Rovaniemi, Finland 🇫🇮
#514
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, Finland, located near the Arctic Circle, known for its winter sports and as the official home of Santa Claus. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 62,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average speed of 50 Mbps, with options for fiber-optic connections available in many areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; ATMs widely available, major credit cards accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; excellent quality sourced from local water systems. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Elisa, Telia, and DNA; prepaid options are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks include OP Financial Group, Nordea; widely accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnbs, hostels, and long-term rentals, with popular neighborhoods being the city center. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in stores, restaurants, and cafés. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Rovaniemi offers dormitory-style rooms starting at approx. €25 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | City center and near Santa Claus Village for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Rovaniemi city center has several cafés and coworking spaces suitable for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Korko, a coworking space offering flexible membership options and event spaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Kauppayhtio, known for its cozy atmosphere and good coffee, suitable for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups hosted by local entrepreneurs and tech communities, particularly in summer. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Lapland Facebook group facilitates social gatherings and networking among foreign residents. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yango and local taxi services are reliable for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at Rovaniemi city bike rental stations during the tourist season. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ounasvaara Beach, approx. 5 km from the city center, offers scenic spots for relaxation. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Finnair, offering flights to Helsinki and other Finnish cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | SAS and Norwegian Airlines operate flights from Rovaniemi to major European cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Located near E75 highway connecting Rovaniemi to other parts of Finland. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Rovaniemi Railway Station, providing connections to Helsinki and Lapland towns. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Daily and weekly passes available for local buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity buses and trains provide easy access to neighboring towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Rovaniemi Central Hospital provides comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | YogaRovaniemi offers classes and wellness programs throughout the year. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Pohjola Gym provides a variety of fitness classes and workout equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services available at various locations in the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and Foodora are popular for food delivery in Rovaniemi. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Reindeer stew (poronkäristys) is a must-try traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Ravintola Ruka offers a range of vegan and vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe & Restaurant Nili serves delicious local desserts and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Rovaniemi Marketplace has several vendors offering local produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Finland-based e-commerce sites like Verkkokauppa and Gigantti for electronics. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | K-Citymarket and S-Market offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Rovaniemi's nightlife is centered around the city center with bars such as Jack's Corner. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Rovaniemi Brewery known for its craft beers and local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Rovaniemi offers a selection of wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food stalls found at events and markets during summertime. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various options include Italian, Asian, and American restaurants scattered throughout the city. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Santa Claus Village and Arktikum Museum highlight Arctic culture and history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Korundi House of Culture hosts art exhibitions and concerts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Rovaniemi Church represents local architectural heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Arktikum is not only a museum but an impressive structure reflecting local culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Rovaniemi Christmas Market and Kenkäverö Festival are highlights throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Cultural Quarter of Rovaniemi includes museums, galleries, and theaters. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Rovaniemen Teatteri offers local performances and plays. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Rovaniemi Market Square hosts regular local markets and events. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues host folk music and modern pop performances throughout the year. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals and artworks can be found in urban areas around the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer traditional Finnish cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Korkalovaaran Art Gallery showcases work by local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Rovaniemi's historic buildings reflect post-war reconstruction architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Local cultural heritage is celebrated at the Rovaniemi Cultural Center. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ounasvaara Hill offers hiking trails and skiing opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pyhä-Luosto National Park, known for hiking, skiing, and stunning natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Rovaniemi has several cycling paths along the River Kemijoki. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Ounasvaara offers stunning views of the Rovaniemi landscape and river. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ounasvaara and surrounding wetlands are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near Ounasvaara for bonfires in the summer months. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Posti provides national and international parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local tech shops like Rovaniemen IT provide repair services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers occasionally host table tennis activities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local community colleges offer Finnish language classes for newcomers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Rovaniemi City Library provides a tranquil space for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host various events and activities for residents. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafés sometimes offer gaming nights and events for enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are currently no casinos in Rovaniemi; nearest are in larger cities like Oulu. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €116,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €92,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €224,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Resident individuals are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 56.95% |
| 🧾 VAT | 24% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Finland has CFC rules to prevent base erosion. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value and municipal decisions. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 4% for residential properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Finland's tax residency takes into account the tax agreements, potentially benefiting those working remotely. |