Architecture of the Arctic Circle

Discover this experience
Rovaniemi Aalto Center, the library and Lappia Hall in winter.
Rovaniemi Aalto Center, the library and Lappia Hall in winter. Photo: City of Rovaniemi, Samu Rötkönen
Front Page > Experiences > Architecture of the Arctic Circle

The Rovaniemi City Library, Lappia Hall and City Hall together form Finland’s second major Aalto Centre, alongside Seinäjoki. The buildings open fan-like towards the city centre, framing a spacious, elongated park area. After Alvar Aalto’s death, the work on these buildings was continued by his wife, Elissa Aalto.

Rovaniemi is also famous for its reindeer antler-shaped city plan, which Aalto designed in 1945. The plan reflects both a commitment to nature and a sense of flexibility.

In addition to Aalto’s architecture, a group visit to Rovaniemi would not be complete without experiencing the Arctic Circle, where the atmosphere is especially magical during the Christmas season. The Aalto sites of Rovaniemi can also be easily combined with a Lapland autumn foliage tour or even an extended journey across the border to Norway.

Experience Highlights

  • Aalto Centre
  • Reindeer Antler City Plan
  • Alvar Aalto  Week in Rovaniemi 29.9.-5.10.2025
Rovaniemi at night. Photo: City of Rovaniemi, Arttu Nieminen
Rovaniemi at night. Photo: City of Rovaniemi, Arttu Nieminen
Rovaniemi City Hall courtyard. Photo: City of Rovaniemi, Petri Uutela
Rovaniemi City Hall courtyard. Photo: City of Rovaniemi, Petri Uutela
“Pororaito” reindeer themed sculptures by Lappish artists enliven the Aalto Center. In the picture “Bounce” by Teuvo Tuomivaara in front of the library. Photo: City of Rovaniemi, Arto Rajanen
“Pororaito” reindeer themed sculptures by Lappish artists enliven the Aalto Center. In the picture “Bounce” by Teuvo Tuomivaara in front of the library. Photo: City of Rovaniemi, Arto Rajanen
The library's reading rooms are placed on a lower level than the rest of the library hall, in their own recesses, which is typical of Aalto's libraries. Photo: City of Rovaniemi, Arto Rajanen
The library's reading rooms are placed on a lower level than the rest of the library hall, in their own recesses, which is typical of Aalto's libraries. Photo: City of Rovaniemi, Arto Rajanen

Architecture of the Arctic Circle

Duration

1 day

Accessible

No

Availability

All year round

Email

Website

Experience destinations

Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi Aalto Center, administrative and cultural center

Discover this destination

Rovaniemi

Reindeer antler city plan

Discover this destination