18 Things to Do in Rovaniemi in Winter (No Tourist Traps)
There are a lot of things to do in Rovaniemi in winter, but the truth is, we didn’t go in with a checklist. My husband, Sean, and I just wanted to experience what life is actually like in northern Finland in February, so we ended up doing a bit of everything.
We stayed at a private reindeer farm with no other tourists, a wilderness hostel out in the snow, drove icy roads in the dark, saw the northern lights, jumped into a frozen river after a sauna, and wandered around local markets for food.
Some of it was surreal. Some of it was uncomfortable. All of it felt authentic. This post includes everything we actually did, what we’d recommend, and what we’d probably skip next time.
If you’re planning a trip to Rovaniemi and want something more than just a packaged experience, this guide is for you!
Unique Things To Do in Rovaniemi in Winter
Rovaniemi gets a lot of attention in winter, but not always for the right reasons. Between Santa-themed tours and overpriced sleigh rides, it’s easy to think that everything here is just for show. But once you step outside the crowds, there’s a whole other side to Lapland worth experiencing.
Sean and I visited in February and spent several days driving around the area, staying in places with no cell service, no tour buses, and plenty of snow. We saw the northern lights, froze our faces in a polar plunge, helped feed reindeer from the back of a snowmobile, and still had time for some slow moments like drinking some mulled wine in a traditional Finnish hut.
I want to help you have the most local experiences you can, so here are 18 top winter activities in Rovaniemi based on what we actually did, what we’d do again, and what we think more travelers should know about!
1. Stay at a Private Reindeer Farm (and Actually Learn Something)
Not all reindeer experiences are the same. We stayed at a small, family-run reindeer farm outside of Rovaniemi with no other guests in sight.
We helped with the morning feeding (which involved reindeer sprinting after a toboggan attached to a snowmobile), kept our cabin warm by stocking the wood stove, and fell asleep listening to the herd walking past our windows.
The owners were kind, honest, and clearly cared about their animals. If you want a reindeer experience that’s real (not staged) this is where to start.
2. Sit in a Sauna, Then Jump Into a Frozen River
This sounds extreme, but it was one of the best things we did! There’s nothing like sitting in a wood-fired sauna until you can’t take the heat, then walking barefoot through the ice and snow and plunging into a hole cut into the ice.
Your skin feels like it’s on fire, but in the best way! We did this at a small riverside sauna outside the city. Locals do this regularly in winter and it was by far one of our favorite things we did on the entire trip.
Look for experiences that include both the sauna and the plunge (many do), and avoid the touristy spa setups with neon lights and loud music.
3. See the Northern Lights (Without a Tour)
You don’t need to pay €150 for a group tour to see the aurora. We saw them twice just by stepping outside our cabin or driving down the road to an open lake and looking up.
The skies are clear more often than you’d expect, and if you’re staying outside the city, light pollution isn’t an issue. If you want a backup plan, you can also book a local with a 4×4 who will take you farther out only if the weather calls for it, but don’t feel like you have to.
In fact, both Norway and Finland are insanely incredible places to see the northern lights, so there’s great chances for you to see them on your own throughout the entire northern region of Northern Scandinavia!
4. Visit Santa Claus Village, But Go for the Food
Santa Claus Village is what you’d expect: busy, kid-oriented, and full of overpriced, generalized souvenir shops. But hidden in the chaos are a few reasons to stop by anyway.
We had some great salmon soup, a surprisingly good reindeer sausage, and bought a cute Christmas ornament from a local market stall for way less than we saw in town. Just don’t make it your whole day and please skip the reindeer rides here (the word ethical isn’t in their vocabulary).
5. Explore the Forests and Frozen Lakes by Snowshoe
If you’re staying near the edge of town or at a wilderness cabin, chances are there are trails right out your door. We strapped on snowshoes and followed a packed trail out to a frozen lake, where it was completely silent except for the crunch of snow.
You can rent snowshoes in town, but a lot of guesthouses include them for a smaller fee with your stay!
6. Walk Across a Frozen Lake at Sunset
In February, many of the lakes around Rovaniemi are completely frozen, which means you can safely walk across them. We followed a packed trail out onto a lake just outside of town and ended up staying longer than we expected because the light was so good.
Around sunset, the sky turned this soft pink-orange and reflected off the snow like a mirror. It’s quiet, it’s free, and it honestly felt like something out of a movie.
Just make sure you’re sticking to marked or well-traveled areas and do NOT walk out on a river – they do not freeze and you are almost guaranteed to fall through the ice.
It happens all the time, and people have died trying to cross frozen rivers in and around Rovaniemi.
👉 If it flows, it doesn’t freeze. That’s why you’ll never see locals out ice fishing on rivers, only lakes!
7. Warm Up in a Café and Watch the Snow Fall
Not everything in Rovaniemi has to be an adrenaline rush. One of our favorite afternoons was spent just hanging out in a local café, drinking coffee and watching the snow come down.
Try Café & Bar 21 for great waffles or Rovaniemen Kotileipomo if you want more of a local bakery vibe. This is the kind of downtime that makes winter travel feel slower in the best way.
8. Visit the Arktikum Museum (Even if You’re Not a Museum Person)
I’ll be honest – we weren’t planning to spend much time indoors, but the Arktikum was worth the stop. It’s focused on Arctic science, Sámi culture, and the environmental history of the region.
The exhibits are really well done, and the glass tunnel that leads to the building is beautiful when it’s snowing. Plus, it’s a good place to warm up when the temps drop below -4°F (-20°C).
9. Try Finnish Winter Food That’s Actually Good
Yes, you’ll see reindeer stew on almost every menu. But there’s more to Lapland’s food than just that. We tried local salmon, mushroom soup, and rye flatbread served warm with butter. It was all really comforting after being out in the cold.
Don’t be afraid of the local food options in the supermarkets either. Some of the best bites we had came from the local markets!
10. Drive the Backroads Just for the Scenery
Renting a car gave us the freedom to explore beyond the main attractions, and it made a huge difference.
The roads outside of Rovaniemi are well-maintained, even in winter, and the views are incredible with snowy trees, frozen lakes, and the occasional reindeer crossing the road. Just drive slow, especially if it’s snowing or dark, and enjoy the ride!
11. Shop at a Local Market for Winter Gear or Souvenirs
Forget the airport gift shop. The best finds we came across like wool socks, carved wooden ornaments, and locally made snacks were at small markets around town.
Rovaniemi has a few permanent ones, and some pop up seasonally during December around the holidays.
12. Book a Photography Tour (Only If the Weather’s Right)
This one’s more of a maybe. We didn’t do any guided northern lights photography tours since we have our own professional gear and consider ourselves relatively advanced photographers, but they are certainly an option if you have a new camera and aren’t sure how to use it!
The tours can also be a hit or miss, mostly because of the weather, but also because not all guides are well-versed in every brand of camera (i.e. Sony, Nikon, Cannon, etc.).
But, if you know how to use your equipment and simply aren’t comfortable driving in winter conditions, then a photography tour can be a great option to get you to the best photo spots! Just don’t book it too far in advance, wait to see the forecast.
13. Try Cross-Country Skiing Like a Local
Cross-country skiing is huge in Finland, and Rovaniemi has a ton of groomed trails. You can rent skis at Ounasvaara or some hotels, and there are loops for every skill level even if you’ve never done it before.
We saw locals skiing with backpacks, groceries, and even toddlers in tow. It’s a fun way to get out into the landscape and feel like you’re doing winter right.
14. Visit a Wilderness Hotel or Off-Grid Cabin
Spending a night outside of town without Wi-Fi, crowds, or distractions was one of the best things we did north of Rovaniemi! We also stayed at a wilderness hostel which was quiet, surrounded by trees, and covered in snow. It had all the modern perks of a regular hotel, but its setting was really beautiful.
It was actually more of a resort (the Vaattunki Wilderness Resort), but we stayed in the hostel portion with two shared bathrooms for 14+ people.
If you want a break from the “go, go, go” part of travel, then staying in a cabin surrounded by woods outside of the city center is the best option.
15. Catch the Morning Light Over the River
Sunrise in Rovaniemi comes late in winter (around 9 or 10 AM in February) and it’s worth setting up your camera for.
The light is soft and low, and the snow-covered riverbanks glow pink and blue for about half an hour. You don’t need a big plan or a tour. Just bundle up, grab a thermos, and take a slow walk down to the Kemijoki!
16. Take a Local Cooking Class (If You Can Find One)
These can be a little harder to track down, but some locals offer private cooking classes or small-group workshops where you can learn how to make traditional Finnish dishes (think rye bread, salmon soup, or cinnamon buns.)
It’s a good way to get out of the cold and actually talk to people who live locally. You’ll have to ask your accommodation host or check local Facebook groups, since they’re usually not listed on big tour sites.
17. Visit a Hidden Kota for Coffee or Soup
Some wilderness farms or forest cafés set up traditional kotas (Lappish teepees with a central fire) where you can warm up, have a bowl of soup, or cook sausages over the flames.
These aren’t flashy, and sometimes you need to hike or snowshoe to reach them, but that’s part of the charm! We had some local drinks in one next to a frozen river at WNTR Sauna by Kesärafla and it was absolutely amazing.
18. Try a Polar Plunge (Yes, It’s Freezing and Yes, You Should Do It)
Jumping into a frozen lake in the middle of winter sounds like something you’d say no to… until you do it. We paired ours with a traditional Finnish sauna just outside of Rovaniemi, and the combo was unreal.
One minute you’re sweating in a wood-fired sauna, and the next you’re standing in snow, barefoot, heart pounding, about to lower yourself into a hole cut in solid ice. It shocks your system in the best way! Plus, your skin tingles for hours afterward.
Most sauna spots that offer the plunge will have a ladder, safety ropes, and instructions, but keep in mind that if you want a private experience it’ll be hundreds of euros. Public saunas, on the other hand, are as little as 0-50 euros per person!
It’s intense, hilarious, and surprisingly addictive. If there’s one thing that made us feel like we were really in Lapland, it was this (and the reindeer farm!)
Travel Tips for Visiting Rovaniemi in Winter
Rovaniemi is easy to fall in love with in winter, but if you’re not prepared, it’s also easy to spend too much, freeze your face off, or miss the good stuff because you booked the wrong kind of tour.
Here’s what we learned from doing it ourselves, and what I’d tell any friend planning their first trip to northern Finland:
1. Get a car. Just do it.
Renting a car was the best decision we made during our time in Finland. A lot of the best places like saunas, reindeer farms, and wilderness trails are 20 to 45 minutes outside town, so you don’t want to be relying on taxis and tours constantly for your wallet’s sake.
There’s not much traffic, the roads are well-packed, and it gives you total freedom to go chase the aurora or just take a detour when the snow looks amazing. Just be sure to rent a car with 4-wheel drive and take your time.
The locals drive faster since they’re used to driving in winter conditions, but if you aren’t, then just put on your blinker and pull to the side and let them pass.
2. Avoid combo tours that cram everything into one day
If the itinerary says “snowmobiles, auroras, reindeer, and Santa all in 6 hours,” skip it. These tours are fast, crowded, and you won’t really experience anything. Plus, they’re very expensive and rarely bring you to authentic places.
You’re better off choosing one or two things a day and doing them right. If you actually want to connect with the animals or enjoy the scenery, consider local outings and less touristy options.
3. The best reindeer experiences aren’t on TripAdvisor
Our favorite stay (at Kentura) wasn’t even listed on booking sites. Ask around, look for smaller family-run farms, or find places through blogs, social media, or locals.
If the website looks homemade and they don’t promise “authentic costumes and sleigh rides” that’s a good sign.
4. The local supermarkets are legit
K-Supermarket Rinteenkulma and Prisma are where it’s at! They have everything from thermal base layers, good coffee, cheap local snacks, hot and cold meals, and honestly, better souvenirs than half the shops downtown.
We grabbed all of our groceries here to save money instead of eating out constantly, plus it’s a great place to pick up some water to keep in your rental car if you’re driving around a lot.
5. Northern lights tours aren’t always worth it
If you’re staying outside the city, you might not need one. We saw the lights just by walking outside our cabin.
But if it’s cloudy where you are or you aren’t comfortable driving in extreme winter conditions, a local guide with a van and weather radar can be a game-changer. Don’t book in advance! Wait and see what the sky’s doing.
99% of the time, they have availability up until a couple of nights before! Besides, seeing the northern lights on your own is one of the best free things to do in Rovaniemi in winter.
6. Don’t underestimate how dark it gets
Even in February, it feels like dusk most of the day. Headlamps are super helpful, especially if you’re walking back to your cabin after dinner or snowshoeing in the afternoon.
Also, get cozy early. Nobody’s judging you for being in thermal pajamas under your winter coat while you stand outside in the snow looking up and waiting for the northern lights to pop out.
7. Sauna + polar plunge is not just for show
Saunas are the epitome of Finnish culture! Find a wood-fired sauna by a frozen lake (not a hotel spa), and jump in. It’s intense, exciting, and easily one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi in winter.
We did ours at WNTR Sauna by Kesarafla and it was 10x better than the fancy resorts!
8. Public bathrooms are heated and spotless
Just a nice surprise. Whether it’s at a gas station, grocery store, or museum, the bathrooms in Finland are super clean and warm. This is especially good news when you’ve had a little too much coffee and you’re driving around chasing snow light.
9. You don’t need a packed itinerary
Some of our best moments were unplanned like walking across a frozen lake at sunset or stumbling into a café while it was snowing sideways. Leave space in your day to slow down. Lapland isn’t about rushing from one thing to the next.
10. Expect prices to add up, but it’s worth it
Yes, Finland is expensive. Yes, you’ll probably spend more than you meant to. But if you choose a few meaningful experiences over trying to do it all, it feels totally worth it.
Focus on what excites you most and skip the rest (like the massively overpriced ice igloos at Apukka Resort!)
Rovaniemi Winter Packing List
Packing for winter in Lapland is all about layers, staying dry, and not forgetting the small stuff (forgetting hand warmers is a rookie move). Here’s everything we packed or wished we had on our February trip to Rovaniemi.
Essentials
- Passport + Copies – Always bring a digital and physical backup.
- Travel Insurance Info – Especially important in remote areas and for winter activities.
- Offline Maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) – Cell service can be spotty outside the city.
- Power Bank – Cold kills batteries fast, especially if you’re out chasing the northern lights.
- Reusable Thermos – Fill it with tea, coffee, or just melt some snow like a local.
- Snacks – Energy bars or trail mix for long drives or hikes. Grocery stores close early, so stock up!
- Headlamp or Flashlight – For walking around in the dark (which is most of the day).
- Adapter for European Outlets – Finland uses type C and F plugs, 230V.
Clothing
The key is layering. Think: base layer (thermal), mid-layer (fleece or wool), and outer layer (windproof and waterproof).
- Merino Wool Base Layers (top + bottom) – Skip cotton, it’ll make you cold. Just be sure to test your skin with 100% natural fibers like wool (I found out I was allergic when I broke out in hives!)
- Fleece or Wool Midlayer – A hoodie, thick sweater, or down vest works.
- Insulated Winter Jacket – Down or synthetic, rated to at least -20°C.
- Snow Pants or Insulated Trousers – Windproof is a must, and don’t forget thermal leggings.
- Wool/Winter Socks (x3+) – Bring extras. Wet feet are a day-ruiner.
- Waterproof Winter Boots – Insulated, tall enough for deep snow, and with good grip.
- Gloves or Mittens (plus liners) – I wore liners under my mittens every day that were touch screen sensitive which was great for photography.
- Warm Hat (that covers your ears) – Fleece-lined is ideal.
- Neck Gaiter or Balaclava – A pretty little scarf won’t cut it if there’s wind.
- Swimsuit – For sauna and polar plunge (you’ll regret not bringing it).
- Indoor Clothing – Cabins are well-heated, so bring leggings, slippers, or sweatpants for lounging.
Gear
- Microspikes or Ice Cleats – Total game-changer for icy sidewalks and trails.
- Hand & Toe Warmers – Bring several pairs. They’re very expensive up north.
- Camera + Tripod – For northern lights or those blue hour landscapes.
- Dry Bag or Ziplock Bags – Keep electronics and snacks safe in the snow.
- Backpack with Chest Strap – For day trips, snowshoeing, or hauling groceries.
- Snowshoes (optional) – Some accommodations provide them, but if not, you can rent them locally. There’s no need to bring these from home!
- Sunglasses – Bright snow + sun = snow blindness. Even in February.
FAQ
Is Rovaniemi worth visiting in winter?
Winter is actually the best time to visit Rovaniemi, so it’s undoubtedly worth visiting!
Particularly if you’re into snow, northern lights, saunas, or just experiencing winter in a totally different way, Rovaniemi is known as the capital of Finnish Lapland for a reason!
The city is more than just Santa Claus Village if you go beyond the touristy stuff. Just 10 minutes outside of town you’ll find quiet forests, frozen lakes, and some really memorable local experiences.
What is there to do in Rovaniemi in the winter?
Plenty! You can go snowshoeing, visit reindeer farms, chase the aurora, try a sauna and polar plunge, ski, eat good food, and drive around exploring.
If you’re into nature, it’s great. If you’re more into cozy cafés and cultural spots, it’s got that too.
How many days should I spend in Rovaniemi?
Many sites will suggest 3-5 days, but I actually think 3-4 days is the sweet spot. 5 days is a lot for a place that’s so small, so unless you plan on driving up to Inari, there won’t be enough to keep you occupied in that much time.
2 or 3 nights gives you enough time to settle in, catch a clear night for the northern lights, and try a few key experiences without feeling rushed.
If you’re staying outside of town or adding day trips, then you can consider staying longer, but I’d suggest keeping your plans flexible in case you run out of activities.
What do you wear in winter in Rovaniemi?
Layers, layers, layers! Base layer (wool or thermal), fleece or sweater mid-layer, and a waterproof, insulated jacket on top. Snow pants, wool socks, warm boots, gloves, a hat, and a neck gaiter are essentials.
Also, bring hand warmers–they save you on long outdoor days. You can download my full packing list in the packing section above!
Do you need snow boots for Rovaniemi?
Do not come to Rovaniemi in winter without a good pair of waterproof, insulated boots with solid grip! Sorry, but they’re absolutely essential.
We wore ours every single day, whether we were walking around town or hiking across frozen lakes. Bonus points if they’re tall enough to keep snow out when you’re trudging through fresh powder.
Can you see the northern lights in Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi is one of the best places in Lapland to see the northern lights! If you’re staying outside the city, just walk outside and look up.
Rovaniemi has relatively low light pollution compared to big cities, and your chances are good between November and March, especially on clear nights.
You can also use apps like Aurora Now or My Aurora Forecast to track visibility.
What’s the best month to visit Rovaniemi for snow and aurora?
Late February to early March is ideal. You’ll get solid snowpack, more daylight (about 8–10 hours), and still have a great chance at seeing the northern lights.
November through January are darker and colder, with only a few hours of light per day, so they’re peak aurora months, but you may not see as much snow earlier in the winter.
Are there polar bears in Rovaniemi?
There are no wild polar bears in Finland, including Rovaniemi.
You’ll find reindeer, foxes, hares, and maybe a moose if you’re lucky, but polar bears live much farther north in places like Svalbard, northern Canada, and parts of the Russian Arctic.
What is the difference between Lapland and Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland, or the top third of the country of Finland. Think of Lapland like a region (like a state or province), and Rovaniemi as the city in the middle of it.
So when people say they’re visiting Lapland, they might mean Rovaniemi, or they might be headed somewhere more remote like Inari, Saariselkä, or Levi.
Do they speak English in Rovaniemi?
Yes, almost everyone speaks excellent English at hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and even small shops. You’ll have zero issues communicating, and signs are usually in both Finnish and English.
That said, locals definitely appreciate it if you learn a word or two (like kiitos = thank you).
Is Santa Claus Village worth it?
It depends on your expectations, but we believe it’s nothing more than a culture-lacking, busy, overpriced tourist tap designed for families and children.
Sorry to be harsh, but many travelers typically agree after they visit!
But, if you go in knowing that, it’s still worth a quick visit. We went for the food, the market stalls, and to say we stood on the Arctic Circle line. Just don’t plan to spend your whole day there.
In fact, plan to spend no more than an hour there if touristy things aren’t really your style!
How far is Rovaniemi from the Arctic Circle?
The Arctic Circle literally runs through Rovaniemi! There’s a marked line right at Santa Claus Village. You can stand on it, take a photo, and even get a certificate saying you crossed it.
The city itself is just a few kilometers south of the exact line, but if you rent a car, you’ll cross it!
Rovaniemi surprised us in all the right ways. It has way more to offer than just Santa Claus and snowmobiles! It’s quiet mornings on frozen lakes, wood-fired saunas, reindeer herds moving through the trees, and the kind of stillness you don’t get in most places.
You can pack your days with activities, or slow down and just enjoy where you are. Either way, if you go in with the right expectations and a few layers, you’re in for a really memorable trip.
If you’re looking for real experiences, local insight, and a winter trip that goes beyond the surface, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Rovaniemi in winter that are absolutely worth it.
Up next, check out these other amazing post on Scandinavia including Is Tromsø Worth Visiting in Winter? and Sweden’s Abisko National Park winter guide!
