Why stay outside Rovaniemi?

Just one hour from Rovaniemi lies a completely different side of Lapland.

Here, the pace slows down. Instead of traffic, crowds and busy streets, you’ll find frozen lakes, snow-covered forests and the peaceful silence that makes Finnish Lapland so unforgettable.

Many travellers choose Rovaniemi for its attractions, restaurants and easy access to activities and for good reason. But after a day of exploring, there’s something special about returning to a private cabin surrounded by nature instead of another busy hotel district.

Staying outside the city doesn’t mean giving up convenience. It means experiencing the best of both worlds. Spend your days discovering everything Rovaniemi has to offer, then return to a peaceful lakeside retreat where you can relax in a private sauna, watch the stars appear above the forest and, if you’re lucky, witness the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

For many of our guests, these quiet evenings become the highlight of their entire Lapland holiday.

Planning your Lapland holiday?

Before choosing your accommodation, you might also find these guides helpful:

Peace, privacy and space

For many travellers, Rovaniemi is the starting point of a Lapland adventure. It offers restaurants, activities and shops. However, when it comes to experiencing the peaceful nature, Northern lights and authentic atmosphere that many visitors associate with Lapland, staying outside the city can offer a very different experience.

Many guests choose accommodation outside Rovaniemi because they are looking for more than sightseeing. They want to slow down, spend quality time together, enjoy nature and experience Lapland away from busy tourist areas. 

One of the biggest advantages of staying outside Rovaniemi is the sense of peace and privacy.

Instead of traffic, crowds and busy streets, visitors are surrounded by forests, lakes and open landscapes. There is more space, less noise and a greater opportunity to simply enjoy the moment. 

For families, couples and groups of friends, this often means spending more meaningful time together. Whether enjoying breakfast with a lake view, relaxing in a private sauna or watching the evening sky from a terrace, many of the most memorable moments happen away from the busiest tourist areas.

Experience Authentic Finnish Lapland

Many visitors imagine Lapland as forests, frozen lakes, saunas, snow-covered landscapes and peaceful nature. Outside Rovaniemi, these experiences are part of everyday life.

Life in Lapland has always been closely connected to nature. People are used to having space around them, spending time outdoors and living at a slower pace than in many larger cities. The peaceful atmosphere that visitors often describe as uniquely “Lapland” is not something created for tourism, it is simply part of everyday life.

Guests can enjoy traditional Finnish sauna culture, spend time by the lake, meet reindeer, explore nearby forests and experience the rhythm of local life. Instead of moving from one attraction to another, there is time to relax, reconnect with nature and enjoy the slower pace that makes Lapland unique.

Nature begins at your doorstep

One of the greatest advantages of staying outside the city is how close nature becomes.

Walking trails, forests, lakes and seasonal activities are all nearby. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy snowmobile safaris, ice fishing trips, hiking, berry picking, canoeing or simply spending time outdoors.

Many activities start close to the accommodation, making it easy to explore the surrounding Arctic wilderness without long transfers. Guests staying at Napapiirin Järvilomat can also visit reindeer and experience one of Lapland’s most iconic animals in a natural environment.

Where to stay outside Rovaniemi?

Villa Honka

Villa Honka is a spacious private lakeside villa designed for families, groups of friends and travellers looking for peace, privacy and space to relax together. Located on the shores of Lake Vietonen, the villa offers beautiful lake views, a private Finnish sauna, a fireplace and direct access to nature.

Whether you spend your days exploring Lapland or simply enjoying time together, Villa Honka provides a comfortable setting away from busy tourist areas.

The surrounding dark skies and minimal light pollution also offer excellent opportunities for Northern Lights viewing during the aurora season.

Hidden aurora hut

Hidden Aurora Hut is a romantic retreat designed especially for couples seeking privacy, comfort and unforgettable Northern Lights experiences in Finnish Lapland.

Located close to the lake and surrounded by peaceful nature, the accommodation features a private sauna, private outdoor jacuzzi and fireplace, creating the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway together.

One of the unique highlights of Hidden Aurora Hut is its north-facing view, allowing guests to watch the Northern lights directly from the comfort of their bed when conditions are right.

For couples dreaming of a quiet Lapland escape, Hidden Aurora Hut combines privacy, nature and some of the best Northern Lights viewing opportunities in the region.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to stay in Rovaniemi or outside the city?

Both options offer different experiences. Staying in Rovaniemi provides easy access to restaurants, shops and city services, while accommodation outside the city offers more privacy, peaceful surroundings, nature and often better Northern Lights viewing opportunities.

Many visitors also enjoy the fact that activities in rural areas are often more relaxed and take place in smaller groups. Whether joining a snowmobile safari, ice fishing trip or other outdoor experience, guests can often enjoy a quieter atmosphere and a closer connection to nature than in busier tourist locations.

The best choice ultimately depends on the type of Lapland experience you are looking for.

Why do many travellers choose accommodation outside Rovaniemi?

Many visitors come to Lapland to experience nature, silence and the Northern lights. Staying outside the city allows guests to enjoy more space, less light pollution and a closer connection to the landscapes that make Lapland unique.

Can I still visit Santa Claus Village?

Yes. Santa Claus Village is located less than a 10-minute drive from Rovaniemi Airport, making it an easy stop either when you arrive in Lapland or before your departure. In fact, many of our guests choose to visit Santa Claus Village on their arrival or departure day before continuing their journey to our peaceful lakeside accommodation.

Can you see Northern Lights better outside Rovaniemi?

Areas with less light pollution generally offer better Northern lights viewing conditions. This is one reason why many aurora tours travel outside the city and why many travellers choose accommodation in quieter countryside locations.

Is staying outside Rovaniemi too remote?

Not at all. Many accommodation options outside Rovaniemi are still within easy driving distance of the airport, Santa Claus Village and other popular attractions. Guests can enjoy peaceful surroundings without being far from activities and services.

Do I need a rental car when staying outside Rovaniemi?

A rental car is highly recommended. Public transportation options are limited outside the city centre, and having your own vehicle makes it easier to explore Lapland and travel at your own pace.

What is the biggest advantage of staying outside Rovaniemi?

For many visitors, the biggest advantage is the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the peaceful side of Lapland. Private accommodation, nature, sauna experiences, dark skies and quality time together are often the moments guests remember most.