Welcome to Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus and your gateway to Finnish Lapland. This charming Arctic city feels straight out of a snow globe, with cozy glass igloos, twinkling lights, and reindeer walking through the snow. This Rovaniemi itinerary is great if you’re visiting Finland for the first time or coming back to explore more of Lapland.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Rovaniemi, where to stay, and some tips to help you plan the best winter trip. You can meet Santa at his village, go on a reindeer ride, and watch the Northern Lights from your igloo. There are a lot of unique experiences here.
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Check out these helpful resources to make your travel planning easier and stress-free:
🌟 Check out Lapland in Winter: The Ultimate Finland Travel Guide blog post!
Unique Experiences to Book in Rovaniemi
Where to Stay in Lapland: Accommodations for All Budgets
Why Visit Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and one of the best places to experience the Arctic region. The city sits right on the Arctic Circle Line, so you can literally cross from one hemisphere to another during your visit.
Staying here is a good base for exploring Lapland’s winter activities. Rovaniemi Airport has direct flights from Helsinki and other cities, so it’s easy to get there. Once you arrive, you’ll find cozy cabins, glass igloos, and snow hotels just a short drive away.
Beyond the fairytale charm, Rovaniemi is also a perfect place to see the Aurora Borealis. There isn’t much light pollution, so the skies often glow green and purple between late November and March. This is the best time to visit if the Northern Lights are on your bucket list.
🌟 Check out Where to Stay in Lapland: Unique Igloos & Best Hotels blog post!
10 Best Things to add to your Rovaniemi Itinerary
1. Visit Santa Claus Village
The first thing I recommend in Rovaniemi is visiting Santa Claus Village. It’s the main attraction and is only a short drive from Rovaniemi Airport. The village is open all year and has a festive atmosphere.
You can meet Santa at the Santa Claus Office, cross the Arctic Circle Line, send postcards from Santa’s post office, and shop for souvenirs at local stores. The atmosphere is festive and good for both kids and adults.
Even if you’re not traveling with children, you’ll enjoy the holiday magic. Visiting Santa’s Village really does make you feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday movie. This is a true winter wonderland and an absolute must on your Rovaniemi itinerary.
🌟 Check out Best Restaurants in Santa Claus Village You’ll Love blog post!
2. See the Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights is one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi, and I think it is the highlight of your Lapland itinerary. The ideal time is from late November through March, when the nights are long and the skies are clear.
One of the best ways to experience this is from a glass igloo. I loved lying in bed while the aurora shimmers overhead; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some hotels like Apukka Resort and Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos have aurora alerts at night so you don’t miss them.
If you want to explore further, you can join a small group tour to go deeper into the Arctic region, away from city lights. You’ll travel by car or snowmobile, warm up by a fire, and have hot berry juice while you wait for the Northern Lights. You cannot leave Finland without experiencing this on your Rovaniemi itinerary.
3. Explore Snowman World & the Ice Restaurant
Snowman World is inside Santa Claus Village and, in my opinion, it’s one of the most magical places to visit. It has an ice bar, ice restaurant, and ice slides for both kids and adults. Everything is built from snow and ice each winter. Visiting here feels like stepping into a frozen fairy tale.
You can have a drink from a glass made of ice or eat at the ice restaurant before heading out for a late-night stroll through the illuminated village. If you’re visiting Rovaniemi in the winter months, this is a great place to spend one night.
🌟 Check out How to Plan the Best Santa Claus Village Itinerary blog post!
4. Visit the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
The Arctic SnowHotel is one of the coolest places to stay in Lapland. It is rebuilt every winter from ice and snow, and the hotel rooms are carved from ice and lit with colored lights. There’s also an ice bar, an ice restaurant, a snow sauna, a hot tub, and even a chance to plunge into ice-cold water afterward.
If you don’t want to sleep on ice, you can stay in one of the heated glass igloos and still watch the Northern Lights from your bed. These are the main reasons people visit the Arctic Snow Hotel. It’s just a short drive from the city centre, so I recommend adding one night here on your Rovaniemi itinerary.
5. Go on a Husky Safari
A husky safari is one of the most thrilling activities to add to your Rovaniemi itinerary. You get to ride through the snow-covered forest on a sled pulled by a team of energetic huskies. It’s surprisingly quiet, apart from the sound of the sled gliding over the snow.
Most tours let you meet the huskies, learn how to steer, and then go out into the forest. Afterward, there’s time to cuddle the dogs and warm up with hot juice by the fire. It’s a great way to experience Lapland’s wild beauty up close. I highly recommend a husky sleigh ride!
6. Visit a Reindeer Farm
A visit to a reindeer farm is another must-visit on your Rovaniemi itinerary. You’ll learn about the Sámi culture, feed the reindeer, and go on a slow reindeer sleigh ride through the forest. It’s a peaceful, slow-paced experience, and perfect for families.
You can even get an Arctic Circle Crossing Certificate after your sleigh ride. It’s a nice souvenir from your trip.
7. Try Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake
For something a little different, you can try ice fishing. This is pretty popular in Finland. Guides take you onto a frozen lake, drill a hole through the ice, and show you how to fish like a local. Even if you don’t catch anything, the scenery is worth it.
Ice fishing is typically combined with other outdoor activities like snowshoeing or a snowmobile safari. This is a great way to see the Arctic landscape.
8. Go on a Snowmobile Safari
If you want something more active or faster-paced, I recommend trying a snowmobile safari. This is one of the most fun and best things to do in Rovaniemi. You’ll drive through snowy forests, over hills, and cross icy lakes. I absolutely loved this adventure, it was so much fun!
Many tours will start right from your hotel, so it’s easy to add to your Rovaniemi itinerary. You get all the gear and a guide for safety. Some tours also combine snowmobiling with reindeer rides or husky safaris.
9. Relax in a Finnish Sauna
No winter itinerary in Finland is complete without trying a Finnish sauna. Many hotels and chalets have private saunas, which are the perfect way to warm up after a day in the snow. After heating up, you can plunge into an ice-cold lake. It may sound extreme, but it’s a great way to boost circulation.
10. Visit the Arktikum Museum
If you have extra time or a day trip planned into town, visit the Arktikum Museum, located right in Rovaniemi city center. It’s beautifully designed with a glass tunnel that offers panoramic views of the frozen river.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits about Arctic life, climate, and Finnish culture. It’s also a great place to warm up and learn more about the Arctic region
8 Best Hotels to include in your Rovaniemi Itinerary
Rovaniemi has some of the most unique places to stay in the world. You can sleep in an ice hotel or in a cozy cabin under the stars. Whether you want to stay right in the city centre or in the wilderness, you’ll find something that will suit you.
1. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
This hotel is one of the highlights on any Rovaniemi itinerary. You can sleep in a room made of ice or stay in a heated glass igloo and watch the Aurora Borealis from your bed. There’s also an ice restaurant, an ice bar, and even an ice chapel. Everything is rebuilt every year. In my opinion, staying here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.0 🏨 Book This Hotel
2. Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle
Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle is just a short walk from Santa Claus Village. The glass igloos are modern and cozy, with wide sky views from your bed. You can even ask for an Aurora alarm, so you won’t miss the Northern Lights if they show up.
Breakfast is included, and you can try outdoor activities like reindeer rides and cross-country skiing. If you’re traveling with kids or you love the holiday vibe, this is a fun and memorable place to stay in Lapland.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.4 🏨 Book This Hotel
3. Santa Claus Holiday Village
Nothing says Lapland quite like the Santa Claus Holiday Village. Located right in Santa Claus Village, the cottages are cozy and feel like something out of a Christmas postcard. Each cabin has its own terrace, a small kitchen, and easy access to outdoor activities like reindeer safaris.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.4 🏨 Book This Hotel
4. Apukka Resort
Located about a short drive from Santa’s Village, Apukka Resort is one of the best places to stay for a romantic or family trip. You can choose between cozy cabins or glass-roofed suites. You can join husky safaris, reindeer rides, and Northern Lights tours directly from the property. It’s a perfect place if you want all the winter activities in one spot.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.2 🏨 Book This Hotel
5. Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus
If you want to stay close to restaurants, shops, and the train station, Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus is a good option in Rovaniemi city centre.
This hotel is modern, warm, and just a short walk to the shopping centre and the Arktikum Museum. Plus, there’s a free shuttle bus to Santa Claus Village during the winter months.
🌟 Hotel Rating 8.8 🏨 Book This Hotel
6. Glass Resort
If you want to experience Lapland luxury, Glass Resort in Rovaniemi is a great choice. It’s close to Santa Claus Village and mixes Scandinavian design with the Arctic landscape. This glass igloo hotel has private saunas, outdoor hot tubs, and amazing views of the snowy forest.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.4 🏨 Book This Hotel
The villas have floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can watch the sky change colors during the Northern Lights. There is a restaurant with Nordic food made from local ingredients. If you want comfort and privacy, this is one of the best places to stay in Lapland.
☃️❄️ Check out these snow activities in Rovaniemi
7. Arctic Light Hotel
This boutique hotel is located right in town and mixes Arctic style with modern comfort. The rooms at Arctic Light Hotel are beautifully designed with soft lighting and cozy details. It’s a great place to relax after a day of outdoor activities.
🌟 Hotel Rating 9.6 🏨 Book This Hotel
8. Arctic City Hotel
If you want to stay near the city center, Arctic City Hotel is a great base in Rovaniemi. This 4-star hotel has modern rooms, a restaurant, and free parking. It’s close to Santa Claus Village, shops, and the Arktikum Museum. It’s a good option if you want to be close to the city and still enjoy Lapland.
🌟 Hotel Rating 8.8 🏨 Book This Hotel
3 Add-Ons and Day Trips for Your Rovaniemi Itinerary
If you have a few extra full days in your Rovaniemi itinerary, there are some great places nearby that are worth visiting. Each one shows a different side of Finnish Lapland, from Arctic wildlife to ski resorts and ice art. Most are just a few hours away by rental car, or you can book small-group tours with hotel pick-ups.
You can rent a car directly at Rovaniemi Airport or in the city centre. Most hotels can help you book tours with pick-up and drop-off. So even if you don’t drive, you’ll still be able to see these beautiful places in Finnish Lapland.
1. Levi – Ski Resorts, Spas & Winter Fun
Located about a two-hour drive northwest of Rovaniemi, Levi is one of Finland’s top ski resorts. It’s a great place to add to your Lapland itinerary. The village is charming and has a cozy alpine vibe, with lots of winter activities to try.
There are over forty slopes for skiing and snowboarding, plus scenic trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. After a day outside, you can relax at the Panorama Sauna & Jacuzzi, or try a traditional wood-barrel sauna and ice bath. It’s the perfect way to end a full day outdoors.
Levi is also home to Arcandia, an art and light park made completely from ice and snow. The glowing sculptures, tunnels, and sound installations make it one of the most magical places to visit at night. It’s family-friendly and there’s nothing else like it in the Arctic.
If you visit during the winter months, you can also stop by Ice Gallery Levi for more frozen art, or have dinner at the ice restaurant inside the SnowVillage, which is only a short drive away. This is truly a fun addition to your Rovaniemi itinerary.
How to Get There: 2 hours by car (or Santa Claus Express Night Train to Kolari, then transfer)
2. Ranua Wildlife Park – Arctic Animals Up Close
Ranua Wildlife Park is about an hour south of Rovaniemi and is a totally different experience from the ski slopes. It’s one of the northernmost zoos in the world and fits perfectly into a day itinerary from Rovaniemi. It’s especially incredible if you love animals or are traveling with family.
The park is in a peaceful forest and has over fifty Arctic species, like polar bears, wolves, lynx, reindeer, and owls. The walking path goes through snowy pines and takes about two hours. It’s a great way to enjoy nature and learn about Finland’s wildlife.
There’s also a small shopping centre nearby with a café and souvenir shops, so you can easily spend a relaxing half-day here before heading back to Rovaniemi. If you’re traveling with big kids, this stop will be one of the best parts of their trip.
How to Get There: 1 hour drive south
3. SnowVillage – Ice Art & Sculptures
SnowVillage is between Rovaniemi and Levi and is rebuilt every year with over 20 million kilograms of snow and 350 thousand kilograms of clear ice. Each season has a new design theme, with an ice hotel, ice restaurant, and amazing sculptures.
Even if you don’t stay overnight, it’s worth adding this day trip to your Rovaniemi itinerary. You can tour the ice rooms, have dinner at the ice bar, and admire the art carved into the walls. It’s one of those lifetime experiences you’ll want to photograph from every angle.
If you want to stay overnight, the Arctic SnowHotel nearby in Rovaniemi is a good option. You can combine the ice hotel experience with a cozy glass igloo stay.
How to Get There: 1.5 hours west toward Levi
☃️❄️ Check out these snow activities in the area
Final Thoughts on Rovaniemi Itinerary
Rovaniemi is more than just a destination, it’s an experience on its own. From the magic of Santa Claus Village to the excitement of chasing the Northern Lights, it has everything you dream of in a winter wonderland.
This Rovaniemi itinerary is your guide to the best things to do, places to stay, and the experiences that make this part of the world special. Whether it’s your first time or you’re coming back to see more of Finnish Lapland, one thing is for sure: you’ll never forget this trip!
✨ Top tip: Book your tours early, dress warmly, and take your time to enjoy the magic. That’s the secret to the best Rovaniemi itinerary.
Tips/ things to know before visiting Lapland, Finland
How to Get to Rovaniemi?
Most visitors start their Rovaniemi itinerary by flying directly into the city. Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and the region’s main travel hub, located about 800 km north of Helsinki. With its own international airport, it’s the easiest entry point to the Arctic.
By Plane
The fastest way to get here is to fly straight to Rovaniemi Airport. There are direct flights from Helsinki all year, as well as seasonal connections from other European cities during the winter months. The flight takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once you land, it’s just a quick 5–10 minute drive to Santa Claus Village. If you have a few days in Finland, you can also explore Helsinki first before heading north to Rovaniemi.
By Train
If you want a slower and more scenic trip, you can take the overnight train from Helsinki Central Station to Rovaniemi Train Station. The journey takes about 8–10 hours and is a comfortable way to see the Finnish countryside. I recommend booking a sleeper cabin for extra comfort.
By Bus
Another option is taking a long-distance bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. The trip takes about 11 to 12 hours, but it’s usually the cheapest way to travel. You’ll get to see Finland’s peaceful landscapes along the way.
How to get around Lapland?
The easiest way to get around Lapland is by rental car. Everything is pretty spread out, and public transportation isn’t very convenient, especially in winter when schedules are limited. With a car, you can explore at your own pace, visit small villages, and stop for scenic views whenever you want.
Daylight Hours in Lapland
Depending on the day of the year, daylight in Lapland can change a lot. In December and January, you only get about 3–6 hours of daylight. Around December 21, during the Polar Night, the sun doesn’t rise at all. But even then, you’ll see a few hours of soft blue light that makes everything look magical and adds to the cozy winter vibe.
Best time to visit?
For the ultimate unique experience, the best time to visit is from late November through March, when the village is covered in snow and looks like a real-life holiday postcard.
December – March (peak season)
This is the best time to visit Finland, especially if you want to experience the holiday season. The snow is perfect, the northern lights are at their best, and the whole place feels like a winter wonderland. You can go skiing, sledding, or try to catch the auroras. Temperatures can drop to -30°C, so make sure to pack warm clothes and sturdy snow boots to stay cozy.
April – June
As the days get warmer and sunnier, the nights are still cold, but this is a great time to see the northern lights under clear skies. This is a quieter season, and it’s a peaceful time to explore Finland’s snowy landscapes before the snow melts.
July – August
Summer in Lapland is mild, with average temperatures around 17°C. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures like canoeing, hiking, and sea kayaking. In June and early July, you get almost 24 hours of daylight because of the midnight sun, so you can explore as much as you want.
How many days do you need in Lapland?
7–10 DAYS: Lapland is a winter wonderland that’s best enjoyed slowly. With a week or more, you’ll have time to visit Santa Claus Village, look for the Northern Lights, and join reindeer or husky safaris. You can also try snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding. When you want to relax, spend a night in a glass igloo or ice hotel, and warm up in a cozy Finnish sauna.
Finland’s winters can get very cold, sometimes dropping to -30°C. To enjoy your trip, you need to pack the right clothes and be ready for the weather. The best way to stay warm is by layering. It’s always better to wear an extra layer you can take off if you get too hot than to not have enough when it’s freezing.
What to wear in Lapland?
Finland gets very cold in winter, with temperatures that can drop to -30°C; February is the coldest month. To enjoy your trip, it’s important to pack warm clothes and be ready for the cold. The best way to stay comfortable is by layering. It’s always better to wear an extra layer you can take off if you get too hot than not have enough when it’s freezing.
PACKING ESSENTIALS: What to wear to stay warm and comfortable during our trip:
- 5 layers: A base layer, a mid-fleece layer, a sweater, a heated vest, and a heavy winter jacket.
- 2 pairs of wool socks (or heated socks for extra warmth).
- Insulated gloves or a base layer of gloves paired with mittens (heated mittens are great for added warmth).
- A wool or fleece scarf to protect your neck and face from the chilly winds.
- A beanie hat at all times—make sure it covers your ears to keep warmth in.
- Waterproof insulated boots or moon boots are the best option for keeping your feet warm and dry. Moon Boots were a lifesaver for me. They’re extremely warm and reliable, and I saw a lot of other people wearing them too.
If you’re taking part in any outdoor activities, you’ll be provided with all the necessary gear to protect you from the cold.
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Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.