The Ultimate Packing List for Rovaniemi, Lapland
Packing for a winter holiday in Lapland can seem daunting. This ultimate packing list for Rovaniemi will help you every folding step of the way.
If you’re here, then you must be at least 60% into your plans for visiting the fairytale world of Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland in winter. Perhaps, you’re planning on getting out there and visiting the magical Santa Claus Village, or taking a ride on those ever-so-cute reindeers while gazing at the jaw-dropping Northern lights.
We were also as excited as you and with the anticipation building, we realised that our wardrobe just didn’t contain half of what we would need.Â
So, to help you make the most of your winter adventure, here’s a comprehensive packing guide for your trip to Rovaniemi, Lapland (this is exactly what we packed!).
This post is for informational purposes based on our personal experience. In addition, this post contains affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn commissions on purchases you make at no extra cost to you.
WHAT’S IN THIS ARTICLE?
- How Cold is Rovaniemi In Winter
- Can You Rent Winter Clothes in Rovaniemi
- Documentation for Rovaniemi
- Clothing 101 for Rovaniemi
- The Best Footware for Rovaniemi
- Essential Accessories
- Toiletries and Skincare for Maximum Protection
- Technical Gear for Snow Adventures
- Camera Gear to Save the Memories
- Extra Electronic Gadgets
- How to Pack Lightly for Rovaniemi
How Cold Is Rovaniemi IN wINTER?
Short answer. Freezing.
Rovaniemi is located in Lapland, Finland and everyone knows how cold the Finnish winters can be. We visited Rovaniemi in December and the average temperature was usually between -12.5°C (9.5°F) and -6.4°C (20.5°F).
Moreover, it snowed only once in 4 days. But it was mostly clear and the chances of seeing the Northern Lights were quite good.
Can you rent winter clothes in Rovaniemi?
Yes you can!
If you want to pack light for your trip to Rovaniemi, Lapland then you might want to consider hiring warm clothes. Some companies offer the service and you can rent everything from thermal tops and bottoms to baby winter equipment.Â
If you are going to go snowmobiling or ice fishing, the company rents you insulated overalls and boots like the ones we have on in the photo.
PRO TRAVEL TIP
Book all activities you want to do in Rovaniemi with the same company. This way, you have only one pick up and drop of point and times. You can also keep your insulated overall and boots in your hotel until you need to return them.
Documentation for Rovaniemi
First things first, you mustn’t forget your travel documents or else, no holiday, right?
So here’s a checklist:
- Passport and ID card
- Credit Cards
- Health Insurance
- Reservations for activities
- Driver’s licence
- Internet
- Passport and ID cARDS
It is always a good idea to have both a digital copy (on your phone) and photocopies of your passport and ID cards in case of emergencies.
- Credit Cards
Everywhere in Rovaniemi accepts credit and debit cards even taxis, so you don’t really need to carry cash.
- Health Insurance
Consider taking out travel health insurance. Most winter activities in Lapland like snowmobiling, arctic fishing will involve some level of risk for physical injuries.
Having medical insurance can put your mind at ease, especially if you’re traveling with children. Make digital and hard copies and keep them on you at all times.
- Reservations for activities
It is a wise idea to reserve your activities before going to Rovaniemi as some of them can get fully booked quickly. If you intend to go ride Santa Claus’ Reindeers at the Sant Claus Village, then you definitely will need to reserve ahead of time.
Make sure you have a digital copy of any reserved activities on your phone for easy access.
- Driver's licence
For snowmobile rides, a valid driver’s licence is required. If you’re not from the UE, then get an international driver’s licence to be on the safe side.
Clothing 101 for Rovaniemi
When it comes to spending an enjoyable winter in Rovaniemi, the essential rules for dressing are layers, layers, and more layers! Being fashionable won’t help you stay warm but being practical will.
 Here’s exactly how we were able to keep warm during our time in Lapland:
- Base layer
- Mid layer
- Top layer
- Base layer
You want to start with a moisture-wicking thermal underwear to keep sweat away from your body. Real natural wool or synthetic materials are ideal.
Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and can make you feel colder.
We packed thermal tops and bottoms and brought extra pairs to change into because we had several outdoor winter activities lined up like this exhilarating snowmobile ride into the Arctic forest in search of the Northern Lights.
- Mid layer
DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
The mid-layer is all about insulation. Fleece jackets, wool sweaters, or down vests work well. For bottoms, thick jeans or leggings are a good idea.
These layers trap the body heat you would have created from the base layer, keeping you warm for longer. If you skip this, you’ll find that you cannot stay outside for more than a few minutes at a time.
- Outer layer
Your outer layer should protect you from wind, snow, and rain. To stay protected, a high-quality, waterproof, and windproof winter jacket is essential.
Look for one with a hood, as it will provide extra warmth and protection.
Snow pants with insulated waterproof are also crucial for outdoor activities.
PRO TRAVEL TIP
If you have kids, you can go for body suits as they keep the warmth for longer. Check out these winter kids sets.
The Best Footware for Rovaniemi
Having wet, soggy socks and shoes is a sure sign that not only are you going to ruin your holiday, but that you might get sick while on vacation.
Who wants that?!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Winter boots: Outdoor and indoor
- Wool socks
- Thermal soles
- Winter Boots
Bring a pair of insulated, waterproof winter boots with good traction. They should be roomy enough to accommodate thick socks but not so loose that your feet slide around inside.
Look for boots rated for extreme cold, as temperatures can drop well below freezing.
More importantly, make sure they are airtight enough that water can’t get in. You don’t want to risk getting frostbite on your toes and ruining your holiday.
If you’re staying at a resort like the Arctic Treehouse, where the reception and restaurant are a couple 100 meters from your cabin, you’ll want an indoor winter boot that is still protective while moving between the different areas.
- Wool Socks
Wool socks are a must for keeping your feet warm. They will help you keep moisture away from your skin and provide insulation even when damp.
Pack several pairs, and consider layering a thinner pair under a thicker one on particularly cold days.
- Thermal Insoles
If your feet tend to get cold during winter, add thermal insoles to your boots.
These provide an extra layer of insulation between your feet and the cold ground.
Essential Accessories: Small Items with Big Impact
Don’t underestimate the importance of these accessories.
If you forget any of these items, you will definitely not be able to leave your hotel or accommodation in Rovaniemi without freezing up.
These small, disposable heat packs can make a big difference, especially if you’re spending long periods outdoors.
Slip them into your gloves or boots for extra warmth. They definitely helped me quickly reheat my fingers whenever I took off my gloves to take photos.
Because, who can resist taking hundreds of photos of the most serene winter landscapes ever!
Mittens are generally warmer than gloves because they allow your fingers to share warmth. However, gloves offer better dexterity. You may want to bring both, along with a pair of glove liners for added warmth.
We used our skiing gloves, which are built for durability and protection while doing outdoor activities, so they were perfect.
PRO TRAVEL TIP
Get winter glove liners that have sensitive touchscreen material so you can still use your phone while keeping your fingers warm.
A wool or fleece-lined hat that covers your ears is essential. You lose a lot of heat through your head, so a good hat is key to staying warm.
You can get one with a fleece or silk liner. Or even better, get a trapper hat. They look really cool. You can also buy one in Rovaniemi as a memoir of your trip.
A really thick wool scarf or a neck warmer with a wool liner will protect your neck and face from the biting wind.
I got this amazingly warm set of a hat and neck warmer online, and they worked beautifully well.
Toiletries and Skincare: Protect Your Skin
The Finnish Lapland air is not only freezing cold, but it’s also quite dry in Rovaniemi can be harsh on your skin, so pack accordingly.
You’ll need:
- Sunscreen – at least SPF 50
- Body Moisturizer
- Lip Balm
- Hand Cream
- Hair Mask
- Antibacterial foot powder
- Tissues
- Medications
Even in winter, the sun’s rays can be subtle but extremely strong, especially when reflected off the snow.
Pack a high-SPF sunscreen and apply it to exposed skin. I use a cream with SPF 50 that has a moisturizing effect as well.
Bring a rich, hydrating moisturizer for your face and hands.
Dry skin in extremely cold conditions, like there are in Rovaniemi, can crack or be itchy. This can cause some pain and discomfort.
You should apply your moisturizer frequently to prevent your skin from drying out.
- hAND cREAM
Even though your hands will be in a pair of gloves most of the time you’re outdoors, that still does not protect them from drying out.
Make sure to pack at least 2 tubes of hand moisturizing cream to keep your hands soft and hydrated. It will also prevent your fingertips from feeling frozen.
Keep one in your coat pocket and one in your backpack or hand bag.
- Lip Balm
Chapped lips are common in cold weather. Besides being uncomfortable, it can be unattractive to watch you licking your white scaly lips- Sorry if that was too graphic but hopefully, you got the point.
A good lip balm is essential. Choose one with SPF protection to shield your lips from the sun’s rays reflecting off the snow.
- Hair Mask
If you’re like me, and you have curly to coily hair, then this is a must!
The combination of the cold hair and the friction from your hat can definitely cause damage to your hair.
I speak from experience.
Get one that has deeply penetrating ingredients and smoothening properties like shea butter or almond oil.
- Antibacterial Foot Powder
If you sweat from your feet, then you want to make sure to keep that moisture away!
Sweaty feet lead to wet soggy socks, which then cause bacterial build-up. So add a tub of antibacterial foot powder to keep your feet fresh, and dry, while eliminating any odours.
- Tissues
The cold weather in Lapland can cause a runny nose, so keep tissues handy in your pockets or backpack.
- Medications
While this cannot be considered as cosmetics, where else can we put them on this list?!
Do not forget to pack enough medications to last you during your stay in Rovaniemi, and include some extras in case of emergencies.
Also, take some pain killers, muscle balms and allergy medicine. Except you choose to stay in Rovaniemi center, pharmacies aren’t easy to find.
CHECK OUT THE COMPLETE ULTIMATE PACKING LIST FOR ROVANIEMI, LAPLAND ON AMAZON
Technical Gear for Adventure Activities in rovaniemi, Lapland
As I mentioned earlier, Rovaniemi offers plenty of outdoor activities, from snowmobiling to dog sledding, so you’ll need the right gear.
- Ski goggles or Polarized sunglasses
- Waterproof Backpack
- Gimbal or Selfie stick
- Waterproof pouch for mobile phones
- Ski goggles or polarised sunglasses
The snow reflects a lot of sunlight, and during activities like snowmobiling, the wind can make your eyes water.
Ski goggles provide protection from both UV rays and wind, while polarized sunglasses are a good option for less intense activities.
- Waterproof Backpack
A small, waterproof backpack is useful for carrying essentials like snacks, water, and any extra layers of clothing when you’re out for the day.
This lightweight and foldable backpack would be ideal for a comfortable day out in the snowy arctic forest of Rovaniemi..
- Gimbal or selfie stick
Gimbals are great for shooting steady videos and travel vlogs.Â
In freezing temperatures, you can easily operate your phone’s camera using the more convenient buttons without needing to touch your phone’s screen. We used the Hohem iSTEADY X3 Gimbal. It has an app that you download with some pretty cool features like face tracking, Dolly Zoom and Motion Timelapse effects.
Alternatively, foldable selfie sticks are great but less technical options. Make sure to get one that comes with a remote so you can access your camera easily.
- Waterproof Pouch for mobile phones
Finnish Lapland does get its share of snow. Heaps of it. And snow melts when moved. So you’ll definitely benefit from a waterproof phone pouch if you’re gonna spend sometime outdoors.
Besides, they can also keep your phone battery slightly warmer and prevent your phone from freezing up.
PRO TRAVEL TIP
Make sure to get a backpack with a water bottle pocket and straps to keep things in place. We love to travel with our silicon water bottle, which helps us save money on water while staying hydrated and being eco-friendly!
Camera Gear for Saving your Memories
Rovaniemi is a photographer’s dream, so don’t forget your cameras and all the things to help you capture the highlights of your trip!
Here’s what you MUST include:
- Waterproof (or water-safe) Camera plus Extra batteries
- Wide angle zoom lens
- Foldable Tripod
- Waterproof Camera bag
- Drone
- Memory disks and cards
- Waterproof Camera and Extra Batteries
If you’re hoping to capture the Northern Lights, and you’re into photography, then you must bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera like the Nikon D7500 or Canon EOS T7 Rebel cameras.
Extra batteries are essential, as cold weather drains batteries quickly.
Now, for capturing your adventure videos, you must get an action camera like the GoPro cameras (from Hero 9 and above) for smooth and stable shots. They also are also quite good under low light conditions as you will experience in Lapland.
 Another great alternative is the Insta3 X4 with its invisible selfie stick. It takes 360 shots, which means you don’t have to worry about pointing your camera in any specific direction. You can choose the best frames later on in editing.
Note, however, that the images aren’t the best under poor lighting.
- Wide angle Zoom Lens
The ideal lens for capturing the best photos of the aurora borealis is one with a wide angle between 15mm and 35mm, and an f-stop between f/0.8 and f/4.0.
This will allow you to get a great wide view of the sky and a greater spectrum of the Northern Lights when it’s “dancing”.
Tamron makes great wide-angle lenses for different camera mounts.
- Foldable Tripod
Because no one knows the exact time the Aurora Borealis will make a blissful appearance, you will just have to wait patiently.
Having a tripod set up with your camera in the position you want, will guarantee that you’ll be ready when the time comes.
Plus, your shots won’t be shaky and blurry. and the icing on the cake is that you can enjoy the spectacular show of the dancing lights with both your naked eyes and through the lens without missing anything.
- Waterproof Camera Bag
A waterproof camera bag is also essential if you plan on doing any serious photography. Make sure it is waterproof and big enough to contain all of your gear in one organised place.
- Drone
There is no doubt that Rovaniemi, Lapland is one of the most “dronable” locations in the world. The DJI drones are one of the most reliable ones in extreme environments. However, you must be very careful when flying your drone in Rovaniemi.
You need permission from the Finland air traffic control due to its close proximity (only about 5km) from the airport.
Before you pack up your drone, check the drone regulations for Finland to get all the necessary documentation without risking a fine or worse, losing your drone in the arctic wilderness because it was deactivated.
- Memory disk and card
You should bring a high-capacity memory device to store and organise your photos and videos.
We use a 256GB memory stick with a double connector to transfer hundreds of photos from our phone to the computer in seconds.
extra electronic gear and gadgets
In addition to camera gear, there are a few other electronics you’ll want to bring:
- Power Bank: For charging your phone on the go since the cold drains batteries quickly.
- Travel Adaptor : Finland uses the European standard plug (type C or F), so if you’re coming from outside Europe, don’t forget to pack a travel adaptor!
- Headlamp or Flashlight : To light up your way. Daylight hours are limited in Rovaniemi. We got barely 3 hours of light each day while we were there.
- E-reader or Book: To keep you company during the long flight or the long dark nights in Lapland.
How to Pack Lightly For Your Trip to Rovaniemi
You will be spending most of your time wrapped up like a mummy during your winter stay in Lapland so you won’t really need much clothes.
Pack the minimum depending on how many days you have to spend in Rovaniemi.
We stayed there for 4 days and we only used a handful of clothes. So, for 4 days, we suggest packing the following:
- 2 thermal underwear tops
- 1 thermal underwear long pants
- 1 pair of warm trousers
- 2 wool sweaters
- 1 winter jacket
- 1 pair of snow pants (optional)
- 1 pair of snow boots
- 1 pair of regular winter boots for staying indoors
- Underwear
- 1 set wool hat, gloves, and scarf
- 2 pairs of wool socks
- 2 travel container packs with toiletries and medication
- Camera Gear
- Essential electronic gadgets
PRO TRAVEL TIP
Wear one set of the warm clothing you intend to pack with you on the day of travel and you’ll have less to pack.
Final Thoughts
Let’s end this by saying how jealous we are that you’re going off on a once-in-a-ifetime adventure to the fairyland of Rovaniemi.
We hope this comprehensive packing guide for Rovaniemi will help you make the most of your holiday.
Remember to drink some glögg ( mulled wine) after your adventure-packed winter days!
READ NEXT:
Our Favourite Travel Resources
HOTELS
Booking.com has always been our go-to for finding and booking both affordable and luxurious accommodation.
Expedia UK is especially useful if you live in the UK but you can still book with them regardless. It’s also perfect for finding great accommodation deals inside the UK.
ACTIVITIES
Tripadvisor provides useful reviews from real people that have booked activities all over the world. This helps us compare experiences before making reservations.
Get Your Guide is by far our favourite place to book experiences for all things Europe. What we also love is that you can find major tour companies as well as individual private locals who can really show you around the unbeaten paths.
FLIGHTS
Wayaway is a flight aggregator that is very helpful in finding great flight deals from major US and global airlines without any hidden fees. In addition, if you join the Wayaway Plus Membership, you’ll get more services such as deals offering “money back” options on selected flights. Sign up here and use my special code “ZEBRA01″Â to get 10% off!
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