Rovaniemi Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Rovaniemi

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Holiday Home Entire home

Pihkaporintie 1 A 4 | Rovaniemi, 96800, FI

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At a glance

Climate

Continental

Languages

Finnish and Swedish and English

Local currency

EUR (EUR)

Local time

04:48 (GMT+3)

Ideal trip length

3–7 days

Cost level

4 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

City Center or Santa Claus Village area

Tap water

Generally described as safe to drink

Tipping

Not customary, appreciated for exceptional service.

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 95 · Outstanding

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Reindeer Stew Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup) Cloudberry Jam Leipäjuusto (Finnish Squeaky Cheese)

When to visit Rovaniemi

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: December Busiest: Dec-Mar, Jul-Aug

Jan

85

Very cold, snowy, dark
Feb

85

Very cold, snowy, increasing light
Mar

80

Cold, snowy, longer days
Apr

50

Snow melting, slushy, cool
May

60

Spring, greening, mild
Jun

70

Midnight sun, mild, green
Jul

75

Warmest, midnight sun, pleasant
Aug

70

Cooling, start of aurora season
Sept

75

Autumn colors, crisp, auroras
Oct

60

Colder, first snow, short days
Nov

70

Dark, snowy, winter activities begin
Dec

90

Peak winter, festive, very cold

85

Jan Very cold, snowy, dark

85

Feb Very cold, snowy, increasing light

80

Mar Cold, snowy, longer days

50

Apr Snow melting, slushy, cool

60

May Spring, greening, mild

70

Jun Midnight sun, mild, green

75

Jul Warmest, midnight sun, pleasant

70

Aug Cooling, start of aurora season

75

Sept Autumn colors, crisp, auroras

60

Oct Colder, first snow, short days

70

Nov Dark, snowy, winter activities begin

90

Dec Peak winter, festive, very cold

Things to do in Rovaniemi

8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

2 places

Husky Sledding

Rural Rovaniemi 2 hrs

Experience the thrill of driving your own team of huskies through snowy forests.

Outdoors Good for children

Snowmobile Safari

Rural Rovaniemi 2.5 hrs

Zoom through snowy trails and frozen lakes on an exhilarating snowmobile adventure.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

1 place

Reindeer Sleigh Ride

Rural Rovaniemi 1.5 hrs

Enjoy a peaceful, traditional sleigh ride through the serene Arctic landscape.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

2 places

Northern Lights Safari

Outskirts of Rovaniemi 3 hrs

Chase the elusive Aurora Borealis on a guided tour away from city lights.

Outdoors Good for children

Ice Hotel/Restaurant Visit

Various locations 2 hrs

Explore stunning ice sculptures and enjoy a drink or meal in an ice environment.

Indoors Good for children

Any time of day

3 places

Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village 4 hrs

Meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and send postcards from Santa's Post Office.

Outdoors Good for children

Arktikum Science Centre

City Center 3 hrs

Discover the history, culture, and nature of the Arctic region.

Indoors Good for children

Ranua Wildlife Park

Ranua (1hr drive) 4 hrs

Observe Arctic animals like polar bears and lynx in their natural-like habitats.

Outdoors Good for children

Rovaniemi itineraries

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Food and drink

2 Days in Rovaniemi — Food & Wine

Savor the Arctic's culinary delights and unique beverages.

This two-day itinerary is a gourmand's guide to Rovaniemi, focusing on the rich flavors of Lappish cuisine and local drinks. Perfect for foodies and adventurers eager to explore the Arctic through its distinctive tastes, from traditional reindeer dishes to craft beers and berry-infused treats.

2 Days 9 Stops

See the full plan