The Ultimate Rovaniemi Travel Guide

When should you visit Rovaniemi ? 

Summer in Lapland runs from June to August, when you can enjoy endless daylight and the Midnight Sun. It is a great time for fun water sports like jet-skiing and SUP. The city is also quieter, so you can easily experience local culture and daily life.

From November to March, you will step into a real-life winter wonderland filled with Christmas magic. As the days are shorter, with sunsets as early as 2 PM, you will have a higher chance of spotting the Northern Lights. This period is ideal for all winter adventures, including reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobile tours. It will indeed be cold, but don’t worry: we’ve got you covered with warm overalls and boots at Nordic Unique Travels!

How to get to Rovaniemi ?

Coming to Rovaniemi during the winter is pretty easy. You have plenty of plane companies operating flights from the major cities in Europe.

Otherwise, you can also fly to Helsinki and from there it is a 1 hour and 20 minutes flight to Rovaniemi. Or take the train, using the VR railway company, and enjoy the scenic Lappish landscape during the 8 to 12 hours ride. For more comfort, you can always choose the sleeper cabins. 

Where to stay in Rovaniemi ?

Rovaniemi offers a wide range of options, including hotels, resorts, Airbnbs, and private houses. Because it is a highly popular destination, we strongly recommend booking your stay as far in advance as possible.

Pickup details depend on where you stay and what you book. If your stay is within a 10-minute walk of our office, you will meet us at the Nordic Unique Travels office. If you are staying farther away, we will arrange a pickup and a guide will bring you straight to your activity!

Here are some of our top recommendations:

In the City Center:

• Café Koti: A cozy hostel and hotel option right in the center.
• Scandic Hotels: Conveniently located with modern comforts.
• Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus: Offers clean, cozy rooms, private saunas, and a great breakfast buffet.

For Families:

• Santasport Resort: Located a bit further from the center, this is a great choice for families thanks to its spacious apartments and sports facilities.

For a Unique & Romantic Experience:

• Aito Igloo & Spa Resort: Highly recommended for a unique and quiet stay, far from the city lights, and close to nature. They offer a big range of accommodations such as Glass Igloos, Treehouses, and Aurora Nests. Booking here makes your trip effortless, as you can arrange activities and transfers directly on their website or at reception. Plus, you get a 2-hour free spa pass for every night you stay!

What are the must-do activities ?

Visiting Lapland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we are here to help you make the absolute most of it! To help you plan, we have curated a list of must-do activities for every season.

Year-Round Experiences

Some experiences can be enjoyed no matter when you visit:

• Santa Claus Village: Meet Santa Claus himself and cross the Magical Arctic Circle at any time of the year.
• Husky & Reindeer Encounters: Meet Arctic animals and enjoy sleigh rides (in snowless months, rides are operated on wheeled carts).
• Hikes & Campfire Barbecue: Explore Rovaniemi’s breathtaking national parks and rich cultural history. Enjoy the views, whether painted in autumn colors (Ruska), covered in summer midnight light, or blanketed in winter snow. 
• Sauna Boat: Experience an authentic Finnish sauna on the water, complete with a jump into the lake for the brave!

Top Winter Experiences

When the Arctic days shorten, the true winter magic begins:

default

• Northern Lights Hunting: Dark polar nights offer the ultimate backdrop for chasing the spectacular Aurora Borealis.
• Snowmobiling: Ride through the snowy Lappish wilderness for an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
• Snowshoeing & Ice Fishing: Embrace serene winter traditions in snow-covered landscapes.
• Skiing: Discover Lapland’s snowy slopes and cross-country trails.

Top Summer Experiences

Lapland in summer is alive with endless daylight and unique adventures:

• Water Sports & Floating: Make the most of the Midnight Sun with jet-skiing, canoeing, kayaking, or a Midnight Sun Floating experience.
• Quad Tours: Ride through the lush forests of Lapland for an exciting ride.
• Wildlife Encounters: Visit authentic reindeer farms, embark on a moose safari, or visit Ranua Wildlife Park to see Arctic animals up close.
• Lappish Culinary Tours & Berry Picking: Join a Lapland cooking workshop, pick fresh wild berries in the forest, taste traditional salmon soup with hot blueberry juice, and roast marshmallows over a campfire.

All-Inclusive Packages

Want a completely hassle-free trip? We offer tailored summer and winter packages that include:

• Airport transfers
• Accommodation bookings
• Full activity itineraries with pickup and drop-off
• Professional English-speaking guides (and other languages available upon request)