Winter Activities in Rovaniemi (That Don’t Involve Santa)
Rovaniemi has a branding problem, but this is the version we care about. No red suits. Just Arctic winter, properly experienced.
The famous “tykky” in Riisitunturi National Park
Rovaniemi in winter is… a lot.
Within about five minutes of arriving, you’ll see it: tour buses unloading at industrial speed, groups moving in formation, and yes — at least one fully grown adult dressed as an elf, enthusiastically herding people toward the Santa Claus Village like it’s a festive airport security line.
And look, Santa Village isn’t bad. It’s just… not our thing. A cluster of shops; souvenirs that are made everywhere but in Lapland; and people who flew in for 24 hours, took the photo, bought the mug, and are now wondering what else there is to do before the flight back. It makes people happy, and it makes money. No judgment.
But if you’re the kind of person who quietly backs away from crowds, prefers snow over shopping bags, and suspects that Lapland might have more to offer than a receipt with a reindeer printed on it — good news. It absolutely does.
Step a little further out — past the roundabouts, the tour schedules, the elves on a tight timeline. That’s where Rovaniemi starts making sense again.
This article is about winter activities in Rovaniemi that don’t involve Santa. Think ice hotels that melt in spring, national parks where trees look like they’re breaking the laws of physics, saunas followed by holes cut into frozen lakes, and nights spent waiting quietly for the sky to decide whether it feels like showing off.
Find a tour and a place to stay in Rovaniemi:
Visiting (or sleeping in) a snow sculpture at Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos
The entrance to the winter wonderland of the Arctic SnowHotel
Let’s get one thing out of the way first: you do not need to sleep here to enjoy Arctic SnowHotel.
In fact, most people don’t.
The SnowHotel is open to daytime visitors, and if you’re even mildly curious about ice architecture, snow carving, or the idea of walking through a building that will politely disappear in spring, it’s absolutely worth a visit. You can explore the corridors, see the rooms and suites, sit at the ice tables, and get a real sense of how the whole place works — without committing to a night at -5°C.
That said: staying overnight is a very specific kind of experience, and it’s not for everyone — but very cool nonetheless (get it?). However, visiting? Easy recommendation.
A hotel that starts over every winter
Every year, the Arctic SnowHotel is built entirely from scratch using snow and ice from the surrounding area. No permanent core, no repeating layout. Different ice artists and sculptors are invited each season to recreate the hotel, which means the rooms, hallways, carvings, and centerpiece sculptures change annually.
Some rooms feel calm and minimal. Others go full-on Arctic fantasy. None of it feels mass-produced — and that’s part of the charm. You’re walking through something temporary, handmade, and just beautiful.
Ice rooms & suites
Each room is individually carved, often inspired by Arctic nature, northern mythology, or abstract forms. The suites are more elaborate, with bigger sculptures and stronger visual storytelling, but even the standard rooms feel thoughtfully designed rather than gimmicky.
We loved the rooms with lights, reminding us of the northern lights, especially room 108 (in 2026): Sleeping in the Sky by Olga Morozova.
Ice Restaurant & Ice Bar
The Ice Restaurant is where the SnowHotel really surprises people, as you won’t find it in other ice hotels. This isn’t novelty food served for the joke of it. It’s proper, soul-warming cuisine designed to work in a cold environment, eaten at ice tables, on ice chairs, with reindeer hides doing their best work.
Next door, the Ice Bar is short, sweet, and fun. Drinks come in ice glasses that you smash upon completion. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, especially the smashing part, which is kinda therapeutic!
The setting (and why it matters)
Located outside Rovaniemi, the SnowHotel sits by a frozen lake in a quiet, forested area, far from city light pollution. On clear nights, the northern lights are possible right on site, without chasing forecasts or piling into a minibus.
Even as a visitor, that sense of space matters. This isn’t a walk-through attraction dropped next to a parking lot. It feels embedded in the landscape.
Our honest opinion? A visit — and stay a night if you’re curious and well-prepared — the Arctic SnowHotel is absolutely worth your time.
Sauna + ice dipping: our favorite Nordic habit
Walking back to a dreamy sauna after an ice dip!
You can’t understand Finland without sauna. You can’t understand winter without cold water. Combine the two and your nervous system reboots.
We did a sauna and ice dipping experience with StayLapland (full article coming), but here’s the short version:
You heat up slowly, step outside into sub-zero air, lower yourself into a hole cut into the ice, and emerge feeling like someone wiped your brain cache (or like you smoked something nice…)
It’s about contrast, which is a fundamental part of the Danish word “Hygge”. Warmth means more when you’ve just been cold. Calm arrives faster when your body has been shocked into the present moment.
We just love it, and couldn’t imagine a trip to a Nordic country without it.
Riisitunturi National Park: trees that don’t look real
My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed our hike!
If Lapland had a signature silhouette, it would be here.
A guided trip to Riisitunturi National Park is one of the most visually striking winter experiences near Rovaniemi — even on an overcast day.
We were very lucky and had a stunning blue sky with some clouds, light fog and even a never-ending sunset. Unreal.
We booked our tour with Wild About Lapland. It included transport from/to Rovaniemi and lunch (grilled sausage on a fire with a view — that’s luxury to us).
Riisitunturi is famous for its “tykky” snow-laden trees, where layers of frost, snow, and wind transform spruce trees into massive, rounded, sculptural forms. They look like something out of a Miyazaki sketchbook, and very eery, especially in the fog.
Riisi what?
The name Riisitunturi isn’t tied to a real person. It likely comes from how the fell looks in winter, when snow piles so thickly on the trees that they take on rounded, almost rice-like shapes — riisi in Finnish. Local folklore adds another layer: trail names like Riisin rääpäsy hint at a mythical “Riisi,” a spirit-like presence tied to the fell. In deep winter, with trees turned into silent white figures, the line between language, landscape, and legend feels deliberately blurry.
The landscape itself is gentle, as most of Finland: rolling fells, frozen wetlands, open viewpoints. Historically, this area was used for slash-and-burn agriculture and reindeer herding, long before it became a national park. Today, it’s protected, quiet, and intentionally low-impact.
Reindeer safari: slower, quieter, more “local”
Our super-chill reindeer Manu
Reindeer experiences vary wildly in quality and ethics, so choose carefully. A good reindeer safari isn’t rushed, noisy, or framed like a cartoon.
When done well, it’s slow. Almost meditative. You move through forest at reindeer pace, listening to the snow compress under hooves, learning how deeply these animals are woven into Sámi culture and northern livelihoods.
This is not adrenaline like a dog mushing or snowmobile experience, and that’s why it’s magical.
Explore reindeer experiences:
Dog sledding (mushing): not local but exhilarating
Our happy place!
Ok, mushing is not part of the Sámi nor the Nordic culture. But admittedly, we love it. We didn’t mush on this trip, but we’ve done it enough times to say this with confidence: good dog sledding is unforgettable.
The dogs are all business — loud, excited, vibrating with anticipation — until the moment the sled starts moving. Then everything clicks into silence and rhythm. Snow hissing under runners. Breath syncing with speed. A landscape unfolding faster than walking but slower than thought.
Look for operators that emphasize animal welfare, rest schedules, and longer distances. This is teamwork, not a 5-minute theme park ride. We strongly recommend driving your own sled if you’re comfortable enough with animals and don’t mind helping the dogs from time to time.
Find a mushing experience:
Northern lights tours (and why patience matters)
What a night! 20 minutes drive from Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi sits just south of the Arctic Circle, which means aurora sightings are possible — but obviously never guaranteed. A good northern lights tour prioritizes mobility, weather awareness, and realism. Beware of providers that guarantee sightings.
We went out with Lucky Aurora (full breakdown in our dedicated article), and we got… lucky, but the guides were local, very knowledgeable and super flexible with the route.
👉 Check out our Northern Lights Hub for everything aurora — best locations, best time, tips, photography, science, what to wear, etc.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
For any Arctic trip, we recommend a travel insurance. Get 5 to 15 % with our partner HeyMondo!
Snowshoeing, frozen waterfalls & quiet alternatives
With landscapes like that, no need for more!
If you want something lighter, slower, or less structured, Rovaniemi still delivers.
Platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator offer solid options for:
Snowshoeing through boreal forest and along frozen rivers
Short hikes to iced-over waterfalls and rapids
Winter nature walks focused on tracking, light, and silence
These are often overlooked in favor of “big” experiences, but they’re where winter actually sinks in. For us, it’s the best way to fully experience the true North.
Where to stay in Rovaniemi in winter
View from my room at Villa Lucky
Where you sleep in Rovaniemi really shapes the trip. Stay too central and you’re surrounded by short-stay tour groups and bus schedules — and too much light pollution for the northern lights. Stay too far out and you’ll spend your evenings negotiating taxis and snow-covered roads. The sweet spot is a calm base with warmth, space, and easy access to nature.
One place we liked is Villa Lucky, run by a local northern lights guide. It’s spacious, genuinely cozy, and well located, just a 30 min walk or 5 min cab ride to the city center, and close to the airport and Santa Village. The big plus: hosts who actually understand aurora conditions.
If you want something more design-forward and immersive, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is a strong option. The cabins are compact but beautifully thought out, with large windows facing the forest and sky — ideal for slow mornings, snow falling sideways, and the occasional late-night aurora glance without leaving your bed.
For travelers who want independence and space, especially in winter, Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets work well. They’re practical, quiet, and close to trails and outdoor areas, making them a solid choice if you’re planning snowshoeing, skiing, or early starts without relying on tours.
The common thread?
You don’t need luxury. You need warmth, calm, and a little distance from the noise.
👉 Explore more hotels in our selection of the best accommodations in Rovaniemi.
🧳 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: Rovaniemi in winter
Can you visit Arctic SnowHotel without staying overnight?
Yes. You can visit Arctic SnowHotel as a daytime guest to explore the snow and ice rooms, sculptures, and common areas without booking an overnight stay.
Is Arctic SnowHotel worth visiting?
Yes — even if you don’t sleep there. It’s one of the most unique winter experiences near Rovaniemi because it’s rebuilt each year from snow and ice and features different room designs and ice art every season.
How cold is it inside a snow hotel?
Expect temperatures around freezing or below. Most snow and ice hotels keep interiors roughly between -5°C and 0°C. Dress warmly for visits, and follow the overnight gear instructions if you’re sleeping there.
What should you wear to visit a snow hotel in Lapland?
Wear your full winter setup: insulated boots, warm socks, base layers, a winter jacket, gloves, and a hat. Inside is still cold, and you’ll likely be standing still while exploring.
What are the best winter activities in Rovaniemi besides Santa Claus Village?
Top alternatives include visiting Arctic SnowHotel, sauna and ice dipping, Northern Lights hunting, snowshoeing, reindeer safaris, husky sledding, and day trips to snowy landscapes like Riisitunturi National Park.
Is Riisitunturi National Park worth it in winter?
Absolutely. Riisitunturi is famous for its snow-laden “tykky” trees that transform the forest into surreal winter sculptures. It’s one of the most photogenic winter landscapes in Finnish Lapland.
Where is Riisitunturi National Park and how do you get there from Rovaniemi?
Riisitunturi National Park is in Finnish Lapland, and most travelers visit on a guided day tour from Rovaniemi. Self-driving is possible, but winter conditions can be demanding.
What does “Riisitunturi” mean?
The name likely connects to how the fell looks in winter, with trees coated in thick snow that creates rounded, “rice-like” shapes. Local trail names also hint at folklore tied to a mythical “Riisi.”
Can you see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?
Yes, you can. Aurora sightings are possible around Rovaniemi on clear, dark nights, but never guaranteed. Your odds improve by getting away from city lights and staying flexible with timing and weather.
Is a Northern Lights tour worth it in Rovaniemi?
Often, yes — especially if you don’t have a car. A good tour helps you escape light pollution and react to cloud cover, but no operator can promise an aurora.
Is husky sledding ethical in Lapland?
It can be, but it depends on the operator. Look for welfare-focused kennels that discuss dog care, rest schedules, training, and transparent operating practices.
Where should you stay in Rovaniemi for a quieter winter trip?
If you want calm evenings and a nature-first vibe, consider staying slightly outside the busiest center. Places like Villa Lucky can be a cozy base, and some stays are run by local Northern Lights operators.
Here is my favorite travel playlist for an Arctic trip - and to call Lady Aurora:
Rovaniemi doesn’t need Santa to be interesting. It needs space, snow, and time.
Whether you’re sleeping inside a structure that will melt in spring, standing under trees bent into impossible shapes, or lowering yourself into freezing water on purpose, the winter magic here isn’t manufactured. It’s seasonal. Temporary. And better for it.
Winter doesn’t perform for you in Lapland. It just exists. The rest is up to you.
Planning a trip to Finnish Lapland? Explore our detailed guides:
🏨 Best Hotels in Rovaniemi — Igloos, cabins, and Arctic charm under the Northern Lights.
🧊 Kiruna vs. Rovaniemi: Swedish Lapland vs. Finnish Lapland — Two Arctic capitals, one epic showdown.
🌌 Northern Lights in Rovaniemi — when an aurora tour actually makes sense
🎄 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.
🦌 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.
