Rovaniemi: Arctic Snow Hotel Tour

If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping into a true winter fairy tale, the Arctic Snow Hotel in Rovaniemi offers an experience that feels like walking through a sculpture gallery made of snow and ice. This 3.5-hour guided tour takes you inside the iconic hotel, revealing its artistry and ingenuity — from intricately carved rooms to the shimmering Ice Bar. Priced at $118 per person, this tour offers a solid mix of sightseeing, cultural insights, and fun activities, making it a standout choice for those wanting an authentic taste of Lapland’s icy marvels.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the chance to see the artistic craftsmanship behind the structures, and how these icy creations are more than just beautiful—they’re functional, with even a snow sauna! On the flip side, a possible challenge is that the tour’s time inside the hotel can feel brief, especially given the impressive scale and detail of the Arctic Snow Hotel. This tour appeals most to families, couples, photographers, and adventure lovers who are eager for a unique, Instagram-worthy adventure and don’t mind the cold in exchange for incredible sights and stories.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: See, touch, and learn about stunning snow and ice sculptures.
• Comprehensive Guided Tour: Includes insights into the hotel’s construction and ice art.
• Fun and Unique Activities: Enjoy an ice bar, ice restaurant, and even a snow sauna.
• Value for Money: Includes round-trip transfers and access to winter activities like tobogganing.
• Accessible and Flexible: Suitable for wheelchair users and offers flexible booking options.
• Great for Photographers and Families: A colorful, scenic setting for memorable photos and fun snow play.

An In-Depth Look at the Arctic Snow Hotel Tour

How the Tour Begins: Convenient Pickups and Travel Time

The tour kicks off with a pick-up from multiple locations around Rovaniemi, including popular spots like the Arctic Tree House and Santa Claus Village. This flexibility is a big plus, sparing you the hassle of arranging your own transport and ensuring a smooth start. The morning sessions start around 10:25 AM, with afternoon options at 12:20 PM and 4:10 PM, which gives you flexibility depending on your plans.

Once you’re on the bus, expect about an hour of comfortable travel through the snow-dusted landscapes of Lapland. The ride itself offers a scenic preview of the winter wonderland ahead, giving you a chance to get excited as snow-covered forests and frozen lakes pass by.

Inside the Arctic Snow Hotel: A Visual Feast and Learning Experience

The highlight of the day is the guided tour of the Arctic Snow Hotel. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll wander around rooms and corridors carved from snow and ice, marveling at the craftsmanship. One reviewer mentioned how the bedrooms resemble art galleries filled with sculptures, beds, and artfully carved furniture—all made from snow and ice. The 45-minute guided walk is filled with insights into how the hotel is built and maintained, and the effort that goes into creating these temporary architectural masterpieces.

Notably, the Ice Chapel is often described as stunning—its intricate ice sculptures and delicate arches create a surreal, almost spiritual atmosphere. The guide might share interesting facts, like how the structures are built block by block, with a combination of artistry and engineering.

Free Time to Explore and Play

After the guided tour, you’ll enjoy roughly 1.5 hours of free time to explore at your own pace. This period is your chance to take photos, check out the Ice Bar, or even sit on a chair made of ice while sipping a drink from an ice glass (available for purchase). Several reviews highlight how incredible the sculptures are, with one noting that the ice art contest happening during their visit added extra vibrancy.

During this free time, many guests take the opportunity to walk around outside, where you can go tobogganing or kick sledding—included in the tour package. One reviewer pointed out how fun and open the space was for snow play, emphasizing that these activities add an authentic, playful element to the visit.

The Ice Bar and Ice Restaurant: Fun, Flavors, and Surprises

A major draw is the Ice Bar, where you can enjoy a drink served in an ice glass. While beverages cost extra, the novelty alone makes it worthwhile. A reviewer described trying a vodka shot in the bar and noted how “really pricey” it was, but still a memorable experience.

The Ice Restaurant offers a chance to sit on furniture carved from ice while dining. One visitor remarked that the rooms and sculptures in the hotel felt like walking through a gallery, and sitting in the ice restaurant was equally cinematic.

Snow Sauna and Other Unique Features

Perhaps the most surprising aspect is the snow sauna, where you can experience a sauna made entirely of snow and ice. This unusual feature is a testament to the ingenuity of the hotel’s design, and a few reviews mentioned how relaxing and unique it is to sit in a snow-based sauna—an experience rarely available elsewhere.

Returning and Reflecting

After your free exploration, the bus picks you up and heads back to your starting points, with drop-offs at the same locations you were picked up from. The whole experience wraps up in about 3.5 hours, leaving you plenty of time to continue exploring Rovaniemi or relax after your winter adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Arctic Snow Hotel Tour offers a combination of visual spectacle and cultural insight. From the artistry of the ice sculptures to the innovative use of snow in sauna and lodging, you gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship while having fun in the snow.

The inclusion of transfers and activities like sledding is a smart touch, making this a well-rounded experience. Plus, the fact that the guides are described as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable — with one even being involved in building the hotel — adds an authentic and personal touch.

Considering the Price: Is It Good Value?

At $118 per person, the tour provides a comprehensive package—transfers, entrance, guided tour, and winter activities. Compared to other experiences in Lapland, especially considering the unique ice art and the chance to try a snow sauna, this tour offers solid value. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want an in-depth, guided look at the Arctic Snow Hotel without the hassle of organizing individual transport or tickets.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for families with children, who will love the snow play and seeing the ice sculptures, as well as photographers eager to capture the intricate ice art. Couples looking for a romantic, fairy-tale setting will find the ice chapel and restaurant unforgettable. Adventure seekers and curious travelers who are excited to learn about the construction and logistics of the hotel will also appreciate the guided insights.

Final Thoughts

The Arctic Snow Hotel Tour in Rovaniemi blends spectacular visuals with informative storytelling, all wrapped in a cozy winter package. It’s a great way to see the beauty of snow and ice art while enjoying some fun activities like sledding and sipping drinks in an ice bar.

The tour is especially suited for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free experience that combines sightseeing, cultural insights, and playful interactions. While the inside exploration may feel somewhat brief relative to the hotel’s size, the overall value and authentic atmosphere make it a solid choice for your Arctic adventure.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Lapland or someone returning for the magic, this tour offers a memorable glimpse into the artistry and ingenuity that make the Arctic Snow Hotel so extraordinary.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The entire tour lasts about 3.5 hours, including transportation, guided tour, and free time for exploration.

What are the pickup locations?
Pickups are available from multiple spots including Arctic Tree House, Ounasvaaran Chalets, Snowman World, and in front of Pisto Pub in Rovaniemi city center.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfers are part of the package, making logistics easy and comfortable.

Can I see the ice sculptures and rooms?
Absolutely. The guided tour covers the hotel’s best features, and you have free time to explore and take photos.

Are drinks available at the Ice Bar?
Yes, drinks can be purchased, often served in ice glasses. Keep in mind some reviewers found prices to be high.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a variety of guests.

What activities are included?
Activities like tobogganing and kick sledding on the lakeside hill are included, adding fun to your visit.

Do I need to pay extra for the snow sauna?
No, access to the snow sauna is included as part of the tour.

Is there a dress code?
While not explicitly stated, dressing warmly with layers, waterproofs, and sturdy boots is highly recommended given the cold environment.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexible planning.

This Arctic adventure is a great way to witness the creativity of Lapland’s icy artistry while engaging in fun, memorable activities. If you’re after a mix of culture, scenery, and playful snow fun, it’s a solid choice.