Rovaniemi, Finland

Capital City

With a population of just 65,286, Rovaniemi is a small, remote city that's no winter wonderland. Despite its reputation as the 'official' home of Santa Claus, this Finnish Lapland capital endures bone-chilling temperatures, long stretches of darkness, and a heavy bureaucratic burden. Frequent overcast skies limit sunshine to just 6 minutes per day on average in December. And while the city was rebuilt after 90% of its buildings were destroyed in World War II, the constant threat of German artillery has given way to an onslaught of tourists, with locals suffering from the effects of overtourism. Rovaniemi may appeal to die-hard Santa enthusiasts and winter sports fanatics, but for most, the relentless cold and isolation are likely dealbreakers.