If you're planning a trip to Lapland and wondering where to stay, you're in the right place. With so many incredible spots spread across the region, each offering its own unique vibe, it can be tricky to know where to base yourself.
Some areas are perfect for Northern Lights, others for skiing, and some for a peaceful, off-the-grid escape. In this guide, we’re breaking down the best places to stay in Finnish Lapland, who they’re best for, and what to expect in each one.
Quick Overview of Lapland
Lapland covers a huge area in northern Finland, and the different towns and villages are often hours apart, so choosing where to stay depends on the kind of experience you want.
Some people stick to one base, while others (like we did) split their trip across a couple of different areas to get a taste of everything, from cosy log cabins in the forest to glass igloos under the stars.
If you’ve got the time, staying in two or three spots is a great way to see more of what Lapland has to offer.
Chloe Butcher
Best for First-Time Visitors & Families -Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland, so it's often the most popular and the first stop for most people. It’s the most accessible part of the region, with a international airport and plenty of connections to Europe.
It’s also home to Santa Claus Village, so it's very popular with families and people visiting at christmas.
You'll find plenty of winter activities and unique stays here, like reindeer safaris, husky rides, ice hotels and glass igloos. It's a great base if you want a mix of traditional Lappish experiences and modern amenities and restaurants.
Plus, you’re still in with a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, especially if you head a little outside the city where there’s less light pollution.
Apukka Resort
We stayed at Apukka Resort, just 15 minutes outside of Rovaneimi. We highly recommend a stay here, the igloo's are so unique and the activities, like the sauna and ice dip, are incredible! Find out more about Apukka Resort in our review.
Chloe Butcher
Where to stay in Rovaniemi:
- Apukka Resort (Luxury) – Unique stays like glass igloos and aurora cabins, plus on-site adventures from husky rides to snowmobiling and saunas.
- Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara (Mid-range)– Hilltop hotel with panoramic views, cosy rooms, great dining and easy access to skiing.
- Hostel Café Koti (Budget) – A cosy and modern option right in the city centre, perfect for travellers on a budget.
Best for Winter Sports & a Resort Vibe - Levi
Levi is the most popular ski resort in Finland and a great choice if you're looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and a lively après-ski scene.
It's known for its great ski slopes, modern facilities and a small village full of restaurants, shops and spas, making it perfect if you want everything in one place.
Levi is an incredible spot for chasing the Northern Lights, with minimal light pollution just a short drive from the village, so you don’t have to go far to find dark skies.
There’s also plenty of winter activities to do, like snowmobiling across frozen lakes, snowshoeing through peaceful fells, and even fat biking. It’s also a fun option for couples or groups of friends who want to pair snowy adventures with a bit of nightlife.
We stayed at Northern Lights Village Levi, located just 25 minutes from the main village, and absolutely loved it. Watching the Northern Lights from our glass-roofed igloo was a surreal experience. You can read our full review here.
Chloe Butcher
Where to stay in Levi:
- Northern Lights Village Levi (Luxury) – Glass-roofed igloos tucked away in the forest, perfect for spotting the Northern Lights.
- Break Sokos Hotel Levi (Mid-range) – A warm, centrally located hotel just steps from the slopes, shops, and restaurants.
- Levilehto Apartments (Budget) – Simple, affordable cabins and apartments, ideal for longer stays or groups.
Best for Northern Lights & Arctic Wilderness -Saariselkä
Saariselkä is a small resort village in the far north of Finnish Lapland, surrounded by untouched arctic wilderness and part of the stunning Urho Kekkonen National Park.
It’s quieter and less commercial than places like Levi, making it perfect for those looking for a slower pace and remote landscapes.
It’s one of the best spots in Lapland for Northern Lights becasue of its far-north location, clear skies and minimal light pollution. You’ll also find incredible cross-country ski trails, snowshoe routes and the longest sledding run in Finland!
Plus, you'll find plenty of unique glass igloo stays and cosy cabins to choose from here. It's perfect for nature lovers, couples, and anyone looking to get off the beaten path.
Where to stay in Saariselkä:
- Northern Lights Village Saariselkä (Luxury) – Luxurious glass igloos and unique experiences like husky safaris and snowshoeing.
- Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos (Mid-range) – A stylish hotel with the option to stay in cosy rooms, glass igloos or traditional log cabins.
- Holiday Club Saariselkä Apartments (Budget) – Comfortable and cosy self-catering apartments.
Best for Off-the-Beaten-Path: Pyhä-Luosto & Pikku-Syöte
If you’re after something quieter and more remote, both Pyhä-Luosto and Pikku-Syöte are great options that offer stunning landscapes and a slower pace of life.
These areas are perfect for immersing yourself in Lapland’s wilderness without the busier resort vibes of places like Rovaniemi or Levi.
Pyhä-Luosto National Park is roughly 1.5 hours north of Rovaniemi. You can hike or snowshoe through national park trails, dig for gems at the Amethyst Mine, relax in cosy log cabins and do plenty of skiing.
The two ski resorts of Pyhätunturi and Lusto are connected via the national park and fells, so there's plenty of spots to stay in either village.
Syöte Igloos
Pikku-Syöte is a less known spot further south, set on a fell with beautiful views and peaceful forest surroundings.
We stayed in a glass-roofed igloo here and it was one of the most magical experiences of our trip. It was just us, surrounded by the lappish wilderness; there are also plenty of experiences and activities such as hiking, snowshoeing and skiing.
Where to stay in Pyhä-Luosto & Pikku-Syöte:
- Syöte Igloos (Luxury) – A secluded glass igloo on top of Pikku-Syöte fell. It's cosy, inviting and surrounded by nature - we loved it!
- Lapland Hotels Luostotunturi (Mid-range) – A cosy hotel in Luosto offering rooms with saunas to glass igloos.
- Ski-Inn PyhäLinna (Budget) – A budget-friendly option with cosy and spacious rooms and easy access to the slopes.
Best for Outdoor Enthusiasts & Quiet Skiing: Ylläs
Although Ylläs is the largest ski resort in Finland with over 60 slopes, its a quieter, less crowded alternative to some of the more well-known ski areas.
With it's variety of slopes, it's perfect for skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing, and in the summer, hiking, mountain biking and wild swimming in crystal-clear lakes.
Ylläs is located between two charming villages, Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi, which can both be reached from the slopes, so it's perfect for exploring and there are plenty of accommodation options. Being in the far north also means it's a prime spot for northern lights!
Where to stay in Ylläs:
- Arctic Skylight Lodge (Luxury) – Experience luxury in a secluded setting with panoramic views and glass-roofed igloos, perfect for Northern Lights viewing.
- Luxurious Villa Rakka, Ylläs (Luxury) - A beautifully designed villa in Äkäslompolo with a private sauna, perfect for groups or families.
- Lapland Hotels Saaga (Mid-range) – Located at the base of the slopes, offering comfortable accommodations, a spa, and multiple dining options.
Final Thoughts
I’d personally recommend choosing a few areas to base yourself, just like we did. This way, you can experience the best of both worlds, from quiet, remote escapes to the busier towns and villages.
Of course, where you stay ultimately depends on what experiences you're after. Whether you’re looking for Northern Lights, outdoor adventures or just a cosy retreat in the snow, there’s something for everyone in Lapland.
