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The distinguished animal of Lapland, and an essential part of Lappish living and livelihoods is the reindeer. Lapland has around 200,000 reindeer.
A town that remains in your heart
The Official Hometown of Santa Claus Get into the Christmas Spirit p. 6-7
Summer’s Midnight Sun Stay up as long as the sun p. 9
Activities and experiences for everyone
Winter’s Northern Lights
Take a glance at the yearround programmes on offer
Admire the heavenly magical dance
p. 10-13
p. 8
THE A
LE C R I C RCTIC
’ ’ 3 4 ’ 66° 33
Trade centre Expanding and internationally multitalented people
FINLAND LAPLAND THE
p. 20-23
Activity and happiness Energy from nature’s own gym p. 14-15 Quality of living Settings for pleasant living p. 26 Arena for Lappish culture Explore the range of events and cultural offerings p. 16-19
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ARCT IC CIRCLE
ROVANIEMI
Lapland begins here Rovaniemi is the modern capital of Finnish Lapland, located on the Northern Arctic Circle, a place where reality and fairytales meet on the border of the Arctic. Every season in Rovaniemi is an unforgettable experience: the never-ending summertime sunshine, the twilight period leading up to Christmas, and the springtime snowscapes glistening like fields of diamonds. The beat of the town and surrounding nature beckon you!
www.rovaniemi.fi
66° 33’ 43’’
HELSINKI MOSCOW
LONDON
BERLIN
WARSAW
PARIS
MADRID
ROME
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Rovaniemi is Lapland’s administrative centre.
LAPLAND’S CAPITAL
ALWAYS LOOKS AHEAD
Rovaniemi: The work of Finland’s most renowned architect, Alvar Aalto, is very evident in the reconstruction of Rovaniemi.
FACTS!
The population of Rovaniemi is constantly growing. Lapland’s most significant growth centre is an international and diverse environment for its inhabitants and enterprise. • • • • •
Population 60,000 Students over 10,000 Nationalities over 80 Inhabitants living in urban region 85% Town is surrounded by around 30 villages located in the riverside sceneries of Ounasjoki and Kemijoki • Area 8,016 km2 • Water coverage 415 km2
TOWN IN THE HEART OF NATURE Rovaniemi is a modern, cosmopolitan town that offers comprehensive services for its inhabitants and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The immediate proximity of nature is one of Rovaniemi’s undeniable advantages. The diverse nature enchants with its purity and authenticity. This town of hillside sceneries and riversides enjoys perpetual growth and makes the best of its wide range of possibilities.
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Being the largest town in the European Union by area, Rovaniemi enjoys a combination of a bustling town with a rural idyllic atmosphere.
www.rovaniemi.fi
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The Official Hometown
of Santa Claus
Christmas fairytales begin from the Arctic Circle!
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Letters to Santa Claus
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You can meet Santa Claus every day in his Office, cross the magical Arctic Circle, and shop in the numerous giftware stores and workshops at the Santa Claus Village in Lapland!
N A PA
Christmas in Rovaniemi is everlasting. Santa Claus is the friend of the world’s children – and friends are always welcome. Visit Santa any day you please and experience Christmas in the middle of summer. Surrounded by wintry, dusky forests, the Arctic Circle is a lifetime experience for visitors young and old. This is precisely why half a million people travel to meet Santa Claus every year.
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Undercross the Arctic Circle at wondrous SantaPark, home cavern of Santa Claus.
I R I6 •S U O M
FACTS!
Each year, Santa receives about 700,000 greetings from around 200 countries. To date, Santa has read an incredible 13 million letters and greetings. In order to cope with the huge amount of mail, Santa Claus has his own post office in the Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle. The Santa Claus Main Post Office has its own special postmark, used to stamp all letters and cards sent from the office.
www.rovaniemi.fi
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The view from the top of the Ounasvaara Hill over the river valley basking in the Midnight Sun is breathtaking.
Beneath
the blissful lights
According to age-old tales, the Northern Lights are created by a fox swishing its tail while running over the fells, throwing sparks into the sky.
The various examples of skilfully built snow structures, snow hotels and igloos, provide fantastic settings to watch the dance of the Northern Lights.
Northern Lights – a heavenly performance The Northern Lights crown the northern skies, an essential part of magical Lapland. They create a beautiful performance for the excited audience - and there are always free seats for this show. People from all over the world arrive to experience the living images portrayed in the Lapland skies, spellbound by what they see. The Service Guide shows you alternatives for the best conditions to experience the Northern Lights.
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The dark twilight is brightened and warmed with atmosphere-rich evenings spent by a fire and savouring true Lappish culinary flavours.
Northern Lights
Light of the Midnight Sun
FACTS!
The Northern Lights are light phenomena that can be viewed in the southern and northern polar regions on clear and dark nights in autumn and winter. Northern Lights are created by solar wind charged particles colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere.
Twilight The annual cycle comes to a close with Christmas Twilight, marking the start of the long, dark season. Winter solstice occurs just before Christmas, a time in Rovaniemi when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon.
Midnight Sun
FACTS!
In the summertime, the sun doesn’t set below the horizon at all – so the sun also shines right through the night. The spectacle of the Midnight Sun can be admired every night between 6 June – 7 July, providing it’s not a cloudy day!
Summer in Rovaniemi is dominated by light. Day and night are just like one long day: the night disappears, living only in the imagination. Your body clock sets your daily rhythm, but the environment lives according to nature. It’s time for dance, togetherness and for nature to blossom. Light provides energy!
www.rovaniemi.fi
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Rovaniemi is
Paddle your way along Lapland’s most impressive rivers.
AN adventure
Experience Lapland’s most traditional livelihood at the reindeer farm.
The sauna is an essential part of Finnish relaxation culture.
Snowy promises Rovaniemi’s winter pampers its visitors. There are so many ways to experience the winter and cross the snowscapes. Programmes cherishing Lappish traditions take you on a journey to days of old. An astounding number of options are available, and the Arctic environment perfects the scene. The unique ambiance gives guests the so-called Lapland Fever – the best cure for which is to come back again. Experienced guides lead you safely into the snowy nature.
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Summer fun where you set the pace Lapland’s pure natural fruits waiting for you to pick them.
Summer is the time to enjoy activities and unhurried relaxation. Rovaniemi has a wide variety of activities for families and company groups. If you want to explore the wider reaches of Lapland, a tour is the best solution – fly to Rovaniemi and take a car along the peaceful routes. Outstanding nature and numerous sights are within easy reach, either independently or organised. www.rovaniemi.fi
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Exercise and sports activities are managed by over 200 clubs and organisations.
Rovaniemi for
fitness enthusiasts
Europe’s leading manufacturer of playground equipment is based in Rovaniemi and broadmindedly combines fitness enhancing play equipment with new technology.
TOP SPORTS! Ounasvaara – an oasis of outdoor pursuits in the heart of the town Ounasvaara is a diverse natural environment for fitness enthusiasts and lovers of the outdoors. In winter, it’s the place for skiing, snow fun and a wide range of winter activities – a snow play park with all the services you could wish for. In summer, Ounasvaara turns into a green shaded paradise for outdoor pursuits: nature trails, spectacular views and summertime activities from golf to mountain biking will keep you on the move. SantaSport offers indoor sports enjoyment and swimming whatever the weather. 12
Ounasvaara:
Opportunities provided by the surroundings, the joy of activity, open-minded modern-day solutions, and a good helping of Lappish creative craziness - the perfect recipe for the diverse sports and fitness culture experienced in Rovaniemi.
FACTS!
Ounasvaara is a wellbeing cluster, with a ski centre and a huge variety of sports and tourism services Ounasvaara is an ancient shore, the top of which stands at an elevation of 203 metres above sea level, making it a popular spot for panoramic views.. • 7 slopes, 4 ski lifts and a height difference of 140 metres • 100 km of cross-country skiing trails, 50 km of lit trails • Children’s skiing area, Street and Half Pipe • Equipment hire shop, ski school, restaurant • A popular viewing spot, numerous nature trails • – Golf Course (expanded to have 18 holes in 2011)
There are 381 sites in Rovaniemi for sports and fitness activities: Lappi Areena is a modern indoor ice rink for ice hockey and figure skating enthusiasts and more.
• • • • • • •
FACTS!
ball game courts, fields and pitches, ice hockey and skating rinks nature trails with lean-to shelters and campfires canoeing and boating possibilities provided by the waterways snowmobile routes ski jumps sports halls and gyms swimming halls
www.rovaniemi.fi
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taking you to where
Nature gives to those who ask. The skill of such asking is passed down through generations, but can also be learned by anyone.
YOUR MIND IS AT EASE
Nature connection Rovaniemi is a town with surroundings offering limitless possibilities for the inspired use of nature. Hiking, berry picking, mushroom picking and hunting are integral elements of the annual cycle - here the connection between nature and people still remains. Nature touches the people of Rovaniemi in a very special way - this we wish to share with our visitors.
Excellent hiking trails also make it possible for the younger members of the family and persons with mobility restrictions to enjoy activity.
The most beautiful nature routes and trails: • • • •
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FACTS!
Arctic Circle Hiking Area Auttiköngäs Ounasvaara and Nordic Fitness Sport Park Koivusaari Nature Trail
www.rovaniemi.fi
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Speed and action
The wide selection of products made by local craftspeople range from elegant design items to skilled handicrafts.
in the Lappish way
Town plan
FaCTS!
Finland’s internationally renowned architect, Alvar Aalto (1898– 1976), designed the new town plan following the destruction of Rovaniemi during the War. The roads depict a reindeer’s head and antlers. Thus, the design was aptly named the Reindeer Antler Town Plan.
Exciting events What’s going on? Children skiing through the streets in the middle of summer, reindeer racing against one another in the middle of the town. Even golf competitions are arranged in the freezing winter. Rovaniemi is the town of happy events, a place where creativity and playfulness can be seen and heard. The atmosphere just has to be experienced!
Arctic culture in the town of Alvar Aalto Rovaniemi is the setting for the architecture of Alvar Aalto, being a rich centre for Lappish culture. Traditional Lappish handicrafts and new generation design products are ready for you to take home.
Lappish culinary delights will keep you happy. Try the Rovaniemi Menu. Rovaniemi Reindeer City Race takes the town by storm in March.
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Arktikum – life north of the Arctic Circle The main exhibition of the Provincial Museum of Lapland “Northern Ways”, shows you the colourful cultural history of Lapland from prehistoric times through to the present day. Changes focused on the Arctic region can be explored in the permanent exhibition of the Arctic Centre, “The Arctic in Change”. Visitors can admire animated Northern Lights and experience the Cold Room.
Pilke Exhibition – northern forests The exhibition tells you about sustainable utilisation of forests in the north. The science centre-like exhibition diversifies the exhibitions telling of northern nature by including the forest sector. The exhibition will open its doors in spring 2011.
www.rovaniemi.fi
Korundi House of Culture – a cluster of culture The Korundi House of Culture is home to two internationally esteemed artistic organisations: The EU’s northernmost professional orchestra, the Lapland Chamber Orchestra and the Rovaniemi Museum of Art, with its modern art collection, which us one of the Finland’s most significant. Korundi combines the town’s history with modern, aesthetically intriguing architecture. 17
GENUINE CREATIVITY
Lapland Chamber Orchestra is the EU’s northernmost professional orchestra and one of Finland’s most diverse.
INSPIRED IN THE NORTH EMOTION AND INTERPRETATION
Theatre
Cultural enjoyment created with open-mindedness and passion are within everyone’s reach. Music and dance performances, popular outdoor events, summertime theatre and vibrant market days are enthusiastically welcomed by the public. High culture or handmade, Lappish art is always presented with pride and joy.
The home of Rovaniemi Theatre is the Lappia House designed by Alvar Aalto. Finland’s northernmost professional theatre with its wide range of programmes appeal to the hearts of audiences of all ages.
Art Museum Rovaniemi has a strong cluster of creative fields with significant impact on the culture and enterprise of the region.
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The activities of Rovaniemi Art Museum focus on Finnish modern art in addition to the study and presentation of the visual arts of the northern regions.
Konttinen Summer Theatre is renowned for its high standard performances, one of Rovaniemi’s most outstanding provider of staged cultural and tourist experiences.
Library The Regional Library of Lapland is one of the finest representations of Alvar Aalto architecture, attracting visitors from all over the world.
www.rovaniemi.fi
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BUSTLING JUNCTION
FOR LAPPISH TRAFFIC
AND COMMERCE
GROWTH IN SO MANY DIRECTIONS
Photo: Mieland / Jussi Leinonen
As the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi is also the centre of trade and logistics for Lappish business and consumers. International business is experiencing pronounced growth and the town welcomes enterprises and investors to become involved in this expansion.
New generation entrepreneurs reflect on the past, look to the future and seize today’s opportunities.
A central location and excellent connections form a channel for utilising the possibilities of the Barents region.
The growth of mining activities in Lapland creates new markets for existing businesses and opportunities for new business.
Freight traffic and industrial raw material haulage have always benefitted from the comprehensive waterway and road networks. Railway connections were established in 1909.
Basic information on trade and connections: • Rovaniemi is located at the junction of three highways and on European Highway 75. • 5-7 daily flight connections with Helsinki • Electrified rail connection to Helsinki, 3 daytime and 2 night time train services. • The value of retail sales in 2008 totalled 398 million euros • The population of Rovaniemi’s market region is 120,000 • Each year, Rovaniemi welcomes around 400,000 visitors, over half of which are international travellers • After Helsinki, Rovaniemi is Finland’s second most popular international travel destination More information on the region’s commercial possibilities available from: www. investinarctic.com
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www.rovaniemi.fi
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Entrepreneurship related to fitness and sports is expected to experience rapid growth in the future due to an ageing population, increased health awareness and rising standard of living.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERTISE
IN MANY FIELDS
A FIRM GRASP ON INDUSTRY Rovaniemi is one of Northern Europe’s most refined commercial centres. Substantial investments and development projects in Finnish Lapland, the northern regions of Sweden, Norway and Russia offer outstanding opportunities for businesses located in Rovaniemi. Success inspires success.
Opportunities need to be recognised Rovaniemi offers opportunities for success for enterprises and investors alike in a number of sectors, such as tourism, creative fields, industrial production, information technology, cold testing, shops and services. Rovaniemi is located in the heart of the rapidly developing Barents region. The distribution of jobs by sector (almost 25,000 jobs):
Rovaniemi is a thriving tourist destination that accommodates over half a million people each year.
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• • • • •
Private service sector 45% Public service sector 38% Construction 8% Industry 6% Agriculture and forestry 3%
Firmly established handicraft traditions, material expertise and knowledge of practical needs go hand-in-hand with modern technology.
www.rovaniemi.fi
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Health care challenges are catered for in a swift and customer oriented manner.
SECURED HEALTH,
PROSPERING TOWN LOOKING AFTER HEALTH
The child welfare clinic system assures healthy points of departure for lifelong wellbeing.
Free health care is an integral part of Finnish society and social security. Rovaniemi wants to comprehensively assure the wellbeing of its inhabitants with good social and health care facilities. Lapland Central Hospital is a top facility serving the whole of Lapland.
Rovaniemi has a number of public and private health care service providers:
FACTS!
The town offers a wide range of services and stimuli throughout life.
• Lapland Central Hospital • Town Health Centres and Dental Clinics • Child Welfare Clinics • School and Study Health Care • Municipal and Private Rehabilitation Facilities • Also numerous private general practices and health service and treatment companies.
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www.rovaniemi.fi
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FEEL YOU BELONG
IN ROVANIEMI
Families with children enjoy a high standard of living created by spacious housing areas and living conditions. The wellbeing of families is sustained by quality day care facilities.
PLEASANT LIVING Hilly countryside and waterways offer spectacular milieus for high quality living. The spaciousness of housing areas also creates space for a healthy mental ambiance. Quality of life is also assured by the town’s services that promote wellbeing and pleasantness. The pace of life is comfortably relaxed.
Town planning solutions correspond to today’s requirements – Rovaniemi takes structural changes in society into consideration in its town planning activities.
Rovaniemi market town destroyed 19 October 1944. Reconstruction began from this time.
More than just a town
FACTS!
• 28,512 households in 2009 • 39% live in detached houses • 44% live in apartment blocks • 13% live in terraced housing • 4,175 holiday homes • Dozens of private and municipal day care centres • English-speaking day care centre • 28 elementary schools • 3 high schools, vocational high school and adult high school, IB high school • School of visual arts, Steiner school, Music institute and adult education centres • Youth meeting places • Services for senior citizens Statistics 2009-2010
www.rovaniemi.fi 26
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The Finnish Defence Forces train fighter pilots in the Lapland Air Command.
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT KORVATAAN MAHDOLLISESTI KUVALLA, JOSSA ON ENEMMÄN ELÄMÄÄ: ESIM. KAHVILAKUVA YLIOPISTOLTA TMS.
Rovaniemi has long-established health care education traditions.
Rovaniemi’s strengths include top-level sports training and coaching.
Rovaniemi is a student town. Well established student traditions are very evident in the townscape.
Diversified education
NEW EXPERTS The range of educational facilities available in Rovaniemi is broad and provides a number of possibilities. Education is provided for experts in national defence and creative sectors, specialising in cold technologies and catering for challenges posed by the tourist industry. Educational establishments include the University of Lapland, University of Applied Sciences and the Vocational College. The diversified training facilities provide a professional workforce and experts for the needs of local business.
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FACTS!
• The University of Lapland has faculties of Law, Education, Art and Design, and Social Sciences. • The Arctic Centre is a research institute and science centre for northern conditions. • The Lapland Institute for Tourism Research and Education trains experts for tourism. • The Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences and Lapland Vocational College provide courses in Natural Resources and the Environment, Tourism, Health and Physical Education, Technology and Logistics, Social Sciences, Business Economics and Administration. • The University of Lapland and the Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences also offer curricula in English.
www.rovaniemi.fi
The high quality Finnish education system model, that has received international acclaim, is implemented in Rovaniemi.
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A night spent in the snow hotel is Arctic living at its best.
The stage is set
for big decisions
Lapland’s best conference services How would you fancy an inspiring meeting in the heart of wide open nature, or perhaps an exciting meeting in town? In Rovaniemi you can enjoy both at the same time. High standard meeting services combined with lifetime experience programmes guarantee favourable results. As an organiser of congress and incentive trips, Rovaniemi boasts Lapland’s leading competence and is a reliable partner. There is plenty of space for big ideas here. Experts at your service A professional and business-like representative appointed for your conference trip will take care of everything: accommodation, transportation, dinners, activity services, cultural experiences, and everything else that is pleasant and necessary. Whether it’s a two-person meeting or a conference of 3500 delegates, the right venue is available for any requirements.
Many ways to stay Rovaniemi has accommodation to suit many tastes, satisfying everyone’s requirements. Alternatives range from high standard town centre hotels to the holiday villages located in the surroundings. Enjoy the Lappish spontaneity and hospitality – make yourself at home!
Easy to get here
FaCTS
Excellent travel connections perfect the entirety. A number of direct flights to Rovaniemi are available daily from Helsinki and Tampere. The railway and bus stations are close to the very centre of the town.
Rovaniemi Congresses handles Rovaniemi’s meeting and congress services: www.rovaniemicongresses.com
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www.rovaniemi.fi
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Coat of Arms for the Town of Rovaniemi �A silver pall on a green background, the upper branches of which are staggered like lightning bolts, with a golden flame top centre. The pall signifies the confluence of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers, with the lightning bolts depicting power plants. The flame signifies a signal fire that was often lit on riverside hilltops when the region was placed under threat of oppressors.� Toivo Vuorela (1956).
City of Rovaniemi Postal address: P.O. Box 8216 FI-96101 Rovaniemi Visiting address: Hallituskatu 7, Rovakatu 1-2 FI-96100 Rovaniemi Telephone operator: +358 16 3221 email: kirjaamo@rovaniemi.fi www.rovaniemi.fi www.visitrovaniemi.fi www.rovaniemenkehitys.fi