Are you planning a trip to Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland? Here are all the activities I've tried there, with prices, my honest feedback and practical advice to know before booking anything.
And even before talking about activities: the landscapes are magnificent. Snow-covered forests as far as the eye can see, frozen lakes, that soft winter light… It's impressive, you really feel like you're in a dream.
Things to do in Rovaniemi: all the activities I tried
The snowmobile safari, the most fun activity of the stay
I booked my snowmobile safari on GetYourGuide, departing from the Arctic Access Lapland center. It costs 190 euros for two people, for about an hour and a half ride.
We were alone with the guide, who was lovely by the way, and at one point, we got completely lost in the forest. As a result, the ride lasted longer than expected, and we even got to switch to sport mode and speed through the snow. My honest opinion: it's the best thrill-seeking activity of the trip, and being in a small group really makes all the difference. If you only have time for one activity, choose this one, and opt for a small group booking rather than a large one to fully enjoy the speed.
I can no longer find this exact activity on GetYourGuide, but this snowmobile safari is the closest to my experience: small group (maximum 5 snowmobiles per guide), about 1 hour of driving and a very good rating.
The husky sled ride was magnificent but a little frustrating.
For this activity, head towards Apukka. The price is 358 euros for two people, for a two-hour walk and 10 kilometers covered (the route is now 6 km, and prices have increased since: check the current price before booking).
The dogs are magnificent and the setting is superb, but in terms of thrills, it's a mixed bag: you're always riding at the same speed, one behind the other, without really being able to accelerate. My honest opinion: it's an activity to do for the beauty of the surroundings and the contact with the dogs, not for the adrenaline rush. If you have to choose between husky sledding and snowmobiling and you're on a tight budget, snowmobiling is definitely more cost-effective in terms of thrills for a similar price.
The Aito Resort, a 5-star hotel with sauna, frozen lake and reindeer
During our stay, we also slept at the’Aito Resort, a 5-star hotel that offered a whole host of activities included in the price: sauna to warm up after the cold, swimming in a frozen lake, jacuzzi, swimming pool, and even a moment to feed the reindeer right next to the hotel.
All of this was included in the nightly rate. My honest opinion: if your budget allows, a night in this type of hotel is really worth it, if only to combine several activities that would otherwise cost extra elsewhere (sauna, ice bath, reindeer encounter) into a single all-inclusive night, which is often cheaper than booking them separately in town. I'm preparing a dedicated video just about this hotel, with all my impressions in detail.
Approximate budget: around 500 euros per night for two people, all these activities included.
Santa's Village, free and easily accessible
Santa Claus Village is free to visit, and a bus leaves directly from Rovaniemi city center to take you there. Most of the activities there cost money: we preferred to do them elsewhere, in more natural and less touristy locations.
My honest opinion: it's nice to do for half a day for the photo and the atmosphere, but if your time there is limited, it's clearly not a priority compared to nature activities like snowmobiling or chasing the Northern Lights.
The Ounasvaara Tower, a free walk with views of Lapland
I found this little hike all by myself on the internet: heading to Ounasvaara observation tower, It's located just outside Rovaniemi. It's more of a high point with a tower than a proper hiking trail. We took advantage of it during our rental car trip: we found our own way there, and the view from the top was definitely worth the effort. Really nice!
My advice: this kind of free spot is often just as worthwhile as a paid activity for the view. Just make sure you have good shoes and check the weather forecast before you go, as the path can get slippery quickly.
Korouoma, the icy gorge not to be missed if you have a car
A little bonus for the curious: Korouoma It is a gorge and nature reserve located about 120 kilometers from Rovaniemi. The cliffs, the waterfalls frozen in winter, and the hiking trails look absolutely incredible.
I couldn't go because I didn't have a car, but my honest advice remains the same: go with a guide. Without cell service and in the cold, the place can quickly become dangerous if you don't know the area well. If you're experienced and well-equipped, a solo adventure is still possible, but don't attempt it lightly. In winter, the waterfalls transform into columns of bluish ice, one of the most photogenic spots in all of Lapland, so if you have a car, definitely add it to your itinerary.
Northern Lights hunting: an activity to consider carefully before booking
I tested the Northern Lights hunting Organized tour, €170 per person (price varies depending on the season). No fixed time limit: the outing can be longer or end earlier, depending on the evening weather. A significant bonus: the guides carry professional camera equipment and will take photos of you under the Northern Lights – a real advantage if you don't have a camera suitable for night photography.
That night, bad luck: the Northern Lights barely made an appearance, and the organizer refunded us 30 euros each, which is still fair of them. I was still a little disappointed. We knew the risk when we booked, but in hindsight, I don't think this activity is necessarily worth it for everyone: the Northern Lights can often be seen for free, and driving for 2 to 3 hours only to come back empty-handed, then another 2 to 3 hours on the way back, is tiring. My honest advice: only book this outing if the Aurora Forecast app predicts a very high chance of seeing them that night, or if you really want to leave with professional photos of yourself under the Northern Lights.
Indicative budget: 170 euros per person, partial refund possible in case of failure.
See the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, the free spot at the Arktikum Museum
On the very last evening of our stay, the sky was perfect, and the Northern Lights were there, this time for free. We went out towards the museum Arktikum, In Rovaniemi, a spot known to locals for observing the Northern Lights at night. Lots of people outside, everyone with their eyes raised to the sky: a truly magical moment.
A little anecdote: to the naked eye, the Northern Lights aren't as green as they appear in videos. They often look whitish, almost light gray. But that night, we really saw beautiful shades of green emerging in the sky—a truly wow moment.
Bus or rental car, how to get around Rovaniemi
The vast majority of service providers pick you up by bus at a meeting point in the city center. The only activity we did directly on site, without a shuttle, was snowmobiling.
I rented a car for three days. I was a little worried about driving in the snow, but it turned out to be very easy: it's a bit slippery at times, but nothing too bad. Plus, the cars are well-equipped for winter, including heated seats!
My practical advice: if you're staying in the center of Rovaniemi and your trip is 4 to 5 days, don't rent a car. The bus and shuttle services are more than enough and will save you the stress of driving in the snow. If you're staying longer or want to visit more remote sites like Korouoma, then renting a car becomes worthwhile.
Where to stay in Rovaniemi?
During my stay, I rented an apartment for most of the trip, and I treated myself to one night at the’Aito Resort For the experience. My Airbnb is unfortunately no longer available, so I've selected four apartments for you that look great. I haven't stayed in them myself, but I chose them for their location, reviews, and value for money.
My advice: stay near the city center. You'll be able to walk everywhere, and since most service providers pick you up in town, you won't necessarily need to rent a car. Prices are for a week for two people in February, during peak season, and the lowest prices include Booking's Genius discount.
Do you dream of sleeping under the Northern Lights, in a glass igloo or a treehouse? I'll introduce you to the Aito Resort, the Aurora Hill Resort, and the Silver Birch Resort, along with their prices and my opinion, in my article. 3 unusual accommodations to try in Finnish Lapland. And here, below, are the more affordable apartments I recommend for the rest of your stay.
Kaamos Apartment, the most space for the price
This is the cheapest option in our selection, and by far the most spacious: 52 m² with a balcony, fully equipped kitchen, and free parking. It's located in a quiet area about 3 km from the center, with a supermarket right next door and a cross-country ski trail 200 m away. Buses 4 and 5 stop nearby and reach the center in about ten minutes, but it's especially a great choice if you're renting a car. It has an overall rating of 8.1/10, with a cleanliness score of 9.2. Expect to pay around €1,100 per week for two people.
Lapland's Little Retreat, for getting around everywhere on foot
Just 150 meters from the center, you're in the heart of Rovaniemi: restaurants, shops, and tour departures are all within a few minutes' walk. The apartment is small (25 m²) but well-designed, with a double bed, two futons, and a fully equipped kitchenette. Couples rate it 9.7/10. Expect to pay between €1,120 and €1,460 per week for two.
Rovaniemi City Center Apartment, the right compromise
Located 450 meters from the city center, this 37 m² apartment features a proper bedroom, a living room with a sofa bed, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with city views. Guests particularly praise its cleanliness (9.6/10) and location (9.5/10). Expect to pay between €1,320 and €1,470 per week for two people.
Urban Lapland Apartments, private sauna in the heart of the city
My top pick from the selection! Just 350 meters from the center, this 38 m² apartment has its own sauna: the quintessential Finnish experience, without the resort price tag. It also features a fully equipped kitchen and a living room with a sofa bed. It's rated 9.8/10, but based on only about ten reviews so far. Expect to pay between €1,430 and €1,590 per week for two people.
Fancy an exceptional night under the dawn? I'll share my favorite spots in my article on... 3 unusual accommodations to try in Finnish Lapland. And to find out how much the whole trip cost me, read my detailed Lapland budget.
Things to remember before going to Lapland
Between snowmobiling, husky sledding, 5-star hotels, impromptu hikes, and chasing the Northern Lights, each activity has its pros and cons, and the budget varies greatly depending on your choices. If you had to pick just one, snowmobiling would definitely be my favorite part of the trip.
And you, what activity appeals to you most for your next trip to Lapland?
FAQ: Getting to Rovaniemi
How many days should I stay in Rovaniemi?
4 à 5 jours suffisent pour faire l’essentiel : motoneige ou huskies, village du Père Noël, une soirée aurores boréales. Si tu veux plus de chances de voir les aurores ou aller jusqu’à Korouoma, prévois plus long : j’y suis restée 11 jours, et ce n’est que le dernier soir que j’ai vu de belles aurores.
Snowmobiling or huskies: which activity to choose in Rovaniemi?
If you're looking for thrills, snowmobiling is a must: around €190 for two people for 1.5 hours, it was my favorite activity of the trip. The husky sledding (€358 for two with Apukka) is superb for the scenery and the dogs, but you always travel at the same speed. For snowmobiling, try to join a small group.
Where can I see the Northern Lights for free in Rovaniemi?
Around the Arktikum Museum, a spot known to locals right in the city center. That's where I saw them, for free, on the last night of my trip. Otherwise, get away from the city lights on a clear night.
Is the hunt for the Northern Lights worth it?
Not necessarily for everyone. It costs around €170 per person, and the Northern Lights are never guaranteed: on the evening of my trip, they barely made an appearance (with a €30 refund each). It's best to book it if the Aurora Forecast app predicts a high probability, or if you want professional photos of yourself under the aurora borealis.
How can we know if there will be northern lights tonight?
Check the Aurora Forecast app, which indicates the expected activity, and make sure the sky will be clear: without clear skies, even strong activity won't be visible. The Northern Lights are visible in Lapland from late August to early April, on very dark nights.
What color are the Northern Lights to the naked eye?
Often less green than in photos: to the naked eye, they frequently appear whitish, almost light gray. Cameras capture their colors better. The evening I saw them at the Arktikum, beautiful green hues were still visible.
Is Santa's Village free?
Yes, entry is free, and a bus leaves directly from Rovaniemi city center. However, most of the activities there require payment. Half a day is enough to soak up the atmosphere and take photos.
Should you rent a car in Rovaniemi?
Not if you're staying in the city center for 4 to 5 days: most tour operators will pick you up by shuttle. It becomes useful for longer stays or remote locations like Korouoma. I rented one for 3 days, and driving in the snow turned out to be much easier than expected: the cars are very well equipped for winter.
Quand partir à Rovaniemi ?
Pour profiter de la neige et tenter de voir les aurores boréales, vise la période de décembre à mars. J’y suis allée en février : de la neige partout, et des aurores boréales au rendez-vous le dernier soir. Décembre, c’est top pour l’ambiance de Noël, mais c’est aussi la période la plus fréquentée et la plus chère.
Comment aller à Rovaniemi depuis Paris ?
J’ai pris un vol EasyJet Paris → Rovaniemi, trouvé à seulement 97 € aller-retour en février. Les vols vers la Laponie sont saisonniers, donc surveille les prix assez tôt. Je te donne tous les détails dans mon budget voyage en Laponie.
Combien coûte un voyage à Rovaniemi ?
La Laponie n’est pas une destination bon marché, surtout côté activités : compte 190 € à deux pour le safari en motoneige et 358 € à deux pour la balade en huskies. Pour le logement, les repas et tout le reste, j’ai noté toutes mes dépenses dans mon budget pour 11 jours en Laponie, avec le montant total.
Quel froid fait-il à Rovaniemi en hiver ?
Il fait souvent entre -10 et -20 °C en plein hiver, et le thermomètre peut descendre bien plus bas : pendant la chasse aux aurores boréales, il faisait -30 °C. Avec les bonnes couches, ça se gère très bien. Je t’explique comment je me suis équipée sans me ruiner dans mon article que porter en Laponie.
Où manger à Rovaniemi ?
J’ai testé trois adresses qui valent le détour : le Wildwoods, le restaurant de l’Aito Resort, l’Invisible Lodge & Spa, et le Salmon Restaurant, près du village du Père Noël, pour son saumon cuit au feu de bois. Je te raconte tout dans mes 3 expériences culinaires en Laponie.
As a photographer and content creator based near Paris, I share my Muslim-friendly travels, detailed budgets, and tried-and-tested addresses here to help you plan your own trips with peace of mind.
This article contains affiliate links: if you book through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Leave a Reply