Each month, residents in participating affiliated communities will have the opportunity to learn more about a different city or country through fun activities, interesting facts, and delicious cuisine through the Port of Call program. The Life Enrichment teams put together a program where residents will experience and celebrate the unique culture of the chosen city. During January, the Port of Call theme is Rovaniemi, Finland!

About Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the capital city of Lapland located in northern Finland along the Arctic Circle. The Ounasjoki River runs north and west of Rovaniemi, while the Kemijoki River runs east and south.¹

Prior to Rovaniemi becoming its own independent city in 1929, it was under strict Russian control. For the next decade, Rovaniemi was a thriving tourist town.² Then, in 1939, most of the city was destroyed by Russian planes during World War II. By the early 1950s, Rovaniemi was rebuilt and expanded to the city it is today, thanks to architect Alvar Aalto.³

Today, there are 64,000 people who live in Rovaniemi.⁴ The majority of people speak Finnish and Swedish, with indigenous people speaking Sami. English is also widely spoken as a second language in Rovaniemi.⁵ Rovaniemi has a cool climate with temperatures ranging from 7 to 17 degrees in the winter to 55 to 61 degrees in the summer.⁶

Attractions in Rovaniemi

One popular attraction you could visit is Santa Claus Village. There are a variety of things to do at the Village, such as meeting Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Christmas House, writing a letter to Santa at the Post Office, and going on a reindeer ride with Santa’s reindeer! There are also plenty of restaurants and shops to explore once you are done visiting with Santa.⁷

Another attraction you could visit is the Arktikum Museum. While at this museum, you will learn about the Arctic Circle and the history of the region through interactive exhibits. It also has temporary exhibits relating to the region and its history. Once you are done exploring the museum, you could grab a bite to eat at the café.⁸

Another fun attraction to visit is the Konttaniemi Reindeer Farm. They offer 1-hour-long tours where you will tour the farm, feed the reindeer, and learn about how they live. You could also book a safari where you will ride in a buggy pulled by reindeer for an hour and a half long journey throughout the farm.⁹

Rovaniemi Cuisine

Rovaniemi is known for its meat and seafood dishes thanks to its vast forests and arctic climate. There are a variety of bistros, restaurants, and fine-dining establishments where you could enjoy Rovaniemi’s tasty cuisine.¹⁰ Here are some of Rovaniemi’s most popular dishes:

• Lohikeitto. Lohikeitto is a salmon soup with potatoes, carrots, leeks, and dill. This is a common dish to eat for lunch or dinner, especially in the winter.¹¹
• Poronkäristys. Poronkäristys consists of thinly sliced reindeer meat that is cooked with onions, butter, and beef stock. Typically, Poronkäristys is served alongside mashed potatoes and lingonberries.¹²
• Lihapyöryköitä. Lihapyöryköitä are meatballs made with allspice and are topped with gravy. Locals usually serve mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickles alongside this dish.¹³
• Korvapuusti. Korvapuusti are cinnamon rolls baked with cinnamon, cardamom, and brown sugar, and topped with pearlized sugar, making it a tasty dessert.¹⁴

Activities for the Port of Call

Every month, the participating Life Enrichment Departments at the affiliated communities will offer fun activities that celebrate the culture and history of each city. This month, the inspiration for their activities will be Rovaniemi, Finland! All activities are subject to change, and these lists are not final. Here are some examples of the activities the affiliated communities plan to offer.

Sage Bluff

Sage Bluff plans on doing a Northern Lights painting during Painting Club. They will also play Molkky, a traditional Finnish game during Exercise Club. Lastly, they plan on having a Port of Call-themed trivia night with a mocktail version of Gloggi (mulled wine).

Caring Heights

Caring Heights plans on showing a travelogue video of Rovaniemi and will paint the Northern Lights during a craft session. They will also take pictures with a beautiful photo backdrop of the Northern Lights!

Centerburg Pointe

Centerburg plans on having a Finnish cuisine tasting featuring traditional Finnish food, as well as having a Northern Lights exhibit in their theater room!

Shore

Shore plans on doing a scavenger hunt while watching a tourist video of Rovaniemi. They will also do an “antler” carving craft while the Northern Lights are simulated in the background!