24 HOURS IN ROVANIEMI
Parviainen Paula, ambassador, Embassy of Finland in Singapore
» 8AM Formerly the city hall of Rovaniemi, the family-owned Arctic Light Hotel offers a hearty breakfast spread. Curated by Finnish TV chef Sara La Fountain, expect Finnish berries in smoothies and chia puddings as well as smoked reindeer meat to go with local breads. Valtakatu 18, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland. Tel: +358 20 1710100
» 10AM Put on a coat and head over to the Arktikum Science Museum to learn about the Northern lights, artic wildlife as well as Lapland’s rich history and culture. Tickets can be purchased on-site, individually or as a family. The Arktikum Shop is teeming with Sámi handicrafts, reindeer leather bags and Lappish berry jams that are great as souvenirs. Remember to grab a pulla (Finnish cardamom bread) and coffee from the café before heading back into the cold. Pohjoisranta 4, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland. Tel: +358 16 3223260
» 12PM Meet Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village. Highlights include visiting his trusty reindeers, tours to the amethyst mines and sending postcards from the Santa Claus Main Post Office with the help of his merry elves. Postcards sent will feature a stamp unique to the Arctic Circle. 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland. Tel: +358 16 3562096
» 1PM Tuck in a buffet of Finnish favourites such as Sugar Salted Arctic Char or Fillet of Bear with dark lingonberry sauce at the Nova Skyland Hotel. Save room for Lappish blueberry ice creams from local creamery, Arctic Ice Cream Factory. Tähtikuja 6, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland. Tel: +358 40 5603115
» 2PM Go on a thrilling husky ride through the snow-covered forests. Bearhill Husky offers pickup from the hotel and a 15-22km trail with your own husky-team. A warm yurt, hot berry juice and photos from the ride conclude the activity. Sinettäjärventie 22, 97220 Rovaniemi, Finland. Tel: +358 40 7600020
» 5PM Recharge with an authentic Finnish sauna experience with Happy Fox Adventures. Choose between what locals call a Lappish baptism and take a dip in the freezing Ounasjoki river or soak in the outdoor woodfired sauna at the Fox cottage. Ounasjoen itäpuolentie 1329, 96900 Rovaniemi, Finland. Tel: +358 40 2189922
» 7PM Enjoy the bounteous offerings of Finland at the award-winning Rakas Restaurant & Bar. Signatures include the Finnish pike perch file, baked and served with a white wine and roe dressing, and a dessert of Billberry and Spruce. A kid’s menu is also available. Arctic Treehouse Hotel,tarvantie 3, 96910 Rovaniemi, Finland.
Tel: +358 50 5176952
» 9PM Be mesmerised by the dancing lights of the aurora borealis with Beyond Arctic. The tour company specialises in photography, ensuring picture-perfect shots of the mystical natural wonder. Valtakatu 21, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland. Tel: +358 50 3231090