Rovaniemi vs. Levi: 5 Key Differences to Choose the Best Lapland Destination

Lapland’s most famous destination, Rovaniemi, is well-known to many, mainly because Santa Claus Village is nearby. As a result, the place is busy all year round, especially during the holidays. Both have airports and are 170 km away from each other, Levi being up north. In the end its a matter of choice but for us Levi is the clear winner and ill tell you why.

Levi Ski Capital of Finland

Whether you choose to fly to Kittilä International Airport or drive from Rovaniemi with a rental car, be sure to book in advance, especially if you’re planning your trip during the holidays.

Everything about this city is authentic, cozy, and downright awesome, giving you that holiday spirit—even if you’re not usually into it back home or in other places you’ve visited before. Here are a few things to consider before making your choice:

Northen Lights or the Aurora Borealis

Being up north, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are higher, and with the help of the latest technology—like some great mobile apps—you can go aurora hunting on your own without spending a fortune on night tours. Not to mention, being a smaller town, it has lower light pollution, allowing the Northern Lights to shine even brighter.

Levi Ski Resort

Another great thing about this place, if you love skiing, is that it boasts a 5-star resort with excellent cable car infrastructure. While the slopes aren’t very long and the difficulty is mainly suited for regular skiers, it’s truly awesome to glide down the runs, especially with the nocturnal lights installed along the slopes for an unforgettable night skiing experience. Also the resort has 4 points of entry, each entry offers parking, rentals, and amenities for a convenient start.:

• North Point: Ideal for beginners and families, with ski schools and easy slopes.
• South Point: Great for advanced skiers, with faster lifts and fewer crowds.
• West Point: Quieter access to intermediate and advanced slopes.
• Gondola Base: Central entry with a gondola lift to higher elevations and stunning views.

Theme Parks

For us these were better then Santa Village, with less crowds and more authenticity:

Tonttula Elves Village is a magical destination where you can step into a whimsical world of Finnish folklore. Nestled in a tranquil forest, it offers activities like meeting Santa’s elves, exploring the cozy Elf’s Hideaway, and enjoying traditional Lappish treats. Perfect for families, it combines storytelling, nature, and holiday charm into an unforgettable experience.

Arcandia is a family-friendly indoor activity park filled with fun and adventure. It features climbing walls, trampolines, obstacle courses, and play areas designed to entertain kids and adults alike. Perfect for rainy days or taking a break from the slopes, Arcandia offers a vibrant and active escape for all ages.

Sleigh Rides

There are several great reindeer and husky farms, but be prepared to book in advance and budget accordingly. Either way, you’re likely to find lower prices and better availability compared to Rovaniemi. Here are a few tips:

• Levi Huskypark
  Offers husky sledding adventures and a chance to meet the dogs up close.
• Ounaskievari Reindeer Farm
  Traditional reindeer rides with insights into Sámi culture.
• Laplan Safaris Levi
  Provides both husky and reindeer safaris with a variety of ride options for all ages.
• Luvattumaa Ice Village
  Combine reindeer sleigh rides with a visit to a stunning ice hotel.

The City

With a population of 6,000 people, you can imagine it’s pretty small, so you can walk from one side to another in a matter of minutes. But the city center looks great and lies near South Point, where all the restaurants and hotels are.

Rovaniemi Hometown of Santa

This is the place every kid dreams of visiting to meet and talk with Santa. Beyond Santa Claus Village, there are plenty of other attractions to explore, which I’ll list in the following lines.

Santa’s Village

I’d say this place attracts about 80% of the visitors during the holiday season. Whether you book a place inside the village or stay in Rovaniemi, you can explore plenty of activities within the park, easily filling 3–4 days if you have the time and budget. Here is a shortlist of place where you can spend your time here:

• Santa Claus Office
  Meet Santa Claus himself and take a photo with him, a memory to treasure for years to come.
• Santa Claus Main Post Office
  Send postcards stamped with the official Arctic Circle postmark, or write a letter to Santa’s team of elves.
• Arctic Circle Line
  Walk across the Arctic Circle, marked right through the village, and get an official certificate to commemorate the crossing.
• Santa’s Reindeer
  Take a magical reindeer sleigh ride through the snowy landscape or simply meet these gentle animals up close.
• Husky Park
  Experience the thrill of a husky sled ride or visit the park to learn about these energetic sled dogs.
• Snowman World
  (Seasonal) Slide down snow hills, skate on ice, or dine at the enchanting ice restaurant and bar.
• Elves’ Hideaway
  Explore the elves’ workshops, join festive crafts, and discover secrets about life in Santa’s magical world.
• Shops and Boutiques
  Find unique souvenirs, handmade Arctic crafts, and Christmas-themed items to take home.
• Restaurants and Cafés
  Enjoy traditional Lappish dishes, international cuisine, or warm up with a hot drink and snacks in a cozy setting.

There’s no entry fee, and parking is free, but don’t let that fool you—once you’re inside, your wallet is in for a workout! If you’ve got a kid with you, brace yourself, because everything from reindeer rides to elf-made souvenirs will have them chanting, “Please, can we get this?” faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”

Ranua Zoo

80 km away, or just a 1-hour drive, is another popular destination near Rovaniemi: Ranua Zoo. Known as the northernmost zoo in the world, it offers the chance to see Arctic and Nordic animals like polar bears, lynxes, and wolves in their natural habitats. It’s a great day trip for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

The polar bear is the main attraction, but you need to arm yourself with patience while waiting for him to come out of his home. We managed to spot him for just a few seconds, and that was only because the sun peeked out from behind the clouds for a moment.

Sleigh Rides

Similar to Levi, there are plenty of options for this experience, but you need to plan ahead to secure lower costs and ensure you get a spot, as they sell out quickly. Here are a few options:

• Bearhill Husky
  Offers authentic husky safaris in the wilderness, including shorter rides or full-day adventures.
• Arctic Reindeer Farm
  A traditional reindeer farm where you can learn about Sámi culture and enjoy sleigh rides through snowy forests.
• Wolf Trail
  Located in a serene wilderness area, this unique experience offers husky safaris and snowshoeing tours through breathtaking Arctic landscapes. We had the chance to try it ourselves, and I even got to drive the husky sleigh, an exhilarating adventure I’ll never forget!
• Safartica
  Organizes various husky and reindeer excursions, including Northern Lights safaris and scenic rides in remote areas.

The City

Compared to Levi, this is New York. And because of that, there are several places where you can spend some time. On our resting day, we decided to hit the snow-covered streets, and here are a few places we enjoyed:

• Arktikum Science Museum
  This place is a must-visit for learning about Arctic nature, culture, and the history of Lapland, housed in a stunning glass-tunnel building.
• Pilke Science Centre
  Right across the museum you can explore interactive exhibits focusing on sustainable forestry and nature, perfect for families and kids. Clara loved this place and made a few friends as well.
• Rovaniemi City Center and Lordi’s Square
  The bustling heart of the city, filled with shops, restaurants, and the Sampokeskus Mall, where you can meet Santa and his elves. Lordi’s Square, a central meeting point named after the Finnish Eurovision-winning band, adds charm with its lively cafés and vibrant atmosphere.
• Korundi House of Culture
  Is a cultural hub showcasing contemporary art and hosting concerts and events.
• Rovaniemi Church
  A beautiful Lutheran church known for its modern architecture and striking frescoes.

Conclusion

Levi offers a cozy, small-town atmosphere focused on skiing and winter activities and a magical drop of Christmas, while Rovaniemi is a bustling festive hub with Santa-themed attractions, perfect for soaking in the Christmas spirit if you are ok with crowds. Here are a few things to consider:

• Budget
  Reindeer rides cost €50–€100, and husky rides range from €80–€150 for short tours. Longer safaris are pricier.
• Booking
  Reserve 1–2 weeks in advance through farms, tour operators, or your hotel.
• Ride Duration
  Short rides (10 minutes) are ideal, especially for kids or in freezing temperatures.
• Dress Warm
  Layer up with thermal gear, snow boots, and gloves; some farms provide extra blankets.
• Timing
  With winter daylight from 11 AM to 2 PM, book rides within these hours for the best views.