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

Why come to Rovaniemi in winter

It’s quite simple: Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland. It’s a major city, the city where everything’s easy because everything revolves around activities. Aurora borealis, dog sledding, everything that is about snow in fact!

You come to Rovaniemi because you can find everything you need without having to worry about it, and have a great vacation, just like the one you see in Nordic films at Christmas time 😀 i.e. snow-covered forests, reindeer everywhere on the road, falling asleep under the Northern Lights. In short, the magic of winter!

I often say that Rovaniemi isn’t my favorite town in Finnish Lapland, but it has some really great advantages, not least the fact that it’s directly accessible from almost every european country by direct flight, you can see the northern lights there and there are plenty of quality service providers. So, as long as you plan a little in advance, you can’t go wrong! Really, it’s all super simple, even going to Santa’s Village!

Visit Rovaniemi

What to see in Rovaniemi

Well, I’m not going to put glitter in your eyes, Rovaniemi isn’t particularly beautiful. It’s very Finnish in its architecture: efficient, recent (90% of the town was destroyed during the Second World War), blocks without much connection between them. No little red wooden houses like you see in Norway or Sweden, unfortunately. But it’s a very practical city!

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

First of all, there’s the Arktikum. This museum and science center is an architectural masterpiece, with its long glass corridor and immersive exhibits on the Arctic and the history of Lapland. Permanent exhibits include:

• The changing Arctic: A dive into the Arctic ecosystem, its climatic challenges and biodiversity, with models, videos and interactive objects.
• Lapland through the ages: the region’s history, from prehistory to the present day, including the Second World War (Rovaniemi was almost entirely destroyed in 1944)
• The Sami people: A section dedicated to Sami culture, traditions and crafts.

But there’s also an aquarium with all the arctic species, as well as a Science Center, which offers interactive experiments to understand the natural phenomena of the Arctic.

As the museum presentation says, it’s the ideal place to deepen your knowledge of the Arctic!

• info and booking

Alvar Aalto‘s architecture. At the end of the Second World War, Rovaniemi was 90% destroyed. The landmark Finnish architect (and designer) was asked to rebuild the town, whose new lines were inspired by a reindeer and its antlers. Well, you can’t really see it on the streets 😀

The buildings with the most Aalto influence are in the Aalto Center, which mainly comprises the superb public library (bizarre on the outside, magnificent on the inside), the Town Hall and the theater.

You’ve also got the Jätkänkynttiläsilta bridge, which is pretty special, giving you a great view of the river and the city.

Rovaniemi’s natural viewpoints

So, yes, Rovaniemi is rather a big city, but it has the enormous advantage of being surrounded by forests and, above all, of incorporating the pretty hill of Ounasvaara, where the Finns have set up their little ski resort. So, to discover this area, you have several options. Either strap on your skis and take to the ski lifts, or take to the various footpaths. Which are of course accessible in winter!

After the bridge, take the Ounasvaaran talvikävelyreitti (wishful thinking!) but rather called the Winter Trail, various paths through the woods, it’s superb. After ten minutes or so, you can reach the observation tower, a small wooden tower from which you can see above the trees. One of the best views in town, for sure!

Even though there’s the huge bridge that crosses it, you can still get your fill of nature on Koivusaari Island. Well, I’d say that in the middle of winter, when everything’s frozen over, you can’t really see the difference between the river and the island 😀 But you can walk around perfectly, there are no cars, no noise, it’s nice!

Or just follow the river, it’s really easy! Just a 10-minute walk and you’re out of the city 🙂

Take a guided tour of Rovaniemi

So the town remains rather interesting, thanks in particular to the history of the Sami people and the reconstruction of the Second World War. So it’s quite possible to take a guided tour of the town to find out more. Some suggest visiting the Arktikum, another museum, seeing Santa’s village or even taking a sleigh ride.

• Free tour in Rovaniemi, a guided tour to see the main sights and learn more about Sami culture. No fixed price, you pay what you like!
• A full-day tour of Rovaniemi, including the Arktikum + Santa Claus Village + a sleigh ride. Expensive, but hard to beat in a day!
• an in-depth private tour with a local, including the Pilke Science Center

See the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi

I’m going to make a dedicated article for you 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 perfectly honest, it’s not the place I’d consider perfect, as it’s well south of the northern oval, and places like Levi and especially Inari are better placed in my opinion. However, it’s still quite decent and there are plenty of opportunities to see the aurora!

Practical information

• when to see the northern lights in Rovaniemi: oh, that’s easy, it has to be dark. There are northern lights all year round, so if it’s dark, i.e. from late August to mid-April, then you’ll have a good chance of seeing the aurora, simple as that!
  • But in the following article, I’ll give you a lot more information on the aurora borealis! And I’ll even tell you how to be a good aurora hunter!
• how to find the right places to see the northern lights from Rovaniemi: that’s common sense too. You must :
  • get away from the city lights (there are a lot of them in Rovaniemi, but walking along the river is fine)
  • have a clear view to the north
  • but above all, avoid clouds! So if it’s cloudy in Rovaniemi, you’ll either have to wait until the next day, or take a car and drive to find clear skies, or go through an agency (we’ll see about that below).
  • and dress warmly, because it’s even colder at night!

Can you see the northern lights from Rovaniemi?

Absolutely! As long as the sky is clear (i.e. no clouds), the aurora are usually there. But you need to find a peaceful spot:

• unobstructed view to the north
• no light pollution

So, in general, you need to walk a little. Either along the river, in 10min you’re pretty far from the lights. For example:

• on the island of Koivusaari, to the north-west
• continue along the Ounasjoki, if you’re near Lietessari island. Well, in winter the whole river is frozen, so it’s handy to be able to walk on it (watch out for snowmobiles!).
• Take the small Ounasvaaran talvikävelyreitti, Ounasvaara Winter Trail, to the observation hut. You’re in the forest, and the setting is superb.

In town, the little beach at the Arktikum is also said to be an excellent spot. Well, it’s still a bit bright, but it’s better than nothing!

If you take the car, that multiplies the possibilities. Here are a few examples of places not too far away:

• Lake Norvajärvi
• nearby Lake Poikajärvi
• Lake Olkkajärvi too

In fact, I’m talking mainly about the lakes, because in winter they’re frozen over and there’s plenty of space and unobstructed views. It’s better than staying on the side of the road. But in Finnish Lapland, your main playground will be the frozen lakes. Forests depend on whether the roads are clear. Take a look at the road that goes to the Google point “Mystical Lapland Forest”, where you’re really far from everything!

See the aurora with a Rovaniemi guide

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

• although the weather is good, Rovaniemi is sometimes under the clouds, so you have to do a bit of driving.
• you need to get away from light pollution, so having a guide means you’re in the best possible conditions, away from it all.

Basically, when looking for a guide, pay attention to the following points:

• the price: if it’s really cheap, it’s a trap (seriousness, experience, insurance and legality)
• the size of the group: buses are cheaper, but there are more people, so it depends on you. I prefer small groups (okay, I prefer to be alone 😀 )
• reviews, and why there are negative reviews. Take an experienced guide, they’re better at analyzing the weather and where to go.

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

The best things to do in Rovaniemi

I’ve just told you about the Northern Lights, but you don’t come to Rovaniemi ONLY for that. It’s a good thing too, because there are plenty of other great things to do, especially in winter when the snow is falling! Here are the main ones, you’ll see they’re all great 🙂

Dog sledding

It’s so much fun! The most classic, yes, the most popular, but there’s a reason! First you meet the dogs, who are absolutely adorable and full of energy. They love it, they’re made for it, and they’ll show you. If you’re unfortunate enough to hit the brakes, they’re going to bitch! Then there’s the incredible feeling of gliding along frozen lakes or through forests.

And no, it’s not dangerous, just a little physical, as you have to push your arms and thighs. At worst, the risk is that you’ll be thrown out of the sled and land in the powder. And leaving your passenger all alone with the dogs (not that I’ve had any experience of this 😀 ).

Rovaniemi is a very good place to do this, because nature is just outside the city, and there are plenty of service providers. Well, you have to be a bit selective, because there’s some very good and some not so good. But that’s what I’m here for! In the following article, I’ll tell you where you can go dog-sledding in Rovaniemi. And to make a long story short, I’ve listed the 4 agencies below

• Husky & Yoga Nature Lapland – 220€, rated 5/5, this is a small kennel with a great reputation. Transport is included from Rovaniemi. As the name suggests, they also offer yoga, a meditation room, a sauna, that sort of thing.
• Bearhill Husky, 195€, rated 4.9/5, small kennel located about ten kilometers north of Rovaniemi. Transport also included
• Apukka Husky, 200€, rated 4.6/5. A larger kennel but a reference in Rovaniemi! Transport included.
• Nordic Odyssey, 240€, rated 5/5, another reference in Rovaniemi, and what’s more, the team is French!

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling in Finland is much more than a tourist attraction, it’s a real mode of locomotion. There are real marked roads for snowmobiles, with their own signs, a bit like the cycle lanes in Paris (except that here you have to respect the priorities 😀 ). Locals can go shopping by snowmobile, which is sometimes much more convenient than by car because of the need to clear snow.

As an activity, it’s also a real must, because it brings its share of sensations and you do it in a magnificent setting! The best being, I think, in the snow-covered forests. All you need to do is make sure you have a valid driver’s license (as is the case in Norway). But that’s not always the case!

Staying in a glass igloo

See the northern lights from the warmth of your bed! It’s a nice notion of paradise, which comes at a bit of a price, it’s true, but it’s magical! (It’s not really easy at my place, but I’ve oriented the bed so I can look out the window and see the aurora when I open an eye 😀 )

Finland is particularly well-suited to glass igloos, because the weather is good – much less cloudy than in Norway, for example. So it’s very common to have clear skies. What’s more, these accommodations aren’t just cabins with glass ceilings, they’re real little cocoons, with cozy beds and the kind of pampering you deserve!

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

Ice fishing

Another totally Nordic activity that combines business with pleasure. If, like me, you’re wondering “how the hell do fish live in frozen water?”, you’ll love this activity! Well, it doesn’t answer the question, but we do know that they live there, and rather well given their size. It’s a real weekend activity, and I’ve got lots of neighbors who go out into the frozen fjord to fish and stock up on fish for the week. Practical and inexpensive!

But fishing is also relaxing. Well, this one’s relaxing, but freshly, I must admit 😀 First you’ll learn how to make the hole in the ice, either with the giant screwdriver, or your guide will bring a power tool. Then you’ll see how thick the ice is, and why it’s so easy to walk on!

Some agencies offer to prepare the fish and eat it somewhere. How nice!

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

Ice floating, the surprising activity

This is one activity that’s really out of the ordinary! Just imagine: you don a flotation suit (yes, like a big Michelin man), and off you go, floating in 0°C water, in the middle of a frozen lake or snow-covered river. The principle? You lie on your back, head above water, gazing up at the Lappish sky – and if you’re lucky, at the Northern Lights above you. It’s both relaxing and completely insane. Because yes, you can do it day or night.

To be honest, I haven’t tried it yet, because I think to myself when I see them, “Why the hell do they do that?” but the feedback is excellent: people have the unique sensation of floating in absolute silence, surrounded by white landscapes as far as the eye can see. How cold is it? I’m told you can hardly feel it thanks to your wetsuit (I hope so, ahah), but your cheeks and nose do remember you!

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

See the reindeer, the region’s emblematic animal

There are hundreds of thousands of reindeer in Lapland, so you’re likely to come across a few, especially as they usually travel in groups. But that’s pretty much a matter of luck, as they’re free to go wherever they please, especially where food calls. And in winter, when food is harder to come by, they return home. That is, to their farm, to their Sami owners. The Sami are the original people of Lapland (Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian). By the way, they loathe the term “Lappish” – it’s like an insult to them. The appropriate term, therefore, is Sami.

The Sámi are the only people who have the right to breed reindeer, and if you visit one of their farms, they’ll show you their customs, their songs, and everything they do with reindeer and reindeer breeding. Above all, you’ll have the chance to feed them (that’s really nice), take a sled ride (also nice, but quieter than dogs), and just rub shoulders with them (the Sami, but also the reindeer). In short, it’s a nice meeting 🙂

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing

We’re also talking about two totally local activities, two modes of transport used by Finns, but also two ways for them to relax and reconnect with nature. They usually go cross-country skiing every day, before or after work. There are plenty of places to do it. Usually there are trails already marked out (which pedestrians shouldn’t go on, otherwise it’s dangerous for the skiers afterwards) or the spaces are so wide that they’ll do it on frozen lakes, or simply in the garden!

Snowshoeing lets you go deeper into the woods, to places where skis can’t go. It’s more like hiking in powder, in fact!

There are lots of great places to go snowshoeing. The best is in the forest, in parks where the trees are petrified by the cold. In Rovaniemi, this would easily be at Ounasvaara, but it could be further afield at Riisitunturi Park, for example!

You can do it on your own – there are plenty of equipment rental agencies in the town center – or with a group. There are also several agencies offering group outings, which I’ll show you below

See Santa Claus in his Village

So yes, it’s touristy, yes, it can be a tourist trap, but the magic of Christmas works its charm! Even more so if you have children, because hey, you get to see Father Christmas, his reindeer, his elves, you can take a photo with him and stock up on gifts and souvenirs. And when it’s snowing, the village is magical!

Getting there is super easy. Either you’re already staying there (we’ll look at that in a moment), or you can take bus 8, which takes about ten minutes from the city centre, or a taxi/Uber/Bolt (make sure you ask the taxi driver for the price BEFORE getting in to avoid being ripped off).

Once there, it’s free, but there are lots of little activities you have to pay for.

As I mentioned, you have the option of staying overnight, and frankly, the options are interesting and high quality. Usually, this sounds like a scam, but not in this case!

• You can stay in chalets in the heart of the village.
• There are lovely glass igloos where you can sleep under the Northern Lights.
• But there are also more luxurious igloos, which are truly magical!
• There are a few apartments as well.
• And finally, there’s a very nice hotel where you can be pampered.

Alternative: Santa Forest

This is a little place not far from Santa Claus Village (30 minutes away) where you can also meet Santa, see the reindeer, do activities like snowmobiling for the kids (little electric reindeer), and take a walk in the forest. The setting is superb and the bonus is that Père Noel speaks English and French!

Other activities in Rovaniemi

I can’t list everything, it would take forever as there really are a bunch of cool things to do, but here are the other activities you might be interested in:

• Go ice karting at Santa’s Motor Park
• Go to an ice hockey match and support the RoKi team. I learned all my Finnish swear words in a field hockey arena!
• Take a sauna and jump into the frozen lake, for the masochists!
• Have fun at Snowman World, a small amusement park with lots of snow activities!

Korouoma’s frozen waterfalls

About an hour and a half’s drive from Rovaniemi, the Korouoma canyon and its spectacular winter-frozen waterfalls are one of Lapland’s most beautiful natural wonders. Less well known than the classic tourist attractions, this site offers an authentic, wild and breathtaking experience, especially between December and April, when the waterfalls transform into immense sculptures of glistening ice. Here’s why it’s well worth the detour.

If you love nature and breathtaking scenery, Korouoma is a must-see. The frozen waterfalls, especially after a snowfall, are a real spectacle, and the atmosphere 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 footbridges and steps carved into the rock. It’s a 15/20 minute walk from the parking lot to the waterfalls (don’t forget your crampons).

You can come either by car (approx. 1h30 drive) or with an agency. There doesn’t seem to be a bus service here

Visit the superb Korouoma waterfalls!

Luosto amethyst mine

Just 1h30 drive from Rovaniemi, the Luosto Amethyst Mine (or Amethyst Mine Lampivaara) is a unique experience. Imagine digging yourself into a mountain in search of these magnificent violet crystals, while discovering thefascinating geological history of the region. Here’s why this activity is off the beaten track and how to do it without difficulty.
It’s an unusual outing with a difference. 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 accessible to the general public.

It’s for everyone. Children love the “treasure hunt” aspect, and adults appreciate the geological aspect and authentic atmosphere. It’s fun, educational and memorable. And then there’s the view! Located at the top of the Lampivaara hill, the mine offers a breathtaking view of the Lapland landscape, especially in winter when everything is covered in snow.

Discover the Lusto amethyst mine near Rovaniemi!

The petrified trees of Riisitunturi Park

If you’re looking for an extraordinary winter experience, Riisitunturi National Park is a must. Here, cold and snow transform the landscape into a fairytale world, where 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 frost and wind, the trees are covered with a thick layer of frozen snow, giving them the appearance of surreal sculptures. These formations, which can reach several meters in height, create an unreal atmosphere, as if you were walking through a fairytale.

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

Visit the Arctic Snow Hotel

Just a 25-minute drive from Rovaniemi, the Arctic SnowHotel is much more than a hotel: it’s a unique winter experience, where everything is sculpted from snow and ice. Each year, this ephemeral place is rebuilt with rooms, a restaurant, a bar and even a chapel, all in ice and snow.

Imagine 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, offering a mystical and spectacular ambience.

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

It’s also possible to sleep here: the rooms are a pleasant -5°, which is fine! Beds are covered with reindeer skins and thermal sleeping bags for a comfortable night’s sleep despite the cold. An unforgettable experience, especially if you’ve always dreamed of sleeping in an igloo.

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

There is a charge for the visit, 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 chamber and under a reindeer skin!
  • Info and booking

Sample itinerary for a week in Rovaniemi

A week’s car-free itinerary in Rovaniemi

This itinerary will be based on accommodation in the city center, for convenience, and the classic winter activities.

Arriving in Rovaniemi, take a cab (but definitely ask the price beforehand) or an Uber/Bolt to get a fixed price, to get to your accommodation. Otherwise, there are buses if you’re not too busy. Find all the ways to get from the airport to the center of Rovaniemi

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

• In a quality hotel: theArctic Light Hotel, in the city center.
• If you’re looking for a highly functional apartment, then the Arctic Aurora City Suite is for you.
• If you want to sleep in Santa Claus Village, you can choose between the charming chalets or the glass igloos!
• If you want to be in nature, but without being in nature, check out the Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara on the superb Ounasvaara hill!

Day 1 – leisurely tour of the town, including the Arktikum museum on Arctic discovery.
In the evening, hunt for the northern lights! If the sky is clear in Rovaniemi, go to Ounasvaara or along the river. Otherwise go with an agency like Lapin Taivas

Day 2 – go dog sledding! Discover the doggies and get your fill of sensations. You don’t need a car, they’ll pick you up. Check out Husky & Yoga Nature Lapland, Bearhill Huskies or Apukka Huskies.

In the evening, once again, if the weather’s fine, go and see the Northern Lights!

Day 3 – here I’d advise you to get some fresh air, but more gently. Discover the Korouoma frozen waterfalls. It’s a nature outing, walking through a canyon, that will take you all day and do you a world of good!

Without a car, you can’t go it alone, so I’d advise you to use an agency

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

If you have time, you can also visit the Korundi Museum, which exhibits exhibits on indigenous peoples.

And if the evenings are good, you know what you have to do! Go and see the Northern Lights!

Day 5 – More thrills? Then I suggest you go snowmobiling! A great classic of the region, it’s above all a mode of locomotion used daily by the Finns. To visit friends, to go to work, to go shopping. It’s a great way to get around forests and frozen lakes, and frankly, you’re going to love it! Just check whether you need a driver’s license or not (some do).

In that case, I’d advise you to turn to Safartica, the specialist.

Alternatively, you can go go-karting on the ice

Day 6 – We’re nearing the end, so it’s time to do something that’s always very local: ice fishing. And frankly, it’s great fun! At weekends, the locals go out with their fishing rods to make their little hole in the ice floe. Here you’ll learn how to make the hole, how to fish and how to prepare the fish. You’ll also see how interested the birds are in your catch!

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

Day 7 – Well well well, the last day. Let’s go and see Santa in his own environment! So yes, Santa’s Village is a bit touristy, some say it’s a tourist trap. But… we’re still big kids! Go there to see Santa’s reindeer, send postcards, buy souvenirs, cross the Arctic Circle, and why not take a photo with him!

We take the 8 bus, which is super-fast and doesn’t cost you much, unless you break down on the spot (then it can get really expensive 😀 )

Find a vacation home in Rovaniemi

• In the following article, I’ll tell you much more about the best accommodation in Rovaniemi, from lost cottages to convenient hotels, where you’ll be pampered…

But I’ll give you a quick summary here 🙂 I’d also like to warn you that in high season (end of December, February) prices are pretty hefty.

• for a good hotel that’s not too (too) expensive: Scandic
• for a slightly more expensive hotel in the center of town: Arctic Light Hotel
• if you’d like to stay in a chalet on Ounasvaara hill: the Ounasvaaran Lakituvat Chalets are top-notch.
• for a magnificent hotel in Ounasvaara, you need the Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara.
• Need a budget hostel or hotel? Check out Hostel Café Koti
• if you have a car and want to stay in a cottage outside Rovaniemi, you’ll love Kenttäniemi Cottages!
• and if you want a beautiful hotel lost in the middle of nature, there are several crazy ones, including the famous Vaattunki Wilderness Resort!
• But if you want to sleep in the heart of Santa Claus Village, check out these lovely cottages!
• Finally, if you want to fall asleep under the Northern Lights, take a look at Aito Igloos & Spa.

4 recommended accommodations in Rovaniemi

Find your dream home in Rovaniemi!

Information about Rovaniemi

Rent winter clothes in Rovaniemi

Yes, like other towns in Lapland, it’s quite possible to rent clothes in Rovaniemi. When you make this kind of trip, it’s not usually every year. So as clothes are expensive, it’s not easy to make a profit.

Hence rental! It’s super practical. You don’t need to buy, you free up space in your suitcase, and you get clothes that are really made for the cold (because yes, it’s freezing out here).

The pack includes: jacket, pants, mittens, shoes, scarf.

Prices are on a sliding scale, from 46€ per day to 120€ per week. 120€ being just the purchase price of the cold-weather shoes, it’s quite profitable!

Rent your winter clothes in Rovaniemi

Coming to Rovaniemi from Europe

The good news is that there are direct connections between Rovaniemi all the major european cities!

• From FRANCE
  • Paris : several direct flights per week with Air France, Easyjet and Transavial
  • Bordeaux, Lyon, Nantes : a flight per week
• From UK
  • London : many cheap options like Norwegian, Easyjet, Ryanair
  • Also Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool
• From GERMANY
  • Berlin : Mostly Easyjet and a bit Eurowings
  • Frankfort : It seems only Lufthansa goes directly to Roaniemi
  • Also Dusseldorf, Munich, Hamburg
• From SPAIN
  • Madrid : You have Iberia and Vueling with direct flights!
  • Barcelona: also a few flights per week
• From ITALY
  • Milan : many flights per week
  • Bergamo has several flights per week

And much more like Amsterdam, Vienna, Varsovia, Athens, Charleroi, Istanbul with at least one flight per week…

From Nice / Bordeaux / Lyon

• Easyjet operates one direct flight a week between these cities and Rovaniemi, between November and the end of February. Super convenient!

Find your cheapest flight to Rovaniemi!

Do I need to rent a car to discover the Rovaniemi region?

It depends on what you want to do. Basically:

• if you have one activity a day, you don’t need a car
• if you want to see the Northern Lights for yourself every night or so, you’ll need a car.
• if you don’t want to go through the agencies, you need a car
• if you don’t want to stay in Rovaniemi all the time, for example to go to Lusto, where you’ll find more nature, then yes, you need a car.
• If you don’t want to take the risk of driving in the snow, don’t take the risk of renting a car.

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

With a car, you’re much more flexible, both for accommodation (with a car you can have a cottage in the forest) and for getting around to see a bit of the region.

So you see, there’s no right answer. It all depends on your choices. Personally, I think it’s very useful, but you need to know how to manage driving on snow. And you don’t have to be 100% dependent on the agencies (even if they are good).

Where to rent a car in Rovaniemi

I wouldn’t recommend any particular agency, because there’s no right answer. On the whole, they’re good, but you need to pay attention to the following points:

• you have to compare agencies and prices! prices vary enormously from one agency to another, from one day to the next
• your car will inevitably have studded tires and winter equipment
• it’s best to take unlimited mileage, especially if you want to get out and about at dawn
• take a look at the reviews left by others and why the rating is good/bad

Personally, I use two tools to compare:

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

When is the best time to visit Rovaniemi?

Again, there is no “right answer”. But I would say there are a few things to consider:

• snow in Rovaniemi is increasingly uncertain at the start of the season. If it’s essential for you, come from mid-December onwards. October is far from certain. November is starting to change, unfortunately.
• to see the aurora borealis, that’s from late August to mid-April.
• the polar night is roughly from late November to mid-January.
• to see the trees petrified by the cold and snow at Riisintunturi (and the other forests nearby), it’s late December and January, then it melts because of the sun, even if it’s cold.
• my favorite time to have snow and auroras and beautiful colors is March. I love March in the Arctic.
• and to conclude, there is NO wrong period! just different needs.

How long to stay in Rovaniemi

Staying less than 4 days in Finnish Lapland isn’t crazy in my opinion, because you don’t necessarily have time to see the northern lights, depending on the weather. A week is the right length of time, because you’ll have time to do lots of activities, you’ll have several windows to see the northern lights, and you won’t be running (well, not too much!). In short, you’ll enjoy it!

As for Rovaniemi, I’d say it’s an all-or-nothing proposition. If you don’t have a car, you can do absolutely everything from Rovaniemi. But if you want to get out and about, then spend a couple of days here before hitting the road (time to see Santa’s village, an activity or two) to Luosto, for example, to lose yourself more in nature.

So, all that to say:

• 4 days allows you to do a few activities and maybe even see the northern lights, unless you run into bad weather that drags on forever.
• a week is great, because you’ll have plenty of activities and the chance to see the aurora!

Winter temperatures in Lapland

Be careful, it’s freezing! In the middle of winter, and especially at night, temperatures can easily reach -25/-30°. Quite honestly, at this level we’re only a few degrees away 😀 Nostril hairs will freeze, and so will your toes.

It’s especially difficult at night to chase the aurora, as you’re less active and your feet are constantly in the snow.

Otherwise, November is getting colder and colder. It’s negative, around -5/-10 we’d say, but with big variations. It can be very cold all of a sudden, and then it can be 5° again. The weather is not stable during this period.

But be prepared for -25 rather than -10. It’s better to have too much than too little

Who is Rovaniemi for, why come here?

Rovaniemi is one of the many tourist resorts in Finnish Lapland. Each town in Lapland is very different from the next and has its own advantages. Rovaniemi is a big city where everything is easy, thanks to its many agencies and hotels. There’s absolutely every activity imaginable (and more!), so I’d say Rovaniemi is for those who want to experience the magic of Lapland without the headache. But also if you want to see people! Because some people don’t like to be far from others. So yes, Rovaniemi is the place for you!

But Rovaniemi is also an excellent introduction to Lapland. If you’ve never been there before, you’ll think it’s complicated to organize. So you come here, everything’s simple, you gain confidence and you come back to another region, a little wilder like Levi/Ylläs or Inari/Saariselkä.

But don’t forget that in Rovaniemi, you’re just a few minutes away from the city, so it’s easy to escape civilization, especially if you have a car.

After that, if you want to feel alone in the world, then I’d recommend another place like Inari.

Finally, don’t forget that if you’ve got kids, you’ve got Santa’s Village, which should delight them!

In conclusion

That’s it! You know almost everything! When you come to Rovaniemi, you want to experience the magic of winter without having to think about it, because everything is so easy. But even though it’s a big city, within minutes you find yourself 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 all the same, it’s a tourist destination with its advantages and disadvantages. As I said, everything is super simple. There’s plenty of great accommodation in Rovaniemi, and dozens of agencies and guides for top activities. After that, if you have a car and want something more intimate, you may have to find another small town. And there’s no shortage of that in the region!

But one thing’s for sure: Rovaniemi can’t be a bad idea. You’ll have fun and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

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

• Cheap accommodation in Rovaniemi – find a selection of great accommodation in a range of prices
• Where to go dog-sledding in Rovaniemi – there are many providers, find the good ones and the ones to avoid
• How to get from the airport to Rovaniemi – find out how to get to the city center or Santa Claus Village.
• What to see in Finnish Lapland – find out where to go and what you need to know to plan your stay.
• Must-do activities in Finnish Lapland – from ice fishing to the Northern Lights, you’re sure to have a great time!
• Which glass igloo to stay in – there are many in Lapland, so you can sleep under the northern lights.
• Where to go dog-sledding in Finnish Lapland – there are plenty of opportunities all over the region.
• See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland – discover why the region is an excellent place to observe this phenomenon.
• What to see in Kilpisjärvi – this small village in northern Lapland is a great place to get away from it all!
• How to choose your vacation destination in Finnish Lapland – between Ylläs or Levi, Rovaniemi or Inari, which one is right for you?

⭐️ You can find ALL articles about Finnish Lapland

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