This live stream webcam shows Santa Claus Village, the official hometown of Santa Claus, located in Rovaniemi, Finland.
Rovaniemi is a transport and tourist hub for Finnish Lapland. Sitting on the Arctic Circle does not harm the latter role, and Joulupukki, presenting himself as Santa Claus to foreigners, has understood that this is the place to meet people. Tourist businesses have also flocked here. Easily reachable, Rovaniemi still has rivers, a fell, mires, vast forests, Midnight Sun and Northern Lights: much of what Lapland means to most people.
As the capital of Finnish Lapland, the city has several important museums, cultural venues and educational institutions. It has the feel of a university town when you get to the right venues. The University of Lapland and Lapland University of Applied Sciences have about 10,000 students in total.
Here are some key facts about Rovaniemi:
1. **Location:**
– Rovaniemi is located in the northern part of Finland, near the Arctic Circle. It sits on the confluence of the Kemijoki River and is surrounded by forests and wilderness.
2. **Arctic Circle Crossing:**
– Rovaniemi is known as the official hometown of Santa Claus, and it is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting Lapland. The Arctic Circle runs just a few kilometers north of the city, and there’s a special place called the Santa Claus Village where visitors can cross the Arctic Circle.
3. **Santa Claus Village:**
– Santa Claus Village is a year-round attraction where visitors can meet Santa Claus, explore Santa’s Main Post Office, and experience the magic of Christmas. It’s a popular destination, especially during the winter months.
4. **Arctic Attractions:**
– Rovaniemi offers a range of activities and attractions related to the Arctic environment. This includes opportunities to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), go on husky and reindeer safaris, and enjoy winter sports.
5. **Lapland’s Gateway:**
– Rovaniemi serves as the gateway to Lapland, and its airport, Rovaniemi Airport, is the third-busiest airport in Finland. Tourists often use Rovaniemi as a base for exploring the wider Lapland region.
6. **University Town:**
– Rovaniemi is also a university town, hosting the University of Lapland, which is known for its focus on Arctic studies.
7. **Winter Tourism:**
– The winter season in Rovaniemi attracts visitors who come to experience the snowy landscapes, participate in winter activities, and, of course, meet Santa Claus.
8. **Arktikum Science Center and Museum:**
– Arktikum is a science center and museum in Rovaniemi that focuses on Arctic issues and the history and culture of Lapland.
9. **Midnight Sun:**
– During the summer months, Rovaniemi experiences the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun remains visible for an extended period, including throughout the night.
Rovaniemi’s unique location, cultural attractions, and Arctic experiences make it a popular destination for travelers interested in the northernmost regions of Europe.