A record number of tourists have flocked to Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, amid growing concerns about the affect of over-tourism.
The winter-themed park, located on the edge of the Arctic Circle and famous for its claim as the ‘official hometown of Santa Claus,’ attracts more than 600,000 visitors annually, with the number of tourists swelling even further during Christmas.
Visitors now exceed the town’s population by more than 10 times during the holiday season, creating housing challenges and placing pressure on infrastructure.
Many apartments in the city center, once meant for residential use, are now being rented out to tourists during peak seasons.
Tourists gather at Santa Claus Village, a winter-themed amusement park perched on the edge of the Arctic Circle, in Rovaniemi, Finland, Dec. 4, 2024. The theme park attracts more than 600,000 people annually and is… Tourists gather at Santa Claus Village, a winter-themed amusement park perched on the edge of the Arctic Circle, in Rovaniemi, Finland, Dec. 4, 2024. The theme park attracts more than 600,000 people annually and is especially popular during the holiday season. More James Brooks/AP
What Impact is Over-Tourism Having in Finnish Lapland?
Antti Pakkanen, a local photographer, is a critic of the rapid tourism growth.
Santa Village Locals Demand Controls Amid Tourism Boom
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