Where to stay in Rovaniemi with kids - hotels, apartments & igloos

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If you’re planning a family trip to Lapland, deciding where to stay in Rovaniemi with kids can make a big difference to how your trip unfolds. Some families choose central apartments so they can easily access restaurants, supermarkets and excursion pick-ups, while others prefer cosy cabins or glass igloos surrounded by snowy forests for a more magical Arctic experience. The good news is that Rovaniemi offers a great mix of accommodation options for families. From practical self-catering apartments and family-friendly hotels in the city centre, to unique stays like glass igloos and Arctic resorts – there’s something to suit almost every style of trip and budget.

During our own Lapland adventure we stayed in a central apartment, which worked brilliantly for getting around and keeping costs down, but there are lots of different options depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for. In this guide I’ve rounded up 15 of the best places to stay in Rovaniemi with kids, including apartments, hotels and a few bucket-list Arctic stays if you’re looking to make your trip extra special.

Where is the best area to stay in Rovaniemi with kids?

Rovaniemi isn’t a huge city, but choosing the right location for your accommodation can make a big difference to your trip. Most families will find it easiest to stay either in central Rovaniemi, near Ounasvaara, or around the Santa Claus Village / Arctic Circle area, depending on the type of experience they want. Staying in the city centre is usually the most practical option for families. Many excursions offer pick-ups from central hotels, and you’ll be within walking distance of shops, restaurants and supermarkets so you can avoid the hassle and expense of hiring a car. It’s also easy to reach Santa Claus Village and other attractions by bus or taxi.

The Ounasvaara area is a little quieter and surrounded by nature. It’s a great choice if you like the idea of being close to forests, ski trails and sledging hills. This area is perfect for some DIY aurora hunting and for families interested in skiing it offers a lot on your doorstep whilst still being just a short drive from the city centre. If you want a more immersive Lapland experience, you could stay near Santa Claus Village or the Arctic Circle, where many resorts and cabins are located. These options tend to be more expensive, but they offer magical surroundings and easy access to winter activities right outside your door. Having said that, for most families visiting Rovaniemi for the first time, staying in or near the city centre offers the best balance of convenience, value and access to excursions.

Where are the best places to stay in Rovaniemi with kids?

Best self-catering apartments in Rovaniemi with kids

Picking a self-catering apartment is a great option for an affordable base for your trip. Having your own kitchen facilities will help to keep costs down, as you can avoid eating out, and it’s handy to have plenty of space to spread out and rest in between excursions. Here are some great options for self-catering apartments in Rovaniemi:

1. Piriko Apartments

The Piriko Apartments are brilliantly located in the centre of Rovaniemi and they’re well equipped for a stress-family family stay. We were a two minute walk from shops and restaurants and public transport was easily accessible too. Check out my review of our stay in the 2 bedroom pent house at Piriko Apartments – it was the perfect base for our Lapland adventure and some apartments even come with saunas! They’d thought of everything – we had a fully equipped kitchen, towels, a washing machine, board games, toiletries, sledges and all sorts. The whole place was immaculately clean and it was in such a convenient location.

2. Royal Roi Apartments

Royal Roi Apartments are a great option for families staying in central Rovaniemi. Located just a short walk from shops, restaurants and the main city square, they make it really easy to explore the city without needing to hire a car. The apartments are modern and spacious, with separate bedrooms, a kitchen and even a private sauna, which is perfect for warming up after a long day out in the Arctic cold. For families wanting a comfortable base with plenty of space, they’re a really convenient place to stay.

3. Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets

The Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets are ideal if you want self-catering facilities, space and the option to get kids fed quickly without hunting for restaurants every night. The chalets are described as apartments with private saunas and fully equipped kitchens, which is perfect if you’re spending 3 nights or more in Lapland – you can feed the family on a budget. They are located close to the Ounasvaara ski area, so it can be a great base if you plan to do winter sports.

4. Forenom Serviced Apartments

Forenom Serviced Apartments are another practical option for families who want the flexibility of self-catering while staying in central Rovaniemi. These modern apartments are located close to shops, restaurants and public transport, making it easy to get around the city without needing to hire a car. The apartments typically include a kitchen, living space and multiple bedrooms, which gives families plenty of room to spread out after a busy day of excursions. They’re a simple, comfortable and often good-value choice for travel with kids.

5. Golden Circle Suites

Golden Circle Suites are stylish apartment-style suites located right in the centre of Rovaniemi, just a short walk from restaurants, shops and excursion pick-up points. The suites are spacious and designed with modern Lapland-inspired interiors, with separate living areas, kitchen facilities and private saunas in many rooms. For families who want the convenience of self-catering but with a slightly more boutique feel than a standard apartment, this is a lovely option for a comfortable stay in the city.

Best family-friendly hotels in Rovaniemi

The family-friendly hotels in Rovaniemi can be a great option too – there are typically bed and breakfast or half-board options available which can make things easier if you’re only staying for a short amount of time and would prefer not to cook. Some of the hotels below also have additional facilities and activities on offer that work well for a family stay, and I’ve picked places to suit a range of budgets.

1. SantaSport Resort

Located in the Ounasvaara area just a few minutes from Rovaniemi city centre, the SantaSport Resort is a great base for active kids – it offers an easy and practical place to stay with plenty to do. You can choose from hotel rooms or family apartments and there are lots of amenities on-site including: a swimming pool, a bowling alley, an indoor fun park, kids’ activities, a restaurant and a spa. It’s position also offers direct access to outdoor trails around Ounasvaara – perfect for sledging and aurora hunting. For families who want comfort, convenience and activities all under one roof it’s one of the most stress-free places to stay in Rovaniemi with kids.

2. Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus

Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus is a popular hotel right in the centre of Rovaniemi, just a short walk from Lordi Square, restaurants and the main shopping streets. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, making it a convenient base for families exploring the area, and many excursions offer pick-ups nearby. One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the central location, which makes it easy to get around the city and access buses or transfers to places like Santa Claus Village without needing a car.

3. Hostel Café Koti

Ideal for families who want to keep costs down while staying centrally, Hostel Café Koti offers a budget-friendly accommodation option in the centre of Rovaniemi. It’s not just dorms – they also offer private rooms with their own bathrooms including family rooms. They have shared facilities like a kitchen and sauna access for guests, which can make it feel much more family-friendly than you’d expect from the word “hostel” and the café on-site is a handy extra for guests too.

4. Arctic City Hotel

Arctic City Hotel is a comfortable four-star hotel located right in the centre of Rovaniemi, just a short walk from Lordi Square, shops and restaurants. Its central location makes it a convenient base for families, with many excursions and tour pick-ups nearby and easy access to places like Santa Claus Village. The hotel offers modern rooms, a popular buffet breakfast and even traditional Finnish saunas, making it a warm and practical place to return to after a day out in the Arctic.

5. Arctic Light Hotel

Arctic Light Hotel is one of the most highly rated hotels in Rovaniemi and offers a slightly more boutique-style stay right in the centre of the city. Located close to Lordi Square, shops and restaurants, it’s a convenient base for families with many excursions offering pick-ups nearby. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, and the hotel is particularly well known for its excellent breakfast. While it can be a little more expensive than some other city hotels, it can be a lovely option if you’re looking for a something a little bit special in the city centre.

Best unique places to stay in Rovaniemi with kids

The next options are for trips with bigger budgets – perhaps doable for a short stay or a special treat. A few are located on the site of popular attractions like Santa Claus Village and Lapland Winter Park, making them very convenient for your activities, and others offer the total wow factor. With igloo style accommodation options, Northern Lights viewing glass and also some more remote locations – these are some of the pricier places to stay in Rovaniemi with kids if you’re after a bit of a wow factor.

1. Santa Claus Village

For an easy base that works well for families with children, Santa Claus Holiday Village is a convenient option – you can walk straight out of your cabin to the main festive attractions within minutes. It’s particularly handy for families with young kids who need warm-up breaks or naps, and for those booking a short stay in Rovaniemi. There are restaurants and cafés plus easy access to winter activities departing from the Arctic Circle area – things like reindeer sleigh rides and husky trips.

On the same site, at Santa Claus Village, you can also go for a more luxurious stay at Santa’s Igloos Arctic Hotel. Just steps from the village, these igloo cabins offer fantastic views of the Arctic skies and the nearby restaurant is perfect for easy dining during your trip. With all the activities on your doorstep this could be a fabulous option for families with a bigger budget. With either accommodation, Santa Claus Village isn’t the cheapest place to stay with the kids (especially in peak December weeks) but it does offer stress-free base for short trips to Rovaniemi.

2. Lapland Winter Park Chalets

You can also stay overnight at Lapland Winter Park, which is a great option if you want a quieter Lapland experience surrounded by nature – though it can be expensive. The accommodation is set within the snowy forest near the park, giving you direct access to the winter landscape. Staying on-site means you can enjoy the park at a slower pace, with easy access to the activities during the day and a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights above the forest in the evening. For families who want a more immersive Lapland stay away from the busier tourist areas it’s a great option, plus it includes daily entrance tickets to the park with sledging, ice-skating, cross-country skiing, reindeers and more! We had a fabulous day trip to Lapland Winter Park.

3. Apukka Resort

The Apukka Resort is a bit outside of the city, and that’s the whole point. It is aimed at people who want to be closer to nature and away from light pollution, with family-sized glass igloo style accommodation available. If your dream is a quieter resort-style stay where you can hopefully spot the Northern Lights from your accommodation, this is the sort of place that fits the brief. The resort offers lots of bookable excursions, like snowmobiling and husky rides, so it’s a convenient base for enjoying your Lapland adventures – though it can be pretty pricey!

4. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos

Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos is one of the most unique places to stay near Rovaniemi, offering families a truly memorable Lapland experience. Located around 30 minutes from the city centre in a peaceful forest setting, the resort features heated glass igloos where you can lie in bed and look up at the night sky, with a chance of spotting the Northern Lights on a clear evening. There’s also the seasonal SnowHotel, built entirely from snow and ice each winter, along with an ice restaurant and winter activities. It’s definitely a bigger-budget stay, but for families wanting a magical Arctic experience it’s hard to beat.

5. Nova Skyland Hotel

Nova Skyland Hotel is a beautiful boutique-style hotel located right beside Santa Claus Village, making it a magical place to stay with kids. The accommodation consists of stylish Scandinavian cabins and suites set among the forest, many with large windows, private saunas and cosy living areas. Family cottages sleep several guests, so there’s plenty of space to relax after a busy day of Lapland adventures. Staying here means you’re just a short walk from the attractions at Santa Claus Village while still enjoying a peaceful setting surrounded by nature.

Glass igloo stays in Rovaniemi

One of the most famous bucket-list experiences in Lapland is staying in a glass igloo where you can watch the Northern Lights from your bed. Several resorts near Rovaniemi offer this style of accommodation, with heated glass roofs designed for viewing the night sky while staying warm inside – I’ve mentioned a couple of them above. Options such as the Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos and the Apukka Resort are popular choices for families wanting a memorable Arctic stay. While these experiences are usually more expensive than apartments or city hotels, they can be an unforgettable part of a Lapland adventure. One key question people often wonder is – are glass igloos suitable for families? Many are, but it depends on the room type and how many beds there are. Some glass igloo options are designed specifically for families and groups, so it’s worth checking the maximum occupancy and layout before booking.

Do we need a hotel with a sauna?

With kids, a sauna can be a genuine win because it helps everyone warm up quickly after outdoor activities. Many Lapland accommodations include private saunas in rooms, suites or apartments, especially around Ounasvaara and the Arctic Circle area. Having said that, our apartment was super warm (Piriko Apartments) – plus everywhere seems to be so well heated in Rovaniemi. It’s typically boiling hot in the shops, on the buses and in the restaurants so it’s easy to warm up either way. We didn’t have a sauna and we didn’t miss it but it could be a nice addition – especially for visits over really cold periods. Our stay was in early March so the temperatures were only just below zero.

Are apartments or hotels better in Lapland with kids?

Apartments and chalets are often easier for families because you get more space to spread out and a kitchen – being able to prepare simple meals is handy when you’re travelling with kids and it can help to keep costs down. Hotels can be a more stress-free if you don’t want to cook at all and prefer everything handled for you – you might be able to find half-board options to make things really simple and it’ll make it easier to stick to your budget.

When’s the best time to visit Lapland with kids?

If your family’s dream is snow, sledding and meeting Santa in a proper winter setting, December through to March is the most reliable window – often in November there just isn’t enough snow so booking too early in the season can be a risk. If budget matters and you still want snow, January and March can offer better value (and less crowds) than peak December. However, the temperature in January can drop as low as -30°C which can lead to cancelled excursions and intolerable outside conditions. If you want to avoid the extreme cold, late February – early March offers the perfect blend between snow and more manageable temperatures. By this time, there’s also a greater amount of daylight which is preferable for enjoying the activities and excursions on offer and it’s a fabulous time to see the Northern Lights. We visited the first week of March and the temperature was between -3°C and 0°C which was really pleasant.

Where is Rovaniemi and do I need a car to get around?

Rovaniemi is located in northern Finland, just south of the Arctic Circle, and it’s the capital of Finnish Lapland. It’s easily reached by plane – our flight from London Gatwick to Rovaniemi was about 3.5 hours and there are plenty of flight providers to choose from. (We booked through Easy Jet.) You don’t need a car to get around if you are staying centrally, as Rovaniemi city centre is compact and very walkable. You can use local buses, Ubers and taxis to get to and from the airport and to visit key attractions such as Santa Claus Village and Lapland Winter Park. Most of the popular winter activities also include transport – you’ll hop on their shuttle buses from the city centre. Rovaniemi is a really easy place to stay without driving.

What are the best things to do in Rovaniemi with kids?

One of the highlights of a Lapland trip is trying some of the classic Arctic activities – which is why a DIY break works well – you can cater your itinerary to the ages and interests of your kids. Husky sledding is one of the most popular excursions and gives you the chance to ride through snowy forests pulled by a team of energetic huskies. Reindeer sleigh rides are a gentler experience that might be better with little ones, whilst snowmobile safaris are another favourite – allowing families to explore frozen rivers and forest trails. (Definitely a hit with teens – my two loved it!) Many families also enjoy ice-karting, which takes place on specially prepared ice tracks during the winter months and you can also have a go at skiing and cross-country skiing in Rovaniemi too.

When it comes to the local attractions, most families will want to pay a visit to Santa Claus Village – particularly those with younger children who want to see Santa or play in Snowman World. For a full day of fun with winter sports, sledging, reindeer feeds, ice-skating and all sorts Lapland Winter Park really delivers – that was my favourite day on our trip. For an indoor Santa visit you could head to SantaPark and there are plenty of other attractions that open for the festive season in particular. Although the excursions are likely to be the most expensive part of your trip, they are what makes a Lapland visit so special and memorable so be sure to budget for some activities. Most excursions can be booked easily through Get Your Guide – I simply planned out what we wanted to do and booked it all on there for ease. If you’re still deciding on what to do – check out this article: The 15 best things to do in Rovaniemi with kids.

Planning a DIY Lapland trip

Rovaniemi works well for families because it blends organised Arctic experiences with simple outdoor fun. You can balance bigger paid activities, such as husky rides or snowmobiling, with free experiences like sledding, forest walks and exploring Santa Claus Village. Rovaniemi is conveniently located just a short transfer from the airport and it’s a well set up tourist city with shops, restaurants and public transport links to make it easy to get what you need and get around. I hope that this article has helped you to find where to stay in Rovaniemi – there are a range of fabulous options that are budget-friendly and practical with kids, warm and cosy, or offering wow factor like the glass igloos. A DIY trip is definitely the best way to make your Rovaniemi adventure as fabulous as possible. Check out some of my other Lapland articles to help you to plan your perfect break: