Rovaniemi, Capital city of Lapland in Northern Finland
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland in northern Finland, positioned where the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers meet. The city spreads across wide forested areas near the Arctic Circle, with modern residential neighborhoods and low administrative buildings.
During World War II, German troops destroyed most of the city, leading to complete reconstruction after 1945. Alvar Aalto designed the new street plan in the shape of a reindeer head with roads resembling antlers.
The city center hosts shops selling handcrafted items and reindeer leather goods, while cafés serve traditional Lappish dishes like reindeer stew. Local markets sell berries from surrounding forests and smoked fish from nearby rivers.
The international airport and railway station link the city to Helsinki and other Finnish cities throughout the year. During winter, taxis and public buses work best since snow and darkness can make walking harder.
The Arktikum Science Museum displays exhibits on Arctic regions, the history of Finnish Lapland, and northern environmental research. Visitors can see objects from indigenous cultures and live reindeer in nearby outdoor enclosures.
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