Rovaniemi: Arctic SnowHotel Tour and Dinner with Transfers

If you’re dreaming of experiencing the icy wonderland of Lapland, the Arctic SnowHotel Tour and Dinner is a trip that promises both visual awe and culinary delight. While I haven’t personally been on this exact tour, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what you can expect—an unforgettable visit that combines architecture, culture, and a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

What stands out most for me? First, the chance to tour an entire hotel made of snow and ice—something you don’t see every day. Second, the dinner in the Ice Restaurant is a seriously special occasion that seems to wow nearly everyone who visits. The only potential downside? The tour’s timing and structure could mean some wait times, depending on your schedule, but overall, it looks like a well-organized experience.

This tour is best suited for those who love a mix of adventure, culture, and good food. If you’re after a unique Arctic experience that’s as photo-worthy as it is memorable, this might be right up your alley. Travellers who enjoy learning about local architecture and traditions tend to appreciate the guided parts of the tour, while foodies will love the variety of Lappish dishes on offer.

Key Points

• Unique Ice Experience: The only ice restaurant in Rovaniemi, built entirely of snow and ice, offering a one-of-a-kind dining setting.
• Comprehensive Tour: Guided exploration of the Arctic SnowHotel, with insights into its construction and operation.
• Diverse Dining Options: Choice between an ice restaurant dinner or a more traditional meal by the fire, catering to different comfort levels.
• Stunning Visuals: Ice décor and hotel architecture perfect for memorable photos and awe-inspiring views.
• Convenient Transfers: Round-trip transportation included, with multiple pickup points to suit different schedules.
• Family-Friendly? While most reviews highlight adult enjoyment, some options like kids menus are available, making it accessible for families with children.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Arctic SnowHotel Tour and Dinner

The Arctic SnowHotel and Its Architecture

The SnowHotel is a highlight from the moment you arrive. We loved the way guides explained how all the snow and ice structures are rebuilt annually—each year, a new version with different rooms and sculptures. This annual rebuild keeps the experience fresh and allows visitors to see the hotel’s evolution in real-time.

The guided tour (about 45 minutes) takes you through various rooms, including the ice chapel and ice bar, along with the hotel’s corridors decorated with impressive ice sculptures. As one reviewer put it, “every single room is completely different and absolutely amazing,” which really speaks to the creativity involved. The guides are knowledgeable and eager to share tidbits about the hotel’s construction, making the experience both educational and visually stunning.

The Ice Restaurant and Dining Experience

The main event is the 3-course dinner at the Ice Restaurant. The menu features a good mix of Lappish dishes—think roasted elk, Arctic salmon, and grilled chicken—plus vegan options like falafel patties. The reviews rave about the delicious food and the atmosphere that’s both magical and icy cold; the chairs and tables are made of ice, creating a surreal dining setting.

One guest mentioned that “the ice restaurant is a must-see,” and many note that the food remains surprisingly hot and edible despite the chilly surroundings. You’ll be seated on ice chairs, often with a glass of local Glogi (glögi, or mulled wine) to keep warm—a cozy contrast to the icy decor.

If you or your travel companions prefer something less chilly, there’s an option to dine by the fire in a warm restaurant, which is helpful if you’re sensitive to cold or traveling with children.

The Meal and Menu Options

The menus are thoughtfully curated, with starter, main, and dessert choices. The starter options include creamy parsnip soup or celery-apple soup—both comforting and warming. The main courses are hearty, local favorites like roast elk, Arctic salmon, or sautéed reindeer, with vegan options like chickpea falafel.

For dessert, expect strawberry-chocolate bavarois or apple-caramel pie—sweet treats to finish the meal. Kids are also catered for, with simpler options like pasta.

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Additional Highlights

Besides the dinner, the tour includes a walkthrough of the hotel—a chance to explore the ice sculptures, the ice bar, and the ice chapel. Many reviewers appreciated the flexibility to explore at their own pace after the guided tour. The guides are praised for their friendliness and information-sharing skills, which really enhance the experience.

Timing and Logistics

The experience typically involves an approximate 45-minute bus/coach transfer from central pickup points. The itinerary includes a visit to the hotel, a meal, and then a return transfer. Pickup times are staggered from various locations, starting around 16:10, with the experience wrapping up around 4 hours later.

Some reviews mention that the waiting times after dinner could be a bit long—up to an hour—so it’s worth considering whether you’re comfortable with potential downtime. The organizers allow free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing some flexibility if your plans change.

The Value of the Arctic SnowHotel Experience

Many reviewers highlight that the value for money is good, especially considering the unique nature of the experience. Seeing the hotel, walking inside the ice sculptures, and dining in such an extraordinary setting is not something you do every day. The guided tour adds educational value, making the visit engaging and informative.

However, a few comments point out that the cost might seem high compared to simpler hotel visits, especially if you’re not particularly interested in the ice structures or don’t want to spend much time in downtime after your meal. Still, most feel the memorable views and delicious food make it worthwhile.

Accessibility and Suitability

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it possible for more travelers to enjoy the experience. While the reviews mainly focus on adults’ enjoyment, the selection of dishes for children and the option to dine in a warmer area make it somewhat family-friendly, though the icy environment is best suited for those prepared for cold temperatures.

Final Thoughts

This Arctic SnowHotel Tour and Dinner is an experience that combines impressive architecture, cultural insights, and a memorable meal. It’s especially suited for anyone wanting a visual and culinary adventure in Lapland, with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to learn about the local building traditions.

The guided tour helps you appreciate the effort behind the hotel, while the dinner offers a taste of local cuisine in a setting that’s both fun and atmospheric. The availability of transfer options adds convenience, making it suitable for travelers who prefer organized experiences.

While some might find the pacing a touch slow after dinner, the overall feedback suggests this is a well-organized, highly enjoyable excursion—a good pick for those wanting to tick off a bucket-list experience in Rovaniemi.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, there are kids menus available, and the experience can be enjoyed by families. However, keep in mind the icy environment might be colder than usual, so dress warmly.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience ranges from about 2 minutes to 4 hours, depending on what options you choose and how long you spend exploring.

Are transfers included?
Yes, the tour offers round-trip transfers from several pickup points, including Arctic Tree House and Santa Claus Village.

What should I bring?
Warm clothing is essential, especially if you plan to dine in the Ice Restaurant, which is kept very cold.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

Is there an option to dine in a warm restaurant instead of the ice restaurant?
Yes, if you prefer to stay warm, you can choose to have dinner by the fire in a cozy, heated setting.

Overall, if you’re after a unique Arctic experience with excellent food and captivating visuals, this tour is likely to impress. Just remember to dress warmly, plan some extra time for potential waits, and enjoy every icy minute of it.

You can check availability for your dates here: