Local tips to Travel Rovaniemi | Finland Lapland Rovaniemi Trip
Written by: Sini Hietaharju, Master of Tourism Research & Slow Traveller
Travel in Rovaniemi with tips from a local
ROVANIEMI
The official hometown of Santa Claus and the capital of Lapland.
Experience Christmas magic all year-round at Santa Claus Village and cross the Arctic Circle.
Santa Claus Village
Arktikum Science
Museum
Ounasvaara
Northern Lights viewing
Arctic Circle crossing
Luxury glass igloos
Plan your trip to Rovaniemi with local tips
I'm from Finland and I have lived several years in Rovaniemi, so it's safe to say I know what I'm talking about here.
I wanted to give you my best local's tips to make your Rovaniemi trip amazing!
Rovaniemi Laponia - That's how they call Lapland in Spain.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN ROVANIEMI
In the Capital of Lapland resides the famous bearded guy, aka Santa Claus.
Santa Claus Village is definitely worth paying a visit, but Rovaniemi is so much more than this touristy Santa Claus Village Destination.
I have picked below all the best bucketlist things to do in my former hometown, and you can find all 40 best activities in Rovaniemi from the article:
TOP 5 BUCKETLIST THINGS TO DO IN ROVANIEMI
1. Northern Lights Viewing
Where to do: Various viewing spots around Rovaniemi. You can browse tours to book from here
Why: See the spectacular aurora borealis in a pristine setting.
Best season: Winter (September-March)
Price estimate: Varies; often included in tour packages
You may also want to read:
2. Cross the Arctic Circle
Where to do: Arctic Circle, near Santa Claus Village
Why: Stand on the iconic line where the Arctic Circle passes through and enjoy unique photo opportunities.
Best season: Year-round
Price estimate: Free
3. Send postcards from the official Santa's Post Office
Where to do: Santa Claus Village
Why: Send postcards from the official post office and buy unique souvenirs.
Best season: Winter / all year
Price estimate: €5
4. Go to Public sauna and swimming in the river
Where to do: Kesärafla/WNTR Sauna
Why: Really local way to enjoy time off is to go to this amazing wooden heated public sauna next to a river, just 5kms from Rovaniemi centre
Best season: Summer and Winter
Price estimate: €5 (+€25 for some drinks and food at the place)
5. Visit traditional Reindeer farm
Where to do: Here
Why: Enjoy the real atmosphere and nature of Lapland.
Best season: Winter
Price estimate: €130
MORE ACTVITIES IN ROVANIEMI AND FINNISH LAPLAND
2. Visit the Arctic SnowHotel
Stay at the Arctic SnowHotel, a unique structure built entirely of snow and ice.
Watch adn photograph ice sculptures, enjoy a drink in the ice bar and sauna, and even spend a night in one of the ice rooms for a truly memorable experience. The details sculptured on ice are stunning.
3. Experience a Traditional Lappish Dinner
Where to do: Here
Why: Enjoy a meal cooked over an open fire after traditional Finnish Sauna.
Best season: Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring
Price estimate: €165
4. Snowmobile Safari
Combine the excitement of a snowmobile ride with the wonder of the Northern Lights on an Aurora Borealis safari.
This guided tour increases your chances of seeing the lights while experiencing the thrill of snowmobiling.
You can do this for example in Rovaniemi with Arctic Attitude in Levi with Kinos Safaris.
5. Visit Arktikum Museum in Rovaniemi
If you are looking for things to do in Rovaniemi, explore the history, culture, and natural environment of the Arctic at the Arktikum Museum in Rovaniemi.
This fascinating museum offers interactive exhibits that provide deep insights into the life and nature of the Arctic Circle.
6. Fat Biking on Snow
If you are into adrenaline, sports and outdoors, winter fat biking is for you.
Try fat biking, a winter sport that involves riding specially designed bikes with wide tires over snow-covered trails.
It's a fun and unique way to experience Lapland's winter terrain. I recommend checking this tour in Rovaniemi.
6. Try Arctic Ice Floating
Experience the surreal sensation of floating in the Arctic Sea or a river surrounded by ice, all while staying warm and dry in a thermal survival suit.
This unique activity is both relaxing and exhilarating, offering a different perspective on the frozen landscape.
Tip: doing this in the evening enables stargazing and possibly aurora gazing as well.
7. Spot the polar night colors
Although days are short in winter in Rovaniemi, there are beautiful hues of pink and orange hues all over the sky during the days that sun shines.
Note that this does not happen after dinner time though, but after lunch – as sun sets around 2-3pm.
8. Rovaniemi Snowman World
Where to do: Near Santa Claus Village, book tickets online here
Why: A fun park with snow and ice sculptures, snow activities, and more.
Best season: Winter
Price estimate: €30-€60
9. Shop in the shopping malls
Where to do: Rovaniemi City Center malls Revontuli and Rinteenkulma
Why: Find all the known stores and fast food places in Rovaniemi.
Best season: Year-round
Price estimate: Varies
10. Check these Hidden Gems for Hiking
Check out lesser-known hiking locations nearby Rovaniemi.
If you are into hiking and want to do cheap budget activities while enjoying the beautiful nature, check out these hiking spots in and around Rovaniemi centre.
Koivusaari Island
Häkinvaaran Kammi
Vaattunki
Vikajärvi
Valajaskoski
Rautiojärven Laavu
Niskanperän lintutorni
WHERE TO STAY IN ROVANIEMI
These are the most awesome bucketlist stays in Rovaniemi.
(But also lifehacks to stay cheaply in Rovaniemi).
Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Rovaniemi
Best Mid-Range Budget Hotels in Rovaniemi
Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Rovaniemi, Lapland
Pro-tip: Rent a room from a local – top 2 apartments to rent in Rovaniemi
Place nearby ski slopes and centre
Unique Finnish home in nature 6kms from Rovaniemi centre
Unique Hotels and Glass igloos in Rovaniemi
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets
Accommodation for Adventure Seekers in Rovaniemi
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Stays
GETTING AROUND IN ROVANIEMI
I'll list you also the best alternatives to get to the Northernmost Finland; Lapland, and how to get around in Rovaniemi. (Nightrain from Helsinki is awesome!)
Rovaniemi is a small town, so don’t expect to see a tram or a metro.
However, there is public transportation by busses which enables you to go for example to Santa Claus Village easily from the centre.
However, I would also seriously consider renting a car if you want to do trips further from Rovaniemi and get around easily.
There are also private transfers available, that can pick you up for example from the airport and bring you to any of your destinations upon agreements.
You can check for example this one and ask for your specific transfer needs
WHERE TO BOOK ROVANIEMI LAPLAND TRIP
How far in advance to book the Rovaniemi trip?
For the Winter season, I recommend booking 6-12 months beforehand, as it is the high season.
For example, book your Christmas trip in December to Finland, ideally during June-July.
Prices are also lower when you book in advance because many more people book the trip just 1-3 months before the trip.
BOOK ACCOMMODATION
Quite often it's the best price to book a hotel via known booking websites.
Personally I mostly use Booking.com.
For Rovaniemi I recommend checking:
In Finland, it would be worth considering booking a cottage.
The best platform in Finland to book a hotel is via Finnish website Lomarengas.fi where locals list their cottages and villas.
Best sites to book tours in Rovaniemi
These well-known sites list hundreds of activties, with verified reviews, so it is easy to read the experiences of other travellers before booking.
BEST SITES TO BOOK LAPLAND ROVANIEMI TRAVEL PACKAGES
If you want to keep it easy, there are many great tour operators, that organize you everything from transportation to accommodation and activities. These sites are good options in Lapland.
Nordic Visitor
Aurora Zone
Intrepid Travel
BOOK TRANSPORTATION
If you are looking for trains, rental cars, buses, and airport transfers in Finnish Lapland, here is the list of the best recommendations.
Rental cars: Rentalcars
Train: VR
Bus: Matkahuolto
Airport transfers: GetYourGuide
BEST TIMES TO TRAVEL TO ROVANIEMI
Lapland Seasonal Weather
Comprehensive weather guide for Lapland throughout the year
Summer (June-August)
- Temperature: 13-25°C (55-77°F)
- Sunlight: Midnight sun phenomenon
- Rain: Moderate rainfall
- Nature: Lush green landscapes
Autumn (September-November)
- Temperature: -10 to 12°C (14-54°F)
- Nature: Stunning autumn foliage
- Snow: First snow in late autumn
- Light: Decreasing daylight
Winter (December-February)
- Temperature: -35 to -5°C (-31 to 23°F)
- Darkness: Polar night phenomenon
- Snow: Deep snow cover
- Activities: Winter sports season
Spring (March-May)
- Temperature: -10 to 12°C (14-54°F)
- Light: Increasing daylight
- Snowmelt: Begins in April-May
- Nature: Migratory birds return
ROVANIEMI 7-DAY ITINERARY
Although there are more reindeer than people in Lapland, Lapland is actually huge as an area.
That's why you should use these bucketlist planners to plan your Lapland trip wisely.
Levi and Rovaniemi Winter Itinerary - 1 week Lapland Trip Plan
7-day Lapland itinerary to Arctic Circle, Santa Claus Village and Ski Centre Levi to experience all the bucketlist activities in Finnish Lapland in 7 days.
Ideal itinerary for: Experiencing the ultimate bucketlist items of Finnish Lapland in 7 days.
7-day Arctic Circle and National Park Itinerary - Lapland Nature trip in Winter
This itinerary takes you to Arctic Circle, Pyhä-Luosto National park to untouched nature and an amethyst spa.
Ideal itinerary for: Experiencing untouched nature and wellness in Lapland
7-day Hidden Gem Itinerary to Finnish Lapland
This itinerary takes you to Local favorites; world's longest toboggan run, the favorite skiing centre among the Finns and hidden nature with secret Northern lights spots.
Ideal itinerary for: Experiencing Lapland the Finnish, Local way in 7 days, off the beaten path
IS ROVANIEMI EXPENSIVE? COSTS & SAVING TIPS
Truth be told, Lapland can be a pricey destination.
However, the cleanest air in the world, untouched nature, luxurious places, and a safe and secure country with fairytale-looking hidden gems is worth the price.
❄️ 2025-2026 Rovaniemi Winter Costs at a Glance
Prices reflect peak season, which is from December to March.
Please note the prices can get much higher, depending on the time of booking.
💶 Daily Budget Estimates (Winter 2025-2026)
Travel
| Travel Style | Sleep | Eat | Play | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | €35 | €25 | €30 | €90+ |
| Hostel dorm • Cook meals • Free sights | ||||
| Comfort Explorer | €110 | €50 | €80 | €240+ |
| Private room • Mix dining • 1 paid activity | ||||
| Luxury Seeker | €250+ | €100+ | €150+ | €500+ |
| Hotel/igloo • Restaurants • Premium tours | ||||
Winter 2025 prices • December costs 30-50% higher
🛏️ SLEEP
Hostel Dorms: €31–48/night (*book 3+ months ahead!*)
Budget Hotel: €90–140/night (city center)
Airbnb Apartment: €85–130/night (*+€50 cleaning fee*)
Glass Igloo: €400+/night (splurge for 1 night only)
🍽️ EAT
Casual Meal: €14–25
Restaurant Dinner (3-course): €50–90/person
McDonald’s Combo: €12–14 (northernmost location!)
Groceries (weekly): €60–75 (Prisma/Lidl/S-Market)
Coffee + Cinnamon Bun: €7 (Cafe & Bar 21)
🎿 PLAY
Husky Safari (short): €65–100 (avoid <1km rides)
Northern Lights Tour: €85–150 (with BBQ)
Santa Claus Village Entry: Free (activities extra)
Arktikum Museum: €18
Snowmobile Rental: €120+/2hrs
🚌 MOVE
Bus Ticket (Santa Express): €3.60/ride (city ↔ Santa Village)
Taxi (5km): €15–20 (use Bolt/Meneva app)
Car Rental (day): €75–110 (snow tires included)
💡 3 Money-Saving Hacks
Lunch Buffets: €12–18 for all-you-can-eat Lappish fare (look for "lounas" signs) 10.
Bundle Tours: Save 20% booking combos (e.g., husky + aurora) 9.
Free Magic: Northern lights hunting, snowshoe public trails, Santa Village entry
With these travel tips and tricks, you can lower the costs.
Try these 15 tips to find good hotel deals and learn when to book accommodation to save.
NORTHERN LIGHTS TIPS TO ROVANIEMI
You don’t want to miss out on Northern Lights in Finland. After reading this article you know the best places to see Northern lights in Finland.
Mastering how to take photos of Northern Lights requires the right equipment and skillful post-processing. (Or, the best tour with a photographer - linked here.)
PACKING LIST TO ROVANIEMI
Let's start from the very beginning: what to pack and how to actually keep yourself warm in -30°C (and ideally look cute in pictures as well).
Winter Packing List and Essential Clothes you Need along the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland.
Grab this simple 5-step list to travel with only hand luggage
EVENTS IN ROVANIEMI
Full, customized event calendars for Finland per season.
Summer is a season of many festivals in Finland. Discover the best events in Finnish summer sorted by month.
10 DONTS IN ROVANIEMI
This is the end of too serious advice, and this is more of a *tongue-on-cheek* kind advice.
(Though, as a Finn, I'd really appreciate if you follow these).
FINLAND LAPLAND ROVANIEMI TRAVEL: RELATED ARTICLES
What to Do in Rovaniemi - 40 Things to Do in Rovaniemi Listed by a Local
Having lived several years in Rovaniemi, I want to tell you the best activities to do in Rovaniemi.
35 Best Things to do in Lapland in Winter – Ultimate Lapland Bucketlist Written by a Finn
I tell you what to do in Lapland if you really want to do cool bucketlist things and also see Lapland from locals’ perspective.
Best places to stay in Capital of Lapland recommneded by a local
THIS LAPLAND TRAVEL GUIDE IS PART OF FINLAND TRAVEL GUIDE, THAT COMBINES ALL TRAVEL TIPS FOR MY HOME COUNTRY, FINLAND.
WRITTEN BY
Hey there, I'm the Author
I'm Sini, an enthusiast in slow traveling, yoga retreats, travel as self growth journey and rubbing dogs.
This is your go-to slow travel corner of the internet.
I'm here to share my best travel tips, digital nomad thoughts and photographs from the journeys.
I happen to be kind of a professional in this as well, as I have my Master's degree within Tourism Research and both my master's and bachelor's thesis are about yoga travel.
I want to share the best knowledge of hidden gem retreat and mindful destinations, as well as some deeper, honest thoughts what digital nomad lifestyle actually is.
You can read more about me here.
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