Best Hotels in Rovaniemi (Igloos, Luxury & Cabins)
Dreamy igloos, cozy chalets and design hotels
There’s nothing like a cozy cabin with sauna in Finnish Lapland!
Rovaniemi, Finland, isn’t just Santa’s hometown — it’s the gateway to the Arctic, a cozy, snow-dusted city where Northern Lights dance above the rooftops and reindeer wander along frozen rivers.
We’ve stayed here several times in different seasons, and the truth is: there’s no “wrong” place to stay — only how close you want to be to nature, and how much you want to watch the aurora from bed.
That being said, it’s always better to be a bit further from city lights. And, personally, we love to have our own cabin with sauna for a true Nordic experience (you also save on food).
So here’s our handpicked list of the best hotels in Rovaniemi — from luxury spas to dreamy cabins — all with that essential Arctic magic.
🗓️ When to see the northern lights in Rovaniemi
The aurora season in Rovaniemi runs from late September to early April, with the best viewing usually between December and February, when nights are longest and skies clearest.
On a calm night, you can often see the lights right from town — though it’s always better a little outside the glow of streetlights.
For photo settings, gear advice, and the best Northern Lights destinations across the Nordic countries, check out our full 👉 Northern Lights Hub.
Plan your trip to Rovaniemi: places to stay and how to get around
Is Rovaniemi worth visiting?
We’ve crossed the Arctic Circle by plane, by boat, by car… and on foot at Santa Claus Village!
Looking for the best place to stay in Rovaniemi? You’re not alone — this Arctic city in Finnish Lapland is one of Europe’s most popular winter destinations. But why?
It’s officially the hometown of Santa Claus, the gateway to the Northern Lights, and one of the easiest ways to experience real Arctic nature without giving up comfort. You can chase the aurora, go dog sledding, or just sit by the fire inside a cozy log cabin while snowflakes fall outside.
Admittedly, we prefer to go slightly off the beaten path when we travel up North. But Rovaniemi is a wonderful base, especially for a first Arctic experience or if you travel with children. And wild nature awaits right at your doorstep!
But, with so many Rovaniemi hotels and igloos to choose from, finding the right one can be tricky — so we’ve narrowed it down to the best. From glass-roof cabins and treehouses to riverside resorts, here are our top stays where Arctic dreams actually come true.
Did you know?
Rovaniemi is officially known as the hometown of Santa Claus — a title born after World War II, when Eleanor Roosevelt visited and inaugurated a cabin on the Arctic Circle to support Lapland’s recovery. That tiny cabin became today’s Santa Claus Village, which now receives over half a million letters every year from children around the world.
Pic: Please don’t judge us
The best luxury and igloo hotels in Rovaniemi (+ cabins)
Zoom in on the map below to find hotels and cabins
1. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
If you want the classic Lapland fantasy, this is it.
The Arctic SnowHotel is rebuilt every winter entirely from ice and snow, while the neighboring Glass Igloos stay open year-round.
The igloos are fully heated, with private bathrooms, adjustable beds, and even an Aurora Alarm to wake you when the lights appear.
Perfect if you want a once-in-a-lifetime stay that’s still surprisingly comfortable.
Apukka is basically a playground for Northern Lights lovers.
Northern LightsYou can choose from:
Aurora Cabins — small, warm glass-roofed pods
Komsio Suites — treehouse-style igloos tucked in the forest
Apukka Lake Cabins — wooden cabins right by the frozen lake, ideal for families or couples who want more privacy
Every stay comes with the chance to try husky sledding, snowmobiling, and even an ice sauna (I see your face, but trust us, it’s addictive!).
Stylish, quiet, and perched on a hillside, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel combines design and nature beautifully.
Each cube-shaped suite overlooks the forest through floor-to-ceiling windows, with interiors in warm Nordic tones.
On-site restaurant Rakas serves local game and berries — perfect after a long day in minus twenty.
Right next to Santa Claus Village, Nova Skyland mixes cozy comfort with family-friendly convenience.
The suites come with fireplaces, private saunas, and full kitchens — ideal for longer Arctic stays.
You can walk to Santa’s Post Office, cross the Arctic Circle (all day if you want!), or watch the Northern Lights directly from your balcony.
A former city hall turned boutique stay, the Arctic Light Hotel is “downtown” Rovaniemi (it’s not NYC :-)) at its best: soft velvet chairs, Nordic design, and one of the most famous breakfasts in Finland. It’s also much cheaper than the other Rovaniemi hotels of the list.
If you’d rather have cafés, restaurants, and tour pick-ups just outside your door, this is the perfect base between aurora chases.
6. Glass Resort
Set inside Santa Claus Village, Glass Resort blends Scandinavian style with Arctic serenity.
Each suite is shaped like a modern igloo with private outdoor hot tubs and north-facing windows for Northern Lights viewing.
The cabins here are ideal for couples or family (they’ll looove to sleep in Santa’s Village!) — spacious, private, and with enough glass to feel like you’re sleeping under the stars.
7. Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets
A hidden gem for cabin lovers and reasonably priced, Ounasvaara Chalets sit on the edge of the forest near the ski slopes, just ten minutes from the city.
You’ll get your own log cabin with a fireplace, sauna, and kitchen — classic Lapland living without losing modern comfort.
There’s even a riverside trail where the aurora often appears right above the treetops.
8. Hotel Haawe
Right in downtown Rovaniemi, Hotel Haawe brings minimalist Arctic design indoors.
Every suite is inspired by a natural element — mist, ice, fire, river — using local materials and soft textures.
Perfect for travelers who want to stay central but still feel a connection to Lapland’s landscapes. It’s one of Rovaniemi’s luxury hotels (5*), but prices are surprisingly reasonable, especially off-season.
🐺 In Lapland’s endless forests, wolves move like shadows — powerful, elusive, and rarely seen. They remind you that the Arctic isn’t empty; it’s alive and listening.
To stay connected with these wild northern spirits, Fahlo’s Wolf Bracelet supports conservation and lets you follow a real wolf’s journey through the wilderness.
❄️ Our readers get 20% off here: Follow a wolf with Fahlo
Quick planning tips
We saw this amazing aurora in September, an hour away from Rovaniemi
Best time to visit: December–March for peak aurora season and winter wonderland, but you can see the northern lights from September to early April. Find out the best time to see the northern lights in our guide.
Book early: Rovaniemi is popular for groups, and igloos and cabins sell out many months in advance.
Stay at least 3 nights: Weather changes fast — more nights, more chances.
Add-ons: Try husky rides, reindeer safaris, or snowshoeing under the moon. And book a northern light tour to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights. You can also rent a car to chase the clear skies.
Find northern light tours below
🧳 Plan your Finnish Lapland adventure
✈️ Find flights to the Arctic — fly into Rovaniemi or via Helsinki.
🏨 Find hotels for Northern Lights trips — glass igloos, cozy cabins, and aurora lodges we love.
🚗 Compare Arctic car rentals — chase the lights on your own schedule.
🧭 Heymondo Travel Insurance (5–15% off) — protect yourself (and your camera gear) from Arctic surprises.
🧳 Arctic gear — check our travel essentials on Amazon.
🐾 Fahlo Wildlife Bracelets (20% off) — track a real Arctic animal and stay connected to the north.
FAQ: Hotels in Rovaniemi
Is Rovaniemi a good base for seeing the Northern Lights?
Yes. Rovaniemi is a proper town with tours, hotels, and infrastructure, and you can still see the aurora on clear nights. For the best chances, pick hotels with darker surroundings or join a guided Northern Lights chase away from city lights.
Where is the best area to stay in Rovaniemi?
If you want cafés, restaurants, and easy logistics, stay in the city centre near the river. If you want more nature and darkness, look at riverside cabins, glass igloo hotels, or forest lodges a short drive from town.
Is Rovaniemi only about Santa Claus Village?
No. Santa Claus Village is fun, especially with kids, but Rovaniemi is also about riverside walks, Arctic nature, husky and reindeer safaris, museums like Arktikum, and day trips into the forest.
Do I need a car in Rovaniemi?
Not necessarily. Many hotels offer airport transfers and tours include pick-up from central accommodations. A rental car is useful if you want to explore independently, chase the aurora on your own, or stay in more remote cabins.
How many nights should I stay in Rovaniemi?
Three to four nights is a good minimum. It gives you time to try a couple of activities, visit Santa Claus Village if you want, and still have several chances to catch the Northern Lights.
When is the best time to visit Rovaniemi for snow and Northern Lights?
From December to March you’ll usually have snow, winter activities, and dark nights for auroras. Early winter feels more festive; late winter often has more daylight for excursions.
Is Rovaniemi suitable for families?
Very. Many hotels are family-friendly, tours often welcome children, and the combination of Santa, snow, and gentle activities like reindeer sleigh rides makes it an easy Arctic introduction for kids.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
We use Heymondo on every trip up North — it’s affordable, covers cancellations, and includes winter activities like dogsledding and meeting Santa (what, you never know, a pile of gifts might fall on you!).
Get 5–15 % off Heymondo travel insurance through our link.
Rovaniemi turns every winter night into a snow-globe moment, for the little ones and the not so little ones. Whether you’re watching the aurora from a glass igloo, warming up in a luxury spa, or tucked into a wooden cabin with a fire crackling beside you, it’s pure Arctic magic.
Stay near the city for easy tours and restaurants — or venture into the forest for silence, stars, and that green light you’ll never forget.
Planning a trip in Finnish Lapland? Check out our guides:
🧊 Kiruna vs. Rovaniemi: Swedish Lapland vs. Finnish Lapland — Two Arctic capitals, one epic showdown.
🎄 Finnish Lapland — Reindeer, saunas, and winter magic with a side of forest silence.
❄️ Our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide — How to explore, survive, and avoid becoming a polar bear’s lunch.
✨ Northern Lights for Dummies — How to actually see the aurora (without freezing your butt off or waiting 12 nights in vain).
🦌 Arctic Food Guide — Whale steak? Cloudberries? Reindeer stew? What to eat (or not eat) in the high North.
🎅 Magical Alternatives to Rovaniemi — Christmas magic without the crowds.
🏠 Best Hotels to see the Northern Lights in Europe — Watch the aurora from your bed.
✨ Northern Lights for Dummies — How to actually see the aurora (without freezing your butt off or waiting 12 nights in vain).
📅 Best Time to See the Northern Lights — Month-by-month, season-by-season, when the sky is most likely to dance.
