1. Apukka Resort

In all honesty, the stunning Apukka Resort needs little introduction.

Easily one of the best-known hotels in Rovaniemi, Apukka Resort is a superb Arctic retreat that feels entirely immersed in Lapland’s captivating natural scenery.

Charming, spacious, and unlike anywhere in Lapland, this resort effortlessly combines comfort, luxury and adventure, with a hands-on personal approach that is simply put, hard to rival.

With eight distinctive accommodation options, two exceptional in-house restaurants, and all activities right there on site – husky rides, snowmobile tours, and cold plunges, among others, Apukka is truly one of the most convenient bases for your Arctic adventure.

During my time at Apukka, I was fortunate to spend time in the Kammi Igloo, a fascinating two-story igloo complete with a glass dome to admire the Northern Lights from your bed. It also had a spacious living room to rest and recharge, as well as all the modern amenities for cosy evenings indoors.   

Beyond the Kammi Igloo, Apukka offers a wide range of unique stays, each designed with comfort and Northern Lights viewing in mind. There’s something for everyone here, from Aurora Cabins to Lakeview Suites to their private Villa Apukka.

Another great thing is that all essential winter gear is provided to keep you warm during your outdoor activities, including thermal overalls, winter boots, warm woollen socks and mittens.

From the friendly staff to the personal approach, the wonderful food offerings, to the outstanding activities and experiences, Apukka Resort deserves all the praise.

2. Vaattunki Wilderness Resort

This magnificent boutique-style resort has recently been reimagined, offering the perfect balance between elevated luxury, modern-day comfort, and raw natural charm.

Nestled on the edge of the Raudanjoki River and encircled by dense forests and frozen lakes, Vaattunki Wilderness Resort feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, making it the type of getaway travellers picture when planning a trip to Lapland.

Here, you can choose between intimate Panorama Huts, traditional Arctic Deluxe Log Cabins, spacious Riverside Suites, and iconic Aurora Cabin Igloos, each defined by a distinctive character and an ever-present touch of Nordic elegance.

The interiors are downright gorgeous, and it’s easy to notice that every element is thoughtful and carefully considered, from the raw natural materials and clean, minimalist Nordic design to the warm lighting and cosy finishing touches. 

Dining is a true delight, with Niva Restaurant serving up traditional yet refined Lappish cuisine guided by one particular principle: the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Its setting is equally impressive, framed by large floor-to-ceiling windows and cosy fireplaces, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.

For outdoor activities, Safartica, one of Lapland’s leading providers, offers a wide range of bucket-list experiences from Vaattunki, including husky rides, Northern Lights pursuits, and snowmobiling, to name but a few.

While Vaattunki itself is already quiet and intimate, one thing I truly appreciated was the fact that you’re never too far from nature, with lots of trails starting at the resort grounds, guiding you straight into the astonishing Lappish wilderness.

3. Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos

As someone who enjoys discovering hotels and experiences that are not all too common, the Arctic SnowHotel and its rooms sculpted entirely out of snow are a welcoming find.

Built from scratch every season, the Arctic SnowHotel is where Lapland’s cold weather and a high level of craftsmanship come together, resulting in an unparalleled once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The rooms are truly beautiful, kept at a steady minus 5°C, while intricate sculptures carved into the thick snow walls create the feeling of spending the night in an art gallery.

For the night, guests are provided with a thermal sleeping bag designed for extreme conditions, allowing for a surprisingly comfortable night’s sleep. If you’re cold or uncomfortable during the night, rest assured and retreat to the Snowhotel lounge, where a warm sleeping area awaits.

Those who prefer to keep warm during the night could opt for one of their glass igloos instead.

Beyond the hotel, all the traditional activities can be organised, including snowmobile tours, husky rides, and Northern Lights hunts.

To me, however, the real draw lies in the more unique experiences; think ice sculpting, a snow sauna, and an iconic restaurant built entirely out of ice.

4. Glass Resort

Elegant, refined, and marked by stylish Nordic craftsmanship, Glass Resort is undeniably one of the most luxurious hotels in Rovaniemi. 

Situated just a stone’s throw away from Santa Claus Village, this family-owned boutique hotel, or better said, resort, is pushing the boundaries when it comes to architectural expression, combining minimal design with natural materials, soft tones, and carefully considered details.

As a result, each apartment feels unique, blending in effortlessly with its Arctic surroundings.

With just two apartment types, alongside a premium lodge for larger groups, you can’t go wrong here, whether you opt for the Deluxe Glass Apartment or the Premium Glass Apartment.

You see, each unit features elevated Nordic design, complete with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall and glass ceiling, an elegant and modern interior, a private sauna, and an outdoor hot tub.

Dining is served in their in-house restaurant, Gallis, where classic French cuisine meets local ingredients, resulting in carefully prepared dishes defined by pure, honest flavours.

Activities are provided by a selection of Glass Resort’s trusted local partners and can be arranged with their friendly and accommodating team.

So, if sophisticated architecture, sublime comfort, Arctic intimacy and a truly personal experience are something you’re after, Glass Resort is for you.

5. Arctic TreeHouse

Another standout choice, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel strikes a unique balance between Lapland’s untamed wilderness, quiet luxury, and an elevated level of comfort.  

Set on a densely forested hillside, with elevated suites offering uninterrupted views across the wintry landscape, this design-led hotel blends seamlessly into its surroundings.

As someone fond of minimalist design, I truly admire the Nordic aesthetic that defines the suites at Arctic TreeHouse, reflecting a cabin-in-the-woods atmosphere that is both authentic and elegant.

Suites are spacious yet intentionally simple, with warm, natural materials, light tones, and a panoramic floor-to-ceiling window that brings the surrounding snow-capped forest indoors.

At Rakas Restaurant, the interiors and atmosphere are equally sophisticated. Here, each dish is thoughtfully prepared, using local ingredients to highlight the pure, refined flavours of the Arctic.

As with most premium hotels in Rovaniemi, Arctic TreeHouse works with local partners to present guests with a range of Arctic activities.

Whether you wish to try Arctic floating, go on a thrilling husky safari, or glide through the wintry wilderness on a snowmobile, there is no shortage of unforgettable experiences to choose from.

1. Do an Arctic cold plunge and then warm up in the sauna

For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by the cold.

Whether it was a cold plunge in the North Sea in the midst of winter in my hometown, Den Helder, a cold shower in Kazakhstan (not entirely by choice, I might add), or an ice bath in Valencia, it just felt right!

So when I heard about the Arctic cold plunge experience at the stunning Apukka Resort, it truly felt like I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conquer the cold exposure final boss.

You see, taking a cold plunge in the Arctic waters of Lake Olkka, followed by a traditional wood-fired sauna, is as invigorating as it is challenging – a combination that not only pushes you out of your comfort zone, but also leaves you feeling reborn and full of energy.

Deeply rooted in Finnish culture, this stimulating method of cold and hot therapy is not exactly for the faint of heart, but once you get the hang of it, it’s an experience you won’t easily forget.

So take it from me: when in Finland, do as the Finns do.

2. Chase and admire the Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis

As with so many things in nature, seeing the magic of an Aurora Borealis is not a guarantee.

Therefore, I am super grateful that fate was on my side.

Marked by a unique set of circumstances, the Northern Lights, commonly known as Aurora Borealis, are truly special, with bright colours of blue, green, purple and occasionally red dancing across the dark Arctic sky.

Thanks to Lapland’s high latitude, vast wilderness, and low light pollution, it is deemed one of the world’s best places to witness this mind-boggling natural spectacle.

But even if you don’t have the fortune of seeing the Northern Lights, there’s just something magical and exciting about chasing them in the middle of the cold night.

You see, it almost feels like playing a childhood treasure hunt, which is both enjoyable and nostalgic – even more so if you ultimately catch a glimpse of this bizarre play of nature.

Generally speaking, the Aurora Borealis is best seen from December to March. I visited Lapland in March, and witnessed it on three of my five nights there.

3. Take an adventurous husky ride

In all honesty, can you truly say that you’ve been to Lapland if you haven’t glided through the wintry forest behind a gang of enthusiastic huskies? 

I don’t think so.

A true Lapland classic, exploring the Lappish forests as part of a husky safari is a great way to get an understanding of the region and its traditions. But it’s also much more than a tradition – in fact, it’s a method of transportation that has been utilised for centuries.

Nowadays, it has become one of the most sought-after experiences in Lapland, and after learning how to steer the sledge and cruising through the untamed wilderness myself, it is easy to understand why; it’s simply such an iconic experience. 

What’s probably even more exciting is that afterwards, you visit the farm to pet the puppies, which is an experience in its own right, and easily one of the best things to do in Lapland.

All in all, this traveller’s favourite perfectly captures the essence of Lapland, combining adventure, tradition, and the untouched beauty of the Arctic Circle.

4. Spent the night in a stunning glass igloo

No matter the destination, I always make it my highest priority to find unique accommodation when travelling. Lapland was no different.

With a high chance of Aurora Borealis appearing during the long Arctic night, the option of choice was, of course, an igloo with a glass dome.

Almost a destination on its own, Lapland’s glass igloos are as iconic as they are enchanting.

You see, lying warm and cosy in your bed all whilst the snow gently lingers outside, and the chance that the Northern Lights could illuminate the dark sky at any given moment is truly something special, and exactly why travellers flock to the cold Arctic in the first place.

During my trip to Lapland, I spent time in the Kammi Igloo at Apukka Resort and the Aurora Cabin Igloo at Vaattunki Wilderness Resort, and I was fortunate to witness the Northern Lights during both stays.

Besides the glass dome that allows you to experience the Northern Lights from your bed, these igloos are designed for absolute comfort, offering the perfect retreat from the cold Arctic weather. For me, the contrast between outdoor adventures and cosy moments indoors made my trip even more remarkable.

Not unsurprisingly, staying in a glass Igloo has become one of the best things to do in Lapland, and with Rovaniemi being one of Europe’s most famous winter destinations, booking in advance is highly recommended.

5. Enjoy a hearty and honest Lappish dinner

While relatively simple, Lappish cuisine is rather intriguing, as it’s made around pure, high-quality, local produce that suits the severe Arctic climate.

As someone who follows a carnivore diet (red meats, fruits, eggs, and honey), it was a delight discovering that the Lappish have dietary habits that resonate with my own.

Hearty, honest and healthy, Lappish cuisine is more about the ingredients than the aesthetics, and is often prepared in a way that lets the natural ingredients and flavours speak.

I tried the traditional poronkäristys, a plain yet flavourful dish based around sautéed reindeer, mashed potatoes, lingonberries and arguably the best pickles I’ve ever eaten.

Other ingredients commonly used reflect the region’s natural surroundings, as well as the seasonal availability; think Arctic char and salmon, reindeer and lamb meat, wild berries like lingonberries, cloudberries, and blueberries, as well as foraged mushrooms and root vegetables.

6. Cruise around the Lappish wilderness on a snowmobile

You probably already know, but just to be sure, the vast wilderness of Lapland is breathtaking.

The thing is, these remote landscapes are as serene as they are wild, and the freedom to explore them on a snowmobile is phenomenal, so much so that it is considered one of the best things to do in Lapland.

As you cruise through snow-covered forests, you quickly realise how untouched and magical this part of the world is, with Lapland’s surreal scenery revealing its appeal at just about every turn.

More about Lapland’s stunning landscape and scenery, don’t expect to become a speed demon when doing a snowmobile tour (I had my hopes up for this), as your snowmobile’s speed is most likely regulated, allowing for a maximum speed of 30 km/h at full throttle. 

​​If you’d like to take it up a notch in terms of adventure, opt for a night snowmobile safari, where you’ll cruise through the nightveiled wilderness under the dark Arctic sky in pursuit of the Northern Lights. 

7. Spent a night in the Arctic SnowHotel

Assuming you’re visiting Lapland to pursue unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the Arctic SnowHotel should definitely be on your radar.

Built entirely from snow and ice, the hotel rooms are a frozen work of art, with each room marked by elaborate sculptures carefully carved out of thick layers of snow by local artists.

Inside, temperatures remain steady at -5 degrees, and guests are provided with thermal sleeping bags designed for extreme conditions, allowing for a surprisingly comfortable night’s sleep.

While each room has power outlets, it’s a good idea to opt for their wake-up service and leave your electronics in the designated lockers; they also have a watcher observing the Northern Lights, so you don’t have to stay awake.

Those who feel hesitant to spend a night in the cold could opt for a visit during the day, when the hotel doubles as a museum, which, given the immense beauty of the ice sculptures, is absolutely worth your while. 

Beyond the hotel, the ice restaurant is equally impressive, offering a unique three-course dining experience in a stunning ice cave, surrounded by sculptures and an intimate atmosphere.

8. Visit a reindeer farm

Did you know that Finnish Lapland is home to roughly 200,000 Reindeer? Me neither.

What’s even more fascinating is the fact that they outnumber the number of people who live in the popular region by approximately 20,000.

For centuries, the Sámi people, an Indigenous tribe of the Arctic regions of Lapland, have lived in close harmony with nature, with the herding of reindeer at the heart of their way of life.

What remains today is a deeply rooted tradition that continues to represent the region’s rich culture and distinctive identity, one which visitors can still experience firsthand.

You see, visiting a reindeer farm offers a unique glimpse into one of Europe’s oldest traditions, while also providing a deeper understanding of reindeer farming. 

The absolute highlight is a reindeer sleigh ride, where you glide slowly through snow-covered forests, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience, all while surrounded by nothing but silence and untouched nature.