Kiruna vs. Rovaniemi - Swedish Lapland vs. Finnish Lapland

Eli having the time of her life in Abisko National Park, Swedish Lapland

If you're planning a winter trip to Lapland, you're probably torn between magical Rovaniemi, the "official" hometown of Santa Claus in Finland, and Kiruna, Sweden's Arctic gem. But wait — there’s more! Other Lapland destinations like Tromsø, Norway, and other lesser-known towns, might also be calling your name. So, which icy wonderland should you choose? Let’s break it down.

Did you know?

Lapland (Sápmi), spans across four countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Despite these political borders, Lapland is united by its shared Sami culture, the indigenous people of the region. The Sami have their own language, traditions, and reindeer herding culture, which has been a cornerstone of their way of life for thousands of years.

Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland: Santa and Family Fun

Rovaniemi is tailor-made for those who crave a winter fairytale without getting too much out of their comfort zone. Home to the Santa Claus Village, where you can meet the Big Man himself year-round, it’s a dream for families and Christmas fanatics. Add reindeer sleigh rides, husky safaris, and snow-dusted forests straight out of a postcard, and you’ve got yourself a whimsical wonderland. However to be completely honest, the “Disney” vibe doesn’t give it an authentic feel.

The city also has a modern edge, with the Arktikum Museum offering insights into Arctic life and the science of the Northern Lights. And speaking of lights, Rovaniemi’s location just below the Arctic Circle makes it a good spot for aurora hunting — though you might need to venture further north for the clearest skies.

And speaking of further north, Finnish Lapland is vast and ready to be explored. So, if you’re after a true adventure, we highly recommend renting a car and traveling way beyond Rovaniemi to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations!

Kiruna, Swedish Lapland: Raw Wilderness and Ice Hotel Dreams

Kiruna, on the other hand, feels more wild. And that’s precisely why it’s one of our favorite destinations for a Lapland adventure. This Swedish town is famous for its neighboring Icehotel, where you can sleep on ice (wrapped in reindeer skins) and marvel at ephemeral art. It’s perfect for adventurers who want a mix of luxury and ruggedness.

The nearby Abisko National Park is a haven for nature lovers, offering some of the best aurora viewing in the world, thanks to its near-guaranteed clear skies. Winter hikes, Sami culture, and dog sledding round out the experience. Kiruna is less about Santa Claus and more about immersing yourself in the Arctic wilderness.

What About Tromsø, Norway?

If Rovaniemi and Kiruna don’t quite check all your boxes, consider Tromsø in Norway. Tromsø, the "Paris of the North," offers a lively city vibe with stunning fjord backdrops. It’s a hub for whale watching, Northern Lights tours, and cozy cafés serving up cloudberry jam.

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While Tromsø’s surroundings are absolutely stunning, the city itself is way too touristy and too “big” for our taste. There’s also too much light pollution in town for good northern lights watching (unless the activity is really intense).

Off the Beaten Track: Hidden Arctic Gems

For travelers looking to stray from the usual Lapland highlights, these destinations offer an extra layer of Arctic magic:

• Alta, Norway: Known as the “City of the Northern Lights,” Alta offers quieter aurora experiences and a fascinating Ice Cathedral. It’s also rich in history, with UNESCO-listed rock carvings.

• Luleå, Sweden: This coastal town offers frozen archipelago adventures, like ice road driving and secluded cabin stays. Its mix of Swedish charm and Arctic remoteness is irresistible.

• Svalbard, Norway: Way up in the Arctic Ocean, Svalbard feels like the edge of the world. Polar bears outnumber people, and the landscapes—glaciers, fjords, and endless white—are nothing short of surreal. If you like it rough, that’s your place, although we wouldn’t recommend it if it’s your first Arctic experience.

• Lofoten Islands, Norway: These dramatic, jagged islands are perfect for photographers and adventurers alike. While not technically in Lapland, their Arctic Circle location guarantees incredible winter landscapes, cozy fishing cabins, and unforgettable coastal hikes. Just be aware that you’ll need to go a bit further to find mushing opportunities, as the terrain is not great for that.

FAQ: Kiruna vs Rovaniemi – Which Lapland should you choose?

Which is better for seeing the Northern Lights: Kiruna or Rovaniemi?
Kiruna has clearer skies and less light pollution, which gives it a slight edge for aurora chasing. Rovaniemi has a lot of city lights — but head 15–30 minutes out and you're golden (or, well, green and pink).

Is Rovaniemi too touristy?
If you're dreaming of huskies, reindeer, and meeting Santa, you're in the right place — but yes, it can feel a bit like Lapland Disneyland. Still magical, but expect tour buses and elf hats. For something quieter, Kiruna (and nearby Abisko) offer more raw, untouched wilderness.

Which is more accessible?
Rovaniemi wins this one, but it depends where you depart from. It has a well-connected airport, direct trains from Helsinki, and even overnight Santa-themed sleepers. Kiruna’s airport is smaller and less predictable, though there’s a decent train and regular flights from Stockholm.

Can I meet Santa in Kiruna?
Nope — Santa's headquarters is firmly in Rovaniemi. If seeing the “real” Father Christmas is on your wishlist, head to Finland. Kiruna trades elves for ice hotels and space research.

What’s the main difference in vibe?
Rovaniemi = cosy, Christmassy, family-friendly, polished.
Kiruna = wild, Arctic, no-nonsense, full of Sámi culture and surreal landscapes.
Both offer reindeer, snow, and winter magic — but the feel is very different.

Is it worth visiting both?
If you have time, yes — they’re only about 5–6 hours apart by car (or a combo of trains and buses). You’ll get a more complete Lapland experience by sampling both sides of the border.

Are the Icehotel and glass igloos in the same place?
Nope! The original Icehotel is in Jukkasjärvi near Kiruna (Sweden), rebuilt every year from Torne River ice. The glass igloos are mostly in Finnish Lapland — near Rovaniemi and beyond — for toasty aurora watching from bed.

Which one is more budget-friendly?
Honestly… neither is cheap. That being said, Kiruna and Swedish Lapland in general is often significantly more affordable, especially for winter trips. Rovaniemi’s international fame drives up prices — particularly in town. That said, if you stay outside of Rovaniemi in places like Ranua or the outskirts of the region, you can find budget-friendly cabins and guesthouses too.

Is it always dark in winter?
Almost! In December and January, both destinations get just a few hours of blue-ish daylight. But that’s also prime aurora time. Come late February to March for longer days and snow-sparkle sunsets.

Which one should I choose for a quieter trip?
Kiruna, hands down. Especially if you explore the Abisko area or stay in a Sámi-run lodge. Fewer crowds, more silence, and a better chance of hearing actual reindeer hooves in the snow.

What should I pack for Lapland in winter?
Layers, thermals, windproof gear, and boots that laugh in the face of -20°C. We’ve got you covered in our full Arctic guide:
👉 Our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide

Here is our personal playlist for a Lapland adventure:

No matter where you go, the Arctic’s icy beauty and unforgettable experiences are guaranteed to leave you awestruck — withouth forgetting Arctic food! Why not combine a few for the ultimate Lapland adventure?

Planning an Arctic trip? Explore our exhaustive guides:

🐋 Greenland Travel Guide — Icebergs, ferries, and Inuit traditions in the wildest place we’ve ever been.
🧊 Svalbard & Jan Mayen — Polar bears, ghost towns, and next-level Arctic mystery in Norway’s far north.
⛰️ Lofoten Hiking Guide — Dramatic ridges, secret beaches, and cod-drying racks in Arctic Norway.
🌋 Iceland Guide — Volcanoes, waterfalls, and the road trip of your geothermal dreams.
🦅 Alaska Travel Guide — Grizzlies, glaciers, and getting gloriously lost in the Last Frontier.
🐻‍❄️ Churchill, Canada — The polar bear capital of the world. No roads in, plenty of wildlife out.
🎄 Finnish Lapland — Reindeer, saunas, and winter magic with a side of forest silence.
❄️ Swedish Lapland — Aurora skies, Sami culture, and the northern edge of cozy.
🌌 Alta, Norway — Northern Lights HQ with quiet trails and snowy adventures far from the crowds.
✨ Northern Lights for Dummies — How to actually see the aurora (without freezing your butt off or waiting 12 nights in vain).
✨ Where to see Northern Lights in Europe — Best locations and tips to watch the Aurora.
🥶 Our Ultimate Arctic Travel Guide — How to explore, survive, and avoid becoming a polar bear’s lunch.
🦌 Arctic Food Guide — Whale steak? Cloudberries? Reindeer stew? What to eat (or not eat) in the high North.

Last update: August 6, 2025