Enjoying a Taste of Lapland at Santamus (Summer Edition)

Rovaniemi has so many delicious places to eat, but quite a few of them are seasonal and only open for full-service during the winter months.

While Santamus is on my list of the top places to eat in Rovaniemi in winter, I actually think I love their summer dining terrace more!

This is a short post about Santamus in summer… and a few reasons to add it to your Rovaniemi itinerary if you’re traveling here from June until August. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments.

About Santamus in Rovaniemi

Santamus is a restaurant in Rovaniemi that is situated in Santa Claus Village, and despite being open a large portion of the year, their offerings shift with the season. And summertime means… courtyard season!

The courtyard and terrace seating is rather spacious (and larger than meets the eye!). Reservations are not accepted in the summer months, but seating should not be an issue as there is a lot of room. Some seating is covered and other is open. All is outside.

What’s on the summer menu at Santamus?

Naturally, this will shift from year to year, but I plan to go back at the start of the season each year (it was really delicious!) and will update it here after.

For the summer 2025 season, they offered the following mains:

• Salmon grilled over an open fire (what my friend ordered)
• Reindeer wrap (what I got)
• Summer Caesar salad (includes Lappish cheese and an option to add salmon to it)
• Flatbread wrap with broadbean stew, mushroom sauce, and more (vegan)
• Meatball and sausage skewer (for kids)

The salmon, vegan wrap, and reindeer were €21 for an adult portion and €16 for a kid’s portion. The Caesar salad was €17 for a large portion and €11 for a small one (with €7 being added if you opt to include salmon in it). The meatball skewer is €14.

The portions were very filling and the food was delicious! I loved the reindeer wrap and my friend loved her salmon dish. I hadn’t had reindeer lately, so it was the taste of Lapland I had been missing while I was on the road this summer.

Does Santamus have a bar?

Yes, there is a cute bar close to the fireplace where you can purchase alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This is also where you’ll place your order (and they will give you a number to place on your table). You’ll find coffee/tea, sodas, mocktails and cocktails, beer from Lapland, and more.

If you’re merely popping by for a drink and not going to enjoy lunch there… no problem! You can order from the bar and sit by the fire and at the lean-to shelter that is in front of it.

Be sure to check out their in-house Sangria served by the liter. They make an alcoholic and non-alcoholic version of the stuff!

Do they offer anything special for children?

Their outside courtyard has several pieces of Lapland culture and history scattered about it. You’ll find turf houses, etc. It was kind of like a living museum showcasing local history.

There is an opportunity for kids to go gold-panning in the courtyard, as well. Get in touch if you’re interested (or chat with them at the time of arrival).

Santamus’ menu also has plenty of children-size portions for kids, as well as a meatball and sausage skewer dish that is created especially for kids.

Do you have any questions about dining at Santamus in summer? Please know that their winter offering and program are completely different (but I still recommend it and love it).

I think Santamus is a fantastic place to add to a Rovaniemi summer itinerary because it gives you the chance to eat in a unique setting while still close to Santa Claus Village. Thanks!

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