Midnight sun, wild nature, Finnish sauna, endless lakes, and authentic Nordic experiences: discover the best things to do in Rovaniemi during summer.
Saunas hold a central place in Finnish and Lapland culture. The concept of a floating sauna is simple: a wood-fired sauna built on a floating platform. On board, you will usually find a terrace and a barbecue area, allowing you to make the most of your day or evening on the water.
Relax in the warmth of the floating sauna, then dive into the river for a refreshing swim! Depending on the time of summer, the water can be pleasantly warm (up to 24°C in some areas) or refreshingly cool.
This unique experience leaves you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and fully refreshed — the perfect adventure for an unforgettable moment with family or friends.
Among the best summer activities in Rovaniemi, boat trips in the heart of nature are a must. With its vast rivers, sparkling lakes, and breathtaking landscapes, the region offers a truly unique experience for nature lovers.
Boat excursions in Rovaniemi provide moments of peace and a different perspective on the stunning natural beauty of the area. And of course, a boat ride under the midnight sun is an absolute highlight of any summer trip to Lapland.
If you want to explore the surroundings of Rovaniemi with a qualified local guide, you can book an organised boat tour. This option allows you to cruise along calm waters while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding forests and hills.
Enjoy moments of serenity and quietness as you observe the wilderness and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of these pristine waterways.
First of all, it is worth noting that Finland in summer is a paradise for nature lovers. Take advantage of the endless summer days to explore vast forests, sparkling lakes, and rolling green hills. Well-maintained hiking trails allow you to discover breathtaking landscapes, and you may even spot some wildlife along the way.
However, if you are an experienced and well-equipped hiker, you can also venture out on your own along some of these trails. For example, if you are planning a summer road trip through Lapland, you will find plenty of hiking opportunities throughout your journey.
Here is an article where you can find more information and hiking maps for Lapland and Rovaniemi: THE BEST HIKES IN ROVANIEMI AND IN LAPLAND
Summer activities in Rovaniemi are just as diverse as in winter. So what better way to discover the beauty of this enchanting region than on horseback? Horse riding excursions offer a unique experience, combining the elegance of the horse, the stunning natural landscapes, and an immersion into local culture.
Pilke Science Centre: The Pilke Science Centre offers a multi-sensory, interactive experience suitable for all ages, focusing on the sustainable use of northern forests. Discover our article here.
Arktikum: The Arktikum combines a Science Centre and a Museum: the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland and the Regional Museum of Lapland. It offers insight into Arctic nature, culture, and history, helping you deepen your understanding of the Arctic as a whole. Discover our article here.
Lapland Forest Museum: The Lapland Forest Museum tells the story of forest workers, forestry, and technological development in Lapland. It preserves, researches, maintains, and presents the cultural heritage of Lapland’s forestry history. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to the history of forest work in Finnish Lapland.
Rovaniemi Local Heritage Museum: This museum illustrates life in the home and outbuildings of a wealthy farmer over 150 years ago. It features collections of rural objects mainly related to traditional livelihoods such as fishing, hunting, reindeer herding, and animal husbandry, as well as traditional crafts and food production. It also includes an interesting photo exhibition on the history of Rovaniemi. Discover our article about this museum here.
Rovaniemi Art Museum – Korundi House of Culture:The Korundi House of Culture hosts the Rovaniemi Art Museum and the Lapland Chamber Orchestra.
Lapland is well known as a paradise for fishing enthusiasts from all over the world. Naturally, boat trips also offer an excellent opportunity to enjoy this popular Finnish summer activity.
Whether you are an experienced angler or a beginner, the waters of Lapland are rich in fish such as rainbow trout, pike, zander, and Arctic char.
Yes, fishing is accessible to everyone during your summer holiday in Finland. The easiest way to enjoy this activity is to join an experienced local guide, ensuring you fish legally and don’t miss out on the full experience.
The experience usually involves comfortably settling into a boat, casting your line, and patiently waiting for a memorable catch. Fishing in Lapland is not only an exciting traditional activity, but also a way to reconnect with nature.
Whether it’s trolling for rainbow trout or casting for pike, there is something for everyone, from beginners to experienced anglers.
You can find more information about fishing in Lapland in this article: Boat fishing, a must-do during your trip to Lapland.
Naturally, among the summer activities in Rovaniemi, jet skiing is becoming increasingly popular. This sport, also enjoyed by locals, offers an adrenaline rush and unforgettable moments in a truly stunning setting.
Rovaniemi is surrounded by beautiful waterways such as the Kemijoki River, which provides ideal conditions for jet skiing. The picturesque landscapes, with their lush green riverbanks and dense forests, add a magical touch to this thrilling adventure.
Did you know that Lapland is home to an abundance of delicious wild berries? Its vast forests, marshlands, and rolling hills shelter a wide variety of edible berry species.
Berry picking in Lapland is both a rewarding and delicious summer experience. From juicy lingonberries and wild blueberries to sweet marsh berries, you will have the chance to explore the wilderness and enjoy nature’s true treasures.
Whether you are travelling as a family, a couple, or on your own, this activity is accessible to everyone and offers a great way to connect with nature. Wild berries are often easy to find along well-marked hiking trails, making the experience both simple and enjoyable.
Some local guides can also help you discover the best spots for foraging these natural treats, ensuring you make the most of your time in the forest.
When picking wild berries in Lapland, it is important to do so responsibly. Only harvest ripe berries and make sure to leave the plants intact, allowing them to regenerate for future seasons.
Summer in Lapland is the perfect time to discover Arctic wildlife. From observing animals in their natural habitat, visiting traditional reindeer farms, to exploring northern species at the Ranua Wildlife Park, travelers can experience the animal world of the Far North in many different ways.
Reindeer, moose, wild birds, and sometimes even brown bears are among the incredible species you may encounter in the wild landscapes of Finland.
If you are wondering what to do in Lapland during summer, the region’s countless rivers and lakes offer endless opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
Paddle through breathtaking landscapes while enjoying the peaceful silence of nature all around you. During your journey, you may even spot otters, beavers, or rare water birds along the way.
Depending on your preferences, you can:
When travelling in Finland, one of the most iconic experiences is spending a night in a traditional Finnish cabin, known as a “mökki”.
These wooden cabins are beautifully integrated into the natural landscape, offering a peaceful and authentic way to experience Finnish culture. Whether you want to relax in the middle of nature or simply immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, this unique stay guarantees unforgettable memories.
You can find beautiful cabins on platforms such as Lomarengas and Airbnb. Or you can check our cabin here.
Rest assured, there is no snow or ice during the summer in Lapland. Depending on where you stay in the region, summer temperatures generally range between 15°C and 25°C on average.
Some days can be cooler, but this is usually short-lived and typically does not last more than a day or two. On the other hand, it is also possible for temperatures to reach up to 30°C during the warmest days of the summer, although this remains relatively rare and usually only lasts for a few days.
Between the midnight sun, wild nature, and authentic Nordic experiences, summer in Lapland reveals a lesser-known side of the Arctic. Lakeside saunas, hiking, canoeing, boat cruises, or quiet moments facing endless landscapes: Rovaniemi is the perfect destination to experience a different kind of summer, far from the crowds and closer to nature.
proche de la nature.
Planning a trip to Lapland this summer? Our local team based in Rovaniemi can help you choose the experiences best suited to your stay and create a tailored itinerary based on your preferences.
