Have you ever looked at some pictures of remote and breathtaking landscapes on your laptop and asked yourself, where they were taken? Well, you might be surprised to find that most of them can be seen in Lapland! Dubbed as Finland’s best-kept secret, the region is the home of the Midnight Sun in summer and the gorgeous Northern Lights in winter. It’s also a great place for those who like outdoor activities, nature photography, or want to learn more about Sami culture. So sit back and pay close attention, because we’re going to discuss some of the best hotels in Lapland, Finland!
Where to Stay in Lapland
While it’s not the first name that comes to mind when thinking about vacations, there are actually lots of interesting things to do in Lapland. Finland’s largest region offers many unique experiences, from seeing reindeer crossing the road, admiring natural wonders, or simply relaxing in an authentic wooden cabin. You just have to find the right neighborhood to stay in.
One of the most popular among tourists is Rovaniemi. It’s home to Santa Claus Village, one of the city’s most famous attractions. It’s no wonder the area is often nicknamed the ‘Christmas city’ since the atmosphere here feels like that time of the year every day! If you plan to travel to Finland with your family, look for hotels around here.
For both skiing and winter sports enthusiasts, Saariselka is the place to go. Furthermore, this location is also known as the best place to see the Northern Lights and igloo holiday villages (where you’ll find some of the 11 Best Igloo Hotels In Lapland. You can also find forest-covered mountains around Urho Kekkonen National Park. Need a little relaxation? Stop by one of the local saunas or steam baths.
If you want to learn more about the amazing Sami culture, head over to Inari. There you’ll find the Siida Museum and the only school in Finland that teaches the Sami language. Apart from that, there are some natural wonders such as Ukko Island and Lake Inari.
So have you decided to choose one of the hotels in Lapland Finland? If not, there’s no need to worry. Our list of recommendations below may help. Let’s check it out!
Design Hotel Levi
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Staying at Design Hotel Levi promises a lot of fun, as they have many leisure facilities. This five-star property provides all-year indoor and outdoor pools, plus ski-to-door access. Meanwhile, their rooms come with free WiFi access and impressive views of the mountains.
Keep your coffee gadgets and accessories for travel at home, because Hotel Levi also provides a coffee maker in every room. If you need to host a few guests or welcome friends, there’s a sitting area available. We also recommend packing light when staying here, as there’s already a private bathroom with free toiletries.
Don’t wake up late, because you definitely don’t want to miss breakfast here. Apart from a buffet menu, their on-site restaurant also serves Lappish and Finnish menus daily. But if you prefer something else, vegetarian and continental dishes are also available.
As with most of the best hotels in Lapland Finland, there are lots of interesting activities to do around Design Hotel Levi. You can go skiing or visit their spa treatment center. For local attractions, Mary’s Chapel is only 500 meters away, while the Peak Lapland Viewing Deck is only about 3.7 miles away.
Holiday Club Saariselka
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Saariselka is one of Lapland’s top districts for those who want to admire Finland’s natural wonders or go skiing the exotic slopes. One of the decent places to stay that you can find in this area is the Holiday Club Saariselka. This four-star property is close to some of the best skiing and hiking trails around. They also have leisure facilities such as a sauna, hot tub, and indoor pool. All three will be perfect to unwind, after a day of exploring the nature around Lapland.
When it comes to room amenities, you’ll get a flat-screen TV and bathrobes. Just like most of the best hotels in Lapland Finland, free internet is also available in all areas, although you have to settle for a wired connection. Meanwhile, a breakfast buffet is available at Restaurant Rakka, which also serves pizza, burgers, and some traditional Lapland dishes. We recommend giving it a try if you’re curious about authentic local cuisine.
If you’re not in the mood for skiing or hiking, visiting Urho Kekkonen National Park isn’t a bad idea. Only 20 minutes drive from the hotel, you can see a protected area of 985 sq mi or one of the largest in Finland. For those who really like outdoor activities, visiting here is a must.
Santa’s Hotel Tunturi
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Being near nature or greenery while on vacation will be good to refresh your mind and soul. Give yourself a break from a busy life or a tedious routine. For that reason, we recommend staying at Santa’s Hotel Tunturi. A 30-minute drive from Ivalo Airport, this four-star property is located right next to Urho Kekkonen National Park. Enjoy the best natural wonders that Lapland has to offer, with a peaceful atmosphere that you would hardly find in an urban area.
The rooms at Santa’s Hotel Tunturi are spread across six different buildings. Each comes with satellite TV, soft bed, wardrobe, and coffee/tea maker. For extra convenience, we recommend making reservations in advance as only a few rooms feature a private balcony and sauna. Those who come here to ski will be glad to know that the hotel has provided a ski maintenance room with a drying cupboard.
When the weather isn’t favorable and you have to stay inside, there’s no need to worry because the hotel has thought about how to keep guests entertained. They have a room with billiards and darts and board games. It should be great to spend a few hours with friends and fellow travelers alike.
The hotel isn’t far from the ski slopes of Kaunispaa and Iisakkipaa. But if you want something more exciting, the hotel can arrange snowmobile safaris, snowshoe hikes, or even reindeer sleigh rides! Make your time here the best Christmas holiday you’ve ever had.
Hotel Hullu Poro
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Here comes another ski friendly hotel in Finland. Rated four-star, Hotel Hullu Poro is right in the heart of Levi Ski Resort. If you need supplies or anything else, the village center of Sirkka is only a five-minute walk from here. The hotel itself offers free WiFi and a wide range of leisure and relaxation facilities.
Speaking of rooms, everything is decorated in a rustic style. You’ll find wooden furnishings and some standard amenities such as a TV, chairs, tables, and soft beds, just like most of the best hotels in Lapland Finland. However, we recommend contacting local staff in advance, as only a few of their rooms have private saunas.
As we mentioned earlier, this hotel is perfect for those who come to Lapland to ski. Several high-quality slopes and cross country ski trails can be found easily around here. And when you’re done with all that intense outdoor activity, relax for a moment in one of the two sauna areas provided by the hotel. If you want, you can also try some of the hotel’s body treatments in the wellness area.
For those who have just landed in Lapland, Hotel Hullu Pro is also ideal as it’s only a 20-minute drive from the nearest airport, Kittila. For an additional fee, you can even request a shuttle service from the hotel. Talk about convenience!
Hotel Aakenus
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Don’t you wonder where Santa Claus lives? Well, the answer is Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland which is also the official hometown of Santa Claus in the arctic circle! Seriously. And if you’re curious about what it’s like to live around here, stay at Hotel Aakenus.
This four-star property is only about 450 meters from the center of Rovaniemi. Speaking of lodging facilities, apart from being spacious, the rooms here come with a work desk, a small fridge, a kettle, and a hairdryer. In case you need your pants to be perfectly straight, ironing facilities can be borrowed at the reception. Meanwhile, for those who need extra comfort, we recommend ordering a more spacious room since it is equipped with a microwave, stove, and coffee maker.
For dining, there’s no need to worry because Hotel Aakenus provides breakfast and dinner. Daily breakfast with a buffet menu is available every morning, while dinner is available between 6 pm and 9 pm. Need some light refreshment after spending a day touring the village? Go straight to the Lobby Bar.
Coming back to Santa Claus, a five-minute drive from here will take you to Santa Claus Village Amusement Park. First opened on November 28, 1998, you can meet real Santa Claus in his iconic cavern here! Also, make sure not to forget to stop by Mrs. Gingerbread’s bakery and see Ice Princess at the Ice Gallery.
Kultahippu Hotel & Apartments
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Enjoy the natural beauty of rarely untouched Finland, as Kultahippu Hotel & Apartments is located along the Ivalo River. Don’t hesitate to drive your private vehicle here, because the hotel provides free parking. If you’ve been traveling for hours, stop by for a moment at the hotel’s spa and sauna facilities to rejuvenate your body. After that, you’ll be ready to explore the city or find yourself a good night’s rest.
Speaking of which, the rooms at this four-star accommodation come with a flat-screen TV, work desk, and a private bathroom, complete with a shower and hairdryer. If you want a more private relaxing time while traveling in Lapland, there are some rooms that feature its own sauna. Need help with luggage storage or room service? Just contact the local English and Finnish speaking staff, they’ll always be nice and ready to help. Oh, and like most hotels in Lapland Finland, this property also provides free WiFi throughout.
To keep you entertained, the hotel holds karaoke every Friday and Saturday. They can also help you organize various interesting activities such as aurora trips, husky safaris, reindeer safaris, or even fishing on Inari Lake. But if you prefer to explore on your own, Ivalo Bus Station is only a 10-minute walk away from here.
Arctic City Hotel
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Located in the center of Rovaniemi, the Arctic City Hotel will be the perfect base to start your adventure in the capital city of Lapland. Just a few kilometers from here you’ll find some of the top attractions such as the Arctic Circle and Santa Claus Village. Meanwhile, for those who like shopping, the main area is right next to the hotel. Interested in an aurora trip, reindeer safari, or fishing? Worry not, as you will find many providers within a few steps away.
Speaking of facilities, Arctic City Hotel provides free parking and two saunas for guests. Meanwhile, their rooms come with a minibar, flat-screen TV, black-stained wall mirrors, and free WiFi. For those who want to stay productive while traveling, a work desk is also available. And just like most hotels in Lapland Finland, the room service is also available here.
Buffet breakfast is provided at the in-house restaurant, Monte Rosa, every morning. We highly recommend stopping here as they also serve international and Lappish specialties. For a few cocktails or beers, go straight to the Bull Bar & Grill. Enjoy your favorite drink while mingling with the locals. Ask about what not to miss around here. Who knows, you might get some of the best vacation insights!
Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets
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Whether it’s for skiing, fun, or clearing your mind, Lapland Hotel Ounasvaara Chalets is the place to be. Situated on the banks of the scenic Kemjoki River, this four-star property isn’t far from the local ski center and golf park. Meanwhile, to get to the city center, it only takes about five minutes’ drive. If you’re looking for some unique experiences, wilderness, and downtown vibes, we can’t recommend this enough!
When it comes to facilities, this hotel is really serious about ensuring the comfort of each guest. Their rooms feature private terraces and come with flat-screen TVs, soft beds, desks, and private bathrooms. As with most hotels in Lapland Finland, free WiFi throughout and free parking is also available. For leisure facilities, the hotel, previously known as Ounasvaaran Pirtit, offers shared barbecue facilities and a number of apartments with private saunas.
We also highly recommend dropping by the Rantasauna Restaurant. This hotel-owned dining venue is set on the shore of a lake and offers a variety of delicious grills. As their unique name suggests, they also provide traditional wood-heated sauna services here. If you want to do something very Finnish in Lapland, this is it!
For local attractions, one that we recommend is Santa Claus Village, which is only a 10-minute drive away. If you’re not too sure, sign up for the City Sightseeing and Santa Village Guided Tour. Accompanied by a professional guide, you’re guaranteed not to miss anything of the best that Lapland has to offer.
Hotelli Toivola
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Located near the center of Kemi, Hotel Toivola is great for those traveling in large groups. This family-run accommodation can help arrange private rooms on the lakeside if you need it. They also have an amazing sauna facility here, which is absolutely perfect for unwinding after tiring hours of traveling or a long day exploring around the village. If you need anything else, feel free to contact the local staff. To quote their motto, ‘For us, this is not a job, this is a way of life!’.
As for the facilities, this four-star hotel offers a bar, shared lounge, garden, and family rooms with private terraces. For your culinary needs, buffet breakfast and continental menus are available in the lobby. But if you decide to take matters into your own hands, there’s a shared kitchen where you can simply make toast or tea/coffee.
If you don’t mind driving long distances, we recommend visiting Tornio. The municipality of Lapland is about 17 miles away and home to several must-sees such as the Orthodox Church, Porthan’s School, and the Torne River. For a closer alternative, you can go skiing or try the golf course around the hotel.
Arctic Light Hotel
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This boutique-style accommodation is fairly close to Rovaniemi Airport and the popular attractions of Santa Claus Village. Both are only about eight kilometers away. Meanwhile, their rooms are ultra-modern and look bright. Each one offers a different experience as they’re all individually decorated. Just like most hotels in Lapland Finland, this four-star property also has free parking facilities and WiFi access is available in all areas.
Standard amenities such as flat-screen TV, minibar, coffee/tea maker, bathrobe, and slippers will be featured while staying here. There’s also a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a bath or shower. If you need some kitchen utensils, we suggest contacting the local staff in advance as there are only a few rooms that come with this feature.
For leisure facilities, Arctic Light Hotel has a sauna, terrace, and lounge bar. All of them will be perfect for getting some relaxing time after a busy day traveling or playing winter sports. Meanwhile, having breakfast here will be a special culinary experience, as the Finnish American chef, Sara La Fountain, prepares healthy and energizing menus every day.
Apart from the cool spots we mentioned earlier, this hotel is also not far from the Sampokeskus Shopping Center and the Arktikum Science Center. They’re 200 and 800 meters away, respectively. If you’re not sure where to go, however, head to the hotel’s 24-hour front desk. The local staff there will be more than happy to provide some recommendations for great places to visit in the area.
Lapland Hotel Kilpis
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Surrounded by Finland’s highest peaks, the Lapland Hotel Kilpis offers breathtaking natural views that you could only see in your wildest dreams before! The location is also perfect, next to Lake Kilpsijarvi. If you’re passionate about outdoor activities, photography, or the wilderness, this is the perfect place to stay while in Lapland.
Located just 7.4 miles from the Norwegian border, this property offers two room options. If you need a private bathroom, choose a standard room or apartment. But if you’re okay with shared bathrooms, then go for a hostel room. Whichever is your choice, you’ll have access to the TV lounge, guest kitchen, and drying room for clothes. Just like most hotels in Lapland Finland, WiFi is also available in all areas.
Breakfast at the hotel is highly recommended, as they have an on-site restaurant that offers amazing views of Lake Kilpisjarvi and the mountains of Sweden and Norway. Apart from the buffet menu, Continental dishes are also available. If you wish, they also serve vegetarian and gluten-free menus.
While you’re here, try some popular activities like skiing, hiking, or fishing. If none of that interests you, contact the hotel. They can help arrange snowmobile tours or even helicopter skiing! Once you’re done with all those intense activities, stop by the hotel sauna to relax your muscles a little and relax your mind.
Recommended Restaurants/Bars in Lapland:
- Aanaar – Inari’s finest restaurant offers a dining experience like no other. Their dining room features glass walls and offers an unbelievably stunning view of the Juutuajoki Janiskoski rapids. All the dishes here are made using the best local ingredients. Some of the most recommended ones are angelica-root soup, Arctic king crab with nettle butter, and Finnish cheese platter with Aura Gold blue.
- Mustaparran Paamaja – If you prefer modern Finnish cuisine, this is the place to be. Located in the superb Mustaparta Hotel, this restaurant serves innovative menus such as reindeer burgers with smoked cheese and beetroot-marinated local lamb with blueberry jus. For those who come with the baby, they also provide a lighter version of the adult portion.
- Restaurant Sky Ounasvaara – Experience a unique dining experience, in a room featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows, overlooking the wild and exotic forests of Lapland. Satisfy your appetite with menus like no other, such as Lappish potato dumplings with local mushroom or arctic char with sour-milk sauce. Interested? Stop by the first floor of the impressive Sky Ounasvaara hotel.
Recommended Activities in Lapland:
- Lapland: The Frozen Waterfalls of Koruoma Tour – If you come to Lapland in winter, this is the perfect tour. Witness for yourself how magical the scenery at Korouoma is. Admire their magnificent frozen waterfalls up close. For seven full hours, you’ll be invited to explore the virgin forest in the Posio area, about 99.4 miles from Rovaniemi.
- Ice Floating in Lapland with Northern Lights – Looking at Northern Lights is quite a memorable experience, but what if you could do it in a more unique way? In this two hour tour, you’ll feel the sensation of floating on an icy lake in an insulated suit. Marvel at one of northern Europe’s most famous natural wonders, in a way like no other.
- Visit to Santa’s Village and Snowmobiling to Reindeer Farm – Take your kids and the whole family to meet Santa Claus at his house! Stop by Santa’s official post office and meet his trusted helpers. All cost also includes a delicious lunch.
