Where to Stay in Longyearbyen, from a Tour Leader’s Perspective
Choose the best place to stay in Longyearbyen based on my experience!
The Hidden North
North European travel guide
Population 65,000 / 66.3 degrees north
Rovaniemi, Finland
Located on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and a major hub for industry, education, and tourism. It is home to the Santa Claus Village – a major reason people visit – but also the excellent Arktikum museum.
Fun Facts About Rovaniemi
Latitude: 66.3 degrees north
Population: 65,000
Rovaniemi coat-of-arms
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Rovaniemi
Arktikum
Arktikum is easily one of the best museums in Finland. It focuses on the region of Lapland, including history and Sami culture, as well as the Arctic, including flora, fauna and the Northern Lights. It is a must-see in Rovaniemi.
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Rovaniemi
Self-Guided Walks
Rovaniemi on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi to Saariselka
Follow the scenic drive in winter from Rovaniemi to Saariselka.
Uniquely Rovaniemi
Here are some things that you must do and try in Rovaniemi
Santa Claus Village
It’s impossible to avoid a visit to Santa Claus Village. Located just outside of Rovaniemi, this Disney Land for Christmas features shops, restaurants and winter activities.
History of Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi began to be cultivated around 750BC. The city was first mentioned in documents in 1453, but it was not new then. For hundreds of years, Rovaniemi was a small village whose inhabitants earned their living by agriculture and animal husbandry.
In the 1800s Lapland’s natural resources began to be exploited by Finns, and extensive logging and mine attracted thousands of people to Lapland.
During the Nazi retreat of World War II, Rovaniemi was burned down as part of the scorched earth policy.
Rovaniemi Today
Since Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, many government institutions have their offices there. About 10,000 of the inhabitants are students attending either the University of Lapland or the Lapland University of Applied Sciences.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly: Rovaniemi Airport is an international airport with flights to London and Tokyo, amongst other places. There are also regular flights to Helsinki.
Drive: Rovaniemi is on the E75 that runs through Lapland. There are also buses connecting Rovaneimi with other places in Lapland.
Train: There is one daily train between Helsinki and Rovaniemi.
Ferry: No ferry access.
Getting Around
Rovaniemi is easy to walk around. Transport is needed to go to Santa Claus Village.
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Nilli is a fantastic Finnish restaurant.
Places to Stay
Hostels & Camping
B&Bs & Guesthouses
Guesthouse Borealis is a nice guesthouse in Rovaniemi.
Chains & Mid-Range
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna is located at the end of the pedestrian street and close to the Lapland Safaris office, so is perfectly located.
High End & Unique Properties
Arctic Light Hotel is a boutique hotel in the old town hall.
Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages
January
Sunrise: 10:20am
Sunset: 2:32pm
Average Temperature: -11C (13F)
February
Sunrise: 8:27am
Sunset: 4:36pm
Average Temperature: -10C (14F)
March
Sunrise: 6:35am
Sunset: 6:17pm
Average Temperature: -6C (22F)
April
Sunrise: 5:33am
Sunset: 9:03pm
Average Temperature: 0C (32F)
May
Sunrise: 3:30am
Sunset: 11pm
Average Temperature: 6C (43F)
June
Midnight sun from 6 June
Average Temperature: 12C (54F)
July
Sunrise: 2:40am
Sunset: 12:06am
Average Temperature: 15C (60F)
August
Sunrise: 4:51am
Sunset: 9:48pm
Average Temperature: 13C (55F)
September
Sunrise: 6:37am
Sunset: 7:44pm
Average Temperature: 8C (46F)
October
Sunrise: 8:16am
Sunset: 5:47pm
Average Temperature: 1C (34F)
November
Sunrise: 9:11am
Sunset: 2:51pm
Average Temperature: -5C (23F)
December
Sunrise: 11am
Sunset: 1:24pm
Average Temperature: -8C (17F)
All Posts About Rovaniemi
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The History of Longyearbyen
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