Where to Stay in Rovaniemi, Finland 🇫🇮: 6 Best Areas, Accommodation & Hotels in Lapland

Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Rovaniemi

• 💎 Luxury Hotel: Arctic Light Hotel
• ✨ 5-Star: Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
• 🏨 4-Star: Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara
• 🛏 3-Star: Motelli Rovaniemi
• 💸 Cheap: Guesthouse Borealis
• 🏢 Apartment: Vartiot
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Nova Skyland Hotel
• 🏩 For Couples: Postmaster Hotel

Quick Guide to the Best Places to Stay in Rovaniemi 📋

• 🎅 First-Time Visitors: Santa Claus Village Hotels
• 🌌 Northern Lights: Rovaniemi Hotels
• 🏙️ Convenience: Book Hotels in Rovaniemi
• 🎿 Outdoor Activities: Ounasvaara Hotels

1. Santa Claus Village Area – Where to Stay in Rovaniemi for First-Time Visitors

Family Adventure. My first stop in Rovaniemi was the Santa Claus Village Area. This area offers the full Finnish Lapland experience with unique igloo stays, cozy cabins, and glass-roofed options. You can spot northern lights while sipping warm berry juice near the Arctic Circle.

What’s Here for Tourists. The Santa Claus Post Office operates year-round where you can send postcards with the official Arctic Circle postmark for €2.50 each. The Arctic Circle Sign is free to visit and photograph. I spent ages getting the perfect shot with one foot in each hemisphere!

Main Attractions & Activities:

Shopping & Dining. House of Lapland sells authentic Sámi handicrafts and reindeer leather goods with prices from €25-200. The shop opens daily 9:00-18:00. For food, Restaurant Kota serves traditional Lappish cuisine—their reindeer stew costs €24 and tastes amazing.

Getting There. The Village sits just 8 km from Rovaniemi Airport—about a 10-minute drive. Bus 8 runs from the city center every hour for €3.50 one-way and takes 20 minutes. This makes it super easy to reach from anywhere in the city.

Best Hotels in Santa Claus Village Area

Luxury Hotels

• Arctic Light Hotel – Stylish hotel with modern design and a popular on-site restaurant.
• Nova Skyland Hotel – Elegant rooms and a tranquil forest location, close to Santa Claus Village.
• Santa's Igloos Arctic Circle – Unique glass igloos set in the Arctic Circle area with beautiful sky views.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Guesthouse Borealis – Comfy guesthouse with breakfast, walking distance to city eateries and shops.
• Apukka Resort – Lakeside resort featuring glass igloos, unique ice and igloo saunas, plus on-site husky safaris and reindeer experiences.
• Santa's Luxury Boutique Villa – Spacious boutique villa with tailored comforts and a peaceful setting.

Best Hostels

• Hostel Café Koti – Warm and bright hostel with a great café, ideal for meeting other travelers.
• Arctic Light Hotel – Convenient and affordable with easy access to city sights and transport.
• Wherever Hostel – Relaxed, sociable hostel atmosphere with clean, modern dorms and a lounge.

2. Wilderness Areas – Where to Stay in Rovaniemi for Northern Lights

Aurora Experience. My nights in the wilderness near Rovaniemi were unforgettable. These areas offer clear, star-filled skies and real chances to see northern lights. The darkness here is perfect for aurora viewing, far from city light pollution.

Adventure Activities. Snowmobile safaris are the big draw here, with prices starting at €95 for 2-hour tours. Arctic Adventure Tours runs daily trips from 10:00-15:00. Husky sledding costs €125 per person for 2-hour trips—I’ll never forget the sound of paws on snow.

Winter Activities & Prices:

Nature Experiences. The Vikajärvi Nature Trail offers a peaceful 3km loop perfect for snowshoeing. Cross-country skiing trails are marked and free to use. Equipment rental is available at Lapland Safaris for €25 per day.

Local Services. Vikajärvi Village Shop stocks essentials and local products, open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-16:00. Traditional smoke sauna experiences cost €35 per person and include birch whisks and local berry juice. Kopara Reindeer Farm Restaurant serves farm-to-table meals with reindeer, elk, and Arctic char.

Getting Around. Most wilderness areas sit 8–30 km from central Rovaniemi. Car rental from the airport starts at €45 per day—this is essential for exploring these remote spots. Aurora hunting tours depart from wilderness locations nightly at 21:00.

Best Hotels in Wilderness Areas

Luxury Hotels

• Sky Lodging - Sleeping Under the Stars – Glass-roofed villas with forest views and a tranquil ambiance.
• Aito Igloo & Spa Resort – Igloo-style rooms with spa services and a beautiful natural setting.
• Aurora Igloo Fireplace-heated Tents in a secret forest – Modern glass igloos with panoramic views and cozy beds.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Yurt with a River View – Riverside yurt option combining nature and comfort.
• Lakelodge Kiehinen – Cabin-style accommodation on the lakeshore with fireplace.
• Art House of Lady Christmas – Charming lodge with festive Christmas decor, cozy communal areas, and convenient access to Rovaniemi attractions.

3. City Center – Where to Stay in Rovaniemi for Convenience

City Life. The city center puts everything within walking distance. All major sights, shops, and cafés are just steps away. This area works perfectly if you want easy access to restaurants, museums, and transport links.

Main Attractions. The Arktikum Science Center houses fascinating Arctic exhibitions for €16 adults, €9 children. It opens daily 10:00-18:00. Rovaniemi Art Museum costs €8 and showcases contemporary Finnish art Tuesday-Sunday 11:00-18:00.

Top City Attractions:

Shopping & Dining. Revontuli Shopping Center houses 40 shops including Marimekko and local craft stores. It opens Monday-Friday 9:00-21:00, Saturday 9:00-18:00, Sunday 12:00-18:00. Restaurant Nili serves modern Lappish cuisine with mains €24-32, open Tuesday-Saturday 17:00-24:00.

Getting Around. Local buses run frequently throughout the city for €3.50 per ride, with day passes at €8. The train station connects to Helsinki for €35-65, taking 8-10 hours. Taxi rides within the city center cost €8-15 for short distances.

Budget Tips. Lidl and K-Market offer grocery shopping with meals costing €5-12 for self-catering. Happy hour at most bars runs 16:00-19:00 with beer prices dropping to €4-6. The Kemijoki River walk is completely free and beautiful in any season.

Best Hotels in City Center

Luxury Hotels

• Scandic Rovaniemi – Modern hotel in the city center with a popular restaurant and sauna.
• Golden Circle Suites – Suites feature balconies and city views, ideal for couples or business travelers.
• Royal Roi Apartments – Stylish serviced apartments offering spacious comfort and a central location.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Santa's Holiday Homes – Home-style accommodation with fully equipped kitchens and easy city access.
• Arctic City Hotel – Comfortable hotel rooms with breakfast included and excellent location.
• Rovaniemi City Centre Apartments – Centrally located and perfect for both short and long stays.

Best Hostels

• Nordica Design Residence Rovaniemi – Clean, modern apartments with self-check-in and free parking.
• CityNest – Friendly guesthouse with tidy rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.

4. Ounasvaara Area – Where to Stay in Rovaniemi for Outdoor Activities

Adventures on the Hill. The Ounasvaara area is a dream spot for outdoor fans. The slopes are just a short drive from the city center and perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and biking. Families love the fantastic trails, mountain biking paths, and nature trails just 3km from the city.

Winter Sports Paradise. Ounasvaara Ski Resort offers downhill skiing with day passes at €32 adults, €22 children. Lifts operate 10:00-20:00 in winter. Equipment rental costs €25 per day for skis and boots. The resort has 10km of groomed cross-country tracks that are free to use.

Activity Options & Costs:

Summer Fun. Adventure Park Huima offers treetop courses and zip lines for €25 adults, €18 children, open daily 10:00-18:00 June-August. The Ounasvaara Summer Toboggan Track provides thrilling rides for €8 per trip, open May-September 11:00-19:00.

Scenic Views. The panorama from Ounasvaara Hill offers free views over the city, forests, and Kemijoki River. I sat on the observation deck breathing crisp air, sometimes catching perfect northern lights moments. The area feels close to the city but totally different—nature surrounds you.

Services & Dining. Ounasvaara Sports Institute provides equipment storage and changing facilities with €5 daily locker rental. Café Ounasvaara offers hot chocolate and traditional munkki donuts for €4-7, perfect after outdoor activities.

Best Hotels in Ounasvaara Area

Luxury Hotels

• Arctic Golden Sun City Suite – Central apartment with walking distance to Arktikum Science Center and Rovaniemi Art Museum, offering comfort and a prime location.
• HAAWE Boutique ApartHotel – Chic, individually decorated designer rooms with spa facilities, in a renovated historic building.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Luxury Suites Pannunkorva D – Spacious apartment with two bedrooms and private amenities, ideal for families and couples.
• Lapinmaa Apartments – Cozy and well-equipped apartment with WiFi, parking, and a balcony, located close to Arktikum and city highlights.
• Forenom Serviced Apartments Valtakatu – Modern serviced studios and apartments with central city location and kitchenettes.

5. Lakeside Locations – Where to Stay in Rovaniemi for Tranquility

Nature’s Peace. My quietest moments in Finland happened by the lakes near Rovaniemi. These areas offer perfect calm—you can listen to water lapping against shores and watch pines reflected in still water. The peace here is unmatched.

Lake Activities. Vikajärvi Lake offers ice fishing in winter with permits for €8 per day from local shops. In summer, you can rent rowing boats for €25 per day. Lake Olkkajärvi features a public beach area with free access, picnic tables, and a pier perfect for swimming.

Seasonal Lake Activities:

Peaceful Experiences. Traditional lakeside saunas can be rented for €45 per 2-hour session, including wood, towels, and lake access for cooling off. Wild berry picking along lake shores is completely free—cloudberries, blueberries, and lingonberries grow abundantly in late summer.

Lakeside Dining. Lakeside Grill Palojärvi serves fresh lake perch and pike caught locally for €16-22 mains, open daily 12:00-21:00 June-August. Café Luonto by Lake Vikajärvi offers homemade Karelian pastries for €3 each plus excellent coffee with lake views.

Wildlife & Nature. Wildlife watching hides near Lake Vikajärvi offer free access for spotting elk, reindeer, and Arctic birds. Guided canoeing trips cost €55 per person for 3-hour excursions, including all equipment and snacks. The lakes freeze solid in winter, creating perfect cross-country skiing surfaces.

Best Hotels in Lakeside Locations

Luxury Hotels

• Vaattunki Wilderness Resort – Authentic log cabins by the Raudanjoki river. Set inside the hiking area, perfect for nature walks, sauna use, and peaceful escapes in traditional style.
• Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – Glass-roofed igloos with 360° sky views, award-winning Ice Restaurant, and snow hotel stay experience.
• Villa Haaveranta Cosy Cabin by the Lake – Private villa on the lakefront with a terrace, sauna, and peaceful family setting.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Palojärven Lomakeskus – Lakeside camp and cottages, family-friendly, great for groups or solo travelers, close to Songan village.
• Vikajärvi Lake View Experience – Peaceful igloos and cabins on the lake with private beach access, sauna, and snowshoeing options.

6. Forest Lodge Areas – Where to Stay in Rovaniemi for Nature Lovers

Forest Retreats. Deep forest areas offer true relaxation where you wake to birdsong and fireplace crackling. These remote spots let you breathe deeply, walk forest paths, and simply listen to nature’s sounds. The forest surrounds you completely.

Wildlife Encounters. Ranua Wildlife Park sits 30 minutes away and houses polar bears, lynx, and wolverines in natural settings for €18 adults, €12 children. Guided reindeer farm visits cost €35 per person and include feeding, traditional stories, and coffee by the fire.

Forest Activities & Wildlife:

Forest Learning. Mushroom and berry foraging walks with local guides cost €25 per person and include identification books and collection bags. Traditional fire-making workshops teach survival skills for €20 per person at Kotatuli Wilderness School. Geocaching in forest areas provides free entertainment.

Forest Cuisine. Forest-to-table restaurants like Metsäkoti serve wild game, forest mushrooms, and herbs for €20-28 mains. You need reservations for Wednesday-Sunday 17:00-22:00. Smoke house experiences teach traditional fish and meat preservation for €40 per person including lunch.

Seasonal Magic. Summer offers 24-hour hiking under midnight sun, while winter provides pristine snowshoeing trails and ice sculpture workshops for €15 per person. Autumn mushroom season from August-September features guided chanterelle hunts for €30 per person.

Best Hotels in Forest Lodge Areas

Luxury Hotels

• Luxury Forest Apartment – Elegant apartment surrounded by peaceful trees, with a fully equipped kitchen and refined modern style.
• Invisible Forest Lodge – Unique eco-friendly lodge with panoramic forest views, blending modern design and nature immersion.

Best Cheap/Moderate Hotels

• Kotatuli Forest Lodge – Atmospheric wood lodge, fireplaces, and a traditional hut experience with easy trail access.
• Lapland Forest Cottage – Cozy, private cottage with kitchen, wood stove, and peaceful surroundings—perfect for families or small groups.

FAQs about Visiting Rovaniemi

1. Where should I stay in Rovaniemi for families?

When you’re visiting Rovaniemi for families with kids, the best areas to stay include Santa Claus Village and the city center for easy access to attractions. The area for families works perfectly at Santasport Resort or staying in Rovaniemi’s city center where everything Rovaniemi has to offer is within walking distance.

2. What’s the best place to stay in Rovaniemi?

Deciding where to stay based on your priorities is crucial – staying in Rovaniemi’s city center offers convenience while staying outside the city provides better northern lights viewing. The best areas to stay in Rovaniemi include the city center and Santa Claus Village, plus wilderness areas perfect for northern lights viewing.

3. Which glass igloo resort in Rovaniemi is recommended?

Apukka Resort and other unique hotels around the Rovaniemi area offer glass igloo experiences perfect for spotting the northern lights. Many of these hotels are located in Rovaniemi and provide the perfect setting for watching the northern lights while staying warm inside your accommodation.

4. How do I choose Rovaniemi accommodation near Arctic Circle?

The Santa Claus Holiday Village offers Rovaniemi accommodation right at the Arctic Circle with easy access to reindeer farms and aurora viewing. When planning your trip to Rovaniemi, staying outside the city center near the Arctic Circle puts you in prime position to see the elusive northern lights.

5. What’s special about Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara?

Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara offers a terrace with views over Rovaniemi and it’s one of the best locations for outdoor activities in this area. This hotel offers easy access to skiing, hiking trails, and is just a short drive from central Rovaniemi while providing everything Rovaniemi has to offer.

6. Where should I stay in Rovaniemi for northern lights?

Areas to stay in Rovaniemi that are perfect for northern lights viewing include wilderness locations and resorts situated outside the city center. No matter where you stay, wilderness areas around the city provide the darkest skies for watching the northern lights during the winter season.

7. Is Arctic Light Hotel good for city center stays?

Arctic Light Hotel is located right in the city center and offers modern accommodation in Rovaniemi with easy walking access to restaurants and shops. This city hotel provides convenient access to exploring Rovaniemi while being situated in Rovaniemi’s most central location near the Kemijoki River.

8. What accommodation works best for Lapland holidays in winter?

During the winter season, Rovaniemi accommodation ranges from glass igloos perfect for aurora viewing to city center hotels for easy access to winter activities. When you’re visiting Rovaniemi in winter, staying outside the city offers better chances to see the northern lights while city center locations provide warmth and convenience.

9. Which hotels near Rovaniemi Airport are recommended?

Hotels near Rovaniemi Airport include several options that are located in the city center, just a short drive from the airport. Many of these hotels offer shuttle services and easy access to both the airport and everything the Rovaniemi area has to offer for your trip to Rovaniemi.

10. What makes Santa Claus Village accommodation special?

Santa Claus Village offers unique hotels and Rovaniemi accommodation that combines the magic of Christmas with authentic Lapland experiences year-round. It’s one of the best areas to stay if you want the full Arctic Circle experience while being close enough for exploring Rovaniemi and the surrounding wilderness areas.