What to do in a week in Rovaniemi in winter: discover the best activities with an optimized itinerary!

Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is THE place to experience the Arctic winter: northern lights, snow activities and the real Santa Claus Village. Whether you’re coming for a weekend or a full week, here’s everything you need to know so you don’t miss a thing.

In short, the must-dos in Rovaniemi in winter:

– See the northern lights
– Go dog sledding and snowmobiling
– Sleep in a glass igloo
– Meet Santa Claus in his village
– See the reindeer, go ice fishing and ice floating
– The trips around: Ranua Zoo, the frozen waterfalls of Korouoma, the amethyst mine

Each activity is covered further down, along with a ready-made one-week itinerary.

Why come to Rovaniemi in winter

It’s pretty simple: Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland. It’s a big town, the town where everything is easy because everything revolves around activities. Northern lights, dog sledding, anything to do with snow really!

You come to Rovaniemi because you can find it all there without any hassle and have a great holiday, the kind you picture and see in Nordic films at Christmas time 😀 Snow-covered forests, reindeer all over the roads, falling asleep under the northern lights. In short, winter magic!

I often say that Rovaniemi isn’t my favourite town in Finnish Lapland, but it really does have some great advantages, starting with the fact that it’s reachable from France on a direct flight, that you can see the northern lights there and that there are plenty of quality operators. So as long as you plan a tiny bit in advance, you can’t go wrong! Really, everything is dead simple, even getting to the Santa Claus Village!

Visiting Rovaniemi

What to see in the town of Rovaniemi

Right, I’m not going to sugar-coat it, Rovaniemi isn’t a particularly pretty town. The architecture is very Finnish, meaning efficient and recent (it has to be said that 90% of the town was destroyed during the Second World War), blocks with little connection between them. No little red wooden houses like the ones you see in Norway or Sweden, sadly. But it’s a very practical town!

Even though you mainly come to Rovaniemi for the activities and the surroundings, there are still a few places, cultural or natural, to see in town. Let’s take a look!

First up, there’s the Arktikum. This museum and science centre is an architectural masterpiece, with its long glass corridor and its immersive exhibitions on the Arctic and the history of Lapland. The permanent exhibitions include:

• The Changing Arctic: a deep dive into the Arctic ecosystem, its climate challenges and its biodiversity, with models, videos and interactive objects
• Lapland Through the Ages: the history of the region, from prehistory to today, taking in the Second World War (Rovaniemi was almost entirely destroyed in 1944)
• The Sami People: a section devoted to the culture, traditions and crafts of the Sami

But there’s also an aquarium with all the Arctic species, plus a Science Center offering interactive experiments to understand the natural phenomena of the Arctic.

As the museum’s own blurb says, ideal for deepening your knowledge of the Arctic!

• info and booking

The architecture ofAlvar Aalto. At the end of the Second World War, Rovaniemi was 90% destroyed. The Finnish architect (and designer), a real reference, was asked to rebuild the town, whose new lines trace the shape of a reindeer and its antlers. Well, you can’t really see it when you’re down in the streets 😀

The buildings that carry Aalto’s stamp the most are in the Aalto Centre, which mainly takes in the superb municipal library (odd-looking from the outside, gorgeous inside), the town hall and the theatre.

There’s also the bridge Jätkänkynttiläsilta, quite a special one, which gives you a lovely view over the river and the town.

Rovaniemi’s natural viewpoints

So yes, Rovaniemi is a fairly big town, but it has the huge advantage of being surrounded by forest and, above all, of taking in the pretty hill of Ounasvaara, where the Finns have put their little ski resort. So to explore that corner, you have several options. Either you put your skis on and hop on the lifts, or you take the various walking trails. Which are of course open in winter!

After the bridge, take the Ounasvaaran talvikävelyreitti (bless you!) but better known as the Winter Trail, various paths through the woods, it’s superb. After ten minutes or so, you can reach the observation tower, a little wooden tower to see above the trees. One of the best views in town, no question!

Even with the huge bridge running across it, you can get your fill of nature on the island of Koivusaari. Mind you, in the middle of winter, when everything is frozen, you can’t really tell the difference between the river and the island 😀 But you can absolutely wander around there, no cars, no noise, it’s lovely!

Otherwise just follow the river, it couldn’t be simpler! Barely 10 minutes’ walk and you’re out of the town, it does you good 🙂

Taking a guided tour in Rovaniemi

Right, the town isn’t especially pretty. But it’s still fairly interesting, thanks in particular to Sami history and the rebuilding after the Second World War. So it’s perfectly possible to take a guided tour of the town to learn more. Some of them include a visit to the Arktikum, another museum, the Santa Claus Village or even a sleigh ride.

• Free tour in Rovaniemi, a guided tour to see the main spots and learn more about Sami culture. No fixed price, you pay what you want!
• A full day touring Rovaniemi, including the Arktikum + the Santa Claus Village + a sleigh ride. It’s expensive, but hard to do better in a single day!
• an in-depth tour, and a private one! with a local, taking in the Pilke science centre among other things

Seeing the northern lights in Rovaniemi

I’ll write a dedicated article about it because there’s quite a bit of information to give, but Rovaniemi is one of the good places to see the northern lights. Well, to be completely honest it’s not the spot I consider perfect, because it’s still well south of the auroral oval; places like Levi and especially Inari are better positioned in my view. That said, it’s perfectly decent and the chances of seeing the lights are plentiful!

A few practical tips

• when to see the northern lights in Rovaniemi: oh, that one’s easy, it needs to be dark. There are northern lights all year round, so if you have night, i.e. from late August to mid-April, then you’ve got a strong chance of seeing them, simple as that!
  • but in the next article I give you a lot more information about the northern lights! And I even give you the tips to be a good aurora hunter!
• how to find the right spots to see the northern lights from Rovaniemi: again, it’s common sense. You need to:
  • get away from the town lights (there are plenty in Rovaniemi, but walking a bit along the river does the job)
  • have a clear view to the north
  • but above all avoid the clouds! So if it’s cloudy in Rovaniemi, you’ll have to either wait until the next day, or take a car and drive to find clear sky, or go through an agency (we’ll look at that below)
  • and wrap up warm because it’s even colder at night!

If you’re torn between the two cities, here’s my comparison to work out which Arctic capital suits you between Tromsø and Rovaniemi!

Can you see the northern lights from Rovaniemi

Absolutely! As long as the sky is clear (so no clouds), the lights are normally there. But you need to find a quiet corner:

• clear view to the north
• no light pollution

So generally you need to walk a bit. Either along the river, in 10 minutes you’re far enough from the lights. For example:

• on the island of Koivusaari, to the north-west
• carry on along the Ounasjoki, around the level of Lietessari island. In winter the whole river is frozen so it’s handy, you can walk on it (watch out for snowmobiles!)
• Take the little hiking path Ounasvaaran talvikävelyreitti, the Ounasvaara Winter Trail, up to the observation hut. You’re in the forest, the setting is superb

In town, the little beach by the Arktikum is said to be an excellent spot too. It’s still a touch bright, but it’s better than nothing!

If you take the car, that multiplies the options, here are a few examples of places not too far away:

• Lake Norvajärvi
• right next to it, Lake Poikajärvi
• Lake Olkkajärvi as well

I mainly talk about lakes because in winter they’re frozen and there’s a huge amount of space and a very clear view. It’s better than staying by the roadside. But in Finnish Lapland, your main playgrounds will be the frozen lakes. Forests depend on whether the paths are cleared. Look at the road going to the point marked “Mystical Lapland Forest” on Google, out there you really are miles from anything!

Seeing the lights with a guide from Rovaniemi

It’s the easiest option! And it’s often necessary if you don’t drive (watch out for road conditions in winter), because:

• even when the weather is good, Rovaniemi is sometimes under cloud so you have to drive a bit
• you need to get away from light pollution, so having a guide means you’re in the best conditions, far from everything.

Basically, when you’re looking for a guide, pay attention to the following:

• the price, if it’s really cheap there’s a catch (professionalism, experience, insurance and legality)
• the group size, coaches are cheaper but there are more people, so it depends on you, personally I prefer small groups (ok fine, I prefer being on my own 😀 )
• the reviews, and why there are negative ones. Go for an experienced guide, they’re better at reading the weather and knowing where to go

Below are 4 recommended agencies (but I’ll do a comparison article very soon)

The best things to do in Rovaniemi

I’ve just been talking about the northern lights, but that’s not the ONLY reason to come to Rovaniemi. And thankfully, because there are loads of other great things to do, especially in winter, making the most of the snow! Here are the main ones, you’ll see, it’s brilliant 🙂

Going dog sledding

It’s such good fun! The most classic one, yes, the most popular, but there’s a reason for that! First there’s meeting the dogs, who are absolutely adorable and full of energy. They love it, they’re built for it, and they let you know. If you ever make the mistake of braking, you’ll hear about it! Then there’s the sensation of gliding along at full pelt across frozen lakes or through the forests, it’s incredible.

And no, it isn’t dangerous, just a bit physical because you have to put some effort into your arms and thighs. Worst case, the risk is being thrown off the sled and landing in the powder. And leaving your passenger alone with the dogs (that’s not experience talking at all 😀 ).

Rovaniemi is a very good place to do it because nature starts right outside the city and you’ve got plenty of operators. Right, you do have to sort through them a bit because there’s very good and less good. But that’s what I’m here for! In the next article I already tell you where to go dog sledding in Rovaniemi. And to keep it short, here are the 4 companies below!

• Husky & Yoga Nature Lapland – €220, rated 5/5, it’s a small kennel with a great reputation. Transport from Rovaniemi is included. As the name suggests, they also offer yoga, a meditation room, a sauna, that kind of thing
• Bearhill Husky, €195, rated 4.9/5, a small kennel about ten kilometres north of Rovaniemi. Transport is included too
• Apukka Husky, €200, rated 4.6/5. A bigger kennel but a real Rovaniemi reference! Transport is included
• Nordic Odyssey, €240, rated 5/5, another big name in Rovaniemi!

Riding a snowmobile

The snowmobile in Finland is much more than a tourist attraction, it’s a genuine means of transport. There are real signposted snowmobile roads, with their own signs, a bit like the cycle lanes in Paris (except that here you’re supposed to respect right of way 😀 ). Locals can go and do their shopping by snowmobile, sometimes it’s far more practical than the car because you have to clear the snow first.

As an activity, it’s also a real highlight, because it brings its share of thrills and you do it in a magnificent setting! The best of all, I think, is in the snow-covered forests. You just need to check one small thing, sometimes they ask (as in Norway) for a driving licence. But that isn’t always the case!

Sleeping in a glass igloo

To watch the northern lights from your bed, nice and warm! That’s a fine notion of paradise, one that comes at a bit of a cost, true, but it’s magical! (mine isn’t fully open but I angled the bed so my nose is at the window and I can see the lights when I open one eye 😀 )

Finland is particularly well suited to glass igloos because the weather is good, far less cloudy than in Norway for example. So a clear sky is very common. On top of that, these places aren’t just cabins with a glass ceiling, they’re proper little cocoons, with cosy beds, you’re pampered exactly as you should be!

There are quite a few options around Rovaniemi, here are some very interesting ones

Going ice fishing

Another completely Nordic activity, and one that mixes business with pleasure. If like me you wonder “but how do the fish manage to live in frozen water”, this one’s going to appeal to you! Right, it doesn’t answer the question, but we know they live there, and rather well judging by their size. It’s a proper weekend activity, where I live plenty of my neighbours go out onto the frozen fjord to fish and stock up for the week. Handy and cheap!

But fishing is also relaxing. Well, this one relaxes you, but in the cold, it has to be said 😀 First you’ll learn how to make the hole in the ice, either with the giant screwdriver thing, or your guide is nice and brings an electric tool. And that’s when you’ll see how thick the ice is and understand why you can walk on it so easily!

Some companies offer to prepare the fish and go and eat it somewhere. Nice!

• Go ice fishing and snowmobiling with Safartica
• Discover ice fishing with Wild About Lapland

Ice floating, the surprising activity

Right, brace yourselves, this is an activity that really is out of the ordinary! Picture it: you pull on a floating suit (yes, like a big Michelin man), and off you go, floating in water at 0°C, in the middle of a frozen lake or a snow-covered river. How does it work? You lie on your back, head out of the water, gazing at the Lappish sky – and if you’re lucky, the northern lights above you. It’s relaxing and completely mad at the same time. Because yes, you can do it by day as well as by night.

Very honestly, I haven’t tried it yet, because what I think when I see them is: “But why on earth are they doing that?!” but the feedback is excellent, people get this unique feeling of floating in absolute silence, surrounded by white landscapes as far as the eye can see. The cold? Apparently you barely feel it thanks to the suit (I hope so haha), but your cheeks and your nose will remind you they’re there!

Rovaniemi, and Finnish Lapland more broadly, is the perfect place to try it: the thousands of frozen lakes and the calm rivers make for ideal conditions. And don’t panic, you’re supervised by professionals who make sure everything goes smoothly. The hardest part is getting out of the water… because once you’re in, you almost want to stay there (or else you have no idea how to get out in that suit, which would probably be my case).

Seeing the reindeer, the region’s emblematic animal

There are hundreds of thousands of reindeer in Lapland, so you’ve got a decent chance of coming across a few, especially as they usually move around in groups. But that’s largely a matter of luck because they’re free to go where they want, above all where the food calls them. And in winter, as it’s harder to find something to eat, they come back home. Meaning to their farm, to their Sami owners. The Sami are the native people of Lapland (Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian alike). And they hate the word “Lapp”, it’s like an insult to them. So the right word is Sami.

The Sami are the only ones allowed to herd reindeer, and if you go to the farms they’ll show you their customs, their songs, but also everything they make from the reindeer and the herds. Above all you’ll get the chance to feed them (that bit is really nice), to take a sleigh ride (nice too, but calmer than with the dogs), and simply to spend time around them (the Sami, but the reindeer too). In short, it’s a really enjoyable encounter 🙂

Going snowshoeing or cross-country skiing

Here again we’re dealing with two completely local activities, two means of transport used by the Finns, but also two ways for them to relax, to reconnect with nature. They generally go cross-country skiing every day, before or after work. There are loads of places to do it. Usually there are tracks already marked out (which pedestrians really must not walk on, so as not to wreck them, otherwise it’s dangerous for the skiers afterwards) or the spaces are so big that they’ll go out on the frozen lakes, or quite simply in the garden!

Snowshoes let you go deeper into the forests, into the places skis can’t reach. It feels more like hiking in the powder, in fact!

You’ve got plenty of great places to do it. The best is in the forest, in the parks where the trees are petrified by the cold. In Rovaniemi that would easily be Ounasvaara, but it can be further away, in Riisitunturi park for example!

You can do it on your own without any trouble, there are quite a few equipment hire shops in the city centre, or in a group. There are also several companies offering group outings, I’ll show you those below.

Seeing Santa Claus in his Village

So yes it’s touristy, yes it can feel like a tourist trap, but the Christmas magic works! Even more so if you have children, because hey, you’re going to see Santa Claus, his reindeer, his elves, you can have a photo taken with him and stock up on presents and souvenirs. And when it’s under the snow, the village is magical!

Getting there is really simple. Either you’re already staying on site (we’ll come to that in a moment), or you can take bus 8, it’s about ten minutes from the city centre, or a taxi/Uber/Bolt (make sure you ask the taxi for the price BEFORE getting in, to avoid being ripped off).

Once there, it’s free but there are lots of small paid activities.

As I was saying, you have the option of sleeping on site and honestly the options are interesting and good quality. Usually this sort of thing reeks of a rip-off, but not here!

• You can sleep in cabins in the heart of the village
• There are some lovely glass igloos for sleeping under the northern lights
• But there are also some more luxurious igloos, and those are magical!
• There are a few apartments as well
• And finally, a very nice hotel for a bit of pampering

Alternative: the Santa Forest

It’s a small place not far from the Santa Claus Village (30 minutes away) where you can also meet Santa Claus, see the reindeer, do activities like snowmobiling for the children (little electric reindeer), and go for a walk in the forest. The setting is superb!

Other things to do in Rovaniemi

I can’t list everything, it would take forever because there really is a stack of fun things to do, but here are the other activities that might interest you:

• Go ice karting, at Santa’s Motor Park
• Go and watch an ice hockey match and cheer on the RoKi team. A hockey arena is where I learnt all my Finnish swear words!
• Have a sauna then throw yourself into the frozen lake, for the masochists!
• Go and have fun at Snowman World, a little theme park packed with snow activities!

Places to see outside Rovaniemi

Ranua Zoo

If you’re fed up with seeing reindeer on every street corner (all right, I’m laying it on a bit thick, you can’t get fed up with them!), head to Ranua Zoo, one of the northernmost zoos in the world (after Polar Park in Norway)! Just 1 hour’s drive from Rovaniemi, it’s the ideal place to discover Arctic wildlife without having to cross the tundra on a snowmobile.

Why go? First, because there are no lions or giraffes here: we’re in Lapland, so it’s all about polar animals! You’ll come across brown bears, Arctic wolves that watch you with their piercing stare, discreet lynx, wolverines (those little balls of fur that look like miniature bears, so fierce they have no predators), and even Arctic foxes as cute as they are mischievous.

The highlight? The polar bears, the stars of the zoo, swimming or lounging about as if you were in Svalbard. In winter, watching these white giants move through the snow is a breathtaking sight.

Getting there is pretty simple. By car (1 hour from Rovaniemi), by bus (from the bus station, Eläinpuisto E stop) or with an agency that handles everything.

Book your tickets for Ranua Wildlife Park!

The frozen waterfalls of Korouoma

About 1 hour 30 by road from Rovaniemi, the Korouoma canyon and its spectacular frozen waterfalls in winter are one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Lapland. This site, less well known than the classic tourist attractions, offers an authentic, wild and stunning experience, especially between December and April, when the falls turn into huge sculptures of glittering ice. Here’s why this detour really is worth it.

If you like nature and breathtaking landscapes, Korouoma is one you absolutely have to do. The frozen waterfalls, especially after a snowfall, are a real show, and the atmosphere there is mystical. It’s also a chance to see Lapland from a different angle, far from the clichés of reindeer and sleighs.

The main trail is well laid out and safe, with walkways and steps cut into the rock. It takes 15/20 minutes of walking to reach the waterfalls from the car park (whatever you do, remember to bring your crampons).

You can come either by car (about 1 hour 30 of driving) or with an agency. There doesn’t seem to be a bus that comes all the way out here.

The Luosto amethyst mine

Just a 1 hour 30 drive from Rovaniemi, the Luosto amethyst mine (or Amethyst Mine Lampivaara) is a one-of-a-kind experience. Picture yourself digging into a mountain in search of those beautiful purple crystals, while discovering the fascinating geological history of the region. Here’s why this activity is off the beaten track and how to get there without any trouble.
It’s an unusual day out, something different. Where else can you play miner for a day and leave with your own precious stones? The Lampivaara mine is one of the few places in the world where amethyst is open to the general public.

It works for everyone. Kids love the “treasure hunt” side of it, and adults appreciate the geology and the authentic atmosphere. It’s an activity that’s fun, educational and memorable. And then there’s the view! On top of that, sitting at the summit of the Lampivaara hill, the mine offers a stunning view over the landscapes of Lapland, especially in winter when everything is covered in snow.

Discover the Luosto amethyst mine!

The petrified trees of Riisitunturi park

If you’re after a winter experience that’s out of the ordinary, Riisitunturi National Park is a must. Here, the cold and the snow turn the landscape into a fairy-tale world, where the trees, covered in a thick layer of frost, seem petrified in time. These “snow trees” (tykky in Finnish), a rare and spectacular phenomenon, make Riisitunturi one of the most photogenic places in Lapland.

Under the effect of the frost and the wind, the trees get covered in a thick layer of frozen snow, giving them the look of surreal sculptures. These formations, which can reach several metres high, create an unreal atmosphere, as if you were walking through a fairy tale.

You can go on your own by car, or with an agency to discover it on snowshoes and even by snowmobile!

Visiting the Arctic Snow Hotel

Just a 25-minute drive from Rovaniemi, the Arctic SnowHotel is far more than a hotel: it’s a unique winter experience, where everything is carved out of snow and ice. Every year, this short-lived place is rebuilt with rooms, a restaurant, a bar and even a chapel, all in ice and snow.

Picture illuminated ice sculptures, rooms with translucent walls, and a bar where even the glasses are made of ice. The hotel is rebuilt every winter with different themes, giving it a mystical and spectacular atmosphere.

In its carved restaurant, tuck into local dishes served on ice plates, or sip a cocktail from a glass sculpted in ice. The contrast between the cold outside and the warmth of the food is surprising and delicious.

You can also sleep there, the rooms sit at the pleasant temperature of -5°, that’s fine! The beds are covered with reindeer skins and thermal sleeping bags for a comfortable night despite the cold. An unforgettable experience, especially if you’ve always dreamt of sleeping in an igloo.

• To sleep in an ice room, select SnowHotel from the available options

The visit is paid for, and there are several packages with or without transport.

• Visit the Arctic Snow Hotel, €39 without transport
  • info and booking 

• Visit the Arctic Snow Hotel, €104 with transport
  • info and booking 

• Visit the Arctic Snow Hotel and dine in the ice restaurant, €170 with transport
  • info and booking 

• Sleep in an ice room and under a reindeer skin!
  • Info and booking 

Example of a one-week itinerary in Rovaniemi

A one-week itinerary in Rovaniemi without a car

This itinerary is based on staying in the city centre, for convenience, and on the classic winter activities.

When you land in Rovaniemi, take a taxi (but make absolutely sure you ask the price first) or an Uber/Bolt to get a fixed price, to reach your accommodation. Otherwise there are buses if you’re not too loaded down. Find all the ways to get from the airport to the centre of Rovaniemi.

In terms of accommodation, in the following article I tell you where to stay in Rovaniemi, but in short, here’s what I’d recommend:

• For a quality hotel: the Arctic Light Hotel, in the city centre
• If you want a very practical flat, then the Arctic Aurora City Suite
• To sleep at Santa Claus Village, there you’ve got the choice between the lovely cabins, or the glass igloos!
• To be out in nature without really being out in it, have a look at the Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara on the superb Ounasvaara hill!

Day 1 – a relaxed wander round the town, and in particular the Arktikum museum about the exploration of the Arctic.
In the evening, go hunting for the northern lights! If the sky is clear in Rovaniemi, head to Ounasvaara or along the river. Otherwise go out with an agency like Lapin Taivas.

Day 2 – go dog sledding! Go and meet the dogs and get your fill of thrills. You don’t need a car, they come and pick you up. Have a look at the excellent kennels that are Husky & Yoga Nature Lapland, Bearhill Huskies or Apukka Huskies.

In the evening, once again, if the weather’s good go and see the northern lights!

Day 3 – here I’d suggest getting some fresh air, but more gently. Head off to discover the frozen waterfalls of Korouoma. It’s a day out in the middle of nature, walking through a canyon, which will take you the whole day and do you the world of good!

Without a car, you can’t go on your own, so I’d advise you to go through an agency.

Day 4 – go and discover the Sami and their herds of reindeer! You’ll learn more about this culture, their relationship with the region’s emblematic animal and you’ll also be able to take a short sleigh ride. There are several options here but I’d suggest going to this old Sami farm. Otherwise you can also see them at the Santa Claus Village!

If you have the time, on the same theme go on afterwards to the Korundi museum which has exhibits on indigenous peoples, among other things.

And if in the evening the activity is good, you know what you’ve got to do! Go and see the northern lights!

Day 5 – Up for a few more thrills? Here I suggest you go snowmobiling! A big regional classic, because above all it’s a way of getting around that Finns use every day. To go and see their mates, to go to work, to do the shopping. For you, it’ll be a good outing between forests and frozen lakes, and honestly you’re going to love it! Just check whether a driving licence is needed or not (some operators ask for one).

Here I’d point you towards Safartica, the specialists.

An alternative, still in the thrills department, is to go karting on ice.

Day 6 – We’re getting close to the end, so now’s the time to do something that’s still very local: ice fishing. And honestly it’s great fun! At the weekend, the locals head out with their fishing rod to make their little hole in the pack ice ice. Here you’ll learn how to make the hole, how to fish and how to prepare the fish. You’ll also see the birds take a serious interest in your catch!

Go with Wild About Lapland, but otherwise a good option is to combine ice fishing and snowmobiling!

Day 7 – Right then, the last day. Let’s go and see Santa in his own environment! So yes, the Santa Claus Village is a bit touristy, some people say it’s a tourist trap. But… we’re all big kids at heart! Go for Santa’s reindeer, to send postcards, buy souvenirs, cross the Arctic Circle, and why not have your photo taken with him!

You get there on bus 8, it’s really quick, it doesn’t cost you much, unless you give in to temptation once you’re there (that can climb fast 😀 )

Finding holiday accommodation in Rovaniemi

• In the next article, I go into far more detail about which are the good places to stay in Rovaniemi, between remote cabins, practical hotels, and the ones where you’ll be thoroughly pampered

But here’s a quick summary 🙂 I should also warn you that in peak season (late December, February) prices are pretty steep.

• for a good hotel that isn’t too (too) expensive: the Scandic
• for a slightly pricier and even better hotel right in the centre: the Arctic Light Hotel
• if you want to sleep in a cabin on the Ounasvaara hill: the Ounasvaaran Lakituvat Chalets, top-notch
• for a magnificent hotel in Ounasvaara, there you want the Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara
• Need a hostel or a budget hotel? have a look at the Hostel Café Koti
• if you have a car and want to stay in a cabin outside Rovaniemi, you’ll be won over by the Kenttäniemi Cottages!
• and if you want a beautiful hotel out in the middle of nature, there are several crazy ones, including the famous Vaattunki Wilderness Resort!
• But if you want to sleep right in the middle of the Santa Claus Village, take a look at these lovely cabins!
• and finally, you want to fall asleep under the northern lights? have a look at the Aito Igloos & Spa

4 recommended places to stay in Rovaniemi

Find your dream place to stay in Rovaniemi!

Information about Rovaniemi

Renting winter clothing in Rovaniemi

Yes, like other towns in Lapland, it’s perfectly possible to rent clothing in Rovaniemi. When you do this kind of trip, normally it isn’t every year. So since the clothes are expensive, it’s not easy to get your money’s worth.

Hence renting! It really is very practical. You don’t have to buy anything, you free up space in your suitcase, and you get clothes genuinely made for extreme cold (because yes, it’s properly freezing round here).

The pack includes: jacket, trousers, mittens, boots, scarf.

Prices taper off, from €46 a day to €120 a week. With €120 being just the purchase price of extreme-cold boots, you can see it works out pretty well!

Getting to Rovaniemi from France

The really good news is that there are direct flights between Rovaniemi and several French cities!

From Paris

• Air France runs between 1 and 3 flights a week between Paris and Rovaniemi (and even 1 a day over the last 10 days of December) from November to the end of March
• Easyjet also runs between 1 and 2 flights a week (Tuesday and Saturday)
• There’s also Transavia with a daily flight on Saturday until the beginning of March
• and finally Ryanair, which flies out of Beauvais!

With connecting flights, there’s even more choice, with Finnair for instance.

Prices go up a lot in February and come down in March. The flight takes about 3h30.

From Nice / Bordeaux / Lyon

• And this one is cool, Easyjet operates one direct flight a week between these cities and Rovaniemi, from November to the end of February. Really handy!

Find your best-price flight to Rovaniemi!

Do you need to rent a car to explore the Rovaniemi region

It depends on what you want to do. Basically:

• if you’ve got one activity a day, no need for a car
• if you want to go and see the northern lights by yourselves every evening or nearly, then you need a car
• if you’d rather not go through the agencies, you need a car
• if you don’t want to stay in Rovaniemi the whole time, for example going to Lusto, deeper into nature, then yes you need a car
• If you don’t want the hassle of driving on snow, don’t take any risks and don’t rent a car

Without a car, you’re dependent on the Rovaniemi agencies. But there are loads of them!

With a car, you’re far more flexible, both for accommodation (with a car you can have a cabin in the forest) and for getting around, to go and explore the region a bit.

So you see, there’s no right answer. It’s purely down to your own choices. Personally I find it very practical, but you have to be able to handle driving on snow. And it stops you being 100% dependent on the agencies (even though they’re good).

Who to rent a car from in Rovaniemi

I’m not recommending any particular agency because, again, there’s no right answer. They’re good on the whole, but you need to watch out for the following points:

• you must compare agencies and prices! it varies enormously from one agency to another, from one day to the next
• your car will automatically have studded tyres and be equipped for winter
• it’s better to take unlimited mileage, especially if you want to roam around after the lights
• look at the reviews other people have left and why the rating is good/bad

Personally, I use two tools to compare:

• Discover Cars
• Booking.com (which absorbed Rental Cars)

What’s the best time of year to go to Rovaniemi

Again, there’s no “right answer”. But I’d say there are a few things to take into account:

• snow in Rovaniemi is more and more hit-and-miss at the start of the season. If it’s essential for you, come from mid-December onwards. October is really far from a sure thing. November is starting to change too, unfortunately.
• to see the northern lights, that’s from the end of August to mid-April
• the polar night runs roughly from the end of November to mid-January
• for the trees petrified by the cold and the snow at Riisintunturi (and the other forests nearby), it’s the end of December and January, after that it melts because of the sun, even if it’s cold
• my favourite time for snow and northern lights and beautiful colours is March. I looooove March in the Arctic.
• and to wrap up, there is NO bad time to come! just different needs

How long to stay in Rovaniemi

First off, staying less than 4 days in Finnish Lapland isn’t great in my view, because you don’t necessarily have the time to see the northern lights, depending on the weather. A week is the really good length, because you have time to do quite a few activities, you get several windows to see the northern lights, you won’t be rushing around (well, not too much!). In short, you’ll make the most of it!

That said, for Rovaniemi, I’d say it’s an “almost all or nothing”. Meaning that if you don’t have a car you can do absolutely everything from Rovaniemi. But if you want to roam, then two days here before hitting the road (enough time to see the Santa Claus Village, an activity or two) towards Luosto for example, to lose yourself deeper in nature.

So, all that to say: 

• 4 days let you do a few activities and maybe get the chance to see the northern lights, unless you hit a bad spell of weather that drags on
• a week is great because you get your fill of activities and have plenty of chances to see the lights!

What are the temperatures in Lapland in winter

Careful, it’s freezing! in the depths of winter, and especially at night, temperatures can easily hit -25/-30°. Honestly, at that level a few degrees either way don’t make much difference 😀 Your nose hairs will freeze, and so will your toes.

It’s hardest at night when you’re chasing the lights, because you’re less active and your feet are constantly in the snow.

Otherwise November is less and less cold. It’s below zero, around -5/-10 let’s say, but with big swings. It can suddenly turn very cold, and it can be 5° again. The weather isn’t stable at that time of year.

But prepare for -25 rather than -10. Better to have too much than not enough.

Who is Rovaniemi for, why come here

Rovaniemi is one of the many tourist resorts in Finnish Lapland. Every town in Lapland is quite different from the next and has its own strengths. Rovaniemi is a big town where everything is easy thanks to its huge number of agencies and hotels. There’s absolutely every activity you could possibly imagine (and then some!), so I’d say that Rovaniemi is made for people who want a taste of Lapland’s magic without any hassle. But also if you want to see people! Because some people don’t like being far from others. So yes, Rovaniemi is definitely made for you!

But Rovaniemi is also an excellent introduction to Lapland. What I mean is that when you don’t know the place, you assume it’s complicated to organise. So you come here, everything is easy, you build up confidence and you come back to another region, a bit wilder, like Levi/Ylläs or Inari/Saariselkä.

But in Rovaniemi, don’t forget that within a few minutes you’re genuinely far from the city, so you can easily escape civilisation, especially if you have a car.

That said, if you want to feel alone in the world, then I’d point you somewhere else, like Inari.

Finally, don’t forget that if you have children, there’s the Santa Claus Village, which should delight them!

In conclusion

There you go! You know everything, or nearly. Coming to Rovaniemi means wanting winter magic without the hassle, because everything is easy. But even though it’s a big city, within a few minutes you’re out in the middle of nature and, let’s be honest, that’s exactly what you’re looking for in Finnish Lapland!

So yes, come! But still, it is touristy, with the upsides and downsides that brings. As I was saying, everything is really simple. There are plenty of great places to stay in Rovaniemi, dozens of agencies and guides for top activities. That said, if you have a car and want something more intimate, maybe you’ll need to find another small town. And there’s no shortage of those in the region!

But one thing is certain: Rovaniemi can’t be a bad idea. You’re going to have fun and enjoy the surroundings, which are gorgeous!

If you’d like to know more about Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland, then I’d recommend the following articles:

• The cheap places to stay in Rovaniemi – a selection of really interesting places to stay across a whole range of prices
• Which agency to go dog sledding with in Rovaniemi – there are plenty of operators, here are the good ones and the ones to avoid
• How to get from the airport to Rovaniemi – every way of getting to the city centre or the Santa Claus Village
• What to see in Finnish Lapland – the places to see and the information you need to plan your trip
• The essential activities in Finnish Lapland – between ice fishing and the northern lights, you’re going to have fun!
• Which glass igloo to sleep in – there are plenty of them in Lapland, and they let you sleep under the northern lights
• Where to go dog sledding in Finnish Lapland – there are plenty of options all over the region
• Seeing the northern lights in Finnish Lapland – why the region is excellent for watching this phenomenon
• What to see in Kilpisjärvi – this little village in northern Lapland is a really lovely spot miles from anywhere!
• How to choose your holiday base in Finnish Lapland – Ylläs or Levi, Rovaniemi or Inari: which one suits you?

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