30 of the Best Things to Do in Rovaniemi, Finland, This Winter
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Looking for the top things to do in Rovaniemi, Finland?
Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus and capital of Finnish Lapland, offers an incredible array of Arctic experiences—from witnessing the Northern Lights dancing across frozen lakes to ice floating in suits that make you look like a lobster, meeting reindeer, and dining in restaurants carved entirely from ice.
But if you’re planning a trip to the Arctic Circle, you’re probably wondering: what activities are worth the premium price tag?
I took a trip to Rovaniemi in January 2024, and discovered that while Finland’s Arctic wonderland can be pricey, it delivers once-in-a-lifetime experiences you literally cannot have anywhere else on Earth—from the world’s only snow sauna to staying in a hotel made entirely of ice and snow.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor dreaming of crossing the Arctic Circle, a budget traveler trying to prioritize the best experiences, or a Northern Lights chaser feeling overwhelmed by Rovaniemi’s seemingly endless winter activities, this guide is for you.
Quick Guide to Rovaniemi
⏳ Short on time? My favorite things to do in Rovaniemi are:
🎟️ Book ASAP:
– Sleigh Ride at a Local Reindeer Farm
– Ice Floating with Northern Lights
– Arctic SnowHotel Snow Sauna
– Aurora Borealis Hunting
🗺️ Top Tours:
– Call of the Wild Dog Sledding
– Hiking and Snowshoeing Adventure
🏨 Where to Stay:
– Scandic Rovaniemi City (central, budget-friendly)
– Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (bucket-list splurge)
📲 Must-Have Apps:
– My Aurora Forecast & Alerts
– Maps.me for offline navigation
Rovaniemi Travel Planning Tips
Is Rovaniemi Expensive?
Yes. Unlike other European destinations with free museums, Rovaniemi’s experiences are primarily activity-based tours—dog sledding, reindeer rides, ice floating, etc. Activities cost $80-265 each.
Budget-saving strategies:
- Stay at hotels with breakfast included
- Share rental car and accommodation costs with travel companion(s)
- Mix expensive bucket-list stays (2 nights Arctic SnowHotel) with affordable options (5+ nights Scandic)
- Book activities in advance for better rates
- Visit grocery stores for snacks or light meals
How Long Should You Spend in Rovaniemi?
At least 5 days in Rovaniemi, but the longer you stay, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights (statistically visible every second night). However, we stayed for 12 nights and saw them a total of four times.
- 3-4 days: Minimum for highlights, but limited Northern Lights chances
- 5-7 days: Ideal balance (recommended)
- 10+ days: For serious aurora hunters and those exploring beyond Rovaniemi
How Cold is Rovaniemi in Winter?
Temperatures reach -20°F to -40°F (-29°C to -40°C).
Even locals said it was cold when we visited! Proper 100% wool clothing is essential to stay warm in Lapland!
Understanding Polar Night
December/January daylight: Only 2-3 hours
- Sunrise: ~11 AM
- Sunset: ~2 PM
While this may throw you off a bit at first (I had trouble telling what time of day it was), the darkness actually increases Northern Lights viewing opportunities!
How to Get Around Rovaniemi
- Public transportation: Reliable buses, walkable city center
- Rental car: Recommended for exploring beyond Rovaniemi (Pyhä, Ranua, Korouoma)
- Taxi/Uber: Available
- Tour pickups: Most activities include hotel pickup
Where to Stay in Rovaniemi
City Center Option: Scandic Rovaniemi City – $200-400/night
- Most convenient location
- Walking distance to restaurants, tours, some attractions
- Bus stop across the street connecting to the local area
- Great breakfast included
- Best for: First-timers, budget travelers, those without cars
Bucket-List Arctic Experience: Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – $500+/night
- World’s only snow sauna
- Ice Restaurant, Ice Bar, Kota Restaurant
- 25 min from city (shuttle required)
- Best for: Special occasions, couples, those seeking unique experiences
🏨 For more details, check out my comprehensive guide on where to stay in Rovaniemi!
Exploring the Best Things to Do in Rovaniemi
Northern Lights Experiences
1. Aurora Borealis Hunting with Photography
The Northern Lights are likely THE reason you’re visiting Rovaniemi.
That’s why we were there. It had been a bucket list item for my travel buddy and me.
Booking a professional tour will help maximize your chances, and some even provide expert photography, which I highly recommend if you’re trying to get those Instagrammable shots.
If you’re super determined to see them, I recommend the Aurora Borealis Hunting activity we went on. Kun, the host, is a really dedicated guy who’ll go almost anywhere to ensure you see them.
We genuinely spent hours in his van, moving from place to place as he searched for them.
It was freezing when we went, so I highly recommend bringing a heat pack or a heated vest, which would have made the experience more enjoyable for me.
However, even though I froze, I feel the photos are truly worth it. You can see people who can pose 100% better than I can on his Instagram.
We didn’t get any videos because they weren’t really on display that night, but my travel buddy, who went again after I left for Stockholm, got some footage filmed by Kun.
What to Know:
- No guarantees—weather and solar activity dependent
- Best viewing: 11 PM onwards, 20-30 minute bursts, so be prepared to stay up late
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Cost: $150-250
- Recommended tour: Kun’s Aurora Hunting (includes professional photos)
🎟️ Tickets: If you’re on a budget, there are other tours to do, I just can’t vouch for their gumption as much as I can Kun’s.
2. Ice Floating with Northern Lights
Floating in a frozen lake surrounded by ice while wearing a red survival suit is as surreal as it sounds!
But somehow, it was the absolute highlight of my trip and one of my favorite things to do in Rovaniemi!
My travel buddy suggested the Rovaniemi: Icebreaker Cruise with Lunch and Ice Floating experience. While it sounded interesting, every budget-friendly instinct in my body recoiled at the over $500 price tag!
Instead, I proposed the Ice Floating Northern Lights experience, which allowed us to do ice floating and, hopefully, see the Northern Lights, which we hadn’t yet, all without the steep cost.
Yes, we do look like lobsters in these odd red suits. But I also had a great time!
And we got to see the Northern Lights, even though the forecast on our app hadn’t looked promising!
What’s Included:
- Full survival suit provided
- Remote location (away from light pollution)
- Northern Lights opportunity
- Hot drinks and snacks after
- Photos (though not professional quality)
- Important: Safe for non-swimmers (suit keeps you afloat).
- Duration: 2.5 hours (~30 min actual floating)
- Cost: $100-130
🎟️ Tickets: The exact tour we went on is Ice Floating in Lapland With Northern Lights
3. DIY Aurora Hunting ⭐ Budget-Friendly Alternative
If professional tours aren’t in your budget, hunting the Northern Lights yourself is safe, free (aside from car rental), and can be just as rewarding!
Once we’d learned a thing or two from the professional tour, we were able to strike out on our own while staying up in Pyhä.
You can also do this on the outskirts of Rovaniemi; we just happened to have the car at the time to head up to that area.
What you’ll need:
- Rental car or willingness to walk to city outskirts
- My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app (download before you go)
- Maps.me downloaded offline map
- Fully charged phone
- Tripod for photos
- Proper warm clothing (it’s freezing at night!)
- Patience (plan 2-3 hours per hunting session)
Best DIY viewing locations:
- Frozen lakes (minimal light pollution, wide open vistas)
- Areas 15+ minutes outside central Rovaniemi
Photography tips:
- Use long exposure (3+ seconds)
- Flash a light briefly during exposure to capture yourself (for more details, read my comprehensive guide to spotting the Auroras in Rovaniemi)
- Colors appear more vivid on camera than to the naked eye, so don’t worry if they aren’t super bright in real life
Safety note: It’s very safe to aurora hunt alone in Finland. Main concerns are frostbite (bundle up!) and getting lost (download offline maps).
We successfully saw the Northern Lights twice through DIY hunting after learning techniques from our paid tour!
Winter Activities & Adventures
4. Husky Sledding Safari
Husky sledding is super family-friendly and interactive!
Though much more so if you’re old enough to drive the sled. My travel companion and I took turns sitting in and driving the sled, which was really fun—though I wasn’t the best driver, *whomp whomp*.
Besides the fun of mushing the sled dogs—mostly Alaskan huskies, though sometimes Siberian Huskies—I enjoyed the time we spent with them afterward and learning from our knowledgeable guide. She was truly well-versed in both dog sledding and the dogs themselves.
Experience includes:
- 1.5-2 hour safari
- Take turns mushing/riding
- Meet mushers and learn about dogs
- See adorable puppies!
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Cost: $225-265
🎟️ Tickets: My travel buddy went back after I left and also visited the kennel, but together, we did the Call of the Wild tour.
5. Reindeer Sleigh Ride
Have you ever wanted to get up close with Rudolph? Now’s your chance!
You can enjoy a half-day experience at a local reindeer farm in Rovaniemi.
This is the same tour we took, and it was a delightful and enjoyable experience. I appreciated that they took photos for us, some of which are shown here.
They provide a snowsuit, boots, and a blanket for the sleigh ride, but it’s also important to bundle up properly. I had a terrible experience with the gloves I bought for the trip as they weren’t warm enough and was very uncomfortable because of it.
After the reindeer sleigh ride, you have the opportunity to take photos and feed the reindeer. Then, you enter a kota— a traditional wooden Sámi hut with a fire pit at its center— where you can enjoy hot drinks and a snack.
What’s included:
- Sleigh ride through snowy forests
- Feeding reindeer
- Photos with reindeer
- Hot drinks in traditional kota (Sámi hut)
- Learning about Sámi culture
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Cost: $150-200
🎟️ Tickets: Book in advance to get the day you want!
6. Snowshoeing Adventure
One of the most enjoyable experiences I had in Finnish Lapland was snowshoeing.
I underestimated this activity initially, but being well-dressed this time made a big difference and really boosted my mood!
If you’re not very physically active, this might be a bit challenging for you. We had an older gentleman with us who lost his balance a couple of times while going up embankments, but overall, I would recommend this activity to just about anyone.
Due to the winter season, Finland has a brief timeframe of daylight, so our guide led us up a scenic hill to admire Rovaniemi just before sunset (which was around 2-3 pm).
We captured a ton of photos, some taken by him, and enjoyed hot berry juice as the sun set. It was a delightful way to spend the day!
Good to know:
- Equipment provided
- Moderate fitness level required
- Beautiful forest and hilltop views
- Sunset timing in winter
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Cost: $80-150
🎟️ Tickets: The exact tour we went on was the Hiking and Snowshoeing Adventure in Lapland.
7. Snowmobiling Safari
Snowmobiling was one of the few things to do in Rovaniemi that we didn’t pre-book.
Since we had set aside so much time to maximize our chances of seeing the Northern Lights, we had some extra free time and decided to book it with a local tour company we found while exploring the streets of Rovaniemi.
If I remember correctly, we chose the evening tour since we had daytime activities planned.
However, if the Evening Snowmobile Tour with Fire & Dinner doesn’t interest you, you can also opt for a day tour.
Although I enjoyed this experience, I wouldn’t consider it a must-do in Rovaniemi during winter. Still, it’s a pleasant activity!
- Balaclava and gear provided
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Cost: $150-200
🎟️ Tickets: The Evening Snowmobile Tour with Fire & Dinner is the exact tour we went on!
Unique-to-Lapland Bucket List
8. World’s Only Snow Sauna Experience
Arguably, the most unique thing to do in Rovaniemi is the snow sauna, as it’s the only one of its kind in the world!
The Snow Sauna is constructed from snow and ice, much like the SnowHotel, which is where this activity is located.
The only wooden part is the sauna benches, so don’t worry, your bum won’t freeze.
A few steps up, you’ll enter what resembles a small igloo. They build a limited number of these each year, which eventually melt, so each one has a finite number of uses.
You’re in charge of putting water into the stove. Once you do, the steam will be so thick you won’t be able to see your friend with you. I swear she disappeared until the steam evaporated enough for me to see her just inches away from me!
While the snowy walls radiate cold, you’ll never truly feel cold. And the walls crackle as steam hits ice!
There’s also a guide to show you how the snow sauna works, so no worries if you’re new to saunas.
After that, you can choose between the outdoor Jacuzzi or heading back to the Finnish sauna. We went for the Jacuzzi and added an extra bottle of champagne. It was quite a night!
The experience:
- Regular sauna to cleanse first
- Guide takes you to private snow sauna
- Outdoor jacuzzi afterward
- Optional champagne add-on
- Available: December 15 – March 31
- Note: You don’t need to stay at Arctic SnowHotel to experience this!
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Cost: $100-175
🎟️ Tickets: This activity is cheaper when booked directly on their website, but you can pair it with another activity for a more comprehensive experience. Just make sure to select “Snow Sauna,” as they also have regular saunas.
9. Arctic SnowHotel Guided Tour
We stayed at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, but you don’t have to in order to tour the amazing snow and ice carvings inside.
The Arctic SnowHotel is among the largest snow hotels in the world, accommodating approximately 70 guests.
This stunning attraction opens every year on December 15th.
The walls and furniture of each room are decorated with ice art and illuminated artwork.
And this is what you can explore in addition to their ice bar. Even if I didn’t stay at the hotel, I’d say it’s definitely worth taking the tour.
Each room has a completely different theme—rock n’ roll, aliens, bears, etc. And every year it’s different because they never build the same SnowHotel twice.
On my tour, I met one of the builders, who explained how they create this magnificent structure. It begins by taking frozen ice blocks from the nearby lake to use the following year.
When it’s time to build, they spray lake water into the air to create dense snow, which they then compress into a large mound.
From there, they carve out the hallways and build the rooms using snow and the preserved ice. Some are shaped with molds (like the hallways), but most are done by hand.
Fascinating facts:
- Rebuilt annually (never the same twice)
- Opens December 15, melts March 31
- Each room uniquely themed with ice art
- Learn how it’s built from lake water and ice
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Cost: $20-40
🎟️ Tickets: This activity is cheaper when booked directly on their website, but you can pair it with another activity for a more comprehensive experience.
10. Ice Bar Experiences
Within the Arctic SnowHotel, you’ll discover the Ice Bar, which offers a smashing experience!
Pun intended, as you’re invited to smash your ice glass against the wall after drinking, since they can’t be put in a dishwasher, can they?!
Here you’ll also find an ice table with a spinner game that’ll tell you which shot to take. I got a peppermint-flavored one.
Do note that it’s only open at certain times during the day, but has wider opening hours during the evening.
If you don’t make it over to the Arctic SnowHotel, they also have an ice bar at Snowman World in Santa’s Village. No matter which you pick, checking out one is a must on my list of what to do in Rovaniemi!
What you’ll do:
- Shots served in ice glasses
- Smash your glass against the wall when done!
- Ornate ice sculptures surrounding you
- Spinner game determines your shot
- Duration: 30-60 minutes
- Cost: $10-20
11. Ice Restaurant Dining
If you’re staying at the Arctic SnowHotel, you should definitely visit the Ice Restaurant.
It has a dining room constructed entirely from ice and snow, showcasing the most intricate designs I saw during my trip to Rovaniemi.
One of the dishes was even made of ice—a dessert served on a frozen snowflake!
If you prefer not to follow a fixed menu, stick with the Ice Bar, as that’s what they offer here. However, if you’re okay with some chilliness while dining, consider this spot for a memorable bucket-list experience.
Keep in mind that the food might not be very hot since you’re in a freezing cold room (this applies to all ice and snow establishments).
If you don’t make it over to the Arctic SnowHotel, they also have an ice restaurant at Snowman World in Santa’s Village.
What to expect:
- Fixed menu
- Wear full winter gear
- Ornate ice sculptures
- Dessert served on frozen snowflake
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours
- Cost: $30-100 – Book in advance
12. Stay at Arctic SnowHotel or Glass Igloos
Sleeping in a room carved from ice or a glass-roofed igloo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—even if it comes with a hefty price tag.
The Glass Igloos are a bit more affordable than the SnowHotel rooms, but since the top of the Igloo often got wet from the weather, the view from inside wasn’t always clear.
They also had an Aurora Alarm that they promoted. We made sure to set it, but it never went off, even on the evening when my travel buddy saw the auroras just outside our Igloo.
SnowHotel Rooms ($500-1,000/night):
- Sleep in room made entirely of ice and snow
- Special sleeping bags rated for extreme cold
- Ornate ice sculptures and themed designs
- Bathrooms down the hall (not ensuite)
- Surprisingly warm according to guests
Glass Igloos ($400-600/night):
- Heated glass-roofed cabins
- Private bathroom with shower
- Northern Lights viewing potential (note: condensation can block view)
- Aurora Alarm (though ours never worked)
- Glamping-style comfort
Hotel amenities for all guests:
- World’s only snow sauna
- Ice Restaurant and Ice Bar
- Kota Restaurant (where I had the best salmon!)
- Sky Bar
- Free snow tubing and toboggans
- Reindeer on property
- Ice fishing available
My honest take: If you’re eager to stay at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos, go for it. But if you’re on a tight budget, consider staying somewhere else and visiting here just for the fun extras like the Snow Sauna and a tour of the SnowHotel.
This hotel is approximately 25 minutes from Rovaniemi, so you’ll need to take a shuttle bus or use Uber to reach it.
Also, don’t stay solely for Northern Lights viewing from the igloo. Book a dedicated aurora tour instead.
Santa Claus & Arctic Circle
13. Santa Claus Village
Santa’s Village is the hub for all the Christmas-y things to do in Rovaniemi, as it is Santa Claus’s official hometown!
For this reason, Santa Claus Village is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities and sights for all ages. Here is a short list of what you can experience there…
Free activities:
- Meet Santa Claus (visit free, photos €55+)
- Cross the Arctic Circle line
- Santa’s Post Office (send postcards with Arctic Circle postmark)
- Explore village shops and eateries
- Enroll in Elf Hat Academy
Paid activities:
- Snowman World access (ice bar and restaurant, snow tubing, ice labyrinth)
- Husky safari
- Reindeer farm visit
My favorite things to do were taking a photo at the Arctic Circle, visiting the Ice Bar and Snow Restaurant, and mailing a postcard to friends back home from Santa’s Post Office.
- Duration: 2-4 hours (can spend full day)
- Admission: FREE (activities extra)
🎟️ Tickets: Visiting Santa’s Village is free; however, activities such as the husky safari and visiting the reindeer farm are additional.
14. Snowman World
I know I mentioned Snowman World just above, but as this is a separate paid experience in Rovaniemi, I feel it deserves its own number on this list of things to do in Rovaniemi!
Located at Santa’s Village, this winter wonderland features several themed ice sculptures, activities, and dining experiences, so much so that you could easily spend half a day here!
What’s included with entrance:
- Snow sculptures scattered throughout
- Themed ice Bar (when I visited: Alice in Wonderland!)
- Snow Restaurant
- Snow tubing
- Snow and ice slides
- Snow labyrinth maze
- Ice skating
- Ice disco
- Meet the snowmen mascots
- All-day access to wander halls
Good to know:
- Entrance included when you book Ice Bar or Snow Restaurant
- Great for families with kids
- Combine with Santa’s Village visit
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Cost: $40 entrance, or included with restaurant/bar booking
15. Snow Tubing
One of my fondest family memories is of snow tubing as a kid, so when I saw it at both the Snowman World and at the Arctic SnowHotel, I jumped right on!
Built-up hills packed with snow make it easy to pick up speed.
My travel buddy and I spent a surprising amount of time doing this—it’s pure, simple fun!
Not only is it fun for all ages, but there are multiple locations in Rovaniemi that offer this classic winter activity.
Where to go tubing:
- Arctic SnowHotel: FREE for guests, toboggans also available
- Snowman World at Santa’s Village: Included with entrance ticket
- Various areas around Rovaniemi: Such as SnowGlow Winterpark
- Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour
- Cost: FREE at Arctic SnowHotel, included at Snowman World
Museums & Culture
16. Arktikum Museum
Ahhh, my natural habitat—a museum! The Arktikum is a museum and science center in Rovaniemi that explores culture, history, and contemporary life in the Arctic.
During my visit, I learned a great deal about the three regions of Lapland: Rovaniemi, Southern Lapland, and Upper Lapland.
I became familiar with Rovaniemi’s markets, the Lapland War, traditional occupations and livelihoods in the north, reindeer herding, the Sámi people, and the Petsamo region.
Learning about the Sámi people was probably my favorite part. Before my trip, I knew very little about them, but I came away with at least a basic understanding of their history and cultural importance.
I also enjoyed learning about the Arctic Circle and how the Northern Lights are created.
On top of that, if you’re looking for an indoor activity with heating, this is the ticket for you! These things to do in Rovaniemi during winter are chilly, so get warm where you can!
Exhibits cover:
- Sámi people (only indigenous EU population)
- Three regions of Lapland
- Rovaniemi’s history
- Lapland War
- Reindeer herding
- Arctic Circle science
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Cost: $15-25
🎟️ Tickets: Book online in advance.
17. Learn About Sámi Culture
The Sámi people are the only indigenous population in the European Union, and their culture is deeply woven into Lapland’s identity.
I had little knowledge about them before my visit, so I highly recommend actively learning about them while visiting Rovaniemi.
They have centuries-old reindeer herding traditions and their own unique traditional crafts and join music.
You are learn about them:
During reindeer experiences:
- Many are run by Sámi families
- Learn about traditional reindeer herding
- Kota (traditional hut) visits with cultural context
- Important: Choose Sámi-owned operations when possible
At restaurants:
- Kota-style dining experiences
- Traditional Arctic cuisine food preparation methods
- Stories and cultural context
Key cultural insights:
- Reindeer herding practiced for 2,000+ years
- Sustainable relationship with nature
- Traditional crafts still practiced today
Support Sámi culture by:
- Booking Sámi-run tours and experiences
- Purchasing authentic Sámi handicrafts
- Visiting cultural centers
- Engaging respectfully with traditions
For those interested in exploring beyond Rovaniemi, you can visit farms like Ounaskievari, a historic roadhouse just 15 minutes from Levi.
18. Traditional Finnish Sauna
Finland takes saunas seriously—there’s one sauna for every two people!
It’s an integral part of Finnish culture and the perfect way to warm up after Arctic adventures.
Every hotel we stayed at had one, so there’s really no need to search one out, unless you want to do an arctic plunge type of experience, which would require being near a lake or rolling in the snow.
What to expect:
- Traditional wood-burning saunas
- Temperatures: 176-230°F (80-110°C)
- Almost every hotel includes sauna access
- Swimsuits acceptable at hotels (traditional is nude, but tourists can wear suits)
Authentic cooling methods:
- Ice swimming (avanto)
- Rolling in snow
- Frozen lake plunges
- Outdoor cold showers
Sauna etiquette:
- Shower before entering
- Sit on towel
- Quiet, relaxing atmosphere
Our experience: We were usually alone in the hotel saunas, making it comfortable for us, sauna newbies. I tend to overheat quickly, so I stuck to 5-10 minute sessions.
Difference from Snow Sauna: Regular Finnish saunas are warm rooms; the Snow Sauna at Arctic SnowHotel has icy walls while you steam—totally unique experience!
- Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour (multiple short sessions)
- Cost: FREE at most hotels
19. Wander Rovaniemi City Center
One of the best free things to do in Rovaniemi is to wander around the city!
Since we were staying so centrally at Scandic Rovaniemi City, we were able to easily pop around to shops, restaurants, and tour companies in a block or two.
The compact city center is walkable, charming, and perfect for exploring between activities.
While it was pretty cold, so I didn’t wander too often, I loved that everything was close enough, especially when my eczema flared up and I needed a pharmacy and found one a block over.
What you’ll find:
- Local shops and boutiques
- Cozy cafes for warming up with glögi (mulled wine)
- Grocery stores for budget meals and snacks
- Photo opportunities with winter scenery
- Urban life in Finnish Lapland
Walking distance highlights:
- City center to Arktikum Museum: 12 minutes
- Various restaurants within blocks
- Tour company pickup points
- Bus stops for wider exploration
Best times to wander:
- Morning (11 AM – 2 PM) for daylight and photos
- Evening for atmospheric twilight
- Between activities to explore
What makes it special:
- Authentic Finnish Arctic town (not overly touristy)
- Mix of locals and visitors
- Peaceful atmosphere despite being tourist hub
- Beautiful in winter with snow-covered streets
- Very safe for solo wandering
Wildlife & Nature
20. Ranua Arctic Wildlife Park
One of my other affordable picks on this list of things to do in Rovaniemi is a visit to Ranua’s Arctic Wildlife Park.
Alright, technically, it is an hour away from the city, but you can easily take a guided tour to this unique zoo!
I’m adding it as it offers an excellent experience for everyone—regardless of age.
Ranua Wildlife Park focuses on Arctic and northern animals. Their large enclosures are situated in the middle of the northern coniferous forest, which is the natural habitat for most of the park’s species.
It’s also home to Finland’s only polar bear and 50 other arctic and northern animal species, totaling about 150 individual animals.
Since our visit was in early January, not all the animals were out. Even the Finns I talked to mentioned it was cold that week, so when I say it was really cold, I mean it.
Despite that, I enjoyed my trip to Ranua Wildlife Park, as it was wonderful to see these amazing animals in a habitat closer to their natural environment compared to the San Diego Zoo.
Animals:
- Polar bear (only one in Finland!)
- 50+ Arctic species
- 150 individual animals
- Bears, wolverines, wolves, Arctic foxes
- Note: Some animals may not be out in extreme cold.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Cost: $25-30
🎟️ Tickets: Either drive to Ranua Wildlife Park OR book transport with a tour.
Arctic Cuisine Experiences
21. Ravintola Roka ⭐ Top Restaurant Pick
My absolute favorite! This was the first place we ate in Rovaniemi.
Since I had only had breakfast that day, I was extremely hungry and eagerly tried two dishes:
The Flavors of the North, a sampler platter with reindeer, salmon, fish, Dijon-lingonberry mayonnaise, marinated cucumber, and toasted bread.
I then enjoyed the Traditional Finnish salmon soup, prepared with salmon that Toni, their chef, had caught himself.
I adored both and found this Rovaniemi restaurant to be the perfect intro to Arctic flavors.
Must-try dishes:
22. Kota Restaurant ⭐ Best Salmon
This is where I had THE BEST salmon while visiting Finland!
We stayed at Arctic SnowHotel, so we just walked to the restaurant. However, hotel or non-hotel guests should make reservations, as this is a popular restaurant!
Kota-style, its interior actually extends upward, making you feel as if you’re inside a traditional Sámi hut.
Get the 3-course menu, which includes soup, a main course (I loved the salmon cooked over an open flame in the center of the room), and a dessert.
Why it’s special:
- Fresh salmon grilled over open flames
- Traditional Sámi-style kota (hut) with central fire pit
- 3-course menu available
- You don’t need to stay at the hotel to dine here!
- Cost: $30-60 per person – Book ahead
23. Nili Restaurant
This traditional Finnish restaurant is a bit more upscale, featuring a Kota-style interior (traditional Sámi hut) and providing an authentic Lappish dining experience.
Although the price is a bit higher than the rest of the meals I ate in Rovaniemi, at this family-owned spot, you’ll find fresh fish from Lappish lakes, wild game, and foraged berries and mushrooms.
Features:
- Get the 4-course menu to try a few dishes for a reasonable price
- Family-owned
- Cost: $40-80 per person – Requires advance booking
24. Kauppayhtio’s Pure Burger ⭐ Best Casual
Normally, I wouldn’t promote such an American menu item, but since it’s made from Vixen, Comet, and Cupid… well, I had to try the reindeer burger!
This casual, laid-back spot is ideal for those who want a simple meal but still crave something unique and delicious that they can’t find at home.
🎟️ Cost: $10-20 per person
What to Skip in Rovaniemi
If you’re short on time, consider skipping:
- Glass Igloos solely for Northern Lights (condensation can block view and the Aurora Alarm we found to be unreliable, it’s better to book dedicated tours)
- Snowmobiling (fun but not an essential)
- Day trips to outside Rovaniemi, such as Pyhä-Luosto or Levi (unless you have over 5 days)
Additional Experiences Worth Considering
25. Tunturiaapa Nature Trail Hike – 3.5 miles, isn’t maintained for the weather, would need rental car to access
26. Summit of Ukka-Luosto Fell Hike – 3 miles, not maintained for winter, but a great view if you can manage to get up the hill, would need rental car to access
27. Ice Fishing – Popular winter activity (didn’t do this myself but my travel buddy did and enjoyed it)
28. Cross-Country Skiing – If you’re into winter sports, then this is a must!
29. Sky Bar at Arctic SnowHotel – Potential Northern Lights viewing, we grabbed a drink here, but it wasn’t as memorable as the ice bars
30. Korouoma Frozen Waterfall Hike – See frozen waterfalls! Only 3.2 miles and suitable for non-hikers (though it’s slippery), would need a rental car to access OR book a tour with transport
Related Finnish Lapland Travel Guides
- How to Build a Rovaniemi Itinerary: Finnish Lapland Winter Guide
- Is the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos Worth Staying at?
- How to See the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Finland
- Arctic Cuisine Dining Guide: Best Lapland Finland Restaurants
- Is Rovaniemi Worth Visiting? 19 of the Best Reasons to Visit in Winter
- My Epic Experience Ice Floating in Rovaniemi: An Honest Review
- How Many Days in Rovaniemi? A Simple Guide for First-Timers
- Where to Stay in Rovaniemi: In a Glass Igloo or the City Center?
- 29 of the Best Things to Do in Rovaniemi Finland this Winter
- The Ultimate Finnish Lapland Winter Guide for First-Time Visitors to the Arctic Circle
- What to Pack for Lapland, Finland: How I Stayed Warm in -20°F
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