Rovaniemi

🔥 Hotspots 

🥖 Food

Rovaniemi offers both traditional Lappish cuisine and cozy spots to warm up with international flavors. Though prices can be high, there are affordable options for students and travelers.

  • Restaurant Nili $$$: If you’re looking to try authentic Lappish food, Nili serves dishes like reindeer, Arctic char, and cloudberry desserts. It’s pricey but a great introduction to the local flavors.

  • Cafe & Bar 21 $$: This spot offers delicious savory and sweet waffles along with pasta bowls and unique drinks. It’s a cozy, affordable place to warm up in the city center.

  • Roka Street Bistro $$: Known for its hearty sandwiches and “street bistro” style, Roka serves local ingredients in a casual setting. Perfect for a filling meal that won’t break the bank.

  • Kotipizza $: Finland’s biggest pizza chain, Kotipizza is budget-friendly and offers plenty of tasty options with a Finnish twist, like reindeer toppings.

  • Sampokeskus Food Court $$: If you’re on the go, this food court has a variety of options at reasonable prices. It’s located in the city’s main shopping center, making it convenient for quick meals.

☕️ Coffee

  • Kauppayhtiö Café & Bar: A laid-back spot with a vintage vibe, known for good coffee, craft beers, and delicious pastries. This café has a cozy atmosphere and often hosts small music events.

  • Cafe Koti: Part of the Hostel Koti, this café is warm, welcoming, and popular among both locals and travelers. It’s a great spot to grab a coffee or snack and unwind.

  • Arctic Café: Located in the Santa Claus Village, Arctic Café is ideal for a warm drink after exploring the area. Their coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries are perfect for a quick recharge.

  • Choco Deli: Known for handmade chocolates and artisan treats, this café is great for dessert lovers. Try their hot chocolate, a real treat on cold days.

🍾 Going Out

Rovaniemi may be a quieter city, but it has a few unique places to experience Finnish nightlife and socialize.

  • Bull Bar & Grill: A lively bar that’s popular among students, Bull offers a relaxed vibe with live sports and good pub food. It’s a good spot for casual nights out.

  • Karaoke Bar Doris: Karaoke is huge in Finland, and Doris is where locals and visitors alike go to sing their hearts out. Enjoy Finnish classics, or belt out your own favorites.

  • Paha Kurki Rockhouse: This local bar features live music and has a great atmosphere for rock fans. With affordable drinks and occasional live performances, it’s a fun place to hang out.

  • Sky Bar Ounasvaara: Located on top of Hotel Sky Ounasvaara, this bar offers amazing panoramic views of the forest and city. Ideal for an unforgettable night with stunning sights, especially if you’re hoping to catch the Northern Lights.

  • Santa’s Igloos Arctic Circle: For a unique experience, head to Santa’s Igloos for an arctic cocktail experience inside an igloo! It’s more of an experience than a traditional night out but worth it for the views and vibe.

⛰ Activities

Rovaniemi is known for its seasonal activities, from the Northern Lights to winter sports and summer nature excursions.

  • Santa Claus Village: Rovaniemi is famously Santa’s “official” hometown, and visiting the Santa Claus Village is a must. It’s free to explore, and you can even cross the Arctic Circle here!

  • Arktikum Science Museum: Learn about Arctic history, climate, and the indigenous Sámi culture at this immersive museum. They have excellent exhibitions on Northern Lights and Arctic wildlife.

  • Reindeer and Husky Farms: Experience traditional Lappish culture by visiting a reindeer or husky farm. Many places offer sledding or trekking tours that allow you to see the area’s breathtaking nature.

  • Northern Lights Safaris: From September to April, Rovaniemi is a prime spot to catch the Aurora Borealis. Join a safari tour by snowmobile, snowshoes, or even reindeer to find the best viewpoints.

  • Ounasvaara Ski Resort: A small but popular ski area close to Rovaniemi’s city center, offering skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. There’s also a scenic winter hike you can try if you’re not skiing.

  • Rovaniemi Church: Known for its unique wooden architecture and peaceful atmosphere, Rovaniemi’s Lutheran church is worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in Finnish design.

🥾 Day Trips

Rovaniemi’s surroundings offer incredible Arctic landscapes and unique experiences in all seasons.

  • Ranua Wildlife Park: About an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi, this park is home to Arctic animals like polar bears, lynxes, and owls. It’s a fun day trip to learn more about the wildlife of the region.

  • Korouoma Canyon: A stunning canyon with ice waterfalls in winter and beautiful hiking trails in summer. It’s a bit of a drive from Rovaniemi but worth the trip for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Pyhä-Luosto National Park: This park, around 90 minutes away by car, offers beautiful hikes through Arctic fells and forests. It’s a fantastic spot for longer hikes, with options for all experience levels.

  • Lake Lehtojärvi: A short drive from Rovaniemi, this lake is popular for picnics, swimming in the summer, and ice fishing in winter. An ideal spot to experience the tranquility of Finnish nature.

  • Joulukka Forest Experience: This guided forest walk takes you through winter wonderlands and often includes storytelling sessions about Finnish mythology and traditions, plus hot drinks around a cozy fire.

 

 💶 Cost of Living

Accommodation:

  • Private rental: Renting in Rovaniemi is cheaper than in Helsinki, with apartments generally costing €700–€1,200 per month.
  • Student housing: University of Lapland students can apply for rooms via DAS (Domus Arctica Säätiö), which offers affordable housing options, typically €200–€500 for shared apartments.

Groceries:

  • Budget options: Lidl and K-Market are popular choices for affordable groceries. Rovaniemi’s small local markets are a good option for fresh products but can be pricier.
  • Local specialties: Try poronkäristys (reindeer stew) and lohisoppa (salmon soup), available in local grocery stores and cafes.

Transportation:

  • Public transport: Rovaniemi’s bus system covers the city, with a single ticket around €3. Monthly student passes are available at discounted rates.
  • Biking: The city is bike-friendly, especially in summer, and has dedicated paths.
  • Taxis and ride services: Due to the remote nature of some attractions, you may need to use taxis or ride services to reach certain spots outside the city.