even now, tourists can ride on sledges pulled by huskies. One can also opt to skip the rides and simply visit one of the many family-owned husky kennels to play with the puppies or go for a walk in the woods with the grown ones.
KORUNDI HOUSE OF CULTURE
This modern art museum opened in 2011, but its brick structure dates back to 1933, when it was a bus depot. The building holds a special place in the history of Lapland, as it is one of the few that lasted through the burning of the entire city of Rovaniemi during the Lapland War. Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa has been the brains behind its refurbishing. The entire museum can be easily covered in about two hours. If you are lucky, you may also get to witness rehearsals by the Lapland Chamber Orchestra in the in-house concert hall.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
While Lapland is famous for winter activities such as skiing and snowshoeing, the summers offer one equal variety. From river rafting, canoeing and trekking to jet skiing, the options are endless. And there is no dearth of water bodies in Finland, for it is justifiably called the land of a 1,000 lakes. Moreover, two major rivers, the Kemijoki and the Ounasjoki. run through the capital city, which are major hubs for sports activities.
CHURCH OF ROVANIEMI
Rebuilt in 1950, the Church of Rovaniemi is another cultural centre that offers a peek into Finnish architecture and artwork. Architect Bertel Liljequist designed its structure, whereas artist Antti Salmenlinna worked on the interiors. Among the many wooden carvings and wall paintings, the one that stands out is a 14m-high fresco called The Source of Life at the altar by Lennart Segerstråle. The church also houses a 4,000-pipe organ, which in itself is a piece of beauty with its golden hues.