Rovaniemi: Snow Hotel Tour and Ice Restaurant Dinner

Planning a trip to Lapland? If you’re drawn to the idea of experiencing Arctic paradise in a truly unique way, the Snow Hotel Tour and Ice Restaurant Dinner offers an unforgettable evening. This guided experience combines exploring a stunning ice hotel with enjoying a multi-course dinner set amidst enchanting ice sculptures and decor. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and culinary delight—an absolute highlight for those visiting Rovaniemi.

What really catches our eye is the chance to walk through the snow hotel, learning how these incredible structures are built each year, and then settling into the Ice Restaurant, where you’ll dine on carefully curated Lappish dishes surrounded by shimmering ice art. While the experience is undeniably magical, it’s worth noting that it does involve a set schedule and some downtime after dinner, which might be less suitable if you’re expecting a long, leisurely evening.

This experience is best suited for adventure seekers, food lovers, and cultural explorers eager to see a different side of the Arctic. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this tour offers both memorable sights and tasty local cuisine in equal measure.

Key Points

• Unique Arctic Architecture: Explore the construction of the Ice Hotel and learn about its yearly rebuild process.
• Gourmet Ice Dining: Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared 3-course meal featuring local ingredients like elk, Arctic salmon, or vegan options.
• Authentic Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides share insights about the hotel’s design, construction, and daily operations.
• Stunning Visuals: Marvel at intricate ice sculptures and decor, perfect for photos and appreciating craftsmanship.
• Additional Activities: Free time to explore the attraction, with access to an ice bar, lakeside sledding, and panoramic Sky Bar.
• Comfort and Convenience: Round-trip transfers from central Rovaniemi, with options for different starting times, make this a hassle-free outing.

What to Expect from This Tour

Starting with convenient pick-up points around Rovaniemi, the journey begins with a scenic drive that offers a glimpse of the winter landscape. Depending on your selected start time—either 17:30, 19:00, or 20:30—you’ll be collected from locations such as the Arctic Tree House, Ounasvaara Chalets, Santa Claus Village, or the city center, making it easy to fit into your itinerary.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by friendly guides who will take you on a guided tour of the Snow Hotel. These structures are rebuilt annually, and guides like the ones mentioned in reviews are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Guests have expressed particular appreciation for the informative and engaging guides, who seem genuinely enthusiastic about the hotel’s craftsmanship, noting that “the guide loved the place and helped build it every year.”

The hotel’s rooms are individually themed and decorated with ice sculptures, and if you’re lucky, you might get a peek into the ice chapel or ice bar—both of which are highly praised for their beauty. One reviewer called the hotel “absolutely amazing,” highlighting how they couldn’t believe each room is completely different yet all stunning.

Next up is the highlight—the Ice Restaurant. The setting alone is worth the trip: walls, tables, chairs (all made of ice), and dazzling sculptures create a surreal dining environment. You’ll be seated on an ice chair, with the option to enjoy drinks in glasses carved from ice at the Ice Bar, as some guests noted their appreciation for the opportunity to sip drinks from ice glasses—a fun and memorable detail.

The menu offers a carefully curated 3-course meal, with options including:
– Starter: Creamy parsnip soup with goat cheese crème and roasted sesame seeds.
– Main Courses: Choices like roast elk with carrot purée, Arctic salmon with cauliflower purée, seasoned chicken breast, or a vegan falafel patty.
– Dessert: Strawberry-chocolate bavarois with vanilla crème or strawberry muesli.

Guests have reported the food’s quality as exceptional, with reviews calling it “delicious,” “amazing,” and “a very good experience,” even noting that the elk steak was particularly standout. Some reviews mention that the meal on average is served quickly—one reviewer called it “the fastest 3-course meal,” which may appeal to travelers on a tight schedule.

Post-dinner, there’s time to relax and explore the entire attraction. Guests can visit the lakeside sledding hill, enjoy panoramic views from the Sky Bar with its large windows, or unwind in the cozy bar area. Some reviewers mentioned that after dinner, guests are left with “over an hour of downtime,” which might feel a bit slow if you’re expecting a more dynamic evening.

The Value of This Experience

At $229 per person, this tour balances cost with an immersive Arctic experience. The package includes round-trip transfers, a guided tour of the Snow Hotel, entrance to the Ice Restaurant, access to the ice bar, and free time to explore the hotel and its surroundings. This comprehensive approach offers good value, especially considering the uniqueness of dining in a structure rebuilt anew each year and the opportunity to learn about Arctic architecture firsthand.

Guests have noted the quality of the guides, with one describing the tour guide as “very interesting and helpful,” and appreciated how much insight they gained about the hotel’s construction. The inclusion of optional activities like sledding or visiting the Sky Bar at no extra cost enhances the overall experience.

However, some have pointed out that the cost might be high for those seeking a longer, more leisurely evening, especially since the schedule includes a fixed dinner time and some waiting afterward. Plus, drinks are not included, so if you want wine or other beverages, you should budget accordingly.

Tips for Visitors

• Dress warmly: While the restaurant and hotel are comfortable due to insulation, the outdoor and indoor areas can still be quite cold. Layering is essential.
• Choose your preferred dinner time: Based on availability, you may want to select the earlier slot if you prefer more time after dinner, or the later one if you want to relax longer.
• Be prepared for the ice environment: The chairs and tables are made of ice, but the interior is kept at a comfortable temperature. Still, bring warm clothing to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably.
• Book early: Tours fill up quickly, especially during the peak winter months.
• Photography: Don’t forget your camera—this is a prime opportunity for stunning Arctic photos, especially in the ice chapel, bar, and hotel corridors.
• Consider your pacing: If you prefer a more relaxed evening, plan your day accordingly, as some guests have felt there’s extra downtime after dinner.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who share engaging stories about the hotel’s construction and design—one reviewer mentioned their guide helped build the hotel every year. The visual impact of the ice sculptures and decor leaves many visitors in awe, with one calling the hotel “mind-blowing” and “absolutely magnificent.”

Several reviewers have highlighted the quality of the food—noting that the elk steak and Arctic salmon were delicious, and that the whole dining experience was surprisingly warm and cozy despite being in an ice environment. Interestingly, some guests have pointed out that the ice hotel is actually warmer than the outside due to the insulating properties of snow—a fun fact that adds to the novelty.

The opportunity to sit in an ice chair and sip drinks from ice glasses appeals to those looking for a fun, memorable moment, while the visual spectacle of the ice sculptures and intricate architecture makes for fantastic photos and lasting memories.

The Sum Up

The Snow Hotel Tour and Ice Restaurant Dinner in Rovaniemi offers a genuinely distinctive Arctic experience. You get the chance to learn about the construction of the ice hotel, enjoy a gourmet meal in a stunning icy setting, and explore the surrounding attractions—all in one convenient package. The knowledgeable guides, eye-catching decor, and exceptional food quality make this a standout activity, especially for travelers interested in culture, architecture, and local cuisine.

While the experience does involve some scheduled downtime and costs $229, for many it’s a small price for such a one-of-a-kind adventure. It’s perfect for those looking to add a touch of magic to their Arctic holiday, celebrate a special occasion, or simply tick off a bucket list item.

Ideal for: Food and culture lovers, photography enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and anyone wanting a memorable night in the heart of Lapland’s icy wonderland.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfers are part of the package, with pickup points around Rovaniemi, making it easy to join the experience without hassle.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly with layered clothing, including insulated outerwear, as some outdoor elements and indoor temperatures in the ice hotel still require warm attire.

Can I choose my dinner time?
Yes, depending on availability, you can select from the options at 17:30, 19:00, or 20:30 when booking.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included in the price. You can purchase beverages at the Ice Bar and Sky Bar, with ice glasses available for a fun experience.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it possible for more guests to enjoy the visit.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience lasts around 2 hours, including transportation, the hotel tour, dinner, and free time to explore.

What is the best time to see the Northern Lights from this experience?
While the tour itself is primarily for visiting the hotel and dining, some reviews mention that guests have seen Aurora activity during their visit, especially on clear winter nights.

Is this experience suitable for families?
Yes, especially since there’s a kids menu option, and the environment is safe and engaging for children and adults alike.

This tour offers a fantastic blend of Arctic architecture, local cuisine, and cultural insight, all wrapped in a magical icy environment. It’s a highly recommended activity for anyone wanting to add a distinctive, memorable experience to their Lapland adventure.