With the announcement of easyJet's new direct winter flights from Newcastle Airport, the Finnish Lapland capital and prime Northern Lights location has become much more accessible from our region. Flights start at just £42.99.
Rovaniemi: The Ultimate Arctic Winter Wonderland
The city of Rovaniemi is globally renowned as the official hometown of Santa Claus. Flights launch on November 25 and operate weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays. Tourism is a major part of the economy, with over 400,000 visitors annually. The Santa Claus Village at the Arctic Circle and SantaPark Arctic World, just five miles north of the city centre, are major attractions.
Winter Activities and the Northern Lights
Recreational winter activities have been available in the area since 1927, including skiing. Rovaniemi is also a prime location for viewing the Aurora Borealis, with up to 200 displays per year in Finnish Lapland, compared to fewer than 20 in southern Finland.
Culture and Cuisine
Cultural attractions include the Jätkänkynttilä bridge with its eternal flame over the Kemijoki river, the Arktikum Science Museum, the city hall, and Lappia Hall, which serves as a theatre, music venue, and library. Finnish cuisine focuses on fresh, clean ingredients such as wild berries, cold-water fish, and hearty grains. Local dishes include Rye Bread, Salmon Soup, Karelian Pies, and Sautéed Reindeer.
Interesting Facts
Rovaniemi previously housed the world's northernmost McDonald's, a title it lost and regained several times. It currently holds the distinction after restaurants in Murmansk and Tromsø took the title.
For more details and to book, visit the easyJet website.
