Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, sits right on the Arctic Circle. Santa Claus Village, just outside town, is open all year, and you can meet Santa, post a card from his main post office and step across the Arctic Circle line.

In winter the forests are deep in snow, and the days are made for husky and reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobile safaris and evening trips in search of the northern lights. Families often visit in December, so book early.

The Arktikum science centre explains Arctic nature and the culture of the Sámi people, and in summer the midnight sun means almost endless daylight.