The Best Hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland: Comparing My Glass Igloo Stay with the City Center

Planning your Finnish Lapland adventure but torn between staying in an Insta-famous glass igloo for Northern Lights viewing and choosing centrally-located accommodation for easy access to tours and restaurants?

No matter where you stay in Rovaniemi, you’re sure to have a magical Arctic experience as it’s a winter paradise boasting accommodations for everyone, but the following guide will help you find the best place to stay in Rovaniemi for you.

Having stayed at both the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos outside the city and the conveniently-located Scandic Rovaniemi City during my 12-night winter trip, strategically planning my itinerary around each location’s advantages, I can give you honest insights into which accommodation style suits different travel priorities and budgets.

This comprehensive comparison of where to stay in Rovaniemi is perfect for first-time Lapland visitors weighing their options, budget-conscious travelers wondering if luxury is worth the splurge, Northern Lights hunters deciding between accommodation types, and anyone trying to choose between convenience and unique Arctic experiences for their Finnish Lapland adventure.

The trick isn’t finding the “best” place to stay—it’s finding the accommodation that matches your travel style, whether you want to walk to restaurants and tours or sleep in a room carved from ice and snow with the possibility of watching the Aurora Borealis from your bed.

Top Areas to Stay in Rovaniemi

Choosing the right accommodation area can significantly affect your trip, so the first thing you should be aware of is the different regions of Rovaniemi when making your decision.

Rovaniemi City Center

Rovaniemi city center is the central hub of the area, where you’ll easily find bus connections, restaurants, shops, and most tour departure points.

It’s the heart of activity, making staying here a big bonus as you won’t have to go far to access many things to do in Rovaniemi.

It’s best for those seeking convenience as there are excellent restaurants and easy walkability here, though the city maintains a quiet, peaceful atmosphere compared to typical tourist destinations.

Outside the City Center

The area outside central Rovaniemi, particularly around the Arctic Circle, where the Arctic SnowHotel, Santa Claus Village, and Arctic TreeHouse Hotel are located, offers a much more remote and serene environment.

Located 20-30 minutes from downtown, this is where many unique accommodations are situated for this very reason—less light pollution means better Northern Lights viewing opportunities.

Boasting fewer restaurants and requiring transportation to reach most attractions, this area is ideal for luxury travelers, honeymooners, or those seeking an immersive Arctic experience away from civilization.

My Recommended Accommodations

Aside from the area, some factors to consider when deciding where to stay in Rovaniemi are:

• Budget
• Location/Proximity to attractions
• Transportation needs
• Northern Lights viewing priorities
• Amenities
• Ideal for (couples, families, solo travelers, etc.)

I will discuss each of these in detail below in reference to my recommendations, but even if one of my suggestions doesn’t fit for you, please keep these in mind for whichever Rovaniemi accommodation you decide to choose.

Scandic Rovaniemi City

You cannot get more centrally located than Scandic Rovaniemi City.

It’s truly at the cross street from when you enter the main part of Rovaniemi, making it the perfect base for first-time visitors who want easy access to everything.

This mid-range option provides excellent value for travelers who prioritize convenience over Instagram-worthy accommodations.

When I stayed here for seven nights during the first part of my trip, I appreciated having everything within walking distance, especially when I had to get to a pharmacy for lotion (my eczema was killing me) and my friend needed cold meds.

🧴Wondering what to pack for Rovaniemi? Review my Lapland packing guide!

Location and Convenience

The bus stop is located just across the street from the hotel, which made our arrival from the airport incredibly easy.

Upon arriving via a connecting flight from London, we walked from the nearby bus drop-off to Scandic Rovaniemi City within seconds, which is a relief when it’s -20°F out!

Its convenient location also allowed us to easily walk to many of our planned activities, such as the pickup point for reindeer sleigh rides and snowshoeing.

Because of this, I scheduled my Rovaniemi itinerary in a specific way so that all tours departing from the city center were front-loaded during our Scandic stay.

This way, we wouldn’t have to spend time going to and from accommodations located further out.

Walking distance to restaurants was another major advantage.

We tried several local eateries without needing transportation:

• Ravintola Roka (my absolute favorite—incredible Flavors of the North dish and salmon soup)
• Nili Restaurant (beautiful kota-style interior, though requires advance booking)
• Kauppayhtio’s Pure Burger (casual spot where I tried my first reindeer burger!)
• Multiple places for warming up between activities with a hot cup of glögg (or glögi in Finnish)

The location made dining effortless and allowed us to experience authentic Arctic cuisine without constantly coordinating bus rides or paying for taxis.

Room Experience

Our room was comfortable and warm, which sounds basic but is genuinely crucial when it’s freezing outside.

The room was spacious enough that my travel buddy could work in the evenings after a full day of excursions.

The bed was comfy, and most importantly, the heating worked perfectly. After spending hours outside in Arctic temperatures, coming back to a reliably warm room was non-negotiable.

The hotel staff were friendly and always willing to help whenever we needed assistance with tour bookings or restaurant recommendations.

Breakfast and On-Site Dining

The breakfast included with our stay was great!

It had a good variety of options (including reindeer pâté)! Since many Rovaniemi activities are expensive, having a substantial breakfast included helped me save considerably.

We also ate at the Scandic Restaurant for dinner one evening when it was particularly cold outside, and we didn’t want to venture very far.

While it wasn’t gourmet dining, the mushroom soup I ordered was enormous—easily enough to share—and quite good.

Their menu is pretty diverse and also has a kids’ section, making it family-friendly.

Amenities

Included:

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Free WiFi (reliable for remote work)
• Excellent breakfast buffet
• Heating (obviously crucial!)
• Non-smoking rooms
• Tour desk for booking activities
• Luggage storage
• Daily housekeeping
• Gym
• Sauna (we went in for a bit, no one was there and it didn’t require being nude)

Strategic Planning Around This Location

Because Scandic Rovaniemi City is so centrally located, I recommend using it as your base for activities.

Here’s how I strategically planned around staying here:

• Visited the Arktikum museum (12-minute walk away)
• Tours departing/returning from central pickup points (mainly around the block or one over)
• Restaurant hopping in the evening (most within a block or two)
• Day trip to Santa Claus Village (bus accessible)

Ideal For:

• Budget-conscious travelers (mid-range pricing)
• First-time visitors to Rovaniemi
• Travelers relying on public transportation
• Digital nomads needing reliable WiFi
• Solo travelers wanting easy walkability
• Families who want convenience
• Anyone doing multiple day tours departing from the city

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos

After our stay in Rovaniemi at Scandic, we moved to the luxurious Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos—and I use “luxurious” intentionally because at over $500 per person per night, this was the most expensive accommodation of our entire Finland trip.

But here’s the thing: this place offers experiences you literally cannot have anywhere else on Earth.

The Arctic SnowHotel is one of the biggest snow hotels in the world, sleeping about 70 guests. It opens annually on December 15th and is carved uniquely each year—meaning they never build the same exact SnowHotel twice.

The walls and furniture of each room are decorated with ice art and illuminated sculptures. It’s truly a feat of engineering and artistry!

We opted for a Glass Igloo accommodation rather than staying in the actual SnowHotel rooms (more on both options below), but we did tour the ice rooms, and they were absolutely stunning.

Getting There from Rovaniemi

The Arctic SnowHotel is located approximately 26 kilometers (16 miles) from Rovaniemi’s city center, which takes about 25-30 minutes by car. From Rovaniemi Airport, it’s about 40 minutes.

Since we didn’t have our rental car until later in our trip, we booked the hotel shuttle transfer:

• Cost: €22 per person, one-way
• Additional €10 per person from certain locations (railway station, Arctic Treehouse Hotel, etc.)
• Must be booked at least 24 hours in advance

Pro tip: When booking, confirm exactly where the shuttle can pick you up. We initially thought the railway station was closest to our former hotel, but we found out on the shuttle that we could have been picked up much closer. Don’t make our mistake!

Alternatively, Uber is available, or you can rent a car for more flexibility during your stay.

Accommodation Options: Glass Igloo vs. SnowHotel Rooms

One of the unique things about this property is that you have two very different accommodation choices.

Glass Igloos (What We Chose)

My travel buddy and I stayed in a Glass Igloo for two reasons:

1. The Glass Igloos are cheaper than the SnowHotel rooms
2. We hoped to see the Aurora Borealis through the glass ceiling

The igloo-shaped cabin was surprisingly warm and cozy despite being its own separate building just a short walk from the main hotel.

The heating worked incredibly well—in fact, we sometimes got a bit too warm during the day. When that happened, we just opened the door for a bit to regulate the temperature.

The Reality of Glass Igloos and Northern Lights:

I need to be completely honest here because this was one of the disappointing aspects of our stay.

While the concept of watching the Aurora Borealis from your bed sounds magical, the reality didn’t quite live up to expectations.

The top of the igloo regularly got wet from the weather (we visited in January, which is quite snowy), and this condensation meant the view from inside wasn’t always clear. Had we gone in a drier month like March, we might have had better luck.

The hotel touted an Aurora Alarm feature that would wake you in the middle of the night if the Northern Lights appeared. We made sure to set it, but the alarm never went off—not even the evening when my travel buddy spotted the auroras just outside our igloo and we went out to photograph them.

So if you’re booking a Glass Igloo solely to see the Northern Lights from your bed, I’d recommend visiting in a dryer month. Or, if you’re set on winter, you’ll be better off staying elsewhere for less money and taking dedicated Aurora hunting tours instead.

Other Glass Igloo Considerations:

• Since the glass is transparent, be aware of where you’re changing clothes. The bathroom is tinted for privacy, but the main sleeping area is visible to neighbors.
• The bathroom occasionally got a bit smelly, but opening the door for fresh air cleared it quickly.
• It’s the snow version of glamping—unique and comfortable but not traditional luxury.

SnowHotel Rooms (Alternative Option)

We didn’t stay in the actual SnowHotel rooms, but we toured them (which you can do even if you’re not a hotel guest) and spoke with guests who did.

Here’s what you need to know:

The rooms are absolutely spectacular. Each one has a completely different theme—rock ‘n’ roll, aliens, childhood toys, snakes, etc.—and features incredibly ornate ice sculptures and artwork illuminated with colored lighting.

Walking through them felt like entering different ice kingdoms.

The rooms are empty during the day so anyone touring the hotel can wander through them. Only in the evening past a certain hour are they reserved exclusively for overnight guests.

Important details about SnowHotel rooms:

• Bathrooms are not ensuite—they’re located down the hall
• Guests sleep in specialized sleeping bags designed for extreme cold
• Multiple guests we spoke with said they were surprisingly warm and didn’t feel cold
• It’s a true bucket-list experience sleeping in a room made entirely of ice and snow
• Each year the hotel is completely different, so it’s always a unique experience

The Northern Lights Reality at Arctic SnowHotel

Yes, you can see the Northern Lights while staying at the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos.

However, based on our experience:

The Good:

• Remote location away from light pollution
• Open areas near lake which is perfect for aurora viewing
• Staff knowledgeable about best viewing spots on property

The Challenges:

• Glass ceiling condensation (weather-dependent)
• Aurora Alarm didn’t work for us
• You’re better off taking a dedicated aurora tour that actively hunts them across multiple locations

If seeing the Northern Lights is your primary reason for visiting Rovaniemi, I’d honestly recommend staying at the more affordable Scandic Rovaniemi City and spending your money on a professional Aurora hunting tour.

Those tours take you to optimal viewing locations and actively chase the lights throughout the evening.

Or, you can hunt on your own with a rental car instead.

Location Considerations and Transportation

The biggest challenge with the Arctic SnowHotel is that it’s not within walking distance to Rovaniemi attractions or restaurants.

Everything requires transportation—whether that’s the hotel shuttle, Uber, or a rental car.

This wasn’t a problem for us because we had strategically planned our itinerary. We completed all our city-based activities and tours during our Scandic stay, then moved to the SnowHotel for the experiential amenities and on-site dining.

However, I can understand how it might be challenging for visitors who aren’t aware of this distance and don’t plan accordingly.

If you’re staying at the Arctic SnowHotel, you’ll want to either:

• Have a rental car for freedom of movement
• Budget for shuttle costs (€44 roundtrip per person adds up!)
• Plan to spend most of your time enjoying on-site amenities
• Book tours that include hotel pickup

Exceptional Dining Experiences

One of the absolute highlights of staying at the Arctic SnowHotel was the incredible variety of dining options.

Even if you don’t stay at the hotel, most of these restaurants are open to the public with reservations.

Kota Restaurant ⭐ Best Salmon in Rovaniemi

This was, hands down, my best salmon I had in all of Finnish Lapland.

The Kota Restaurant features an authentic Sámi-style hut with a central fire pit where they grill fresh salmon over open flames.

I had read many places online about getting the salmon here, and it absolutely did not disappoint! The fish was incredibly fresh and perfectly cooked—I truly don’t know how they could make it any better. The smoky flavor from the open fire combined with the natural richness of Arctic salmon was perfection.

When we went, the restaurant was completely packed, so definitely book ahead.

The atmosphere inside the kota is warm and cozy, with the fire creating a traditional gathering space that’s central to Sámi culture.

Ice Restaurant

Eating dinner in a restaurant made entirely of ice and snow is exactly as surreal as it sounds.

The dining room features the most ornate ice sculptures and designs—seriously, every corner is a photo opportunity. Even our dessert was served on a frozen snowflake carved from ice!

I’ll be honest: this is more about the experience than the food. You’re eating in a freezing cold room, so even the wait staff wear full winter gear. The food isn’t always piping hot because, well, you’re in a room made of ice.

There’s also a pretty set menu, so if you prefer lots of dining choices, this might not be for you. But if you’re going for the bucket-list experience and incredible ice artistry, you’ll absolutely love it.

Make sure to wear all your winter gear—coat, hat, gloves—because you’ll be cold otherwise.

Ice Bar

The Ice Bar is a smashing good time—literally!

You get shots served in glasses carved from ice, and when you’re done, you’re encouraged to smash them against the wall. They can’t exactly put them in the dishwasher, can they?

There’s also an ice table with a spinner game that tells you which shot to take. I got a peppermint-flavored one, which was perfect after being out in the cold.

The Ice Bar is only open at certain times during the day but has wider evening hours. It’s located right next to the Ice Restaurant, so you can easily do both in one visit.

Log Restaurant (Breakfast)

Breakfast is included when staying at the Arctic SnowHotel and is served in the Log Restaurant, which has a traditional Finnish cabin atmosphere.

The breakfast was pretty decent with a good variety of options.

It wasn’t as spectacular as the Kota Restaurant, but I have no complaints.

Having breakfast included definitely helped soften the blow of the expensive nightly rate.

Sky Bar

The Sky Bar is the SnowHotel’s newest addition.

It’s a lovely place to grab a drink and warm up out of the cold.

On a clear night, you can head to the second floor for potential Northern Lights viewing, though I’d have the same concern about condensation that we experienced with the Glass Igloo.

Unique Experiences You Can’t Get Anywhere Else

World’s Only Snow Sauna ⭐ Must-Do

Arguably, the most unique thing I did in all of Finnish Lapland was experiencing the Snow Sauna—because it’s the ONLY one in the entire world!

The Snow Sauna is made entirely from compressed snow, similar to how they construct the SnowHotel. Only the sauna benches are made from wood.

After a quick regular sauna to cleanse, a guide takes you down a walkway to your dedicated snow sauna. You duck your head and climb a few steps into what looks like a mini-igloo lit with a green glow.

You control putting water into the stove. Once you do, the steam will be so thick you literally cannot see someone sitting inches away from you! I swear my travel buddy disappeared until the steam evaporated enough for me to see her again.

You can hear the walls crackling audibly as the steam hits the ice. While the snowy walls radiate cold, you don’t actually feel cold inside because of the steam and heat from the stove. It’s the most bizarre and wonderful sensation.

The guide shows you how everything works, so don’t worry if you’re a sauna newbie.

Because these snow saunas eventually melt, each one only has so many uses, which adds to the exclusivity. Honestly, not knowing which “number” we were added to the excitement—though don’t worry, they won’t let it collapse on you!

After the snow sauna, you can go to either the outdoor jacuzzi or back to the regular Finnish sauna. We opted for the jacuzzi and added a bottle of champagne for an additional fee.

It was quite a night and easily one of my favorite experiences in Finland.

The snow sauna is available from December 15th until March 31st.

You don’t have to stay at the hotel to book this experience. It’s actually cheaper when booked directly on the Arctic SnowHotel website rather than through third-party platforms.

Guided SnowHotel Tour

Even if you don’t stay overnight, you can (and should!) take a guided tour of the SnowHotel’s incredible ice sculptures and themed rooms.

On my tour, I met one of the actual builders who explained the fascinating process of how they create this magnificent feat every year:

1. They start by collecting ice blocks from the nearby lake to be used the following year
2. When building time comes, they shoot lake water into the air, which creates a much denser snow than natural snowfall
3. They compress this snow to make large mounds
4. From there, they carve out hallways and build rooms using the compressed snow and preserved ice blocks
5. Some elements use molds (like the hallways), but most of the work is done by hand
6. Each year, they create entirely new designs, so it’s never the same twice

Walking through the themed rooms was absolutely magical. Some rooms featured rock ‘n’ roll themes with ice guitars and music notes, others had alien spaceships, childhood toys brought to life in ice, or wildlife scenes. Every room was a unique work of art.

Tours are cheaper when booked directly on the hotel website, but you can also book them as part of combination packages with other activities.

Additional On-Site Activities

The Arctic SnowHotel offers numerous activities, many of which are included or available for reasonable fees:

Free Activities:

• Snow tubing with built-up hills
• Toboggans
• Kick sledges (so much fun!)
• Hanging out with the resident reindeer

For a Fee:

• Ice fishing (my travel buddy did this and really enjoyed it)
• Regular Finnish sauna (if you don’t want to splurge on the snow sauna)

Complete Amenities List

Included with Stay:

• Breakfast in Log Restaurant
• Free WiFi
• Daily housekeeping
• Private bathroom (in Glass Igloos)
• Tour desk

Available for Additional Cost:

• Snow Sauna Experience ($52-114, add champagne for extra)
• Guided SnowHotel tour ($20-40)

Ideal For:

• Couples and honeymooners seeking unique experiences
• Luxury travelers with flexible budgets
• Bucket-list accommodation seekers
• Anyone who wants to say they slept in an igloo or ice hotel
• Food lovers (the restaurants are exceptional)
• People celebrating special occasions

Not Ideal For:

• Budget travelers (unless you just visit for tours/meals)
• Those without transportation or unwilling to pay for shuttles
• People staying solely for Northern Lights viewing from glass ceiling
• Travelers who need to be close to city attractions

Other Options Worth Mentioning

Santa Claus Village

While we didn’t stay in the Santa Claus Village area, it’s worth mentioning as an excellent location, especially for families in this where to stay in Rovaniemi guide.

The village itself is free to visit and includes:

• Meeting Santa Claus (free visit, photos cost €55+)
• Crossing the Arctic Circle line
• Santa’s Post Office (send postcards with Arctic Circle postmark)
• Snowman World with ice bar and snow restaurant
• Snow tubing
• Multiple restaurants and shops

Staying near Santa’s Village advantages:

• Perfect for families with children
• Walking distance to Santa attractions
• Multiple accommodation options at various price points
• Still requires transport to downtown Rovaniemi (about 5 miles or 8 km)
• Good middle ground between city convenience and remote experience

Best for: Families with children, Christmas enthusiasts, those wanting easy Santa access

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel

While I didn’t stay here, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is another luxury option worth considering if you’re looking for something between city convenience and the extreme uniqueness of the SnowHotel.

I actually found out about this hotel while watching the Apple TV show, The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, as it’s where he stays during his trip.

What makes it special:

• Elevated treehouse-style cabins
• Large panoramic windows designed for Northern Lights viewing
• Located near Santa Claus Village
• More reliable than Glass Igloos for aurora viewing (supposedly since it’s walls not ceilings)
• Modern, stylish Scandinavian design

Best for: Luxury travelers wanting reliable Northern Lights viewing, couples seeking romantic accommodations, design-conscious travelers, those who want unique accommodations without ice hotel extremes

Key Considerations When Choosing Where to Stay in Rovaniemi

Transportation: The Make-or-Break Factor

Transportation significantly impacts your Rovaniemi experience as it’ll add to travel time and should be a primary consideration when choosing where to stay in Rovaniemi.

Staying at Scandic Rovaniemi City:

• Walk to most restaurants and shops
• Bus stop across the street for airport and local travel
• Many tour companies offer pickup from central hotels
• Save money on taxis and shuttles
• No car needed for entire stay
• Easy to fill time between tours

Staying at Arctic SnowHotel/Arctic TreeHouse:

• Shuttle required for every city trip (€22/person each way = €44 roundtrip)
• Rental car highly recommended for flexibility
• Uber available but costs add up
• More isolated, which is both pro and con

Staying near Santa’s Village:

• Bus accessible from Rovaniemi city
• Some walkable restaurants and activities
• Still need transport for city center attractions
• Middle ground between convenience and experience

Northern Lights Viewing Realities

The auroras deserves its own section because it’s often the primary reason people choose to visit Rovaniemi.

The Hard Truth: We never saw the Northern Lights from central Rovaniemi due to light pollution.

Glass Igloo Reality: The Aurora Alarm didn’t work, and condensation blocked our view most nights.

What Actually Worked: Professional Aurora hunting tours that actively drive to multiple remote locations based on real-time weather and aurora activity. We saw the Northern Lights four times during our 12-night trip—all while on tours or DIY hunting near frozen lakes far from any accommodation.

My Recommendation: Don’t choose your accommodation based solely on Northern Lights viewing potential. Instead:

• Stay where it’s practical and comfortable
• Budget for 1-2 professional Aurora tours ($150-250 each)
• Plan DIY hunting expeditions if you have a rental car
• Accept that you’ll likely need to leave your accommodation to see them properly

The money you save by not staying in an expensive Glass Igloo can fund multiple aurora tours, dramatically increasing your chances of success.

Itinerary Planning Strategy

One of the smartest decisions I made was strategically planning which activities to do during each accommodation stay.

My Successful Strategy:

Days 1-7 at Scandic Rovaniemi City:

• Museum visit (Arktikum)
• Restaurant exploration
• Reindeer sleigh ride (pickup from city)
• Husky sledding (pickup from city)
• Ice floating (pickup from city)
• Snowshoeing tour (pickup from city)
• Snowmobiling (depart from city)
• Aurora hunting tour

Days 8-9 at Arctic SnowHotel:

• Guided SnowHotel tour
• Snow Sauna experience
• Ice Restaurant dinner
• Ice Bar drinks
• Kota Restaurant dinner
• Free on-site activities (tubing, kick sledges)
• Ice fishing

This strategy meant we never had to backtrack or waste money on unnecessary transportation. Everything flowed logically based on where we were staying.

If You’re Splitting Your Stay: Front-load all city-based activities during your central accommodation stay, then move to remote locations for unique experiences and on-site amenities.

Budget Considerations: The Real Costs

Rovaniemi is expensive, and your accommodation choice significantly impacts your total budget.

Scandic Rovaniemi City Budget:

• Accommodation: $200-400/night
• Transportation: Minimal (walking, occasional bus €4-6)
• Food: Full access to various price points
• Activities: Standard tour prices
• Total estimated daily cost per person: $300-400

Arctic SnowHotel Budget:

• Accommodation: $500+/night
• Transportation: €44/person roundtrip for any city visit
• Food: On-site (convenient but pricey)
• Activities: Tours + on-site experiences
• Snow Sauna: $52-114/person
• Guided SnowHotel tour: $20-40/person
• Total estimated daily cost per person: $700-900

Money-Saving Strategies:

1. Split your stay: 5 nights city center, 2 nights Arctic SnowHotel
2. Visit SnowHotel for experiences without staying overnight
3. Book hotels with breakfast included (saves $15-25/day)
4. Stay in city center, walkability saves transportation costs
5. Splurge on one amazing Aurora tour for views
6. Shop at grocery stores for snacks and lunch supplies
7. Book activities directly vs. through hotels when possible

Length of Stay Recommendations

3-4 Days:

• Stay entirely at Scandic Rovaniemi City
• Focus on main activities
• Maybe one Arctic SnowHotel day visit
• Realistic Northern Lights odds: Low

5-7 Days:

• 4-5 nights Scandic Rovaniemi City
• 2 nights Arctic SnowHotel OR day visits to SnowHotel
• Balanced experience
• Realistic Northern Lights odds: Moderate

10-12 Days (What We Did):

• 7 nights Scandic Rovaniemi City
• 2 nights Arctic SnowHotel
• 3 nights Pyhä area with rental car
• Comprehensive Lapland experience
• Realistic Northern Lights odds: Good (saw them 4 times)

Longer stays allow you to:

• Wait out bad weather
• Do both accommodation types
• Not feel rushed
• Increase aurora chances significantly

📅 Need help planning? Read my guide on how many days to spend in Rovaniemi.

Pros and Cons Summary

Scandic Rovaniemi City

Pros:

✅ Most convenient location in Rovaniemi
✅ Walking distance to restaurants, shops, tours
✅ Budget-friendly mid-range option
✅ Perfect for first-time visitors
✅ No transportation costs needed
✅ Reliable WiFi for remote work
✅ Easy tour coordination with pickup
✅ Great breakfast included
✅ Access to various price-point dining
✅ Bus stop across street

Cons:

❌ Light pollution affects Northern Lights viewing
❌ Need tours to see auroras (can’t see from hotel)
❌ Less “Arctic experience” ambiance
❌ Standard hotel (not Instagram-worthy)
❌ No unique activities on-site
❌ Less romantic/special occasion vibe

Best for: Budget travelers, first-timers, solo travelers, digital nomads, families wanting convenience, anyone without rental car

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos

Pros:

✅ Once-in-a-lifetime unique accommodation
✅ World’s only snow sauna (incredible!)
✅ Exceptional on-site restaurants (Kota is AMAZING)
✅ Free activities included (tubing, kick sledges, reindeer)
✅ Remote location for better Northern Lights potential
✅ Bucket-list experience
✅ Instagram-worthy photos
✅ Multiple unique experiences in one location
✅ Breakfast included
✅ Away from light pollution

Cons:

❌ Very expensive ($500+/person/night)
❌ Glass condensation affects viewing
❌ Aurora Alarm unreliable
❌ Transportation required for everything (€44 RT)
❌ 26km from city center
❌ Not ideal without rental car
❌ Bathroom can smell (in Glass Igloos)
❌ Need to plan itinerary carefully around location
❌ Ice restaurant more about experience than food quality
❌ Set menus at some restaurants

Best for: Luxury travelers, couples celebrating, honeymooners, bucket-list seekers, those with rental cars, special occasions

Final Thoughts: Which Rovaniemi Accommodation is Right for You?

After spending 12 nights split between both accommodation types, here’s my honest recommendation on where to stay in Rovaniemi:

Choose Scandic Rovaniemi City if you:

• Want convenience and easy walkability
• Are budget-conscious
• Don’t have a rental car
• Prefer reliable hotel comfort over unique experiences
• Are first-time visitors wanting to maximize activities
• Want easy access to restaurants without transportation costs
• Are comfortable taking Northern Lights tours rather than viewing from accommodation
• Need reliable WiFi for work
• Are traveling solo

Choose Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos if you:

• Want a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list accommodation
• Have budget flexibility or can splurge
• Have a rental car or don’t mind shuttle costs
• Prioritize unique experiences over convenience
• Want world-class on-site dining (especially Kota Restaurant!)
• Are celebrating a special occasion
• Want the world’s only snow sauna experience
• Can split costs with travel companions
• Don’t need to be in the city daily

My “Best of Both Worlds” Recommendation:

For Most Travelers: Stay at Scandic Rovaniemi City for your entire trip, but spend one day visiting the Arctic SnowHotel for:

• Snow Sauna Experience ($52-114, champagne extra)
• Guided SnowHotel tour ($20-40)
• Lunch at Kota Restaurant (get the salmon!)
• Drinks at Ice Bar

This way you get the unique Arctic experiences without paying for expensive accommodation.

You’ll save hundreds of dollars that can fund multiple Northern Lights tours, dramatically increasing your chances of seeing the auroras.

For Special Occasions: If you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, or milestone, splurge on 2 nights at the Arctic SnowHotel. It’s truly magical and worth it for special trips. Just be strategic—stay at Scandic first for all city activities, then move to SnowHotel at the end for the grand finale of your trip.

For Families: Stick with Scandic Rovaniemi City or consider the Santa’s Village area. The convenience, lower costs, and easier logistics will make traveling with kids much less stressful. You can still visit the SnowHotel and Santa’s Village as day trips.

The Bottom Line

Both accommodations offer wonderful Rovaniemi experiences—your where to stay in Rovaniemi choice ultimately depends on whether you value:

Convenience + Budget = Scandic Rovaniemi City

Unique Experiences + Instagram Photos = Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos

My Money-Saving Recommendation = The split-stay strategy: spend most nights at Scandic for convenience and affordability, with 1-2 nights at Arctic SnowHotel for that bucket-list experience.

And most importantly: Don’t choose where to stay in Rovaniemi based solely on Northern Lights viewing. You’ll see them best on dedicated tours that actively hunt them, regardless of where you sleep.

FAQs

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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