A circle of latitude and the southern boundary of the Arctic, the Arctic Circle is the gateway to one of Finland’s most scenic regions: Lapland. In winter, shred the slopes at Suomu resort or use Rovaniemi as home base for snow sports, tours, and a visit to Santa Claus Village to see the circle’s exact location marked on the ground.
The Arctic Circle has long been thought of as an icy, uninhabitable wilderness, but the majority of Finnish Lapland lies within its confines and is home to Nordic cities, towns, and ski resorts; pristine national parks; and ideal locations for spotting the northern lights, which can be seen during the winter months.
Explore the best of Lapland’s Arctic Circle with a tour of the regional capital, Rovaniemi, and its popular Santa Claus Village; see the countryside via reindeer sleigh rides, husky sledding, and snowmobile excursions; spot the northern lights on guided outings; or take a skiing and snowboarding vacation at one of Lapland’s many winter sports resorts.
Families with kids won’t want to miss a visit to see Santa at the Santa Claus Village.
Some tours to see the northern lights specialize in offerings for photographers.
Temperatures stay far below freezing during the winter months and dip as low as -58°F (-50°C).
Most destination highlights and activities are outdoors, and you must be outfitted with adequate winter gear.
In midwinter, the skies appear to be in a perpetual state of twilight, but during midsummer the “midnight sun” appears to never set.
The Arctic Circle passes through the northernmost regions of Scandinavia, Greenland, Canada, and Russia. In Finland, the city of Rovaniemi is located on the Arctic Circle and can be reached by air via Helsinki or via trains and buses from other Finnish towns.
The most spectacular time of year to visit the Arctic Circle is during the winter months, when you can experience both the northern lights and perpetual twilight. The region is known for its winter sports and activities, although hikers and bikers explore the countryside in summer.
Lapland’s capital city of Rovaniemi sits directly on the Arctic Circle where the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers meet. A highlight of northern Finland, and the main transportation hub for the surrounding region, the city offers access to tours and activities, including visits to the nearby Santa Claus Village and the Arktikum museum, where you can learn about the Arctic’s wildlife and culture.
EN
