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Rovaniemi

Forestry Museum of Lapland

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Why it matters: run by a local museum association rather than the state, this labour-of-love museum preserves the story of Lapland’s logging camps and log-floating era – every ticket directly supports keeping that heritage alive. Nine original buildings in the woods by Salmijarvi lake show how lumberjacks lived and worked in brutal conditions from the 1870s to the 1950s, a side of Lapland the Santa attractions skip entirely. Poke around the cabins with their original tools, then linger in the quiet lakeside forest about 4 km from the centre. Summer season only: Mon-Sat 11-17 from June, adults 10 euros.

Rovaniemi Local Heritage Museum

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Why it matters: this open-air museum on the Kemijoki riverbank has been kept alive since 1951 by volunteer heritage association Totto ry – locals restore the buildings, tend the grounds and stoke the sauna themselves, and the association celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026. Four original and thirteen relocated farm buildings around the old Poykkola farmstead show how people lived in rural Lapland around 1900. Wander the grain barns, smithy and smoke sauna, then time your visit for a public sauna evening or the September harvest market. Open June to August, Tue-Sun 11-17; adults 10 euros and the Museokortti is accepted.

SPR Kontti Secondhand

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Why it matters: this warehouse-sized secondhand department store is run by the Finnish Red Cross, and its profits fund Red Cross aid work in Finland and around the world – the chain also provides employment and job training through its stores. It is Rovaniemi’s best budget hunting ground too: Finnish glassware, Pentik ceramics, books, winter clothing and sports gear at a fraction of new prices. If the Arctic caught you underdressed, this is where locals would send you for cheap thermal layers and snow boots. Find it on Teollisuustie, a short ride south of the centre; weekdays 9-18, Saturdays 9-16.

Lidl

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Lidl’s Rovaniemi store at Oijustie 2 is the practical stop for stocking up before heading into the surrounding wilderness for a cabin stay or husky safari. Like other Nordic Lidl branches, it stocks discounted own-brand groceries, Finnish rye bread, and a rotating aisle of camping and outdoor gear that comes in handy for Lapland trips. It’s a short walk or bike ride from the city centre, tucked into a light industrial area rather than the main shopping street. Tip: bring a 1-euro coin (or token) for the shopping cart, a standard Lidl deposit system across Europe.

Doris Night

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Doris is the second Night Club after Half Moon at the city of the Santa. Providing the best music, and hottest place to be, Doris keeps up the high atmosphere for the…

Casino

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Feel Vegas- Casino is located at the ground floor of the Santa Claus Hotel. The Casino is maintained by the RAY Association. Gambling in Finland has been organised through the association that…

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