What is the largest city in Finland by area?
Finland’s largest city by area is Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi is located in the province of Lapland and its area is approximately 8,016 square kilometers. This makes Rovaniemi not only Finland’s but also Europe’s largest city by area.
Rovaniemi area
The area of Rovaniemi is significantly larger than that of many other Finnish cities. For comparison, the area of Helsinki is about 715 square kilometers, which is only a fraction of the size of Rovaniemi. Rovaniemi’s large surface area is partly due to the fact that the city includes extensive forest and wilderness areas.
The history and importance of Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is especially known as the hometown of Santa Claus, and it is a popular tourist destination, especially in winter. The city offers many activities, such as reindeer and husky safaris, northern lights viewing and winter sports. Rovaniemi is also an important center for education and research, as the University of Lapland is located there.
Nature and environment
The large area of Rovaniemi covers diverse habitat types, such as forests, rivers and fells. There are several nature reserves and national parks in the area, which offer excellent opportunities for hiking and observing nature. The Ounasvaara area in particular is a popular outdoor and sports destination.
Transport connections
Rovaniemi is very accessible from different parts of Finland and the world. The city has an international airport with direct flights from several European cities. In addition, Rovaniemi is an important hub for rail transport and has good road connections.
Summary
Rovaniemi is Finland’s largest city by area, and its vast area offers versatile opportunities for both residents and tourists. The importance of the city is emphasized especially through tourism, education and natural diversity.
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