Should I Rent a Car in Rovaniemi in Winter?

Renting a car in Rovaniemi in winter is doable, but only if you're prepared for snow and ice and willing to take your time. Locals drive year-round, and with Lapland's long distances and limited public transport, many find a car genuinely useful, as long as it's driven with caution and a flexible schedule.

Should I rent a car in Rovaniemi in winter?

Driving in winter is not out of the question, and locals, of course, drive throughout the year. In Lapland, the distances are often very long, and public transportation is not the greatest, so for many, driving a car is a given. However, driving in snow, especially if you don't have prior experience with it, needs proper preparation and a schedule that allows you to take your time. Note that in Finland you need to be 18 years old to drive a car, but some car rental companies might have restrictions on renting for younger drivers.

What should I take into consideration when driving in winter?

If you have never driven in snow, there are a few things to consider before hopping behind the wheel. First, snow is not the same as water: it's often slippery, and while rental cars have winter tyres, those aren't a pass to drive carelessly. Winter tyres are mandatory in Finland from November to the end of March, as well as when the weather requires it. There are two types of winter tyres: studded or non-studded (friction tyres). Driving in Lapland, people often favour studded tyres, but in city driving friction tyres are recommended, as they are less hard on the roads. If you wish to read more about the tyres, take a look at this Finnish Road Safety Council website: https://www.liikenneturva.fi/en/road-safety/car-tyres/

When the weather gets cold, the roads can be icy even before any snow has fallen. This is called black ice, named for how difficult it is to spot on dark pavement, and it can be surprising, especially when braking or driving into a curve. Always be mindful that braking distance may be a lot longer than what you're used to, and start slowing down in good time before you need to stop.

Snow also piles up. There's a lot of snowplough equipment in traffic, but when it's snowing heavily, the roads can get quite full of snow quickly. Most cars can still drive through a thick coat of snow, but the more snow there is, the easier it is for the car to get derailed and for you to lose control. In winter, there's more dark time than daylight, and the edges of the road can be hard to spot. There can also be people on the side of the road in dark clothing, reindeer often walk on the roads, and even a moose can pass; when these animals cross the road, they don't stop in the middle. If you see a car blinking its headlights at you, it's likely warning you about animals (most often reindeer) on the road. Keep scanning the edges of the road while driving, and drive a bit slower rather than a bit too fast. Don't get discouraged if you see cars lining up behind you; once in a while, stop for a minute at, for example, a bus stop and let faster drivers (locals sometimes drive like crazy people) pass safely. Note that snowfall can also make visibility from the vehicle very difficult, so slower and steady wins the race here.

It’s important to have enough warm clothes in the car even if you travel with lighter clothing on; if you get in an accident or your car stops working, you might need to wait for help for some time, and then the extra clothing is a lifesaver, quite literally. If you do get in an accident, get help immediately. The emergency number is 112, and you should call it if anyone is hurt, there is something requiring police assistance, or there are other people or animals involved. If you get stuck in the snow or your car breaks down, don’t call the emergency number but your car rental company to get aid. There should be a reflective triangle in the trunk of your car; if you have to stop in a place where people normally don’t, set up the triangle far enough from the back of your car for other drivers to have enough time to react to your car and possibly people standing around it.

Public transportation or a rental car?

It depends greatly on your plans. Rental cars can be quite expensive during high season, but browse around different rental places before making the decision. Everything in the city centre is easily accessible on foot; the centre is quite small. There's a bus from the airport, and you can also take a bus to Santa Village (SantaPark also lists a Santa Claus Bus stop; check the current route and timetable for your dates). If you're looking to go to Ounasvaara for some snow fun, it's within walking distance, or you can find a bus or a taxi. Note, however, that buses don't run very frequently, or late in the evening. For many activities, the organiser provides transportation from the city centre; you can browse different activities on our planning device, which also gives you a map for each day to see where your adventures are taking you. If you are to drive longer distances, make sure your car is always fuelled up before leaving and stop to fill the tank when it’s possible, as gas stations are not too frequent to come by between towns.

So what would you actually need a car for? As mentioned, distances in Lapland are quite long, and especially if your accommodation isn't near the city centre, a car gives you freedom to go where you please, when you please. It also makes it easier to bring equipment with you, if, for example, you rent skiing gear for several days. Several nice nature trails around Rovaniemi are also best accessed by car. Note that by law, children must use a safety seat and face the back of the car until they're 135 centimetres tall, and it's recommended to keep using a safety seat until 150 cm tall.