5 crazy sauna experiences in Rovaniemi

Planning to visit Santa’s famous village? There’s nothing like a sauna session in Rovaniemi to warm you up, especially on the coldest days!

Considered the capital of Lapland, the village of Rovaniemi is the stuff of dreams for many of us, especially in the run-up to the festive season. Known the world over as Santa Claus’s hometown, this little corner of northern Finland is also ideal for a wilderness experience, from hunting the northern lights to winter sports.

But a trip to the Arctic Circle has to be earned, and you’ll have to brave the winter cold which can reach -16°C. Fortunately, saunas – one of the mainstays of Finnish culture – are massively present. And to make your sauna session even more unforgettable, Rovaniemi and the surrounding area are full of unusual experiences. Follow the guide to discover our 5 favorite activities, which you should book without hesitation!

Arctic evening with snow sauna and Jacuzzi under the stars

Photo credit: Musement

A sauna in Rovaniemi in an igloo? Your experience in the middle of the Finnish forest begins in this surprising facility. Put your ear to the ground and listen to the gentle bubbling of the ice walls as the sauna’s warmth diffuses through your body.

Would you rather admire the view of nature? Relax in the jacuzzi, nestled between lake and forest. And don’t forget to raise your eyes to the sky to catch a glimpse of a shooting star or the aurora borealis.

Once this sweet moment of relaxation is over, it’s time to regain your strength with a blueberry wine and a selection of fresh cheeses. A convivial and essential meal before hiking to the top of the Ounasvaara hill. Situated high above Rovaniemi, it offers a breathtaking view of the illuminated town, a spectacle made all the more magical at Christmas, when the decorations transform the town into a fairytale village.

A mobile sauna dropped in front of your home

Photo credit: Musement

Do you love your accommodation in Rovaniemi so much that you find it hard to leave? We’ve got just the thing for you! Comfortably seated by the fire, book your sauna tour and discover this Finnish tradition wherever you like.

For less than 100 euros, this little sauna on wheels will be delivered directly to your front door. A knock on the door? You can open it with your towel on, because the sauna is ready to use!

The Finns use them to whip themselves gently (or more vigorously, depending on preference) during their sauna session to speed up blood circulation. It’s a little surprising at first, but we promise you’ll soon appreciate the benefits!

Sauna in the Arctic forest and jacuzzi under the northern lights

Photo credit: Viator

It’s a dream come true for many travelers, who trek through Lapland in the hope of admiring them: there’s something magical and unforgettable about the Northern Lights. Illuminating the sky with green (and sometimes purplish) rays, these atmospheric phenomena are common around the Arctic Circle. So it’s not unusual to see them in Rovaniemi, fromOctober to March.

But to enjoy this unique spectacle in the best possible conditions, why not take the opportunity to treat yourself to a night-time spa session coupled with a soak in the jacuzzi? Warm up under the stars, take a dip in the nearby lake, and enjoy some local delicacies provided by your hosts. The perfect program for a moment of relaxation and conviviality as a couple or with friends.

Sauna experience in the midnight sun

Photo credit: Musement

Far from the Christmas atmosphere so popular in Rovaniemi, the town can also be visited the rest of the year. In summer, the streets are quieter and locals – and some tourists – enjoy the atmosphere of sunny days that never seem to end.

From June to July, this part of the world is illuminated by the « midnight sun« , also known as the « polar day ». During this period, night never falls, and at midnight the sky takes on an orange hue worthy of the most beautiful sunsets…

To fully appreciate this unique, timeless atmosphere, we recommend you book your sauna experience under the midnight sun. Head to the heart of the Finnish forest, just a few minutes’ drive from Rovaniemi (round trip included), to visit a traditional sauna.

After learning how the Finnish sauna works, relax and let the gentle warmth envelop your body. At the end of your session, take a refreshing dip in the lake before enjoying dinner over a traditional Lappish barbecue. A perfect way to end your day!

Panoramic cruise with private sauna on board

Photo credit: Viator

You’ve been seduced by the midnight sun, and now you’re looking for an even more unusual experience? Onward and upward, ship’s boy! Come aboard a unique sauna boat for a 3 to 4-hour cruise on a peaceful lake. This little corner of paradise, located not far from Rovaniemi, lets you admire all the beauty of Finnish nature.

Alternate between sauna sessions and a dip in the lake’s icy waters. It’s a great way to firm up your skin and give yourself a boost! Don’t worry about transport: pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Rovaniemi are included in the overall price.

Tell us all about it: are you more of a winter sauna, or an unusual experience under the midnight sun? Whatever the case, there’s a good chance that these activities around Rovaniemi will be among your fondest travel memories for a long time to come!