couple looking out to a lake in Rovaniemi at golden hour

Where To Stay In Rovaniemi: Best Lapland Accommodations

Are you wondering where to stay in Rovaniemi for the perfect Finnish Lapland experience? Let me show you the best areas, resorts, and hotels to suit your preferences.

Rovaniemi is the gateway and capital of Finland’s Lapland, and it wasn’t enough for me to visit just once. In fact, I’ve visited Rovaniemi during both fall and winter – both very pretty seasons.

In this guide, I’ll share where the best areas to stay in Rovaniemi are and the activities you can expect there. Whether you’re looking for something iconic, romantic, or large enough for a family, I’ve got a recommendation for you.



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Where to stay in Rovaniemi – depending on your interests

If you gave me only five seconds to answer the question of where to stay in Rovaniemi, here are my quick recommendations.

AreaBest for..My top pick here
Santa Claus Village regionFirst timers visiting Rovaniemi in winterApukka Resort
Remote wildernessSeeing Northern LightsLakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos
OunasvaaraHaving both outdoors and city accessLapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalet
City centerThose who don’t have a carHostel Cafe Koti

Personally, Apukka Resort is on my bucket list as it’s one of the more interesting glass igloo-style accommodations in Rovaniemi.

That said, the answer for where you should stay in Rovaniemi depends on your preferences. For example:

  • Is seeing the Northern Lights important?
  • Would you rather be closer to the city’s amenities?
  • Is this going to be a family trip?

Read on for more of my recommendations as I help you decide.

Where to stay in Rovaniemi

My experience visiting Rovaniemi (fall and winter)

During my visit in winter, I stayed in the city center as part of a tour group. It provided me with a great introduction to the art and culture scene in Rovaniemi, including the Arktikum Museum.

The next time when I visited in fall, I had the opportunity to stay in Santa Claus Holiday Village, right where the Arctic Circle line is. We also explored the surrounding wilderness and drove to nearby lakes to chase the Northern Lights.

The less crowded areas outside the city offer a sense of tranquility and natural beauty that I found truly enchanting. If you’re planning to rent a car, you’ll be free to explore various attractions and activities.

Overall, I recommend staying outside the city center whether you’re hoping to relax, go on adventures, or catch a glimpse of the local culture.

Things to do in Rovaniemi

Here are some ideas of things to do in Rovaniemi that might help you decide where you want to stay.

Meet Santa Claus: Sure, it’s cheesy as an adult but I’d join in the fun anyway! If you have kids, this might just be the main highlight for them.

Cross the Arctic Circle line: Look out for the signpost in Santa’s Village where you can literally step over the Arctic Circle.

Husky sledding: Go for a thrilling ride with the eager huskies who love to run for miles. It’s truly impressive to see them coordinating as they pull the sleds together.

Reindeer encounters: You can get up close and personal with the cute reindeers as they take you through the winter wonderland. This way, you’ll also get a glimpse of the traditional Sami way of life.

Snowmobiling: Another must-try activity is to go on a snowmobile safari in the wilderness. Do note that you may need to bring your driving license along for this activity.

Chase Northern Lights: The cherry on top of a Finland trip is to see the elusive Northern Lights. You could sign up for a tour where local guides will help you pick optimal spots.

Enjoy a cozy sauna: You can’t go to Finland and not try their saunas. It’s basically a staple for the locals, and can be so refreshing in winter. I was even told that saunas are good for my health.

Visit the Arktikum: If you had to visit one museum in Rovaniemi, this is the one. Personally, I love coming here for the calming architecture, and to learn more about the Arctic region including the history of Finnish Lapland.


1. Santa Claus Village region – Best for first-timers visiting Rovaniemi in winter

If you’re visiting Rovaniemi for the first time, especially during the magical winter season, you have to check out Santa Claus Village. The surrounding region has several accommodations that cater to travelers who are looking for a classic Lapland experience.

Pros:

  • Close to Rovaniemi Airport (5-10 minutes drive away)
  • Lots of activities and things to do

Cons:

  • Limited and pricier food options
  • Can be more expensive during peak periods

Here are my top picks for accommodations in the Santa Claus Village region.

Santa Claus Holiday Village (Most suitable for families)

Santa Claus Holiday Village is the most suitable for families due to the magical atmosphere especially in winter. Aside from that, kids will be thrilled to be staying in the same area where they can meet Santa Claus.

You’ll also find lots of family-friendly activities offered here, including reindeer sleigh rides and husky safaris. Dining options are also plenty here, with several restaurants available onsite.

With spacious rooms and festive decorations year-round, Santa Claus Holiday Village is probably the best place for families, especially if this is your first time visiting Rovaniemi in winter.

Santa Claus Holiday Village

What to love:

  • Classic Finland experience especially in winter
  • Proximity to dining options, tour providers, and other amenities
  • Spacious rooms

Pick another place if:

  • You don’t enjoy staying in a tourist hotspot

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Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle (Most iconic)

These iconic glass igloos are just a 9-minute walk away from the lively Santa Claus Village. It is a 5-star hotel that offers room service and luggage storage, which is not always found in similar hotels.

You could choose the igloo with an attached private sauna and use it as many times as you want. Alternatively, upgrade to an igloo that comes with a hot tub.

Each room has a terrace and extra wide windows to help you enjoy the landscape views better. With the cozy decorations and a dedicated aurora alarm to alert you, staying at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle provides you with an effortless northern lights viewing opportunity.

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle

Image source: Booking.com

What to love:

  • Aurora alarm to let you know when to look out for the Northern Lights
  • Some rooms come with a hot tub or private sauna
  • Family room available (4 twin beds)

Pick another place if:

  • You’re on a budget, since it can be pricy staying next to Santa’s Village
  • You prefer a darker night sky, as this area might have a bit of light pollution

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Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Most romantic)

Tucked away amidst the trees, Arctic Treehouse Hotel offers a luxurious and cozy arctic getaway. You’ll find modern designs and Nordic accents that transport you to another world.

The rooms also have large windows that look out to the forest, so that you can even look out for northern lights from the comfort of your own room.

While the hotel offers a peaceful and romantic retreat, it’s also a great base for outdoor activities. In addition to the husky sleds and reindeer safaris, you could grab one of the skis or snowshoes for your adventure. Don’t forget to jump into the sauna to unwind after a day outside.

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Image source: Booking.com

What to love:

  • Luxurious nest-style rooms within the forest, with large windows for panoramic views
  • Restaurant, spa, and sauna available on-site
  • Private tours and dining experiences can be arranged

Pick another place if:

  • You prefer to see the northern lights overhead, as the windows are vertical

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Apukka Resort (Coolest)

Apukka Resort is located between 2 lakes (Apukkajarvi and Olkkajarvi) with a variety of unique accommodations. In particular, the Komsio Suites and Aurora Cabins are popular choices for watching the Northern Lights.

Komsio Suites has 2 floors, with a traditionally designed living space on the ground floor and a bedroom on the top floor. It is named after a Sami child’s cradle and you get to enjoy the 360° view of the night sky. 

You can experience several types of sauna experiences, such as the lake sauna and arctic bath. It is also possible to swim in the lake before the winter season. The resort also organises activities like reindeer and husky tours, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and more.

Apukka Resort

Image source: Booking.com

What to love:

  • Located between 2 lakes with a variety of unique room styles
  • Several types of saunas to experience

Pick another place if:

  • You want to have more privacy, as some of the room entrances might be too close to another aurora cabin’s windows

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2. Remote wilderness areas – Best for seeing northern lights in Rovaniemi

If you’re determined to see the Northern Lights, your best bet would be to stay in the remote wilderness. These are typically boutique resorts further away from the city center and Santa Claus Village.

Fortunately, you won’t have to drive far to get to these accommodations. Since most of Rovaniemi is made up of the forest, it’s easy to escape from the busy roads to enter these quiet hideouts.

I think this is a great option for those who are repeat visitors, as you can take a slower approach to enjoying Rovaniemi in the wilderness.

Pros:

  • Less light pollution is better for seeing the Northern Lights
  • Quieter than most tourist areas

Cons:

  • You’re most likely limited by the hotel’s activity tours, services, and dining options

Vaattunki Wilderness Resort (Best value)

If you’re looking for an authentic wilderness experience without the high price tag, Vaattunki Wilderness Resort stands out as the best value option here.

With affordable accommodations amidst the stunning surroundings, you won’t run out of things to do outdoors. In addition, it is just 10 miles away from Santa Claus Village.

If you enjoy taking walks in the forest, and spotting wildlife occasionally, this is the perfect spot for you.

Vaattunki Wilderness Resort

11 miles from Rovaniemi Airport

Image source: Booking.com

What to love:

  • Affordable and spacious rooms
  • Shuttle services can be arranged between the resort and Santa Claus Village or the city center
  • Marked hiking trails can be found around the resort

Pick another place if:

  • You prefer more luxurious rooms, meals and amenities

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Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (Most suitable for families)

Did you know that you can stay in Rovaniemi’s SnowHotel? If you have kids over 5 years old, Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos is the most suitable for families because it’s just so fun for everyone.

These SnowHotel rooms are made of snow and ice, which feel surprisingly warm instead. The room stays at just around freezing temperatures (0 to -5 C) even on super cold nights, and you’ll have high quality sleeping bags to keep you warm.

The SnowHotel Family Suite caters to families with kids, with rates starting from 1,249 €. It includes a guided tour around the SnowHotel, wake-up service with a hot drink, breakfast, use of the hotel’s sauna, and a certificate for your stay. Just one night here is enough for the unique experience.

If you prefer to visit the SnowHotel as a daytime activity, you could also choose to stay in the Glass Igloos instead. Either, it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos

21 miles from Rovaniemi Airport

What to love:

  • Once-in-a-lifetime experience of staying in Rovaniemi’s SnowHotel
  • Wake-up service available for Northern Light sightings
  • Great location away from city lights

Pick another place if:

  • Your kids are below the age of 5
  • You prefer to have en-suite bathrooms
  • Your family doesn’t like bundling up in layers to sleep

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Invisible Forest Lodge (Coolest)

The Invisible Forest Lodge is just slightly north of Rovaniemi’s city center, and is the coolest remote wilderness option. In winter, you’ll be surrounded by snow which reflects perfectly off the lodges, giving you picture perfect memories.

There’s a floor to ceiling window that looks out the forest, and you can try spotting the northern lights from the room. The rooms also come with a sauna and a well-equipped kitchen where you’re free to cook. Alternatively, you can also order food delivery via mobile app.

Invisible Forest Lodge

6 miles from Rovaniemi Airport

Image source: Booking.com

What to love:

  • Innovative design with a reflective exterior for a picture perfect stay
  • Access to cross country ski tracks

Pick another place if:

  • You prefer to have a restaurant on-site

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LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos (Most romantic)

Located on the east shore of Norvajarvi lake, LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos is a top choice for romantic stays. Not only is it an adult-only accommodation, you’ll also enjoy direct lake access and unobstructed views towards the North.

In fact, I came across this lodge during my last trip where I visited Norvajarvi lake to watch the Northern Lights. I can only imagine how magical it’ll be to stay in the igloos right on the frozen lake in winter.

You can also book glass huts and chalets depending on your preferences. However, do note that only chalets have private bathrooms.

LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos

4 miles from Rovaniemi Airport

Image source: Booking.com

What to love:

  • Lakefront location with wide open dark skies
  • Adult-only for a quiet stay
  • Relatively affordable price for an igloo/glass hut stay

Pick another place if:

  • You prefer igloos/glass huts with en-suite private bathrooms
  • You prefer to have a restaurant on-site

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3. Ounasvaara – Best balance of outdoors and city access

Can’t decide between the city and outdoors? Why not strike a balance by staying in Ounasvaara located just outside Rovaniemi’s city center.

Ounasvaara is somewhere between the city center and Santa Claus Village, which makes it easy if you’re planning to spend time in both of these places.

In addition, you’ll also have access to lots of outdoor activities year-round. For example, you can go skiing and snowboarding in winter, or hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months.

If you’re hoping to see the northern lights, Ounasvaara’s elevated position and relatively lower light pollution make it a better option than the city center.

Pros:

  • Located between the city center and Santa Claus Village for the best of both worlds
  • Plenty of things to do both indoors in hotels and outdoors
  • Easier to see Northern Lights here than in the city

Cons:

  • Limited dining options compared to the city center
  • Still reliant on transportation to visit various attractions

Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara (Most romantic)

One of the best things about Ounasvaara is its hilltop location, and Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Choose from cozy rooms, ranging from basic to junior suites, and some rooms also have an attached sauna for private use.

You’ll also have easy access to dining options, with the hotel’s in-house restaurant and cafe bar. If you’re up for it, you can easily head out to ski right out the door. Depending on the season, you can rent e-bikes, go canoeing, and play a round of golf.

Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara

8 miles from Rovaniemi Airport

Image source: Booking.com

What to love:

  • Great views from the restaurant and rooms
  • Access to walking trails near the hotel
  • Ski-to-door convenience in winter

Pick another place if:

  • You have a strong preference for being close to either the city or Santa Claus Village

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Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalet (Best value)

You’ll find Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalet beside the Kemijoki river, with the Ounasvaara Ski Center next door as well. Each room has a private sauna, and you can also access shared BBQ facilities in the hotel.

This is one of the best value deals you can have in Ounasvaara, especially if you’re traveling in a group. You’ll have plenty of space to hangout together, and choose from a variety of activities year-round. This place stands out in winter due to its convenient location for skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalet

5 miles from Rovaniemi Airport

Image source: Booking.com

What to love:

  • Spacious rooms at affordable prices
  • Right next to the ski resort
  • Proximity to the river for scenic views

Pick another place if:

  • You’re looking for a bit more novelty or “wow” factor

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Santasport Resort (Most suitable for families)

Families with children might find that Santasport Resort has something fun for everyone. This resort prides itself in having a wide variety of sports and recreational activities.

You’ll find a bowling alley, pool with a slide, in addition to other sports facilities. To fuel you up for your activities, you can grab a meal from either of the 3 restaurants.

Similar to other hotels, the Ounasvaara Ski Resort is close by with easy access to cross country ski tracks. You can also rent equipment from the hotel to help you enjoy the outdoors.

Santasport Resort

6 miles from Rovaniemi Airport

Image source: Booking.com

What to love:

  • Pool access
  • Plenty of facilities for kids
  • Close enough to the city for ride-sharing to make sense
  • Affordable prices for families

Pick another place if:

  • You prefer boutique hotels that spend a lot of effort on room decor

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4. City center – Best if you don’t have a car

If you don’t intend to rent a car in Rovaniemi, don’t worry as the city center has plenty of accommodation options as well. It’s also relatively easy to find transportation to get you to Santa Claus Village and Rovaniemi Airport, with both just 10 minutes away.

For tours and activities, you could look for options where transportation is provided to and from the city center.

Staying in Rovaniemi’s city center has its benefits, such as access to a wide variety of food, cafes, museums and more. It’s also fairly easy to get around the city by walking as most of the main attractions are close by.

Pros:

  • More affordable options in the city center
  • Greater convenience for dining, museums, and city sightseeing

Cons:

  • Takes time to travel out of the city into the wilderness areas for tours and activities
  • Accommodation options are not as impressive or unique

Hostel Cafe Koti (Best value)

For budget travelers looking to stretch their euros while having an enriching experience, Hostel Cafe Koti offers affordable accommodations with a cozy and communal atmosphere. To sweeten the deal, there’s a Finnish sauna available for guests to use as well.

You could either stay in a shared room or book your own private room which includes a private bathroom and buffet breakfast. As the name suggests, there’s a cafe here which is often used for social events and art exhibitions.

It’s located right in the city center near some amazing restaurants. Overall, this will be the perfect base for exploring Rovaniemi on foot.

Hostel Cafe Koti

6 miles from Rovaniemi Airport

Image source: Booking.com

What to love:

  • Scandinavian and Lappish style rooms with clean aesthetic
  • Communal atmosphere
  • Affordable prices

Pick another place if:

  • You prefer rooms with a bit more personality and unique decor

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Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi

The Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi overlooks Lordi Square and has a distinctive and modern architecture. This is overall a no-frills hotel that offers a high quality stay without any drama.

Nearby, you’ll find quality restaurants like Nile which serves Finnish cuisine, and you’re minutes away from Kemijoki River.

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi

6 miles from Rovaniemi Airport

Image source: Booking.com

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Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus

If you’re planning on visiting the Arktikum museum, Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus is a convenient place to stay as it’s a 3-minute ride or a 14-minute walk away. In addition, you’ll be near the Rovaniemi Tourist Information office, shopping options at Sokos Rovaniemi, and restaurants like Gustav Kitchen & Bar.

Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus

6 miles from Rovaniemi Airport

Image source: Booking.com

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Concluding on where to stay in Rovaniemi

When considering where to stay in Rovaniemi, you’ll need to decide if you’re looking for the magical Arctic Circle atmosphere, the quietness of the remote wilderness, or the convenience of the city center.

Whether you’re looking for an iconic igloo stay, a family-friendly resort, a romantic getaway, or the best place to watch Northern Lights, I hope this article helped you find your perfect stay.

Let me know if you have more questions, and if you’d like to know more about my experiences in Finland. No matter where you stay, get ready for an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime in Rovaniemi!

If you’re looking for more Finland travel planning resources, read more here:

Janice, a California-based travel writer from Singapore, discovered her love for hiking and camping during her studies in Los Angeles. Through her blog, she now shares detailed itineraries for adventures in California, Asia, and beyond. She also talks about gear recommendations and tips for beginners, hoping to inspire them to explore the great outdoors with confidence.

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