Lapland: Santa Claus and Northern Lights. New Year in Oulu. New Year New Year with Santa Claus in Finland
New Year in Rovaniemi - the village of Joulupukki - Finnish Santa Claus. Traditions. How to get there. Santa Park. Things to do. Prices New Year's tours and hotels.
How to celebrate New Year in Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village (Joulupukki) in Finland
A well-known saying says: how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it. If you want your life to be bright and eventful, give yourself and your loved ones an unusual holiday - a trip to Santa Claus in Finland.
Father Frost or Santa Claus
Every person knows from childhood that Santa Claus lives far in the north. For the New Year, he appears with his fabulous retinue, gives gifts, fulfills cherished wishes and returns to his mansion in the snowy forest.
To visit Santa Claus is the dream of every child. But not everyone knows why in Europe they call him Santa Claus, and where he lives Finnish Grandfather Freezing.
According to legend, his prototype was the Christian Saint Nicholas, known in Russia as Nikolai Ugodnik. In his earthly life, the saint helped everyone who found themselves in difficult situations, and especially favored the poor and children. To please them, he secretly left gifts for them. This is where the tradition comes from: at Christmas, everyone finds a gift from Santa Claus, as Father Frost is called in Finland, under the tree.
© skeeze-272447 / www.maxpixel.net / CC BY 2.0
Where does Santa Claus live?
If the Russian home of Father Frost and his retinue is located in Veliky Ustyug, the European Santa Claus lives in Finland, and not in magical palaces, but in real life. His homeland is distant Lapland. And the official residence is located near the city of Rovaniemi. The village of Santa Claus lies beyond the Arctic Circle. Or rather, the geographical parallel runs precisely through the territory of the settlement. Its coordinates are 66° 33" 07", and vacationers have fun crossing the Arctic Circle line several times a day.
There is a legend that real home Santa Claus is located in one of the caves of the three-headed Korvatunturi hill, 78 km from Murmansk on the border of Russia and Finland. So that no one would try to disturb his secluded home, Joulupukki (that’s his name) local residents) decided to move closer to people. Now the village of Santa Claus is open to guests, and anyone can see him and tell him about their wishes. A fairy-tale character comes to the office every morning on a reindeer sleigh, receives guests, reads letters and sends gifts. And at the end of the working day he returns to the mountains, to his secret workshop.
How it all started
The history of the village is surrounded by legends mixed with real events. It all started in 1950, when the wife of the American president, Eleanor Roosevelt, visited the local region. To entertain the high-ranking guest, and at the same time show the beauty of northern nature, they arranged for her fabulous trip. They built a cozy wooden house in a deep forest, decorated a live spruce, hung lanterns and installed Santa Claus.
I liked the idea. Over time, an entire village was built here, an entertainment program was thought out, and tourists from all over the world bring their children to visit Santa Claus. Now he has a new residence, but the first temporary home still exists.
Fabulous Lapland, the domain of Father Frost, amazes the imagination with its pristine beauty from the first minutes. Tall snow-covered spruce trees, deep snow, ringing silence and, if you're lucky, the mesmerizing northern lights - the landscapes create a feeling of unreality from the first minutes. Even adult tourists willingly immerse themselves in a fairy tale and begin to believe in miracles again.
The Finns assure that the place was not chosen by chance. Allegedly, this is where the earth's crust is so thin that the Finnish Santa Claus is able to control time and slow down the rotation of the earth. Time manipulation is needed so that Santa can visit all the houses on the planet in one night. There is a clock mechanism installed in his house. Visitors make their way to the treasured door along passages and suspended walkways, while gears spin under their feet and molten lava gurgles.
Joulupukki House is open to everyone from 10 am to 5 pm every day absolutely free. Santa Claus is especially busy at Christmas, but the line moves quickly.
© Ulla / commons.wikimedia.org / CC BY 2.0
Visiting a fairy tale
Holidays in Santa's village in Finland are possible in summer and winter. But the New Year in Lapland will be especially interesting for young travelers.
The estate of Father Frost, the Santa Claus Village Rovaniemi hotel complex, the post office, cafes and restaurants stand around the square, in the center of which rises a decorated Christmas tree. There is no charge for visiting the village and visiting Joulupukki, but all other services are paid.
First of all, guests go to Santa Claus's house. At the entrance they are greeted by elves and dwarves in colorful costumes. After asking the adults what kind of toy their child would be happy with, the elf puts a badge with the desired image on his neck. Please note that you will have to pay for the gift!
Finally you enter. In a small room, a kind Finnish grandfather sits at a table covered with candles. You give him a prepared list of your cherished desires, take a photo, and receive a gift. This ends the audience. The next baby comes into the office, and other entertainment awaits you. By the way, a photo with Santa Claus costs 25-30 euros. It is prohibited to use your own camera.
Leaving the house, you find yourself in shopping arcades where Christmas souvenirs, decorations, dolls in national costumes, Finnish knives, and designer dishes are sold. Having bought a souvenir they liked, tourists go to the main post office.
© jeaneeem / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
Santa Claus Mail
It is not difficult to send a letter to Santa Claus in Finland. Even if you don’t know the exact address, just write on the envelope: Santa Claus Village, Finland. Rest assured, the letter will reach its fabulous recipient. The elves sort the mail and convey your wishes to Santa. The exact address Santa Claus in Lapland for letters: Joulupukki, 96930 Arctic Circle, Finland. Every year, about 600 thousand letters arrive at the local post office.
Official site fairy village – santaclausvillage.info.
If you are lucky enough to visit Santa Claus, the same elves will help you compose a congratulatory letter in the desired language and send it to your family and friends anywhere in the world. Each letter or card will have a special Santa Claus stamp on it. Correspondence is sent on the same day.
© Cédric Puisney / commons.wikimedia.org / CC BY 2.0
Fabulous entertainment
What else will make a visit to Santa Claus enjoyable? If you see a line with a mysterious inscription under your feet "Arctic Circle" know that before you is the border of the Arctic Circle. You will have to go through it more than once. In memory of this significant event, you can purchase a confirmation certificate.
Children and adults will find it interesting to visit:
- Husky dog kennel. Entry costs €5 per person or €15 per family. There is an additional cost for dog sledding;
- Deer farm. You can ride a reindeer for €28 (1 km) or €60 for a 3 km loop. Children's tickets are cheaper – €25 and €50;
- An exhibition of snowmobiles with rarities from the 60s and 70s.
Every year, with the onset of frost, the Ice Kingdom is rebuilt - snow figures, palaces of the ice princess, hotel and bar made of ice. Twice a season - on one Saturday in November and on December 23 - Santa Claus invites guests to the free attraction Snowman World - the world of snowmen. Tourists are taken for a ride in a reindeer sleigh, invited to ride down a hill on a “cheesecake”, and offered drinks from ice mugs.
Santa park
Not far from the village there is an underground Santa Park; Finland built it to attract tourists. Price entrance tickets in winter – children 25 €, adults 33 €.
Guests descend through a magical tunnel built deep into the rock. Here they are met by elegant elves, and fun entertainment awaits them:
- Mrs. Claus's bakery, where Joulupukki's wife will teach you how to decorate gingerbread cookies;
- a school of elves that teaches magical wisdom;
- the Nativity House, where exhibitions are held, products made from felt and wool are sold from reindeer skins;
- Angry Birds children's attractions;
- ride on the magic train “Seasons”;
- costume show;
- ice cave.
You can satisfy your hunger in a cozy, warm cafe, and buy a memorable souvenir in a local shop.
© Samuli Lintula / commons.wikimedia.org / CC BY 2.0
Zoo
Take the time to visit the world's only zoo located above the Arctic Circle. Just an hour by bus separates Rovaniemi from the kingdom of reindeer, bears, foxes, wolves and almost 200 other species of animals. Spacious enclosures stretch for 2.5 km in the middle of the forest. To prevent children from getting tired, sleighs and strollers are offered to guests at the entrance.
Tired visitors are welcome at Mur-Mur Castle, where elves and dwarves invite you to enjoy sweets and delicious cloudberries.
Information about the work of the Ranua Zoo can be found on the website www.ranuazoo.com. The entrance ticket will cost adults 14 euros, children – 12.50 euros.
Road to Santa Claus
On the map you will not find a point called “Santa Claus Village”; Finland is represented by several major cities. You will find the capital on south coast country, and the city of Rovaniemi is 800 km from Helsinki.
There are several ways to get to the place yourself:
- By plane. A modern one was built in Rovaniemi international Airport, accepting flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg. If in November a one-way flight will cost at least 8,840 rubles, then before the New Year prices rise to 15,600 and higher. An option with a transfer in Helsinki is possible.
- By railroad. Get to Helsinki by high-speed express " " from St. Petersburg (RUB 6,500 one way) or by train "
© timo_w2s / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
What is the price of the issue
To make your dream come true, you need to decide on your finances. So, a trip to Lapland to see Santa Claus, cost:
- Organized tourists are offered bus tours from St. Petersburg from 26,000 rubles for 4 days;
- A children's tour from St. Petersburg costs 20,000 rubles;
- A tour to Lapland for 6 days with departure from the capital will cost €1,100.
Independent travelers must take care of the roof over their heads themselves. During the holidays prices go up. Having studied the reviews of predecessors, tourists prefer to stay in Rovaniemi or in one of the roadside hotels. In the village itself, housing is expensive. Judge for yourself: “Santa Claus Holiday Village”, cottage - for 5 nights with breakfast you will have to pay 217,482 rubles. for two. And this does not take into account the New Year's program.
The Santa Claus Hotel, Rovaniemi will cost less. Per night in standard room parents with a child under 13 years old must pay 3,900 rubles. (with breakfast) or 4270 rub. (half board). Gala dinner is included in the price.
The New Year will not lose its charm if you celebrate it outside the home. New Year's tours to the estate of Santa Claus will give you a cozy evening by the fireplace and a unique atmosphere of a fairy tale.
Description |
Inexpensive bus tour to Rovaniemi from St. Petersburg. An exciting trip to Lapland! |
Route |
St. Petersburg - Oulu - Rovaniemi - Ranua* - St. Petersburg |
Excursions |
visit to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi Aquapark Eden * Arctic Museum in Rovaniemi * trip to Ranua Zoo * * additional fee |
Included in price |
hotel accommodation in Oulu * additional fee |
Dates and availability
02.01.2020 03.01.2020
Tour program
Day 1: St. Petersburg - Iisalmi
08:30 Departure by bus from St. Petersburg. Departure point: metro station pl. Vosstaniya, corner of 2nd Sovetskaya and Grechesky lane. Passing the border. Accommodation at the SPA hotel Runni (we recommend taking swimwear with you). Dinner*.
Day 2: Oulu
Breakfast in the hotel.
A short acquaintance with the city of Iisalmi, during which you will see the smallest restaurant in Europe, the Olvi brewery, the Orthodox Cathedral, and also learn the history of the military events of 1809. Time to shop. Departure to Oulu.
~14:00 Arrival in Oulu - the most Big city Northern Finland on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia. Short excursion around Oulu. After 14:00, check-in at the Scandic Oulu hotel. Visit to the Eden water park*.
Dinner at the hotel*.
Day 3: Oulu - Rovaniemi
Breakfast in the hotel.
08:00 departure to Rovaniemi (220 km). A short excursion around Rovaniemi - the capital of Lapland. Then we will go to Santa Claus Village, where you can meet and talk with Santa Claus in his office, take a photo as a souvenir *, send greetings to your friends and family from the Santa Claus Post Office, buy souvenirs and receive a diploma about crossing the Arctic Circle. Free time.
Visit to the Arctic Museum*, where you can see Northern lights. Return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel*.
Day 4: Ranua
Breakfast in the hotel.
Trip to the Arctic Zoo Ranua * (160 km). Close proximity to natural conditions allows animals to behave according to their natural instincts. While walking along the 2.5-kilometer alley of the zoo, we will see more than 200 of its inhabitants and learn about their habits and behavioral characteristics. Those who wish will be able to ride a dog sled * or a reindeer *. After a walk in the fresh and frosty winter air, enjoy a delicious lunch* of traditional Lapland cuisine in the cozy zoo restaurant. We will also be able to visit the store of the famous Fazer chocolate factory and a wine shop made according to home recipes from northern berries. Return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel*.
Day 5: Oulu - St. Petersburg
Breakfast in the hotel.
08:00 Departure to St. Petersburg.
Stop for lunch*. Passing the border.
~23:00 arrival in St. Petersburg.
* additional fee
Hello, friends! What to do if newfangled routes for celebrating the New Year under palm trees on the seashore and ocean no longer tempt you. And I want a real Russian winter with all the winter entertainment: real frosts, fluffy snow, skating, sledding and skiing, building snow fortresses and towns and a cheerful New Year celebration under a real Christmas tree in a real forest.
But there is a way out: you need to go not just anywhere, but to Lapland - the kingdom of the Snow Queen and to the habitat of Santa Claus. In one of the articles, I already talked about traveling with children and how, having visited this country, it is impossible not to visit where Santa Claus lives. This amazing place is located far to the north beyond the Arctic Circle, 9 kilometers from the capital of Lapland - Rovaniemi in the village of Joulupukki (Joulupukin Pajakyla).
Mysterious and unique Lapland
Lapland, an inexplicable and fabulous province located on the territory of Finland, with fantastic nature and unique culture, is, of course, close to us in many ways. We are also accustomed to severe frosts, like the Finns, and we have loved winter fun since childhood.
But what you can see in Lapland will undoubtedly evoke many unexpected emotions. Crowds of tourists come to these places with primeval nature with forests and mountains, many rivers and lakes, the cleanest air, and the polar night every time on New Year’s Eve, who dream of not only enjoying local beauties, but also to return once again to a distant fairy tale from childhood.
And for children, this is an opportunity to see in person those places about which so much is already known from the books of Hans Christian Andersen and the Swedish writer Selma Lagerlöf. The adventures of Kai and Gerda, a reindeer who comes from Lapland, in the land of the Snow Queen and the heroes from the book “Nils’s Wonderful Journey with wild geese"in Lapland is the first acquaintance with this northern country, which, without a doubt, requires continuation.
And we will begin our journey with Rovaniemi
The history of this northern city, the largest in area in Europe, begins in the 15th century. It is located 8 kilometers from the Arctic Circle, 800 kilometers from Helsinki and 1025 kilometers from St. Petersburg. This one northern city in winter it becomes the most beloved resort in Lapland by children and adults.
And it's easy to explain. These are exactly the places where the beloved New Year's character, Santa Claus (in Finnish - Joulupukki), spends most of his time worrying about and preparing for the Christmas holidays. After all, it is here, just a few kilometers from the city, that the famous Santa Claus village is located.
It is clear that Santa Claus is almost the same as ours, but in a European manner. But the history of its origin is somewhat different. It is assumed that Saint Nicholas became his prototype: Santa - “saint”, Klaus - “Nicholas”. During his lifetime, this common Christian saint secretly helped poor people and children. And the tradition of giving gifts on St. Nicholas Day later transformed into the tradition of giving gifts to children at Christmas. And this is what modern Santa Claus does with great pleasure.
According to legend, Santa's permanent home and secret workshop, where Christmas gifts are prepared for children, are located on Mount Korvatunturi. But, since rumors began to spread among people about his secret place of residence, Santa Claus, in order not to be completely declassified, decided to appear to people and chose a place for this on the Arctic Circle not far from Rovaniemi.
Here in Lapland, in a small village, Santa established his working residence, which is now known throughout the world. He comes here every day, receives visitors from all over the world, reads letters from all over the world (which can be sent to: Santa Klaus, 96930 Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi, Finland), and from them he learns what children dream of and what gifts they give waiting for Christmas.
But in fact, Santa Claus Village appeared back in 1950. And this was connected with the visit of the wife of the American President Eleanor Roosevelt to these places. For her arrival, a small wooden house was built as Santa's temporary home. It has survived to this day and is located near Santa Claus's office.
That’s how, somewhere far beyond the Arctic Circle, among forests and snow sparkling in the sun, Santa’s village appeared many years ago. I'm glad what it is wonderful place You should definitely eat and visit it at least once in your life.
Santa Claus Village Websites:
Where Santa Claus lives, childhood lives
This is the kingdom of Santa Claus, where reality and fairy tales are so closely intertwined, and on its territory, inhabited by fairy-tale characters, such amazing events take place that they make you believe in the reality of what is happening and in the possibility of miracles and happiness not only for small children, but also for adults aunty and uncle.
The village of Santa Claus is the office and post office of Santa Claus, Santa Park, cottages for tourists, many shops and restaurants, and a small deer farm. In winter, numerous slides are built on the square, from which you can ride for free. Near the village there is another amusement park - Arctic Winter World.
According to one of the hypotheses (I don’t know, scientific or also fairy-tale), the place for this magical village was not chosen at all by chance: since it is in this place that the earth’s crust is very thin, then with the help of special mechanisms Santa Claus learned to control time and in particular, slow down the speed of rotation of the Earth. And this little trick helps Santa visit everyone in the world on the eve of Christmas in one night and give everyone gifts.
The village is small, but not small either. In the center of the Village there is a large Christmas tree decorated with small flags different countries peace. Everything around you sparkles in festive attire, which immediately improves your mood.
Entrance to the village is free, but, of course, you have to pay for various services.
Santa Claus's office is the main attraction of the village
You can get to Santa's office in the office through a long fairy-tale corridor. The famous wizard himself and his constant assistants, the gnomes, joyfully greet the guests, and in the minutes allotted for the visit, you should try to tell Santa Claus about what is most important to you in this life, make a wish and sit next to him.
This is not difficult to do, since Santa has studied many foreign languages well, including Russian. Santa gives gifts to good and obedient children.
Entrance to Santa's house is free. But if you want to capture yourself in a photo next to Santa Claus, then you will have to pay his assistants - gnome photographers - for this.
Playful and restless gnomes and elves help Santa entertain the guests.
In addition, they work in Santa's workshop, where they make amazing gifts for children.
Santa is a tireless worker himself. It receives guests every day, including weekends and holidays. Office opening hours depend on the time of year and holidays (in December, opening hours are longer and there may be queues).
Official website of Santa Claus office: santaclauslive.com
Santa Claus Mail
This is a must visit place after Santa's office. Almost half a million tourists come here every year.
Here you can order a letter from Santa Claus anywhere in the world. The cheerful elves will help you compose and send such a letter in the desired language (options are offered in 11 languages). Letters from children with their requests and wishes come here from different parts of the planet, which the elves parse and then pass on to Santa. Interesting statistic: Since 1980, Santa has received more than 16 million letters.
From Santa's post office you can send a Christmas card with good wishes to your family and friends. All letters and cards are stamped with Santa's special seal and are immediately sent to their destination. Here you can buy various souvenirs and postcards.
Santa Claus's post office, like the office, is open all days of the year.
There is another attraction in the Village, which is associated with an interesting ritual that everyone who visits this place likes to perform: crossing the geographical and, to some extent, fabulous border of the Arctic Circle, depicted as a white line with the inscription “Arctic Circle”.
The most “brave” (that is, those who cross the Arctic Circle) will receive a solemn presentation of commemorative certificates in memory of this event.
There is another notable geographical landmark in the village: a large pillar with direction signs for the largest cities in the world.
Santa Claus Post Websites:
- santagreeting.net
Santa Park - the magical cave of the elves
Near the Village there is an underground (at a depth of several tens of meters) Santa Claus Park, inhabited by cheerful elves. This structure is in the form of a series of tunnels that are laid right inside the rock. Before you are greeted by elves and fairy tale characters, you have a long descent ahead of you.
Santa Park's Cave of Adventure has a variety of fun and varied activities for everyone. Children especially have fun here. At the elf school you can master all sorts of elven wisdom and learn how to sign Christmas cards in calligraphy.
And those who especially distinguished themselves will even be given a diploma on successful completion of the young elf course.
In Mrs. Claus's bakery and kitchen, you can not only try delicious gingerbread cookies, but also learn how to make them yourself. Besides, this kind woman has so many sweets in store.
It wouldn’t hurt to visit Santa Claus in his office, or visit the Elven Post Office again (in case not all your friends have received postcards yet).
And the kingdom of the Ice Princess (not scary at all, rather the opposite) will simply surprise you with sculptures of northern animals and fairy-tale characters in the Ice Gallery.
You can also go on a fun journey with the elves on the magical train “Seasons”, play in a huge ball filled with snowflakes, or playground Angry Birds.
The annual colorful costume show will add to the long list of amazing adventures.
Delicious food awaits everyone who is hungry in the underground cafe, and those who did not have time to buy gifts for their relatives can do so in the local shops and souvenir shops.
Santa Park opening hours:
Santa Park is not open every day, but only during certain periods.
From 9 to 30 November 2019 – daily from 10:00 to 17:00. From December 1, 2019 to January 5, 2020 - daily from 10:00 to 18:00 (December 24 - from 10:00 to 16:00). From January 6 to January 11, 2020 – daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (January 11 – from 10:00 to 15:00).
Santa Park website: santapark.com
Cost of tickets to Santa Park for 2019-2020:
Unlike free entry to the Village, entrance here is paid.
- From 9.11.2019 - 30.11.2019: adults – 34€, children (3–12) years old – 28€
- From 1.12.2019 - 21.12.2019: adults – 35€, children (3–12) years old – 29€
- From 12/22/2019 - 01/11/2020: adults – 36 €, children (3–12) years old – 30 €.
Children under 3 years old can enter Santa Park for free. The price of the ticket, which is valid for two consecutive days, includes all the entertainment in Santa Park, and you can buy tickets at the ticket office from the elf.
Another wonderful place for children and their parents is located very close to the village of Santa Claus. But this amusement park is only open in winter - from early December to late March.
And every year this complex, which consists of a unique igloo hotel, slides for children and adults in fantastic lighting, a cafe and bar, beautiful sculptures, is rebuilt from snow and ice.
Everyone, from young to old, enjoys sledding and cheesecake rides down the ice slides.
You can conquer more and more slides all day long for a single entrance fee to the amusement park.
And after riding, you can take a break. The Ice Cafe or Bar will offer you delicious berry drinks - for children, and something stronger for adults. And all this in ice-cold glasses.
For a more complete picture of Ice world, daredevils can spend the night in a sleeping bag in one of the snowy rooms decorated with ice objects at the Arctice Igloo Hotel.
There are no other zoos in the world located this far north.
It is located approximately 80 kilometers (or an hour's drive) from Rovaniemi. More than 200 different animals and about 30 species of birds live here, including polar and brown bears, wolves and, of course, reindeer.
Excellent conditions have been created for the animals: spacious enclosures, good feeding and care. The zoo stretches out in a long strip, about 2.5 km, in the forest. Therefore, children can borrow a stroller or sled for free at the entrance to the zoo. Children usually enthusiastically prefer sleds.
In addition to the zoo, you can also visit the children's fairy-tale park – the castle “Mur-mur” (or the castle of the elves), where gnomes and elves make Christmas gifts for children, where you can enjoy delicious sweets from the local confectionery factory “Fazer” or a rare northern berry - cloudberries.
The zoo is open daily. Opening hours and ticket prices depend on the season. You can travel from Rovaniemi to Ranua by car or bus.
Ranua Zoo official website: ranuazoo.com
Ranua Zoo opening hours:
- From September 1 to May 31 – from 10:00 to 16:00
- From June 1 to August 31 – from 9:00 to 19:00
Cost of visiting the zoo:
From 01.10 – 09.12 and from 11.01 – 31.03:
- For adults – 15€
- For children 4-14 years old – 13.50€
- For pensioners – 14€
- Family ticket – 51€
- For students – 13.50€
From 10.12 - 10.01:
- For adults – 18.50€
- For children 4-14 years old – 16€
- For pensioners – 17€
- For students – 16€
- Family ticket – 59€
From 1.04 - 30.09:
- For adults – 17€
- For children 4-14 years old – 14€
- For pensioners – 14.50€
- For students – 14€
- Family ticket – 51€
For children under 4 years old, visiting the zoo is free.
What else can you do in Lapland?
You can’t leave these places without riding in reindeer and dog sleds or on powerful snowmobiles.
More information about this can be found on the websites:
- wildlifesafaris.fi
- gulo.fi
There is a reindeer farm near Santa Claus's office in winter.
It is small, but sufficient for organizing wonderful sleigh rides pulled by reindeer.
And, of course, you will be very lucky if you manage to admire, according to eyewitnesses, the extraordinary beauty of the Northern Lights.
The timing of this inexplicable natural phenomenon is difficult to predict. But still, suddenly you find yourself in right time in the right place.
Where to live and how to get there?
There are no problems with accommodation or transportation in these places. Despite all the harshness of these places, the conditions for tourists here are excellent. You can stay on vacation in a hotel or in a separate comfortable and cozy cottage.
The city has a railway station, and just 10 kilometers from the city and 2 kilometers from the village of Santa Claus is Rovaniemi International Airport.
Cheap flights to Rovaniemi
| Where | departure date | Return date | Find a ticket | |||
Helsinki | ||||||
Moscow | ||||||
London | ||||||
Copenhagen |
From the center of Rovaniemi to Santa Claus Village there is a regular bus service “Santa’s Express” (route no. 8), the trip takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The cost of a one-way ticket per person is 3.80 €. A taxi from the center to the village will cost several times more – approximately 25 €.
And for complete immersion in the local atmosphere, you can get from the city to Santa Claus Village by reindeer or dog sled.
And if you want to celebrate the New Year as a family, in a cozy house by the fireplace in a fabulous atmosphere - best place You can't find anything better than fabulous Lapland.
A trip to Finland is also good because of what we have with this country common border. Therefore, the opportunity to travel to Finland from the northwestern part of our country is very simplified. For example, you can go there from St. Petersburg different types transport.
The easiest way is to get to Helsinki by high speed train"Allegro" or by car, bus, plane and even by ferry. You can also get from Russia by bus from Murmansk and Kandalaksha. Those who live in the central part of Russia can use the services branded train Moscow-Helsinki “Leo Tolstoy”.
The second advantage of this tourist destination– this is the relative ease of obtaining a visa. The Finns willingly give visas to Russian tourists.
Don't forget to take warm clothes with you! Happy holidays to you!
1 day Moscow, Saint Petersburg
Joining/detaching from a group in European cities is carried out only after written agreement with managers in the direction, before booking air or train tickets to the place of joining/detaching.
Departure from Leningradsky station by train No. 56 at 21:24 or another train, meeting to receive documents 40 minutes in advance. before departure at carriage No. 3. For a guide, train and carriage No., see section a week before departure.
Day 2 St. Petersburg - Helsinki
Arrival in St. Petersburg early in the morning (~05:19). Meeting at 05:30 at the main entrance to the Gallery shopping center..
T transfer by busin Helsinki (~390 km),museums* to choose from: Natural History Museum "Ateneum" "Kiasma"
Overnight at the hotel
Day 3 Tampere - Oulu
Breakfast in the hotel.
Morning tour of Tampere Free time.
In the afternoon transfer (~480 km) to Oulu
Overnight at the hotel.
4 day Oulu - Rovaniemi*
Breakfast in the hotel
RovaniemiSanta Claus VillagesSanta Park
New Year's Eve dinner« Buffet» (included in price)will take place in a cozy restaurant.5 day
Breakfast in the hotel. Inspection Oulu
Ranua (~150 km), p visit to the Arctic Zoo
In search of the Northern Lights*Attention!). Return to the hotel.
Day 6 Kuopio
Breakfast in the hotel
In the morning transfer (~280 km) toKuopio
-
- Riding* on cheesecakesClimb* on observation tower Puyo ( from €7, payable on site).
Day 7 St. Petersburg
Breakfast in the hotel.
Day 8 Saint Petersburg - Moscow
Departure by night train No. 55 at ~01:15And or by another train. Check the departure/arrival information and carriage number in the section .
Arrival in Moscow at Leningradsky Station at 11:20 or other.
If you purchase tickets on your own, it is important to leave St. Petersburg for your city no earlier than the main group. A tourist's ticket for an earlier train than the main group does not constitute grounds for changing the group's schedule.
1 day St. Petersburg - Helsinki
DEPARTURE ON THE NEXT DAY FROM THE STATED DEPARTURE DATE.
Meeting at 05:30 at the main entrance to the Gallery shopping center..
T transfer by busin Helsinki (~390 km), tour of the city with an accompanying person: Senate Square, Esplanade, Assumption Cathedral, monument to Alexander II, City Hall, monument to Sibelius, Presidential Palace, sculpture "Havis Amanda". Free time. Possible visitmuseums* to choose from: Natural History Museum (€15 adults / €7 children under 18 years old), museum visual arts"Ateneum" (€17 adults / children under 18 years old - free), contemporary art gallery "Kiasma" (€15 adults / children under 18 years old - free).
In the evening transfer to Tampere (~180 km).
Overnight at the hotel
Day 2 Tampere - Oulu
Breakfast in the hotel.
Morning tour of Tampere with an accompanying person: Cathedral, Town Hall, Kaleva Church, Art Nouveau architecture, national landscapes of Tammerkoski, etc. The city is located between two I lakes - Nasijärvi and Pyhäjärvi.Free time.
In the afternoon, transfer (~480 km) to Oulu - one of the largest northern cities in the world, located on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 Oulu - Rovaniemi*
Breakfast in the hotel
Free time in Oulu or full day trip (~190 km) toRovaniemi* (€60/€54 up to 12 years, transfer + entrance tickets, purchase and payment only with the tour), visit to Santa Claus Village - meeting with the real Santa at his residence, visit to the magic post office, where you can order a “real” letter from Santa at Christmas, the largest center for Christmas-themed souvenirs.Crossing the Arctic Circle and receiving personalized certificates as souvenirs. Excursion to Santa Park- a fabulous elven cave, here you can ride the Christmas train, see the workshop of Santa Claus and his assistants - elves and gnomes, take part in making Christmas gifts with the elves, watch a fairy-tale dance performance, etc. Return to the hotel.
Only for the date 28.12: New Year's Eve in Oulu!
New Year's Eve dinner"Buffet" (included in price)will take place in a cozy restaurant"Torilll" hotelSCANDIC OULU 4* (includes 1 glass of wine*). *alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are ordered and paid additionally on the spot.
The evening's program includes competitions, fiery music and space for dizzying dances...
23:40 departure from the hotel. Celebrating the New Year with a glass of champagne inin the very center of the city near the shopping and pedestrian streets of Rotuaari and Ainola Park. Holiday festivities and fireworks.4 day Oulu - Ranua (Arctic Zoo)*
Breakfast in the hotel. Inspection Oulu with an accompanying person: Cathedral, library, theater, trade area etc. The market policeman is considered the symbol of Oulu; his statue is located at the entrance to the Kauppatori market.
Free time, for those who wish, a trip* to Ranua (~150 km), p visit to the Arctic Zoo * (€45/€42 up to 14 years old, transfer + tickets, purchase and payment only with the tour) - more than 60 species of rare animals (reindeer, lynx, wolverine, etc.) with demonstration feedings.
In the evening, an excursion is possible* In Search of the Northern Lights (€25/€20 up to 16 years old, transfer + ferry + small picnic;*Attention!It is important to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, which depends on the whim of nature and cannot be guaranteed). Return to the hotel.
Day 5 Kuopio
Breakfast in the hotel
In the morning transfer (~280 km) toKuopio. Tour of the city with an accompanying person - the Puyo Tower on the mountain of the same name - the symbol of the city, the Cathedral in the neoclassical style, the museum quarter - small wooden houses of the 17th-19th centuries, where the life and crafts of past centuries have been preserved, in the center of the modern city.
At your leisure or for those interested:
- Husky dog sledding* approx. 1 km (€35 adults / €30 children under 13 years old. 10 USD - mandatory non-refundable prepayment for the excursion when purchasing a tour, additional payment on the route);
- Cheesecake ride* (€9 adults - 1 hour, booking and payment when purchasing the tour);Climb* to the Puyo observation tower ( from €7, payable on site).
In the evening, check into the hotel, relax and visit the pool, sauna and jacuzzi at the hotel.
Day 6 St. Petersburg
Breakfast in the hotel.
In the morning, transfer (~300 km) to the border with a stop for lunch*, if there is time.
Transfer to St. Petersburg (~195 km). Arrival in St. Petersburg after 23:30 pm, to the Gallery shopping center, delays at the border are possible, the time indicated is approximate.
If you arrive early, you will have free time without using the bus; your luggage can be left in the storage room at the railway station.
NEW YEAR AND CHRISTMAS IN LAPLAND 2020
No places
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland. The city that collects the largest mail in the world. And all letters are addressed to only one recipient - Santa Claus. This is where his office, fabulous gift-making workshops and post office are located. Here, in Santa's Village, is the most photographed view in Finland - a sign to the Arctic Circle. Every Guest of the city can take part in the ritual of crossing it and receive a memorable Diploma about this event. The collection of diplomas can be supplemented with a Diploma for driving a reindeer sled - this is taught professionally by the indigenous Laplanders. They will also share the tricks of driving a dog sled. The unique Santa Park, built into a cave, with original attractions and beautiful Christmas decorations is another most interesting “Santa Object” in the city. Rovaniemi - the city of eternal Christmas: here no one is surprised by encounters with gnomes - Santa’s assistants, and signs such as “Entrance only for Elves”, “Possession of the Snow Queen”, or “Trolls’ Home” are quite in the order of things. The New Year's fairy tale has settled in these parts in earnest, and it begins at the ramp of an airplane arriving in official airport Santa Claus(!). We invite you to the city of the kindest winter fairy tale - Rovaniemi!
In our company you can always buy tours to Lapland. tour operators in Finland in Moscow, like us, offer tours to Lapland and Filand New Year 2020. Lapland for the New Year tours and tours to Finland New Year are very popular among Russian tourists. Urgently purchase tours to Lapland 2019 and New Year tours to Lapland. We have Lapland tours at prices that every family can afford. Most popular holiday in 2020: "Lapland Santa Claus Tour". If you need tours from Moscow to Lapland or Lapland New Year 2019 tours, then you have come to the right place. The best hotels in Finnish Lapland and cottage holiday centers are waiting for you. There is little time left to book New Year's tours to Lapland 2020! The cost of a tour to Lapland starts from 500 euros, offers and prices apply early booking We wish you a pleasant stay.
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Lapland
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Lapland VIP
PROGRAM 12/30/2019 - 01/04/2020: 12/30/2019 Arrival in Rovaniemi (direct flight Moscow - Rovaniemi, flight duration 2 hours 40 minutes, chartered flight. Flight possible regular flights via Helsinki. Or by train, also with a change in Helsinki). Arrival at Santa Claus's personal airport. Meeting with a representative of the host company upon arrival in Rovaniemi. Transfer and accommodation at the selected hotel or cottage. For hotel guests: Information meeting
All hotels/apartments have saunas. It is possible to order dinners (in hotels or in the city of Rovaniemi) and additional evening programs (optional).
12/31/2019 Breakfast at the hotel. A trip to where Santa Claus and his gnome helpers. You will be able to tell Santa your most secret dreams and wishes for gifts. At the Santa Claus Post Office you can order congratulations to your friends and family for the next New Year, certified by the personal seal of Santa Claus. You can buy original souvenirs in picturesque shops. Here you will also see Santa Claus's gnome helpers: they help prepare and wrap gifts. Receiving a Diploma for crossing the Arctic Circle. A trip to Santa Park, located deep underground in a cave, is a real fairy world for children and adults with attractions, theater, souvenir shops and cafes; Here the Christmas atmosphere is present all year round. Here you can take part in making Christmas gifts together with the elves and even receive the proud title “Elf is Santa Claus's real helper” by taking a lesson at the elf school, as well as watch a fairy-tale dance performance.
Preparing for the New Year - all shops and Christmas markets are open (Christmas discounts apply!), buying New Year's gifts for loved ones. New Year's Eve dinner at the hotel. 01/01/2020 HAPPY NEW YEAR! Late breakfast at the hotel. Free time for relaxation, walks in the winter forest and sports (skiing, skiing, sleds/ice skates, etc.). . (reindeer and dog sledding, trips to the Lapland "spirits", children's programs "Visiting Mrs. Claus", "Search for the Snow Queen", "Visiting the Trolls", etc.). Optional -Dinner at the hotel/in the city. Hotels have saunas.
01/02/2020 Breakfast. Free time for rest and relaxation, winter sports - all shops and Christmas markets are open (Christmas discounts apply!). (reindeer and dog sledding, trips to the Lapland "spirits", children's programs "Fairytale Adventures visiting the Trolls", "Search for the Snow Queen", etc.). Optional - Dinner at the hotel. Hotels have saunas.
01/03/2020 Free time for rest and relaxation, winter sports - all shops and Christmas markets are open (Christmas discounts apply!), buying New Year's gifts for loved ones. (reindeer and dog sledding, trips to the Lapland "spirits", children's programs "Fairytale Adventures visiting the Trolls", "Search for the Snow Queen", etc.). The hotels have saunas, and the Cumulus Resort Pohyanhovi also has a swimming pool. Optional - Dinner at the hotel. 01/04/2020 Breakfast. Transfer to Rovaniemi airport. Flight to Moscow (charter flight). TOUR COSTPER ROOMIn Euro:
Included in cost: Air tickets “Moscow-Rovaniemi-Moscow” (direct flight, flight time 2 hours 40 minutes); Additional charges:
TOUR COSTPER ROOMIn Euro:
Included in cost: - hotel accommodation; - meals: breakfast (buffet), additional payment possible for dinner (half board); - use of the hotel sauna; - medical insurance. Additional charges: PRICE
FOR THE APARTMENT
, euro:
Included in cost: - accommodation in an apartment 6 days/5 nights - meals - breakfasts in the Nova Skyland Hotel restaurant - bed sheets - final cleaning Additional charge (optional): Additional charges: PRICE
FOR THE APARTMENT
, euro: Offer for a family of 3-6 people Additional charges: PRICE
FOR THE APARTMENT
, euro:
Included in cost: - air tickets “Moscow-Rovaniemi-Moscow”; - transfer airport cottage - airport; - accommodation in a Superior apartment, type A (see description below); - meals: half board (breakfast and dinner) - animation club for children Gingerbread Club - weather program; - daily visit to Santa Claus Village; - final cleaning; - medical insurance Additional charges:
Included in cost: - air tickets “Moscow-Rovaniemi-Moscow” (charter); - transfer airport-hotel-airport; - bed sheets - medical insurance. Additional charges: PRICE
FOR THE APARTMENT
, euro: Additional charges: CHRISTMAS TOUR 01/04/2020 - 01/09/2020 1 Santa Claus cottage Holiday Village PROGRAM:
01/04/2020 Arrival in Rovaniemi (direct flight Moscow - Rovaniemi, flight duration 2 hours 40 minutes, charter flight, preliminary: departure from Domodedovo, 11.00, Ural Airlines.). Arrival at Santa Claus's personal airport. Meeting with a representative of the host company upon arrival in Rovaniemi. Transfer and accommodation at the selected hotel/cottage. For hotel guests: Information meeting at the hotel - presentation of the region and recreation and entertainment programs, the possibility of ordering additional programs. The hotel has saunas, and the Scandic Pohjanhovi hotel also has a swimming pool. Dinner at the hotel (optional). 01/05/2020 Breakfast at the hotel. Trip to Arctic Circle to Santa Claus Village, where Santa Claus and his gnome assistants live in their House. You will be able to tell Santa your most secret dreams and wishes for gifts. On Santa Claus mail You can order congratulations to your friends and family for the next New Year, certified by the personal seal of Santa Claus. You can buy original souvenirs in picturesque shops. Here you will see and gnome helpers Santa Claus: they help prepare and wrap gifts. Receipt Diploma of crossing the Arctic Circle. A trip to Santa Park, located deep underground in a cave, is a real fairy-tale world for children and adults with attractions, a theater, souvenir shops and cafes; Here the Christmas atmosphere is present all year round. The hotel has saunas and a swimming pool (at the Rantasipi Pohyanhovi Hotel). Dinner at the hotel (optional). 01/06/2020 Breakfast at the hotel. Free time for rest and relaxation, winter sports, to prepare for Christmas - all shops and Christmas markets are open (Christmas discounts apply!), buying New Year's gifts for loved ones. (reindeer and dog sledding, trips to the Lapland "spirits", children's programs "Fairytale Adventures visiting the Trolls", "Search for the Snow Queen", etc.). 01/07/2020 MERRY CHRISTMAS! Breakfast. Free time for rest and relaxation, winter sports, to prepare for Christmas - all shops and Christmas markets are open (Christmas discounts apply!), buying New Year's gifts for loved ones. (reindeer and dog sledding, trips to the Lapland "spirits", children's programs "Fairytale Adventures visiting the Trolls", "Search for the Snow Queen", etc.).Dinner at the hotel (optional). The hotel has saunas and a swimming pool (at the Scandic Pohyanhovi hotel). 01/08/2020 Breakfast at the hotel. Free time for relaxation, walks through the winter forest on the Ounasvaara hill and sports (skiing, alpine skiing, sledding/ice sleds, etc.). Visit to the health center, gym. (reindeer and dog sledding, trips to the Lapland "spirits", children's programs "Visiting Mrs. Claus", "Search for the Snow Queen", etc.). Dinner at the hotel (optional). The hotel has saunas and a swimming pool (Skandik Pohjanhovi). 01/09/2020 Breakfast. Transfer to Rovaniemi airport. Departure to Moscow (charter flight) Attention: The host party reserves the right to rearrange excursions with the obligatory provision of the full scope of the declared programs. 03.01.2020 - 08.01.2020 Hotel Santa Claus 4+*
INprice included: - air tickets “Moscow-Rovaniemi-Moscow” (direct flight, charter); - transfer airport-hotel-airport; - accommodation in the selected hotel; - meals: in hotels of your choice, breakfast or half board; - use of sauna in hotels, - medical insurance. Additional charges: Arctic Light Hotel 5*
Included in cost: - air tickets “Moscow-Rovaniemi-Moscow” (direct flight) - transfer airport-hotel-airport; - accommodation at the Arctic Light Hotel; - daily breakfast (buffet); - medical insurance. Additional charges: PRICE
FOR THE APARTMENT
, euro: Included in cost: - air tickets Moscow - Rovaniemi-Moscow - transfer airport - cottages - airport (group) - accommodation in an apartment 6 days/5 days. - breakfast meals at the Glass Resort restaurant - bed sheets - daily cleaning - visit to Santa Claus Village every day and at any time - discount on admission to the territory of Snowman World (pass for 6 days at the cost of an entrance ticket for 1 day) - medical insurance Additional charges: 04.01 - 09.01.2020 TOUR COST per APARTMENT In Euro:
Included in cost: Air tickets “Moscow-Rovaniemi-Moscow”; Additional charges: Finnish visa 75 euros, children under 6 years old: 25 euros; TOUR COST per APARTMENT in euros:
Included in cost: - air tickets “Moscow-Rovaniemi-Moscow” (charter); - transfer airport-hotel-airport; - accommodation in a cottage of the selected type; - food breakfast (buffet); - bed sheets - medical insurance. Additional charges: EXCURSION PACKAGE "OPTIMAL":
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Despite the late hour, they will stick with the program to the end, and they will not want to leave after midnight. The holiday is aimed at children, as well as with the expectation that adults will be able to sit quietly at the table while the children are entertained by elves. The dress code is formal.
Lapland's most famous and fabulous restaurant, Santamus, is located in Santa Claus Village in the Arctic Circle. This restaurant is famous not only for its unique location, but also for its unique “Santa Claus-fairy tale” design.
celebrate the New Year (in Moscow and Finnish time), hear a game in traditional Finnish
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