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Rovaniemi: From WWII Ruins to Santa's Magical Home
10 Dec
Summary
- Rovaniemi was destroyed by German troops during WWII.
- The town rebuilt itself as the official home of Santa Claus.
- Over a million visitors flocked to Rovaniemi last year.

The Christmas village of Rovaniemi, a premier European tourist hub, welcomed over a million visitors in the past year. This remarkable success story began in the aftermath of World War II.
Following its near-total destruction by German troops employing a scorched earth policy, Rovaniemi underwent an extraordinary transformation. The town strategically rebranded itself as the official hometown of Santa Claus.
This unique identity has cemented Rovaniemi's status as a global attraction, drawing in tourists from across the continent and beyond, demonstrating an incredible feat of resilience and imagination.




