Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, isn’t just a gateway to Arctic adventures—it’s also a city rich in charm, culture, and stories waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re visiting with family, seeking stunning photos, or just want to get a real feel for Lapland’s capital, the city offers a variety of tours to suit your interests. We particularly like the Private Santa Claus Village & Rovaniemi city tour for its personalized touch, and the Rovaniemi City Photography Tour for capturing the city’s iconic sights in style. Both give you a chance to see the city’s highlights while enjoying expert guidance, making your visit more memorable and meaningful.
What makes Rovaniemi especially appealing is its mix of natural beauty, cultural sights, and holiday magic. These tours provide different ways to experience the city’s warmth and wonder, whether through immersive storytelling, stunning photos, or simply exploring at your own pace. Read on to discover the best options for your trip.
1. Private Santa Claus Village & Rovaniemi city tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (10 reviews)
Price: $177.69 per person
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
This private tour stands out because it combines the magic of Santa Claus Village with a personalized city experience. The tour includes round-trip transport from your hotel and a dedicated guide who shares little-known facts about Rovaniemi’s history and culture. Visiting Santa Claus is the highlight—your family can meet Santa at his office, with complimentary photos and videos. The Santa visit isn’t just a meet-and-greet; it’s part of a broader exploration that includes visiting the Main Post Office where you can send Santa-stamped greetings, crossing the Arctic Circle, and exploring elves’ workshops and snow activities if visiting in winter.
What makes this tour a top choice is its tailored approach—it’s ideal for families or travelers who want direct access to Santa without the hassle of planning. The guide’s local insights transform the visit from a simple photo opportunity into a genuine learning experience. The tour’s reputation for friendliness and personalized service, backed by a perfect 5-star rating, makes it a reliable pick.
Bottom Line: If you want a cozy, family-friendly adventure with direct Santa access and local insights, this private tour is hard to beat.
2. Rovaniemi City Photography Tour
Rating: 5/5 (4 reviews)
Price: Varies (check availability for times)
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Lapland, Finland
This tour is perfect for those who want to capture Rovaniemi’s iconic sights in stunning photos. With a professional photographer guiding you, you’ll visit several scenic viewpoints around the city—each offering unique angles and lighting opportunities. The tour includes a camera tips session, so even amateur photographers can improve their skills. Plus, you’ll receive professionally edited photos of your visit a few days after the tour, giving you lasting memories.
What makes this experience special is its focus on photography, making it ideal for travelers who want to document their trip at a higher level. Traveling comfortably in a minivan, you’ll explore Rovaniemi’s landmarks, including the Arctic Circle crossing, beautiful city streets, and panoramic viewpoints. Reviews highlight the quality of the photos and the friendly guidance, with one reviewer stating they appreciated the “guided tour and sightseeing for a perfect city memory.”
Bottom Line: This tour is a hit for travelers eager to get beautiful photos and learn some insider photography tips—perfect for Instagram lovers or those wanting professional keepsakes.
3. Private Minivan from Rovaniemi Airport RVN to Rovaniemi City
Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $88.41 per person
Duration: 10 to 20 minutes (approx.)
Skip the airport lines and hop into comfort with this private transfer. It’s the easiest way to start or end your trip—your driver will meet you at the airport, help with luggage, and deliver you straight to your hotel or vice versa. The reviews praise the punctuality and friendliness of the driver, making this a stress-free choice for travelers arriving or departing on a tight schedule.
The main selling point is convenience—it’s a private, direct service that saves you from navigating unfamiliar public transport or crowded taxis. The vehicle is spacious and clean, ensuring a comfortable ride after a long flight. Travelers have noted that the service provides a smooth start or finish to their visit, with one reviewer saying, “It was great, the driver was already waiting, and the ride was smooth.”
Bottom Line: If you value hassle-free transport to or from the airport, this private transfer offers comfort and convenience, especially for early or late flights.
$88.41 per person
4. City Tour And Santa Claus Village
Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $81.16 per person
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
Combining a city tour with a visit to Santa Claus Village, this tour makes it easy to tick both off your list in one go. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and show you Rovaniemi’s main sights, including the city’s oldest church and vibrant downtown streets. The tour includes a stop at the Santa Claus Village, where you can explore souvenir shops, visit the Main Post Office, and cross the Arctic Circle—a bucket list moment for many travelers.
This experience is great for those short on time but eager to see the essentials. The small-group setting (seven or fewer people) enhances the personal feel, and the included hotel pickup simplifies logistics. One happy reviewer called it a “great way to spend day one in Rovaniemi,” praising the friendly guide and seamless combination of city sights and Santa magic.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers or travelers with limited time, this tour offers a comprehensive intro to Rovaniemi and Santa Claus in one outing.
$81.16 per person
5. Rovaniemi Private Transfer from Rovaniemi city centre to Rovaniemi airport
Rating: 4.5/5 (2 reviews)
Price: $92.61 per group (up to 3)
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
When it’s time to leave, this private transfer ensures a punctual, relaxed journey to the airport. The driver will meet you at your hotel, help with luggage, and whisk you directly to the terminal. It’s a straightforward way to avoid the stress of taxis or shuttle lines, especially after a busy trip.
Reviewers mention how smooth and friendly the service is, with one noting the driver was already waiting for them, making for a hassle-free departure. Although some find the price a bit steep compared to regular taxis, the convenience and comfort may justify the extra cost for many travelers.
Bottom Line: If you want a dependable, private ride to the airport to start your journey home smoothly, this transfer is worth considering.
6. Airport & City Transfers in Rovaniemi
Rating: 4.0/5 (5 reviews)
Price: $81.45 per group (up to 3)
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Rovaniemi, Finland
This transfer service offers a reliable way to get from the airport to your hotel or vice versa. It’s especially convenient because of the included waiting time—up to an hour in the arrivals area—giving you flexibility after your flight. The driver will be there with a name sign, help with luggage, and get you to your destination swiftly.
While some reviews note the cost is higher than a typical taxi, many appreciate the professionalism and ease of the service. It’s especially suitable if you prefer pre-booked transportation or are arriving during busy times.
Bottom Line: For peace of mind and a straightforward transfer, this service provides comfort and reliability, especially for first-time visitors.
7. City tour and Santa Claus village visit in Lapland
Rating: 3.8/5 (6 reviews)
Price: $66 per person
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Lapland, Finland
This shorter, more affordable option combines a brief city sightseeing tour with a Santa Claus Village visit. It includes stops for historical insights, Arctic souvenirs, and a live Santa meet-and-greet. It’s perfect if you want a quick overview without dedicating a full day.
The guide shares interesting facts about Lapland and the city’s history, making it a good choice for travelers on a tighter schedule. The tour’s smaller group size enhances the experience, and the price point makes it accessible for most budgets.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those looking for a concise, guided introduction to Rovaniemi and Santa magic without the expense of longer tours.
$66 per person
8. ROVANIEMI CEREMONY – Good Will Celebration in city center
Rating: 5/5 (reviews not specified)
Price: $56 per person
Duration: 30 minutes
Location: Lapland, Finland
This evening ceremony offers a heartfelt experience in the city center, featuring a joyful circle dance and a commemorative Arctic Circle Certificate. It’s a simple, memorable way to connect with local culture and participate in a community celebration. Reviews highlight the warm and memorable atmosphere—calling it “super.”
Ideal for travelers who want to enjoy a cultural event without a long commitment, this ceremony adds a meaningful touch to any trip, especially if you’re visiting during festive times or keen to learn about local traditions.
Bottom Line: A short, authentic cultural experience that’s perfect for those seeking a meaningful evening activity.
$56 per person
How to Choose Your Rovaniemi City Tour
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests and schedule. If you’re traveling with family and want the full Santa experience, the Private Santa Claus Village & Rovaniemi city tour offers personalized magic. For capturing beautiful photos, the City Photography Tour is ideal. Budget travelers or those with limited time might prefer the City Tour and Santa Claus Village, while those arriving or departing can benefit from the private airport transfer.
Consider your interests—do you want cultural insights, holiday magic, or photo opportunities? Also, think about timing: early bookings often secure better times, especially during peak seasons. If visiting in winter, check which tours include snow activities or Arctic Circle crossings.
Final Thoughts
Rovaniemi offers a range of city tours that cater to different tastes—from immersive Santa visits to scenic photography excursions. For a personalized experience, the private Santa Claus Village tour is a standout. If you want a quick but rundown, the combined city and Santa tour hits the spot. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for shorter, more affordable options, while those arriving or leaving can streamline their trip with private airport transfers.
No matter your style, booking early ensures you’ll secure the best times and avoid missing out on these memorable experiences. Rovaniemi’s magic can be yours—one adventure at a time.