Rovaniemi: Snow Hotel Tour and Ice Restaurant Dinner

Rovaniemi: Snow Hotel Tour and Ice Restaurant Dinner — A Complete Guide

When you visit Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, one of the must-do experiences is the Snow Hotel Tour combined with a dinner inside an ice restaurant. For $229 per person, you get a layered adventure: a guided walk through stunning icy architecture, a chance to learn about its impressive construction, and a memorable three-course meal in a setting straight out of a fairy tale. The total experience lasts roughly two hours, but the memories you’ll take home will last much longer.

What we love about this tour is the attention to detail in the ice hotel’s design, and how the guides bring the place alive with stories about its yearly rebuild. Plus, the opportunity to dine in an ice restaurant, sitting on chairs carved from ice, is genuinely something you won’t forget — it’s quirky, cool, and photogenic.

On the flip side, a possible drawback is that the dinner time might be scheduled at different hours (17:30, 19:00, or 20:30), depending on availability, which could affect your evening plans. Also, drinks are not included, so if you’re a fan of a good glass of wine or specialty cocktails, plan accordingly.

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers, food lovers, and those wanting a taste of Arctic culture. If you’re eager to see the Ice Hotel, enjoy regional cuisine, and capture stunning photos, this tour checks all those boxes.

Key Points

• Unique Setting: Dine inside Rovaniemi’s only ice restaurant, built entirely of snow and ice, with chairs and décor crafted from frozen water.
• Comprehensive Tour: Includes a guided walk through the Snow Hotel, learning about how the structures are built each year.
• Culinary Experience: Enjoy a three-course Lappish meal with options like elk, Arctic salmon, chicken, or vegan falafel, plus a delicious strawberry-chocolate bavarois for dessert.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Round-trip transfers, entrance, hotel tour, access to the ice bar, lakeside activities, and optional Sky Bar drinks are part of the package.
• Flexible Schedule: Dinner times vary, and seating is confirmed on arrival, giving you some control over your evening.
• Photo Opportunities: The icy décor and structures make for fantastic photos, especially if you’re lucky enough to see the Northern Lights or other Arctic scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

Your journey begins with a pickup from various locations in Rovaniemi, including the Arctic Tree House, Ounasvaara Chalets, Santa Claus Village, and the city center. Pickup times range from 16:10 to 19:00, depending on your selected slot, so it’s wise to book early and specify your preferred pickup point.

Once aboard the bus, you’ll notice that the trip itself is smooth and efficient, with comfortable transportation making it easy to relax before the main event. The guides, speaking both English and Finnish, are friendly and knowledgeable, often sharing fun facts about the Snow Hotel’s construction, which is rebuilt every winter.

Guided Tour of the Snow Hotel

Arriving at the Arctic SnowHotel, you’ll join a guided walk that’s both informative and visually stunning. The guide will describe how the hotel is constructed entirely of snow and ice, with its intricate sculptures and themed rooms. Several reviews praise guides like “Mike” for being enthusiastic and skilled at sharing stories, which adds a warm touch to the cold environment.

You’re free to explore the hotel afterward, and many reviewers enjoyed visiting different rooms, with some noting that every suite is distinct and decorated with ice sculptures. The ice chapel and ice bar are often highlighted as must-sees, with the latter allowing you to sip drinks served in glasses made from ice, adding to the magic.

The Ice Restaurant and Dining

A key highlight is the dinner inside the Ice Restaurant, which is a marvel of ice architecture and design. The restaurant is set with tables and chairs carved from ice, and the lighting enhances the surreal atmosphere. You might find the experience a little “brrr,” but the included heaters and warm clothing help keep discomfort at bay.

The menu offers a starter of creamy parsnip soup with goat cheese cream, followed by a choice of main courses including roast elk, Arctic salmon, grilled chicken, or vegan falafel patties. The option to select your main course in advance means you’ll get a meal tailored to your preferences, although some reviewers mention the need for clearer communication about choices.

The dessert, a strawberry-chocolate bavarois, offers a sweet finish. Several guests commented on the high quality of the food with remarks like “food was amazing” and “delicious and surprisingly hot by the time it reached our table” — a testament to the efficiency of the kitchen in such a chilled environment.

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Additional Activities and Amenities

Beyond the restaurant, the tour includes free time to explore the hotel’s grounds and ice sculptures. You can also try lakeside kick sledding or tobogganing, which adds a fun, active element.

For those wanting a panoramic view, the Sky Bar offers drinks with spectacular sky views, and the ice bar provides a chance to enjoy a drink in a glass made of ice — a fun photo op and a delightful Arctic tradition.

Considerations and Practical Tips

While the experience is generally well-organized, some reviews mention downtime after dinner — waiting for transport or simply relaxing in the bar area. If you prefer a tight schedule or want to maximize sightseeing, this may feel a tad leisurely.

Also, keep in mind that drinks are not included, so budget accordingly if you wish to enjoy wine, beer, or cocktails during the evening.

Warm clothing is essential — think insulated layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes. The hotel and restaurant are cold by design, but with proper gear, you’ll stay comfortable and enjoy every icy detail.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for those seeking a blend of culture, architecture, and cuisine with a dash of adventure. It suits families with children, especially since kids can enjoy the fun of ice sculptures and tobogganing, and the vegan options mean vegetarians can also partake comfortably.

If you’re a photographer, the icy surroundings and lighting lend themselves to spectacular photos, especially during the dusk hours when the lighting is softer. It’s also ideal for romantic couples or groups celebrating special occasions because of the unique setting and memorable dining experience.

Travelers who appreciate well-organized tours with knowledgeable guides consistently praise the professionalism of Arctic SnowHotel staff. The experience offers great value for money, considering the inclusions like transportation, hotel tour, and multiple activities.

Final Thoughts

The Rovaniemi Snow Hotel Tour and Ice Restaurant Dinner delivers a truly Arctic experience that combines stunning ice architecture with regional cuisine in an environment that’s as beautiful as it is chilly. It’s a chance to see an ice hotel built anew each year, learn about its construction from passionate guides, and enjoy a delicious meal served in a frozen palace.

While it’s not a full-day extravaganza, the carefully curated activities and the opportunity to relax afterward with drinks in ice glasses make this a value-packed, memorable outing. Perfect for adventure lovers, photo buffs, and anyone eager for a taste of Arctic life in a friendly, welcoming environment.

If you’re visiting Rovaniemi and want a unique, Instagram-worthy experience that’s both fun and educational, this tour should definitely be on your list.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, round-trip transfers from selected locations in Rovaniemi are included, making logistics hassle-free.

What should I wear for this experience? Warm clothing is essential — think insulated layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy shoes — to stay comfortable both inside the icy structures and outside during exploration.

Can I choose my dinner main course in advance? Yes, your meal options are pre-selected when booking, with choices including elk, salmon, chicken, or vegan falafel.

What time does the dinner start? Dinner times vary based on availability, typically at 17:30, 19:00, or 20:30, with your specific time confirmed upon arrival.

Is the Ice Bar included in the price? Drinks at the Ice Bar are available but not included in the tour price, so you can decide if you want to indulge.

How long is the guided hotel tour? The hotel tour is included in the overall experience and is detailed enough to give you a good sense of how the Ice Hotel is constructed and decorated.

Can I visit the Ice Hotel if I’m in a wheelchair? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

Is this experience suitable for children? Absolutely — children often enjoy the ice sculptures and activities like tobogganing, and there’s a kids’ menu available.

In all, the Rovaniemi Snow Hotel Tour and Ice Restaurant Dinner offers an engaging Arctic adventure full of memorable sights, flavors, and stories. If you’re after a genuine taste of Lapland’s icy wonderland, this experience is a solid choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: