Hotels in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi: Where Enchantment Meets the Arctic Wilderness

Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi is a whimsical blend of nature and culture, famously known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. This small town, set on the Arctic Circle, offers a magical experience with its enchanting northern lights and serene lakes. Explore fascinating museums that celebrate local heritage, or wander through lush forests that invite adventure. Rovaniemi is a gateway to unforgettable winter sports, charming local cuisine, and the vibrant spirit of Lapland, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and explorers alike. Embrace the magic of this Arctic wonderland! For the best hotel rates in Rovaniemi, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Rovaniemi

Some of the best places to stay in Rovaniemi are Sinetta and Vikajärvi. Sinetta and Vikajärvi are both enchanting destinations for travelers seeking the magic of Lapland. Sinetta, with its charming atmosphere, is ideal for first-time visitors, offering close proximity to Rovaniemi's attractions. Vikajärvi, known for its serene landscapes, is perfect for those looking to escape into nature. Accommodations in both areas range from cozy holiday villas to unique glass igloos and luxurious hotels, providing a variety of options to suit every traveler's preference. Enjoy your Arctic adventure! These are some of the hotels preferred by our travelers in Rovaniemi:

1. SinettaOpens in a new window: Nestled in the beautiful Finnish countryside, Sinetta is a family-friendly destination that offers a unique blend of adventure and culture. It's a great base for exploring nearby attractions like SantaPark, a magical theme park, and Arktikum, a fascinating science museum. For your stay, consider Santa's Hotel Santa ClausOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel providing business amenities and romantic packages, making it ideal for both couples and business travelers. Another option is Arctic Light HotelOpens in a new window, a 4.5-star boutique hotel with luxury touches and pet-friendly policies. Lastly, HAAWE Boutique Apart HotelOpens in a new window, also a 4.0-star hotel, offers free breakfast and various entertainment options, making it a comfortable choice for families.
2. VikajärviOpens in a new window: This charming area is perfect for family vacations, with attractions like Santa Claus Village and SantaPark nearby. Vikajärvi's focus on family-friendly entertainment ensures that there's something for everyone. Santa's Igloos Arctic CircleOpens in a new window is a 4.0-star hotel that welcomes pets, perfect for those traveling with furry friends. Nova Skyland HotelOpens in a new window, another 4.0-star option, features on-site dining and recreational activities, including skiing, ideal for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Lastly, Arctic TreeHouse HotelOpens in a new window, a 4.5-star hotel, offers adventure-themed experiences and luxurious accommodations, making it a fantastic choice for families seeking a mix of relaxation and fun.

5 tips to find a great Rovaniemi hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly time to visit Rovaniemi is between May and July, when hotel rates are more affordable. For domestic and international travelers alike, it's best to book your flight at least eight months in advance to secure lower prices. To make the most of your trip, plan for a stay of at least 2-3 days, which allows you to discover key attractions like charming small towns, interesting museums, and beautiful forests. This way, you can enjoy a great value for your money while exploring the wonders of Rovaniemi.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you’re looking for last-minute deals to Rovaniemi, Hotels.com offers a great opportunity to snag discounted hotel rates. To get started, check out the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window sections on the site, where you could find appealing offers close to your travel date. Additionally, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to keep informed about flash sales and special promotions, helping you compare room rates and potentially save big on your stay.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. As a result, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Rovaniemi.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in Rovaniemi is usually more expensive. However, if you opt to stay a bit farther from downtown, you can take advantage of transportation options like driving, taking the bus, biking, or walking to explore the area and potentially save on costs.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your next stay in Rovaniemi and join Hotels.com’s One Key programme which allows members to earn and redeem rewards points for hotel bookings. Move through blue, silver, gold and platinum tiers and unlock benefits such as earning free nights, room upgrades, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up now.

What to eat in Rovaniemi

Here are a few popular dishes in Rovaniemi, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland:

• Reindeer Meat: A staple of Lapland's culinary heritage, reindeer meat is often served as tender steak, stew, or even in burgers. It's traditionally prepared with root vegetables and rich sauces, highlighting the region's rustic flavors. Enjoy it at local restaurants like Restaurant Nili, where chefs focus on authentic Finnish cuisine.
• Smoked Salmon: This delicacy is a must-try in Rovaniemi, often served on rye bread or with a dill sauce. The traditional smoking method enhances the fish's natural flavors, making it a perfect appetizer. Visit the Arctic Boulevard for a delightful smoked salmon dish paired with local sides.
• Rösti: A Swiss-inspired dish, rösti is popular in Finland too, made with grated potatoes, pan-fried until crispy. It can be personalized with toppings like salmon or reindeer, making it a versatile choice at cafes like Café & Bar 21.

Best time to go to Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 12.0°F (-11.1°C), while July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 60.1°F (15.6°C). August tends to be the wettest month. The peak travel months to visit Rovaniemi are September, November, and December, which see a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly cloudy, accompanied by dry to light rainfall. In contrast, April to June are ideal if you're looking for a calmer vacation, marked by dry to light rainfall and mostly cloudy conditions.