Where to Stay in Rovaniemi, Finland (Lapland)
Last Updated on November 16, 2024 by Erin Donahue
Are you looking for where to stay in Rovaniemi? Most people dream of visiting Finnish Lapland when the landscape is blanketed in snow and the Northern Lights dance across dark skies. In this article, I’ll share three unique hotels in Rovaniemi, Finland – the official hometown of Santa Claus and the gateway to the Arctic Circle.
While these properties transform into an absolute winter wonderland from December through March, autumn might actually be the perfect time to visit. I spent a week exploring Rovaniemi during the shoulder season and partnered with three properties that, although designed for Arctic winter magic, offer a completely different kind of charm during autumn. From ice hotels and glass igloos awaiting their first snowfall to cozy cabins, let’s discover what these remarkable places are like just before their peak winter season!
Invisible Forest Lodge: Where Modern Meets Nature
Just a 10-minute drive from Rovaniemi’s center lies the Invisible Forest Lodge, a 2024 newcomer that’s already making waves in the luxury accommodation scene. Nestled in the heart of a serene forest, this tranquil getaway offers the perfect escape from city life with its innovative concept of thirteen boutique “invisible” suite cabins and seven Aurora Hut Igloos – including two unique overwater options.
During my stay, I experienced both accommodation types. The Invisible Suites feature private saunas, outdoor hot tubs, and full kitchens, offering guests a comfortable and self-sufficient stay. While the Aurora Hut igloos offer a novel glamping experience with their glass domes perfect for Northern Lights viewing. That being said, they do come with some practical limitations. The compact layout, particularly in the bathroom area, may present challenges for some guests, especially those requiring more space because it was SUPER cramped. For a country known for its tall people, I kept wondering how they would fit, because I was struggling, and I’m short!
Invisible Suite vs. Aurora Hut Igloo
For those deciding between the two options, the Invisible Suites offer significantly more value and comfort. The igloos, while fun in theory and ideal for aurora viewing, are better suited for solo travelers. Though my autumn visit brought a week of rain that obscured any chance of the Northern Lights, the sound of raindrops on the glass dome created its own magical atmosphere. One can only imagine the breathtaking experience of watching the aurora dance across a clear night sky from these unique shelters.
Despite some design limitations in the igloos, the Invisible Forest Lodge succeeds in its primary mission: creating an unforgettable Arctic retreat that thoughtfully blends luxury with Finnish nature. Each element of the property has been carefully considered to enhance the guest experience while maintaining harmony with its surroundings.
Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos: Icey Luxury
After experiencing luxury hotels worldwide, I can confidently say that Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos has what might be the world’s finest hotel breakfast buffet. The spread is nothing short of extraordinary – featuring an extensive selection of fresh salmon, artisanal cheeses, bread, pastries, and hot dishes that fill the dining room with their enticing aromas. Traditional Finnish delicacies complement international favorites. For me, the lingonberry crumble stands out as a particular highlight, offering the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
The most unique activity
The property’s experiences extend far beyond its cuisine. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos is the only establishment in Rovaniemi offering guests the opportunity to try ice sculpting. Inside a specialized refrigerator maintained at -15°C (5°F), visitors can craft frozen masterpieces from substantial blocks of ice. Each autumn evening, a pop-up ice bar emerges serving cocktails in pure ice glasses – previewing their signature winter attraction, the SnowHotel, which welcomes guests from November through early spring
The glass igloos feature 360-degree transparent roofs, specifically designed for optimal Northern Lights viewing. Guests can rest easy knowing they won’t miss nature’s light show, thanks to the Aurora Alarm service that alerts you when the phenomenon appears. While a week-long rain obscured my view during my stay here, the potential for witnessing the Aurora Borealis from such a convenient vantage point adds to the property’s allure.
Apukka Resort: A Modern Take on Arctic Living
Among Rovaniemi’s distinctive accommodations, Apukka Resort stands out as an exceptional place to stay. This whimsical property features eight different accommodation types, with the crown jewel being the two-story Kammi Glass Igloo Suites, where I had the privilege of staying.
These remarkable suites feature a glass-domed upper floor housing a strategically placed bed for optimal aurora viewing. While the glass roof creates an immersive Arctic experience, it’s worth noting that the absence of curtains means natural light may affect your sleep schedule (though sleep masks are provided). The ground floor offers a spacious living area and a well-equipped kitchenette, all styled with typical Scandinavian design elements.
Odd Bathroom Decisions
I would almost give this a 10/10 hotel experience, but what detracts from the whole accommodation is the weird bathroom design. The shower is an odd plastic box that doesn’t fit the aesthetic of the rest of the suite, and there’s no shelf space whatsoever. It felt like after putting so much thought and attention to detail everywhere else, the designers gave up on the bathroom, especially the shower.
The pressure is ok but the hot and cold are so sensitive so the water is either freezing or scalding. It was hard to get a balanced temperature. However, the redeeming factor is the heated floor which provides a welcome touch of luxury.
A Fully Immersive Campus
Apukka Resort excels in delivering authentic Finnish experiences. A highlight was the four-course dinner accompanied by Polenta, a local fiddle band whose traditional music brought Finnish folklore to life. However, the true standout is the Floating Sauna & Arctic Swimming experience. In a country with nearly one sauna for every three citizens, this traditional practice is essential to Finnish culture. My private session alternating between the intense heat of the sauna and refreshing dips in the freezing lake water perfectly embodied Finnish wellness traditions.
Apukka Resort successfully combines unique accommodation concepts with immersive cultural experiences, creating an authentic Lapland adventure that goes beyond typical tourist offerings.
Which Hotel Is Right For You?
While Finnish Lapland captivates winter travelers with its snow-draped landscapes and Northern Lights displays, autumn offers a hidden perspective on where to stay in Rovaniemi. Shoulder season presents compelling advantages: significantly reduced crowds and more attractive pricing.
Each Rovaniemi accommodation offers a distinct perspective on Arctic living: Apukka Resort charms with its authentic Finnish experiences and enormous Kammi suites, Arctic SnowHotel impresses with its breakfast buffet and unique ice activities, while the newcomer Invisible Forest Lodge introduces a contemporary take on sustainable Arctic accommodation. These carefully selected hotels in Rovaniemi showcase the diverse lodging options available in Santa’s official hometown.
For those contemplating where to stay near the Arctic Circle, consider visiting Rovaniemi during the autumn months for a more intimate Finnish Lapland experience. During this transitional period, you’ll discover not just accommodations, but gateways to understanding the Arctic’s ever-changing character – from its cultural traditions to its natural wonders. This less-traveled season might just offer the authentic Finnish experience you’ve been seeking.
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