Best Hotels in Rovaniemi Finland, Santa Claus Village

In the north of Finland is the magical country of Lapland. It is the birthplace of the Saks and Santa Claus. Its capital Rovaniemi has long been the largest tourist center of the North. From November to April, snow lies here, and from September to May, the northern lights appear in the sky. At the entrance to the city there is a sign “Arctic Circle”. The harsh land with unique nature annually receives hundreds of thousands of tourists. Hotels with comfortable and warm rooms have been built for them, a large number of entertainments have been prepared.

Where to go and what to see in Rovaniemi?

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The main tourist attraction of Rovaniemi is the Santa Claus Village. Joulupukki is the name of the Christmas grandfather in Finland. Here is his workshop and residence. The park is a large entertainment center associated with New Year’s traditions.

Your leisure time can be planned in three directions:

• acquaintance with the North (Articum Center, Ranua Zoo, Forest Museum, amethyst mine, the most beautiful river rapids of Molkokyongyas);
• history and art of northern Finland (art museum, bridge “Rafter’s Candle”, Pöykköl Local History Museum, XV century church, potter’s museum, lace room);
• sport.

Along with the historic buildings, there are many modern facilities in the city. No wonder the formation of the architecture of the city was engaged in the “father of modernism” of Northern Europe Alvar Aalto. He created a cultural complex, which included an administration building, a theater, a library and a memorial with the Eternal Flame. The people of Rovaniemi not only honor the historical memory of their ancestors. The main square of the city in 2006 was renamed in honor of the group “Lordi” – the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Where to stay?

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Rovaniemi hotels have rooms of different price categories. The unofficial capital of Lapland is an oasis of modern comfort amidst untouched Arctic nature. Where to stay: in the city or outside it – it is up to travelers.

Arctic Light Hotel

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The 1950s building and the former Rovaniemi City Hall have been converted into a stylish hotel. It opened its doors in the spring of 2015. This hotel offers a unique combination of Lapland heritage and unsurpassed modern style. It offers a delightful restaurant, lounge bar and a collection of 57 spacious rooms and suites individually decorated. The Arctic Light Hotel is the epitome of the highest comfort and is valued for offering an individual stay on the Arctic Circle.

Breakfast is included in the price. The historical and cultural center is within walking distance. Country entertainment (dog sled races, excursions to natural sites, a tour to the amethyst mine) are ordered separately. Friendly staff will always tell you where it is better to go, what to see and where to dine.

“This is the best hotel in Rovaniemi! My family and I stayed in different places, but finally chose only this option. I like absolutely everything here! Good location, near the center. Spacious and cozy room, with a sauna, in which before bedtime it was pleasant to warm up. The room is very clean. Tea and coffee making facilities are provided. This is very important for my family, as we love to drink tea before going to bed. Very nice and helpful reception staff! Special thanks to Mark, he showed us everything and explained! In the morning the chefs prepared lovely breakfasts, everything is very tasty! Thank you all! We will definitely come again!”

 

 

 

 

Santa Claus Holiday Village

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10 kilometers north of Rovaniemi, where the Arctic Circle begins, in the center of Santa Claus Village is the cottage hotel Santa Claus Holiday Village. A two-minute walk away is the house of the Christmas grandfather. As entertainment, walks on reindeer and dog sleds, summer and winter fishing, snowmobiles, ski slopes, boats, bicycles are offered. There is an active holiday available throughout the year. The hotel has a restaurant. The menu includes traditional Lapland dishes. The chefs also specialize in European cuisine. There is an on-site northern grocery store, so you can prepare your own meals in the cottage’s kitchen. Breakfast is included in the payment of accommodation.

“Small and cozy houses. The kitchen has everything you need, good Wi-Fi, bathroom with sauna, parking next to the house. The village of Santa is within walking distance. Good breakfast, though not very varied.” Victor, Latvia

 

 

 

 

Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets

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The 4-star hotel complex is located a 5-minute drive from Rovaniemi. The comfortable chalets are built on the banks of the Kemijoki River, close to the ski resort and the Ounasvaara Golf Club. It is served by a restaurant. It serves grilled dishes, offers scenic views of the river and features a traditional Finnish sauna in the restaurant. Drinks and light snacks can always be found in the lobby bar.

Despite the harsh climate, local hotels welcome guests throughout the year. In winter, snowmobile walks, reindeer sleds, husky safaris are organized for tourists. In summer – hiking, water crossings on kayaks, fishing. Sports complexes are also open year-round.

“This place seems to be created for a cozy family holiday, away from noisy cities, among the great nature. Warm, though small houses, near each chalet there is a parking lot for one place under the car. Inside there is a small kitchen with the most necessary: microwave, stove, kettle, refrigerator. A grocery supermarket is a 5-minute drive away. 8-10 minutes drive – Santa Claus Village. I really liked the staff, delicious breakfasts, which are included in the price, but if you decide to have dinner here, then it will fly into a penny, an adult will get 45 euros, for a child you will have to pay 35 euros. We cooked our own meals” (Anna)

 

 

 

Scandic Rovaniemi City

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The hotel is located in the heart of the city. It was recently renovated. The rooms, restaurant, lounge and bar are decorated in a Lapland style. A play area has been created for children. All young guests are given toys as a keepsake. It offers a spacious fitness center and a luxurious seating area on the 5th floor. Nordic walking poles or bicycles can be rented at the reception. In summer, a hike to Ounasvaaraberget, 3.5 km away, can be arranged. Within walking distance are the historical monuments of the city and the scientific center “Arctic”.

“The hotel is very conveniently located – the city center, opposite the shopping center. On the ground floor of the hotel there is a restaurant with delicious national cuisine.” Anastasia, Russia

 

 

 

HAAWE Boutique Apart Hotel

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Haawe Boutique Aparthotel is set in a building dating from 1933, right in the centre of Rovaniemi. It offers 14 rooms, each with its own backstory. The décor of the rooms is inspired by the changing seasons, nature and weather phenomena of Lapland. Each room is a well-equipped studio room. Self-service breakfast is included in the price. Products are put in the refrigerator. Please note that stocks are not replenished during the stay. At the reception you can take a booklet with the most popular excursion destinations in the area.

“In life, the hotel looks even better than in the photo. The administration sends access codes to safely enter the room. Breakfast products are put in the refrigerator. There are all appliances and coffee machine. There are many restaurants and cafes around the hotel.”

 

 

 

Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Rovaniemi

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This large hotel is located in the centre of Rovaniemi, 150 metres from the Kemiyoki River. It offers 159 comfortable rooms, 2 of which are suites. There are 2 restaurants and a nightclub on site. Interiors, menus, places of rest emphasize the international character of the hotel. The restaurants serve rustic Finnish, haute French and hot Mexican cuisine. Breakfast is served at Casper & Cherie. The owners of the hotel adhere to the policy of environmental protection. Traditional activities include eco-friendly tours, such as the private Ranua Zoo.

“Lovely rooms, location and delicious breakfasts. Especially pleased with the gift for the dog in the room, because booked with the animal and the hotel knew about the arrival of a hairy family member” Miroslav, Ukraine

 

 

 

 

Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara

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The brand new Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara is open after renovation in 2019. It is located in a natural area near the Ounasvaara ski resort. From the observation deck on the roof you can see the lights of Rovaniemi. Very close to the Laapi Arena, which often hosts sports and leisure events. Breakfast is included in the price. Local cuisine is served. The hotel has 71 rooms,a restaurant with 250 seats, there is a brand store of the Laplandchain.

“Great hotel! Very comfortable, cozy, clean and the sauna always warmed after long walks. Breakfast in a stunningly beautiful restaurant with panoramic windows. The views from the window in the hotel were very pleased! Cable car right at the entrance to the hotel. From the mountain and uphill we climbed and descended without problems. On the illuminated road we walked to the center and back. It takes about an hour. Taxi costs 25 euros.” Maria

 

 

 

Nova Skyland Hotel

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The comfortable Nova Skyland Hotel is located in the heart of the Lapland Forest. Just 200 metres away are the shops of Santa Claus Village, Santa Claus’ own office and Santa Claus Post Office. All entertainment is fully selected for the tastes of the Christmas grandfather. Races on reindeer sleds, safari with huskies, mystical and magical northern lights and, of course, the fulfillment of the most cherished desires. Such an atmosphere tries to create the hotel staff. And Santa himself comes to visit the guests.

“The cottage was excellent. Sauna is a real bonus after a day spent in the wilderness or even just in the village. There were no problems with kindling at all – additional firewood, matches, the staff helped. Highly recommended, very comfortable and warm. We had snow and -13 C!” Michael, UK

 

 

 

 

Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus

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Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus is located in the centre of Rovaniemi. 170 standard and suite rooms are prepared for guests. Meals can be arranged by 3 restaurants and a lobby bar. Breakfast is included in the price. All points specialize in Lapland dishes. Activities include hiking, skiing, santa claus Village, local museums and attractions.

“Big rooms. Very nice Hotel with New Year’s theme. Located in the heart of the city. It’s close. Lots of restaurants and great shopping. Delicious breakfast» Vlada

 

 

 

Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle

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Wooden houses resembling Eskimo igloos are located on the border of the Arctic Circle, 8 km north of Rovaniemi. Here for six months there is a polar night, and in summer the Sun does not set over the horizon. The surroundings of Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle illuminate the northern lights, making them even more mysterious and picturesque. To observe natural phenomena in the house made a glass ceiling. The hotel complex serves a restaurant with 120 seats. In the evening, there is a lobby bar. In total, the village has 71 premium class needles. Active leisure activities are offered.

“Lovely needle! Lovely staff, very accommerous! And we saw the northern lights thanks to the alarm system inside the needle that told us it was beginning.”

All Finnish hotels are equipped with saunas. In some places, steam rooms are equipped in rooms and houses, in others they are intended only for common use. Only showers are provided in the needle. The communal sauna is open by the hour.

 

 

 

 

Hotel Aakenus

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The cozy hotel is located in a quiet area of Rovaniemi (400 m from the center). It offers 45 rooms and 13 apartments. Breakfast (included in the fee) and dinner are served buffet style. In the evenings, there is a lobby bar.

“We are staying at the Aakkenus Hotel for the fourth time. We are satisfied with everything here: the quality of service, delicious breakfast (included in the price) and dinner (buy at the hotel). This time the sauna was under repair, but we were given another option for free at the same hours as usual.”

 

 

 

Arctic City Hotel

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Arctic City Hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Rovaniemi, where all unforgettable lapland adventures begin. Guests of the city will not be able to miss any of the events taking place here. The hotel has been welcoming travelers for the past 40 years. Recently, another restoration was carried out in it. 57 spacious rooms are already waiting for their guests. Breakfast is prepared and served at the local restaurant serving international cuisine. There is also a grill bar.

“Great hotel!!! I went to a snowmobile show in November. I liked the great location in the city center. The rooms are clean and the restaurant has an amazing breakfast. Next time I will stay only at the Arctic City Hotel. Thanks to the staff for everything!” Alexey, Rf

 

 

 

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

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The Arctic TreeHouse is a unique combination of luxurious Arctic comfort in the midst of nature, Lapland traditions and modern Scandinavian design. The accommodation is carefully planned, a special mechanism installed in each room opens panoramic windows with stunning views of the forest and the northern sky. The Northern Lights and the midnight sun can be enjoyed right in your own bed. The stylish restaurant specialises in traditional Lapland cuisine. Breakfast is included in the payment of accommodation.

In addition to the original northern types of entertainment, this secluded and located in the forest area of the hotel complex offers wellness services on the arctic scene-suites system. Here you can also visit the unique Arctic greenhouse. Guests can enjoy active leisure in winter and summer. The staff provides full information about the upcoming events.

“Great detached house! Nice restaurant. Very friendly staff, always ready to help. Notification of server radiance appears on the tablet in the room. ” Anatoly, Russia

 

 

 

Golden Circle Suites

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Golden Circle Suites offers comfortable apartments, a variety of activities, a restaurant with kosher food. The complex is located in the centre of Rovaniemi. The number of rooms includes 25 apartments of different comfort levels. There are suites,standard one-room apartments, family rooms. Each room has a private sauna. Guests can prepare their own meals. There is an equipped kitchen with a dining area. The interior of the rooms is made in the traditional style of northern Finland – leather armchairs, wooden panels, skins on the floor, fireplace. The main attractions are within walking distance, to the village of Santa Claus – 6 minutes drive.

“The apartment was big, clean, warm and in a very good location from the city center and 18 minutes walk from the train station. Easy to get into the room, the owner leaves you the code from the entrance and get the keys. Check-out is very fast, you just need to leave the magnetic keys in the mailbox.”

 

 

 

To go to Rovaniemi means to get acquainted with the northern traditions of the local population of Finland. The most attractive in terms of accommodation are hotel complexes with “glass” houses. A unique opportunity to observe the aurora, lying in bed, is not provided in every tourist area. All the above hotels are in close proximity to historical sights and entertainment complexes. The choice depends on the level of usual comfort (sauna in the room, ready meals in the restaurant, organized excursions, etc.)