Rovaniemi's Arctic Circle Border

There are many places in the world where you can cross the Arctic Circle and, depending on the season, step into near-constant darkness or sleep beneath the midnight Sun. However, it’s unusual to come across a fixed border, complete with greeters and passport control.

You don’t need to worry about security here—these checks are voluntary, and they’re just the start of a charming trip to the Santa Claus Village. In Finland, the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is considered the “official home” of the beloved jolly old elf himself.

To visit Santa’s village, you get to cross the border of the Arctic Circle, without all the typical fuss involved with crossing other geographical boundaries. On the line painted to mark the border, you can see the number 66°33′45.9″ (or something close to it), which is the latitude at which the Arctic Circle starts. The number changes because the Earth’s North Pole is moving, but never by much.

Once on the other side of the border, you can explore the village’s many attractions. There’s even a post office, where kids can send their letters to Santa and even get a reply.