5 DAY ROVANIEMI ITINERARY: HOW TO PLAN YOUR ULTIMATE LAPLAND, FINLAND WINTER ADVENTURE!
LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE 5 DAY ROVANIEMI ITINERARY FOR A MAGICAL WINTER IN LAPLAND?
Planning your trip to Rovaniemi?
Start here:
Skyscanner ↗ to find the best flights to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN).
Booking.com ↗ to browse the best places to stay in & around Rovaniemi.
Psst! We loved our stay at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara, book a room with private sauna!
🎟️ Viator ↗ to book unforgettable tours, from northern lights to ice floating.
🛡️ Staysure ↗ for easy, reliable travel insurance (UK travellers only).
5 DAYS IN ROVANIEMI FINLAND ITINERARY:
DAY 1: ARRIVE & SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE
WHERE TO STAY (OUR TOP SUGGESTION)
We stayed in a “Mystique De Luxe Premium room with Sauna” at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara, just outside of Rovaniemi. Surrounded by frozen forests with a chance to see the northern lights with its reduced light pollution.
In the catchment for most tour pick-up / drop offs. Included breakfast was DELICIOUS, so was the on-site Sky Restaurant. Here’s a few pics from our stay:
“Mystique De Luxe Premium room with Sauna” room at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. Photographs by Jordie. “Mystique De Luxe Premium room with Sauna” room at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. Photographs by Jordie. “Mystique De Luxe Premium room with Sauna” room at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. Photographs by Jordie. “Mystique De Luxe Premium room with Sauna” room at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. Photographs by Jordie. Liam warming up in the cosy communal area at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. Photographs by Jordie. The rooftop area where (if conditions allow) you can see northern lights at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. Photographs by Jordie. Liam in the very popular and delicious Sky Restaurant on-site at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. Look at those panoramic forest views! Photographs by Jordie.
SANTA CLAUS VILLAGE
The “official home of Santa Claus” is at this Santa Claus Village. No booked tours or any form of tickets needed. It’s totally free to simply turn up by taxi and wander around as you please. Just check their opening times.
There’s so much to do and see. Cross the border to the Arctic Circle, send letter’s home / stamp your passport at the Post Office, browse souvenir shops and lap up the festivities.
And of course, meet the big man in red at the “Santa Claus Office” building. For kids – and big kids like us hehe – they’ve staged this really well, even the walk up was themed and exciting, building anticipation. Santa himself is very believable – I mean, why wouldn’t he be, he’s the real deal right?
A queue is inevitable, but good news is its completely free to meet Santa. But – there always is a but isn’t there! – you can’t take your own photos. Want the moment immortalised? You’ll have to buy the photos and videos they take. We didn’t, so… here’s a photo of us next to the Arctic Circle border instead! 🤣
A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVENT
Will you be in Rovaniemi around 23rd December? If so, you cannot miss the annual “Santa Claus is on his way” event at Santa Claus Village.
Excitable crowds gather as this festive celebration marks Santa Claus leaving Finland for his annual journey delivering gifts to children around the world. It’s totally free again, too. Watch last year’s livestream here.
Planning your Rovaniemi trip? These guides will help:
🗺️ Shorter trip? 4 days in Rovaniemi itinerary ↗
🌌 Want to see the northern lights? Best tours in Rovaniemi ↗
💎 Dreaming of a once-in-a-lifetime stay? Glass igloos in Rovaniemi ↗
❄️ Not sure what else to do? What to do in Rovaniemi in winter ↗
📅 Deciding on dates? Rovaniemi in December (Christmas!) ↗
DAY 2: SNOWMOBILING & NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR
GO SNOWMOBILING (HALF DAY)
No Rovaniemi itinerary is complete without the thrill of speeding through Lapland’s frozen landscape! We did this ‘Snowmobiling Quick Spin – 2 h snowmobile experience in Rovaniemi‘, tour.
As complete snowmobiling novices, we were a little apprehensive at first. Turns out, there was no need. It was, and is, the perfect choice for beginners!
The guides were very attentive and patient, which made us feel safe and “in good hands” with them throughout the whole tour.
After getting suited and booted at the office, head deep into idyllic Finnish forest for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. You stop off half way at a Koti tent to warm up with a warm berry drink and cookies.
We would suggest to guarantee snowmobiling can go ahead, book this tour no earlier than very end of November / early December. In late November, we lucked out on the very first tour of the year. A few days before, there was not enough snow on the ground to do it and the tours before us had to be cancelled.
For our in-depth review, read our full blog post detailing our Snowmobiling experience.
Top Tip: Ideally book the morning slot to experience the morning skies soft pastel colours.
Top Tip: Safartica will pick up / drop off at any accommodation within 10km of Rovaniemi centre, just be sure to contact them and confirm beforehand.
Top Tip: All required clothing is provided by Safartica, including: full thermal suits, thermal socks and gloves, snow boots, balaclavas and safety helmets.
NORTHERN LIGHTS GUIDED TOUR
Rovaniemi is one of the best places to see northern lights, which I imagine, is one of the reasons why you came here, right?
Maximise your chances to see them away from Rovaniemi’s city lights on this 5* ‘Northern Lights Rovaniemi: Guaranteed Viewing & Unlimited Mileage‘ Badge of Excellence rated tour!
The guides will drive out to many locations, with live solar forecasts and sheer determination to try everything in the hope of seeing the northern lights. Heck, they even go as far as the Swedish border if they need to!!
Top Tip: The best time to see the Northern lights in Rovaniemi is during the Winter months. During our time in Rovaniemi, the local guides said early March is the best time to see the Northern lights.
Top Tip: Another great destination to see the northern lights in Finland is Levi.
DAY 3: ARCTIC SNOWHOTEL & AURORA ICE FLOATING
Did you know: You can actually stay overnight here in one of the Snow Suites! Read our full Arctic Snow Hotel guide after to find out all the details how.
AURORA ICE FLOATING (NIGHT TOUR)
Now, floating in a frozen -20°c lake in darkness of night sounds bonkers, doesn’t it? Well, that’s exactly what we did on this 5* ‘Aurora Arctic Ice Floating in Rovaniemi‘ tour.
Spotting this tour on Viator, we unknowingly signed ourselves up to the most unique activity we did on our Rovaniemi itinerary. Totally out of our comfort zones, absolutely loved it!
Suit up in what look like large lobster costumes, but are actually thick thermal dry-suits. This definitely “breaks the ice” (pun wasn’t intended but hey it works) with your small group as you all end up looking bloody hilarious.
Lower yourself into the water backwards via the steps, and – after an initial panic – you’ll find yourself relaxing. It actually is strangely a very peaceful experience, bobbing around facing up at thousands of stars – and if you’re lucky – the northern lights!
Warm up after next to a roaring fire and soothingly hot berry juice and cookies.
Check out our Rovaniemi ice floating night tour review detailing our experience start to finish.
Top Tip: We recommend wearing layers of socks and gloves underneath the large lobster dry suit, your hands and feet begin to feel the cold after 10/15 about minutes in the water.
DAY 4: FROZEN WATERFALLS OF KOROUOMA & SKY RESTAURANT
FULL DAY: FROZEN WATERFALLS OF KOROUOMA TOUR
While on the fence at first, we were SO glad we did this ‘Korouoma Canyon Frozen Waterfalls‘ tour.
The two guides drive you and your small group 160km out of Rovaniemi to the snow-covered Posio forest, beginning the 5km walking trail into the enchanting Korouoma Canyon.
There are around 14 of these colossal waterfalls, literally frozen in time as they once tumbled down the canyons edge. You honestly have to see it IRL to believe it!
Check out our full blog post detailing why the Korouoma frozen waterfalls tour is worth it.
Fun Fact: The Korouoma Canyon was formed over 600 million years ago, and is one of the deepest subsidences in Europe! In some places, the steep rocky walls of the canyon rise more than 100 metres!
IN-ROOM SAUNA & SKY RESTAURANT
Spend your last night Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara unwinding in the private sauna of your “Mystique De Luxe Premium room with Sauna” room option.
Afterwards, enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site Sky Restaurant, an atmospheric restaurant with floor to ceiling windows, surrounded by snow-covered pine trees.
The Sky Restaurant is a very popular place to eat in Rovaniemi for both visitors and locals. Pre-book in advance when you arrive as it gets booked up quickly.
DAY 5: EXPLORE ROVANIEMI CITY & OVERNIGHT STAY IN A GLASS IGLOO!
ARKTIKUM MUSEUM
After checking out of your hotel, book a taxi straight to Arktikum Museum, a top thing to do in Rovaniemi city!
A massive perk is their free luggage store room. You can drop off all your bags here before entering the museum. Adult tickets to the museum are €15 each.
To be honest, the staff at the Arktikum Museum were so accommodating and friendly, you could probably leave your luggage here without even going into the museum. Just head to the front desk and ask!
Allow an hour or so to freely enjoy all its nature, science, culture and history-based displays of Northern Scandinavia. Check opening times for your dates.
Top Tip: At the museum, there are free toilets, coat hooks and WiFi to use. There are also a few small gift shop areas selling high quality souvenirs.
EXPLORE ROVANIEMI CITY CENTRE
Prior to checking into your next accommodation at 3pm (LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos), take time to wander the Rovaniemi’s quaint city centre.
To be honest, Rovaniemi’s city centre is pretty small and there’s not an awful lot “to do”. You can warm up browsing the Revontuli shopping centre before wandering the high street to find a great lunch spot.
Recommended places to eat in Rovaniemi are Restaurant Nili and Gustav Kitchen and Bar for more traditional dishes.
I myself am I sucker for a good fajita, so we headed to Amarillo. Can also highly recommend eating here.
Your next accommodation is self-catering and not near any shops, so be sure to stop off at the large K-Market supermarket to stock up on bottled water, treats, a small carton of milk for tea or coffee and some bits for breakfast tomorrow. Enjoy the most organised and visually pleasing supermarket aisles!
Head back to Arktikum to collect your luggage and use their free WiFi to book a taxi to your next stop, which is…
SPEND YOUR LAST NIGHT IN A GLASS IGLOO
Make your final night in Rovaniemi extra special by staying in a glass igloo! We stayed at LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos, an affordable igloo style experience at around £170 per night.
Set directly against an enchanting frozen lake with little light pollution, snuggle up in your warm Aurora igloo as you witness millions of stars from the comfort of your own bed and – hopefully – the Northern lights!
Top Tip: LakeLodge Kiehinen & Igloos is a 10/15 minute drive away from Rovaniemi airport.
Top Tip: There is no WiFi currently at LakeLodge, though you do get phone data signal (if your provider allows you to use roaming free of charge). If not, we recommend pre-booking your taxi to the airport on the Menevä Taxi app for the next day back at Arktikum Museum with their free WiFi.
DAY 6: CATCH YOUR FLIGHT HOME
OTHER BRILLIANT THINGS TO DO IN ROVANIEMI
🧊🦞🏊♀️
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
>>> Best Of Lapland: Sauna, Ice swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights (book 4.30pm slot for chance of northern lights)
🛷🎿⛷️
SNOW-BASED ACTIVITIES
>>> Private Electric Fat Bike Winter Tour in Rovaniemi (half day)
🦌
WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES
>>> Authentic Reindeer Farm Experience in Rovaniemi
🌘
OTHER NIGHT TOURS
WHERE TO STAY IN ROVANIEMI
There are two main options to consider when deciding where to stay in Rovaniemi: Rovaniemi city centre or outside of the city centre.
The best area to stay in Rovaniemi depends entirely on what you find most important:
BENEFITS OF STAYING IN ROVANIEMI CITY CENTRE:
All of the available Rovaniemi tour companies are based in Rovaniemi city centre, as are all the main restaurants. You also are closer to bus connections to i.e. Santa Claus village. It also easily allows you to walk to each tour operators office before each tour. However, staying in Rovaniemi city centre reduces your chances of seeing the Northern lights independently (not on a tour) due to the light pollution.
BENEFITS OF STAYING JUST OUTSIDE OF ROVANIEMI CITY CENTRE
If you are in search of a quieter and more idyllic Lapland in Winter experience, the best place to stay for you is just outside of Rovaniemi city centre.
We personally stayed just outside of Rovaniemi at two separate accommodations for our 5 day Rovaniemi itinerary, and we can highly recommend:
MORE PLACES TO STAY IN ROVANIEMI
Just outside of Rovaniemi
(we stayed here in a “Mystique De Luxe Premium room with Sauna”. Just outside Rovaniemi in idyllic forest, catchment for tour pick-up / drop-offs, better chance to see aurora)
(this beautiful hotel is next to Santa Claus village)
Glass igloos near Rovaniemi
(15 minutes from city, very popular choice)
(modern igloos, also next to Santa Claus village)
(we stayed here! 20 minutes from the city, idyllic isolated lakeside location. Budget friendly canvas igloo option)
In Rovaniemi city
WHAT TO PACK FOR ROVANIEMI
GETTING TO ROVANIEMI
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET TO ROVANIEMI?
When deciding how to get to Rovaniemi, the best way is undoubtedly to fly into its main airport, Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). It’s also incredibly convenient, with Rovaniemi airport being located just a short 10 minute drive from the city centre!
If coming from Helsinki, there’s the option to catch a connecting flight or spend the night on an overnight sleeper train!
CAN YOU FLY DIRECT TO ROVANIEMI?
It is possible to fly direct to Rovaniemi from the UK in just over 3 hours. There are multiple direct flights available to Rovaniemi with EasyJet, either from London Gatwick or Bristol airports.
Ryanair also has direct flights to Rovaniemi from London Stansted. The direct flight time from the UK to Rovaniemi is roughly 3 hours 15 minutes.
For anywhere outside of continental Europe, you may have to fly into Helsinki and catch a very short connecting flight to Rovaniemi.
HOW TO GET AROUND ROVANIEMI
GETTING AROUND ROVANIEMI:
WALKING🚶🏻♀️
Once in Rovaniemi city centre, its relatively small size means it is easy to navigate around the main high street, including walking to the Arktikum museum!
GETTING AROUND ROVANIEMI:
PUBLIC TRANSPORT 🚍
There are multiple public bus services available, whether it’s to / from the Airport from Rovaniemi or using the super convenient “Santa Claus Bus” to get to and from the city to the infamous Rovaniemi Santa Claus village.
GETTING AROUND ROVANIEMI:
TAXI SERVICES 🚕
Menevä is a brilliantly convenient and reliable taxi provider in Rovaniemi (and across Finland).
It is so easy to book for immediate taxi services via their app, you are rarely waiting more than 5 minutes. The app is a very similar interface to Uber, with the exception that you pay either by cash or easily by contactless at the end of your ride.
Note: Taxi fares in Rovaniemi are very expensive (approx. €35 from the airport to the city one way).
GETTING AROUND ROVANIEMI:
RENT A CAR 🚗
Or, you can always rent a car to get around Rovaniemi and surrounding areas yourself.
This option would give you total freedom to venture to attractions outside of the city that are usually difficult to get to without a designated tour or without incurring large taxi fees!
WEATHER IN ROVANIEMI IN WINTER
WEATHER IN ROVANIEMI IN WINTER:
HOW COLD DOES ROVANIEMI GET?
The weather in Rovaniemi in Winter can be extremely cold, especially during the peak Winter month of January: the coldest month in Rovaniemi with an average high of -8°c / low of -16°c.
However, this is always open to change. When we visited in November for example, we experienced a cold spell of -20°c for a few days, which was actually bearable when correctly suited up in thermals. This was when there was little to no wind.
Any additional wind however makes it feel even colder and bitter at times. Likewise, temperatures drop during the evening, so wrap up even warmer if you head out on a night tour (a Rovaniemi Northern Lights tour for example)!
DOES IT SNOW IN ROVANIEMI IN WINTER?
Yes! The snow in Rovaniemi is what makes visiting Finnish Lapland in Winter so magical. Expect to see lots of fallen snow especially around the later Winter months (January – March) where snow is stockpiled nice and high!
ABOUT ROVANIEMI:
“KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S
WHERE AND WHAT IS FINNISH LAPLAND?
Lapland is not a country, it is the largest and northernmost region of Finland. Incredibly, Lapland makes up almost one third of Finland’s total land mass, beginning from the middle at the Arctic Circle and stretching North up to the borders of both Norway and Sweden.
Visiting Lapland in Winter is most famous for idyllic landscapes blanketed in snow, enchanting spruce forests stretching as far as the eye can see, dreamy pastel skies and the phenomena of the Northern Lights.
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT ROVANIEMI?
WHY IS ROVANIEMI WORTH VISITING?
Why should you visit Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland? What is so special about visiting Rovaniemi in Winter?
Rovaniemi, located deep in Arctic Finland, is one of the most special places in the world to visit in Winter! Rovaniemi is mostly famous for being the official hometown of Santa Claus himself, with the chance to meet him at Santa Claus village everyday throughout the year.
Whether visiting as a young family, a couple on a romantic getaway or even friends looking for thrilling tours – Rovaniemi is a once-in-a-lifetime Winter destination for everyone to enjoy!
WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT ROVANIEMI LAPLAND FOR THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?
Though it is possible for the Northern Lights to be spotted just outside of Rovaniemi city during any of the Winter months (October – March), locals informed us that in fact February – March are the best months to visit Rovaniemi for the Northern Lights, due to the reduced snowfall (and cloud cover).
On the flip side, the high probability of snowfall in November reduces the chance to spot the Northern Lights due to constant cloud cover.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT ROVANIEMI LAPLAND FOR WINTER TOURS AND ACTIVITIES?
It is crucial to know that not all Winter tours from Rovaniemi are open and available at the start of Winter. Things such as snowmobiling, visiting an Ice Hotel and ice skating for example are completely reliant on long spells of cold weather and a decent amount of snowfall to function.
If you want the full selection of all Rovaniemi Winter tours, the earliest you should visit is mid-December!
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN ROVANIEMI IN WINTER?
As there are so many incredible tours and things to do in Rovaniemi in Winter, we suggest your Rovaniemi itinerary should be at least full 5 days to really make the most of your time here.
CONCLUSION: 5 DAYS IN ROVANIEMI ITINERARY
To conclude – Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland is one of the most special destinations to visit during Winter and must be firmly on anyone’s bucket list!
From meeting the real Santa Claus, watching the dazzling Northern lights, exhilarating snowmobiling rides through white landscapes, ice floating, frozen waterfalls and even hotels completely made of ice, Rovaniemi offers a bit of magic to suit everyone visiting.
We hope you have the best time following our Rovaniemi itinerary, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
Got a trip coming up? Look no further than:
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