
Everyone, do you know where the world’s northernmost McDonald’s is? Here’s a hint: you can sometimes spot the aurora borealis from there. Our Japanese reporter recently headed up north to check it out and brought back some very cool photos that we wanted to share with you.
If you’re still unsure of where this icy location could be, McDonald’s northernmost branch happens to be in Finland’s Rovaniemi City, only about 10 kilometers outside the Arctic Circle. Rovaniemi is located a one-hour plane ride north of Finland’s capital, Helsinki, and is famous for being home to the Santa Claus village amusement park, which attracts many visitors each year. Visitors and locals alike frequent the 24-hour McDonald’s restaurant in the area.
▼ For a fast food joint, it actually looks quite picturesque
▼ Not sure about the snowman, though!

This branch is famous for being the McDonald’s closest to the North Pole than any other in the world. Furthermore, it is the sole McDonald’s from which you can occasionally gaze upon the beautiful aurora borealis. Hamburgers and the Northern Lights, together at last!
The aurora can usually only be seen in the extreme north of the Arctic Circle, but they can be seen from Rovaniemi on rare occasions as well, due to its close proximity.
Inside the shop, there are special aurora borealis McDonald’s posters limited to this branch only. Many tourists take the opportunity to snap pictures next to these one-of-a-kind posters.
▼ Is it just us, or does this McGrub look far more delicious than our own?
So, if you ever have a chance to visit the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, you should definitely stop by this McDonald’s as well and take a commemorative photograph!
Images: RocketNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]














Did Burger King just troll McDonald’s Japan with its new Big Bet burger?
We taste McDonald’s Japan’s brand-new garlic burger, shrimp sandwich, and more
McDonald’s releases new rice burgers in Japan
The only McDonald’s in the world where the golden arches aren’t golden
McDonald’s Japan starts new campaign featuring burgers from their overseas restaurants
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Denny’s in Japan?
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
McDonald’s Japan serving “American Vintage” burgers starting this January
The most satisfying McDonald’s burger, according to Japanese customers
McDonald’s “Build a Burger” experiment expands to Australia… Next, the world?
What did Mark Zuckerberg eat at McDonald’s in Japan, and is it as great as he says it is?
McDonald’s unveils latest Black Burger – the Spicy Korean Burger 【Video】
McDonald’s releases an Oreo and Spam burger for a very limited time
Celebrate spring with pink buns at McDonald’s Japan
McDonald’s Japan releases new “Ultra” prawn and macaroni croquette burger
Our Japanese language reporter gets lucky with Vietnam McDonald’s Prosperity Beef Burger
Eating ALL the McDonald’s and KFC Tsukimi Moon Viewing Burgers in Japan!
McDonald’s releases new “Yakki” burger based on a popular Japanese meal
Which of McDonald’s new “Beef Burgers of the World” is the best? We find out【Taste Test】
McDonald’s Guarantees Your Order in 60 Seconds or You Get a Free Burger, Employs Actual Hourglass
Sayonara Quarter Pounder: McDonald’s Japan takes iconic burger off its menu
McDonald’s Japan may be winning back fans with Crab Croquette Burger
McDonald’s and KFC Japan release new Tsukimi “moon-viewing” burgers for 2020