Artikum Museum, Rovaniemi

When I think of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus's hometown naturally comes to mind. However, there's much more to this small city. As the capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi serves as a gateway to the Arctic's expansive wilderness, where endless forests, lakes, and snow-covered fells are perfect for rugged exploration under the midnight sun.

Before World War II, Rovaniemi was a remote market town and trading hub. It had a small population and was surrounded by vast boreal forests, also known as taiga. These forests, typical of the Arctic region, are made up of conifers and patches of birch and aspen in areas with more sunlight, where wildlife like reindeer, moose, wolves, and brown bears make their home. During this time, the settlement relied on fur trading, fishing, and timber floating. While isolated, Rovaniemi was at the confluence of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers, making it an important stop for those traveling into northern Finland.

As World War II neared its end, Rovaniemi was razed. With the vision of Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, the city was rebuilt with an interesting town plan. Understanding the reindeer's importance to Lapland's culture and livelihood, he designed the city in the shape of a reindeer's head and the main roads resembling the antlers, giving rise to the nickname "Antler City". While not every detail was implemented, the city's layout still reflects his vision, and a simple observation on Google Maps reveals the resemblance, especially with the roads branching out like antlers leading into the Arctic landscape.

One of Rovaniemi's most striking buildings is the Arktikum Museum and Science Centre. Located next to the highway, the museum is hard to miss with its long glass corridor stretching toward the Ounasjoki River. This corridor resembles a 'northern frozen finger' pointing toward the Arctic, symbolising a connection to the northern, frozen landscapes. Its glass design mirrors the Arctic environment, allowing natural light to fill the space with its transparent structure, especially during the dark winters. Inside, the museum offers exhibitions on life in the harsh conditions of the Arctic, with displays on wildlife, the northern lights, and climate change. 

The museum also highlights the Sámi culture, the indigenous people of the Arctic region. Known for their nomadic lifestyle, they rely on reindeer herding for food and clothing, moving with the seasons to ensure their herds have the best grazing. Their deep connection with the land is evident in their traditional lifestyles, knowledge of sustainable land use, and spiritual beliefs intertwined with nature. For the Sámi, the land is not just a place to live but a source of identity and life, with their cultural practices and rituals reflecting their respect for the Arctic environment. 

A well-known traditional meal of the Sámi people is poronkäristys, a reindeer stew. The meat is sliced thinly, fried in fat, and spiced with pepper and salt, usually served with lingonberries and mashed potatoes. It is an important and hearty dish in the northern region because the meat is rich in protein and essential nutrients, crucial for sustaining energy in the harsh Arctic climate.