Rovaniemi

Quiet and idyllic, right on the Arctic Circle, just a few steps from the Santa Claus Village, yet with easy connections: a short walk to the bus stop, from where the airport and town center are about 15 to 20 minutes away. Very good value for money. Beautifully modern, high-quality furnishings, spacious, stylishly decorated suites, a private sauna in every unit, a stunning location right on the Arctic Circle, and very friendly, attentive staff. The hotel's own restaurant, Stella Nova, impresses with a lovely ambience and delicious food (also open to outside guests), a calm atmosphere with plenty of privacy, and the perfect base for nature experiences and northern lights viewing.

Quiet and secluded amid Lapland's nature, between the Ounasjoki river and Nuuksvaara hill, about 15 km from the center — absolute peace and an authentic nature experience away from the bustle of town. Very good value for money. Modern, cozy, high-quality furnishings, cabins in the Scandinavian Aurora-hut design with panoramic windows and a view straight up to the sky; some cabins have a private sauna right next door, while the river cabins share a bookable communal sauna. A stunning location amid the Arctic wilderness, and very friendly, attentive staff. The Stella Nova Flam restaurant impresses with Nordic cuisine cooked over an open fire.

Very central, with all the main sights, cafés and restaurants within comfortable walking distance. Very good value for money. Central location, lovely ambience and tasteful decor, a very friendly and helpful host — we felt completely at home. Small downside: according to the listing there should have been free parking, but in reality you could only park for a maximum of 8 hours with a parking disc, meaning you had to come back regularly to reset it.

A lovely spot for a relaxed break after arriving in Rovaniemi. We stopped in for a coffee and found it especially handy that you can leave your luggage there. Modern, calm ambience, located right inside the Korundi building, and easy to combine with a walk through the museum.

A cozy spot for a relaxed coffee break. We enjoyed coffee and a really delicious cinnamon bun in a lovely, welcoming atmosphere.

A good spot for a quick coffee break while strolling through town, though it was very busy and correspondingly lively when we visited. Modern and cozy, though it feels a bit hectic when it's packed.

A cozy, authentic pub, exactly what you'd picture in Finland. Relaxed, easygoing atmosphere, a popular meeting spot for locals, which gives the pub an especially genuine feel.

We were picked up directly from our accommodation by van, with a short stop at a shop for winter gear including a full snowsuit, then about 45 minutes further to the husky farm. After changing, we headed to the huskies' enclosures, then took the van to the other side of the farm where the sleds were waiting. After a briefing, each couple was assigned a sled, and the ride lasted about 30 to 40 minutes, with the chance to swap driving halfway through.

After the tour, we headed back to the farm to a campfire with a hot drink and a sausage in a bun (vegan option available too) — a relaxed way to wind down the experience. Duration 4 hours, about €230 per person.

You get to meet reindeer up close and take a short reindeer sleigh ride, followed by time for photos and interesting stories about the life of reindeer herders, plus a hot drink and a cinnamon bun. As a special highlight, you get an international reindeer driving license as a souvenir at the end. Mid-November to mid-April, daily start times at 11am and 12pm, duration about one hour, €40 per adult, €30 per child (4 to 12 years).

Ideal for beginners who want to try cross-country skiing amid Rovaniemi's winter wilderness. After a short introduction, you head out with a guide through snowy landscapes and quiet forest areas, with stops for photos and to look for animal tracks in the snow. Half-day tour approx. 3 hours for €99 per person, full-day tour approx. 5 to 6 hours on request. Included in the price: full ski equipment, an introduction, a local guide, snacks and coffee or tea, plus pickup and drop-off from major hotels in Rovaniemi.

Pickup from your accommodation to a cabin, where you're given full gear (snowsuit, helmet, boots, gloves), a short briefing, then off on the snowmobiles. The tour leads through snowy forests and frozen lakes, far from the lights of town. We drove into a clearing, and the northern lights appeared above us — an unforgettable experience. Even if the aurora doesn't show up, the ride itself is an adventure with fresh air and open landscapes. Along the way, there's a break at a campsite with sausages (classic or vegetarian) by the campfire and hot drinks. Duration approx. 4 hours, easy difficulty level, price on request. A valid driving license is required to drive.

A spectacular waterfall amid untouched nature, the hike leads through dense forests, over small bridges and along clear rivers. The trail is well marked and suitable for beginners and families. At the end awaits the impressive waterfall, covered in snow and ice during winter, creating an especially magical atmosphere. Round trip approx. 2 to 3 hours, easy to moderate difficulty, about 70 km from Rovaniemi, driving time approx. 1 hour.

A modern museum and science center in the center of Rovaniemi, dedicated to the history, culture and nature of Lapland and the Arctic region. Fascinating exhibits on the Sámi people, local wildlife and the region's development, with the exhibits on the polar night, Aurora Borealis and life under extreme climate conditions especially interesting. Modern architecture, plenty of light, right on the riverbank. Recommended visit duration 1 to 2 hours, adults about €15, children (7 to 17 years) about €7.

An exciting ice hockey game featuring the local team, with a thrilling atmosphere full of fast plays, goals and passionate fans. Perfect for experiencing Finnish sports culture up close. Duration approx. 2 to 3 hours, €22 per person, book tickets in advance, especially during high season.

One of the best-known attractions in Rovaniemi, located right on the Arctic Circle. Here you can visit Santa Claus, cross the Arctic Circle and enjoy the special, festive atmosphere. Admission is free, costs apply depending on the activity. Highlights: ice karting, husky sled rides, reindeer sleigh rides, Snowman World, a visit with Santa Claus, crossing the Arctic Circle.

Tip: Plan for several hours, since there's a lot to experience on-site, and warm clothing is definitely recommended in winter.