Rovaniemi
Families and couples wanting the full Finnish Lapland winter magic with glass igloo stays
About Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi sits exactly on the Arctic Circle and is Finland's most popular winter destination. Famous as the 'Official Hometown of Santa Claus', the city offers a uniquely family-friendly polar experience blending aurora watching with Finnish Lapland winter magic. The iconic glass igloos of Levin Igloo and Arctic TreeHouse Hotel allow guests to watch the northern lights from the comfort of a heated glass pod. Rovaniemi receives the northern lights on around 150 nights per year — slightly less than Norwegian counterparts due to its latitude, but the quality is high and conditions very cold (reaching -30°C in January). The husky and reindeer farms around Rovaniemi are outstanding, with professional operators offering half-day and full-day experiences. The Arktikum museum provides world-class context on arctic life and science.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -13°C | 20h | High |
| Feb★ Best | -12°C | 15h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -6°C | 9h | Med |
| Apr | +1°C | 3h | Low |
| May | +9°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +15°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +17°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +15°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +8°C | 5h | Med |
| Oct | +2°C | 11h | Med |
| Nov★ Best | -5°C | 17h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -10°C | 21h | High |
Activities
Getting There
Direct flights from Helsinki (1.5h), London, and many European cities. Rovaniemi airport is right in town. Charter flights available Dec–Mar.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Arctic Treehouses
- ✓Glass Igloos
- ✓Santa Claus Village
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $130/day in Rovaniemi. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
View all on Google Maps →Kätkä Lake Lodge
Leirikätkä 74, 97140 Tervola, Finland
saunaSilver Birch Resort
Alaniemenpolku 52, 97610 Oikarainen, Finland
hotelGlass Resort
Tähtikuja 16, Tähtikuja 16, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
hotelInvisible Forest Lodge
Ketavaarantie 21, 96900 Rovaniemi, Finland
hotelHostel Café Koti
Valtakatu 21, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
hotelVaattunki Wilderness Resort
Vaattunkikönkääntie 219, 96900 Rovaniemi, Finland
resort hotelSanta Claus Holiday Village
Tähtikuja 2, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
hotelArctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
Lehtoahontie 27, 97220 Sinettä, Finland
hotelArctic TreeHouse Hotel
Tarvantie 3, 96910 Rovaniemi, Finland
hotelSanta's Hotel Santa Claus
Korkalonkatu 29, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
View all on Google Maps →Hanki
Korkalonkatu 2 C, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland
korean restaurantRestaurant Glena
Korkalonkatu 27, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
restaurantLeima Kitchen & Bar
Postikatu 1, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland
restaurantSanta's Salmon Place
Santa Claus Village, Pukinpolku 5, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
restaurantLappish Restaurant Taiga
Valtakatu 33, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
restaurantHaarikka Bar & Bites
Korkalonkatu 27, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
restaurantArctic Restaurant
Valtakatu 18, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
scandinavian restaurantRestaurant Roka Street Bistro
Ainonkatu 3, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
bistroNili Restaurant
Valtakatu 20, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
restaurantGustav Kitchen & Bar
Koskikatu 12, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
View all on Google Maps →Arctic Road Trips
Vaaranlaita, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland
tour agencyLapland X Tours
Korkalonkatu 14 10, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland
point of interestArctic Adventures Lapland
Kansankatu 2, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland
point of interestNordic Unique Travels
Maakuntakatu 29-31, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
travel agencyWild About Lapland
Rovakatu 24, 96100 Rovaniemi, Finland
point of interestVisit Lapland Tours
Middle of walking street (Wooden Cottage, Koskikatu 20, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
point of interestSunny Safari
Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi, Finland
point of interestArctic GM Experiences OY
Valtakatu 26, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
point of interestWonderlapland
Rovakatu 19b, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
tour agencyLapland Safaris Rovaniemi
Koskikatu 1, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland
tour agencyNearby Destinations
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