Rovaniemi

Arctic nights, Santa's hometown & northern-lights hunts

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Rovaniemi is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Feel Vegas Casino, Santa Claus Village and Arktikum. Food lovers should not miss Nili and Roka Kitchen and Wine Bar. Below you will find 12 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Rovaniemi at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Feel Vegas Casino and Santa Claus Village
Where to stay: Napapiiri and Ranua
Local picks: 12 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Rovaniemi

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Rovaniemi: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Rovaniemi, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Rovaniemi

Compare live hotel prices and availability on the map. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Centre

Angry Birds Activity Park

A colourful Angry Birds themed activity park for families.

★ 4.2

Napapiiri

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

Glass-fronted hillside cabins built for watching the northern lights.

★ 4.7

$$$

Centre

Arktikum

A superb museum of Arctic nature and Lapland culture under a glass tunnel.

★ 4.7

Casino

Feel Vegas- Casino is located at the ground floor of the Santa Claus Hotel. The Casino is maintained by the RAY Association. Gambling in Finland has been organised through the association that…

Doris Night

Doris is the second Night Club after Half Moon at the city of the Santa. Providing the best music, and hottest place to be, Doris keeps up the high atmosphere for the…

Santa Claus Hotel

Feel Vegas Casino

A small Vegas-style gaming room on the ground floor of the Santa Claus Hotel, with slots, tables, live poker and betting. Finnish gaming proceeds traditionally support charity, and there’s even a risk-free “gaming school” to learn the games without money on the line.

★ 4.0

Various

Husky Sled Safari

A husky-sledding adventure through the silent, snowy forest.

★ 4.7

Near city centre

Lidl

Lidl’s Rovaniemi store at Oijustie 2 is the practical stop for stocking up before heading into the surrounding wilderness for a cabin stay or husky safari. Like other Nordic Lidl branches, it stocks discounted own-brand groceries, Finnish rye bread, and a rotating aisle of camping and outdoor gear that comes in handy for Lapland trips. It’s a short walk or bike ride from the city centre, tucked into a light industrial area rather than the main shopping street. Tip: bring a 1-euro coin (or token) for the shopping cart, a standard Lidl deposit system across Europe.

Centre

Nili

Traditional Lappish cooking, from sauteed reindeer to cloudberries.

★ 4.6

Various

Northern Lights Hunt

A guided chase away from the lights to find the aurora borealis.

★ 4.6

Ranua

Ranua Wildlife Park

An Arctic wildlife park home to polar bears and northern species.

★ 4.5

Centre

Roka Kitchen and Wine Bar

A modern bistro celebrating local Lappish ingredients and wine.

★ 4.5

Napapiiri

Santa Claus Village

The Arctic Circle village where you can meet Santa and cross the line year-round.

★ 4.6

Napapiiri

SantaPark

An underground Christmas cavern of elves, workshops and rides.

★ 4.4

Centre

Santas Hotel Santa Claus

A comfortable hotel in the heart of Rovaniemi, handy for everything.

★ 4.4

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Rovaniemi travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Rovaniemi?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Rovaniemi at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Rovaniemi?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Rovaniemi?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Rovaniemi guide.

What is the best time to visit Rovaniemi?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Rovaniemi is worth visiting year-round.