Finding Your Ultimate AirBnb in Rovaniemi, Lapland

How to find the best Airbnb in Rovaniemi, Lapland, for winter season 2024-2025?

Are you searching for the ideal Airbnb accommodation in Rovaniemi, whether you're planning a family trip, a romantic escape for two, or a gathering of friends?

With Rovaniemi's tourism booming and limited hotel options, finding the perfect place to stay can be a challenge.

But fear not, Airbnb is here to rescue your Lapland holiday plans!

With numerous listings available, I want to make your Airbnb journey through Rovaniemi hassle-free.

But before you dive into browsing, let's take a moment to consider the Rovaniemi essentials and identify your vacation must-haves.

best hotel in rovaniemi

Key Factors for Your Rovaniemi Airbnb Selection


1. Location

The location of your accommodation is paramount for your short Lapland holiday. You don't want to waste half your day commuting to the nearest supermarket or renting a car.

Ideally, you want attractions, restaurants, grocery stores, and the enchanting Arctic nature nearby.

Rovaniemi is vast, and some Airbnb listings may be in different towns altogether.

Consider Saarenkylä, a peaceful residential area where you can be surrounded by Arctic nature yet have essential services within walking distance. Saarenkylä is in the middle of everything.

AirBnb Rovaniemi Lapland

These are all easy to reach staying in Saarenkylä:

  • Skiing, slalom and toboggan slide > Ounasvaara outdoor resort

  • Hunt for Auroras > go to any spot without too much streetlight, e.g. river bank

  • Shopping > visit nearby stores, Rovaniemi city centre and the Santa Claus Village

  • Museums and culture > visit Arktikum, Korundi and Forest Museum

  • Meet the Santa Claus and see the Arctic Circle > visit Santa Claus Village

  • Restaurants and bars > visit Rovaniemi city centre

In Saarenkylä you will find lots of grocery stores, many within walking distance.

Bus number 8 takes you to The Santa Claus Village and the city center in no time.

Rental cars and taxi services are also available.


2. Arctic Excursions

What experiences are you dreaming of during your Lapland holiday?

Do you want to book special private excursions?

Rovaniemi boasts a plethora of tour operators eager to introduce you to the wonders of the Arctic, from reindeer sledding to husky safaris.

Being a passionate traveler myself, I know how it is when you want to experience the real thing as much as you can, but all the planning just feels exhausting.

In case you wish to have some private excursions without spending hours booking them, you can look for an AirBnb host with excursion tips as well.

And here is some extra food for your thought: do you wish to have a Holiday Photo Shoot as well? Some AirBnb hosts can help you arrange that too.

airbnb rovaniemi


3. Quality & details

When choosing an Airbnb, consider your preferences for interior decor and amenities.

Do you expect the same quality as your home, or do you prefer a touch of luxury during your holiday?

Look for listings that pamper you with special details, as it's the little things that make your Lapland visit memorable.

4. Sauna experience

accommodation with sauna lapland

Imagine relaxing in your own sauna after a long day experiencing Rovaniemi attractions and snowy nature.

Finnish saunas are a quintessential part of the culture, and trying one during your Lapland holiday is highly recommended.

Make sure your chosen Airbnb offers a modern and safe sauna, complete with detailed instructions on usage.

Read more about Finnish sauna culture.


5. Festive Atmosphere

christmas hotel rovaniemi

Spending winter holiday in Lapland should evoke a cozy, festive feeling.

You want to be able to enjoy yourself, and feel that Christmassy vibe in Santa Claus hometown, right?

Of course!

Inquire about festive decorations like Christmas trees and LED candles to set the mood for your holiday.

6. Entertainment

Lapland holidays are about making memories.

Consider what entertainment options your Airbnb offers, from board games and puzzles to TV with Netflix and Disney+. Maybe kick sleds too?

These activities enhance the quality time you'll spend with loved ones.

lapland hotels

7. Kitchen Amenities

lapland airbnb family

If you're a foodie who loves to cook, ensure your Airbnb has a modern and well-equipped kitchen.

You might want to bake gingerbread cookies, prepare a festive dinner, or simply enjoy cooking while on vacation.

A good AirBnb host will give you the best tips for your culinary adventures in Rovaniemi restaurants!

8. Vibes

Ultimately, the decision comes down to the visuals.

Trust the images you see on Airbnb.

What kind of vibes do they evoke?

Your accommodation should match your expectations based on the pictures provided.

Here are some pictures of our AirBnb home Villa Julia just to give you some examples. Click to enlarge.

How did you feel looking at those AirBnb images?

As the hotel options in Rovaniemi are limited, more locals are embracing Airbnb to offer unique stays.

We decided to join this community to share our love for Arctic nature and hospitality, and to help others create lasting memories during their travels.

Our dream of living abroad for an extended period became a reality when we listed our Rovaniemi home on Airbnb for winter 2023-2024. The experience was lovely. We had amazing guests and will do the AirBnb again on winter 2024-2025!

I hope this article provides valuable insights and assists you in finding your dream Airbnb in Rovaniemi.

If you have any questions about Rovaniemi, or got interested in our Airbnb home, Villa Julia, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Feel free to contact me via AirBnb or DM on Instagram > instagram.com/villa_julia_rovaniemi

You will find all the information on the apartment and the services provided here.

Happy planning for your Lapland holiday!

Saija Juulia

AirBnb hostess who loves licorice, swimming and making other people happy.

Villa Julia | Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland