Contents
Hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland: top 6 for a magical stay

Hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland: top 6 for a magical stay

Located in the heart of Lapland, Rovaniemi is the gateway to the Arctic Circle and the official hometown of Santa Claus. Between northern lights, snow-covered cabins and polar experiences, this magical destination delights travellers from around the world. To fully experience this magic, here is our top 6 of hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Contents

Lapland travel tips for a great stay: 

Follow all our adventures on Instagram by clicking here 🩵

Hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland: top 6 for a dream stay 

Whether you dream of a traditional cabin, a glass igloo or a designer hotel, Rovaniemi offers a variety of unique accommodation to experience the magic of Lapland. From the Glass Resort to the Santa Claus Holiday Village, each hotel in Rovaniemi, Finland promises an unforgettable experience, combining nature, comfort and Nordic magic.

1. Glass Resort for sleeping under the northern lights

@Glass Resort - Booking.com

Lost among snow-covered fir trees, in the legendary Santa Claus Village, the Glass Resort is one of those places where the magic of Lapland becomes reality. Imagine: a heated glass roof, a private steaming hot tub in the snow, a Finnish sauna, and the Arctic sky above you. That's exactly what this exceptional hotel promises. That's why it's one of our favourite hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Each suite, spacious and bathed in light, combines the best of Nordic design and modern comfort with its kitchenette and cosy living room overlooking the silent forest. At night, the northern lights appear at the window.

Only 3 km from the airport and a few minutes' walk from Santa's Office, the Glass Resort promises a stay that is as spectacular as it is intimate. 

What we like:

  • The sauna and private outdoor hot tub for relaxing under the northern lights
  • The panoramic glass roof, perfect for admiring the Arctic sky from your bed
  • The cocooning atmosphere, both chic and natural
  • The delicious breakfast and restaurant dishes
  • The magical silence of the forest and the proximity to Santa Claus Village
  • The feeling of living in a bubble of comfort and snow

Ideal for couples looking for a romantic and luxurious stay.

2. Santa Claus Holiday Village: the family address par excellence

@Santa Claus Holiday Village - Booking.com

For those who dream of an eternal Christmas, Santa Claus Holiday Village is the perfect place. It is part of our top 6 hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland because it is one of Rovaniemi's most emblematic places. Only 8 km from the town centre and 5 minutes from the airport, this unique hotel plunges its visitors into the magical world of Christmas, in summer as in winter.

There are three types of accommodation to choose from: cottages, suites and rooms with a private sauna, kitchenette and private bathroom. The cottages also have an individual terrace and private parking in front of the accommodation, ideal for families.

On site, you can organise typical Lapland excursions: northern lights hunts, husky or reindeer sleigh rides and nature outings in the surrounding forest. The restaurants Three Elves and Christmas House Restaurant & Coffee serve Lappish and international dishes in a warm and festive atmosphere.

The highlight: only 2 minutes' walk away, you can meet Santa Claus in person, an unforgettable magical experience for young and old.

What we like:

  • The magical atmosphere and Christmas decorations all year round
  • The comfort of the cabins with private sauna and terrace
  • Its location in the heart of Santa Claus Village
  • The generous breakfast and tasty dinner
  • The varied activities: reindeer, huskies, northern lights
  • The warm welcome and flawless organisation
  • The very attractive value for money, especially in summer

Ideal for families with children.

3. Nova Skyland Hotel, for a comfortable stay in nature

@Nova Skyland Hotel - Booking.com

A stone's throw from Santa's Office, in the legendary Santa Claus Village, the Nova Skyland Hotel combines everything we love about Lapland: Scandinavian architecture, a cocooning atmosphere and a breathtaking view over the snow-covered forest. It's the perfect spot for a stay between nature and elegance.

The suites and cottages, decorated in a modern Nordic style, have large picture windows so you can admire the northern lights without leaving the sofa. And for an extra moment of magic, you may even spot a few reindeer right next to your room.

Located only 3 km from Rovaniemi airport and 7 km from the Arktikum museum, the Nova Skyland is the perfect balance between high-end comfort and total immersion in the magic of the Far North.

What we like:

  • The ideal location in the heart of Santa Claus Village
  • The elegant and warm Scandinavian design
  • The large picture windows with a view over the forest and the Arctic sky
  • The private sauna in each suite
  • The generous and delicious breakfast
  • The attentive staff, always ready to help
  • The reindeer visible from the rooms, for a 100% Lappish touch

Ideal for those looking for modern comfort in the heart of nature.

4. Apukka Resort, between Nordic luxury and polar adventure

@Apukka Resort - Booking.com

Only 15 minutes by road from Rovaniemi, the Apukka Resort is the perfect address for a stay in Lapland, between snow, silence and northern lights. Bordered by a frozen lake and surrounded by forests, this property combines Scandinavian comfort and total immersion in nature.

Here, everything is designed to make you dream: glass igloos to admire the starry sky from your bed, cosy cabins with a private sauna, or even a magnificent villa for families. 

But what makes Apukka truly unique is its activities. In winter: husky or reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobile trips and northern lights safaris that make your heart beat faster. The rest of the year, there's hiking, horse riding, fishing, or even cooking classes in the middle of nature. And for relaxation, several unusual saunas await you,  from the igloo sauna to the ice sauna, as well as mobile saunas.

What we like:

  • The glass igloos for sleeping under the northern lights
  • The magical natural setting on the lake shore, away from the town
  • The multitude of Arctic activities offered on site
  • The original saunas: ice, igloo, mobile
  • The Aitta restaurant, refined and local
  • The attentive and warm staff
  • The magical atmosphere, both wild and cocooning

5. Ounasvaaran Lakituvat Chalets: the charm of a Finnish cabin

Ounasvaaran Lakituvat Chalets, hotel in Rovaniemi, Finland
@Ounasvaaran Lakituvat Chalets - Booking.com

Only 3 km from the centre of Rovaniemi, nestled in the heart of a peaceful forest and a stone's throw from the Ounasvaara winter sports resort. Here, no standardised hotel, but superb modern cabins with two bedrooms, spacious, bright and tastefully decorated. Each cabin has a private sauna and a crackling fireplace. 

It is part of our selection of hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland, because it's the perfect refuge for those who want to enjoy Scandinavian comfort without giving up nature.

On site, you can enjoy snowmobile trips, husky or reindeer safaris, or rafting trips in summer. Hiking and cross-country ski trails start directly from the cabins, and the overall atmosphere is one of absolute calm, only disturbed by the sound of falling snow or the passing of a white hare.

In short, a perfect place to disconnect, recharge and savour Lapland in all its Nordic simplicity.

What we like:

  • The private sauna and fireplace in each cabin
  • The absolute calm and proximity to nature
  • The modern comfort: equipped kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine
  • The cleanliness and space of the cabins
  • The proximity to the town centre and the Ounasvaara resort
  • The Santasport centre a few steps away (spa, sport, indoor activities)
  • The excellent value for money for a stay with family or friends

Ideal for families and groups of friends.

6. Arctic Light Hotel: luxury and design in the town centre

@Arctic Light Hotel - Booking.com

Located in the heart of Rovaniemi, only 8 km from the airport and Santa Claus Village, the Arctic Light Hotel is an unmissable address for a holiday in Lapland combining Scandinavian design and a warm atmosphere. The breakfast, prepared by a local chef, is reputed to be one of the best in Lapland.

Housed in a former emblematic building in the town, this hotel with character offers bright rooms combining modern comfort and local touches.

The hotel is only 200 metres from the Sampokeskus shopping centre and 800 metres from the Arktikum museum, perfect for exploring Rovaniemi on foot. 

What we like:

  • Exceptional breakfast by Sara La Fountain
  • Elegant and original interior design
  • A sauna to warm up
  • Very comfortable rooms, some with a kitchenette
  • Warm welcome and impeccable service
  • Perfect location, close to the centre and Santa Claus Village
  • Cosy and refined atmosphere, ideal for a romantic stay

Ideal for discerning travellers and design lovers.

FAQ: hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions:

Where to stay cheaply in Rovaniemi?‍

For a budget stay in Rovaniemi, opt for hostels such as Hostel Café Koti or Guesthouse Borealis, comfortable and well located. Shared cabins or small apartments on Airbnb are also a good option, especially out of season. The Santa Claus Holiday Village campsite sometimes offers attractive rates in summer. Booking early gets you better prices, especially in December.

What is the best time to go to Rovaniemi?‍

The best time depends on what you want: from December to March for snow, northern lights and Christmas atmosphere, or from June to August to enjoy the midnight sun and outdoor activities. Autumn (September-October) is ideal for avoiding the crowds and admiring Lapland's colourful landscapes.

Is Rovaniemi expensive?‍

Yes, Rovaniemi is generally an expensive destination, especially in winter. Hotels, Arctic activities and restaurants can quickly push up the budget. Allow around €150 to €250 per night for good accommodation in high season. On the other hand, there are affordable options out of season and free activities such as northern lights hunting.

Where is the real Santa Claus Village?‍

The real Santa Claus Village is in Rovaniemi, in Finland, right on the Arctic Circle. This is where Santa's official office is, open all year round, with its post office, reindeer and illuminated cabins. The site is about 8 km north of the town centre and is easily visited by bus, car or taxi.

‍

And that's where our special article on hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland ends! We hope all this information will help you organise your stay as well as possible! All that's left is to wish you a great trip to the magical wonderland of Lapland!

Plan your tailor-made trip
in Finland
with Evaneos®
Create your trip
More places
in Finland