A Finnish town located firmly within the chilly embrace of the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is truly one of a kind. Considered the official home of the big man in red, Santa Claus himself, Rovaniemi was badly bombed during the 1940s, with almost 90% of its buildings totally destroyed. A new plan for the town’s layout was created by Finnish design mastermind Alvar Aalto, with the major streets formed into an aerial view of a reindeer’s head and antlers – the local football stadium forms its eye. This is a town bursting with history and personality, which also acts as the main gateway to the magical scenery of Finnish Lapland.

The family-owned Arctic Light Hotel is housed within the 1950s structure of the former New City Hall of Rovaniemi, designed by local architect Ferdinand Salokangas in a contemporary functionalist style. A listed building, the hotel was extensively refurbished in 2013 but retains many of the original features – such as rare lighting fixtures from Paavo Tynell, and beautiful wooden inlay doors. Home to 57 roomy and well-equipped suites and rooms, the Arctic Light Hotel offers a luxuriously cosy base from which to explore all the spectacular sights of the Arctic Circle.

The hotel combines traditional Lappish heritage and folkloric elements with ultra-chic modern styling for the ultimate in urban Arctic appeal. Rooms feature atmospheric touches such as faux fur throws and starry lighting, to reflect the beauty of the local surroundings and culture. Located in the heart of Rovaniemi, it is conveniently placed to see the town’s many sights – the excellent Arktikum museum and Arctic Science Centre are both 15 minutes’ walk. Santa’s Village, with its hard-working elves and festive post office, is located 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of town.

It’s not all about Santa – the region’s unique natural beauty is a key draw for most guests. Proud to boast the cleanest air in Europe, Rovaniemi is the final stop in the Arctic Circle before reaching the North Cape, with a wide variety of activities throughout the year. Catch the Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights) while mushing a husk sled through the snow in winter, or take a canoe out on the river under the midnight sun during summertime. Visit the fells and wilds of Pallas National Park to experience the spellbinding majesty of the region while hiking or skiing.

The hotel offers the perfect antidote to a long day out in the cold exploring, with its on-site Arctic Restaurant. Taking cues from traditional Arctic cuisine, the chefs use fresh local ingredients prepared in the most classic ways – from salmon and king crab to reindeer, lamb and willow grouse. After supper, guests can head over to Plan B, the hotel’s cocktail bar. Located in the glass-fronted terrace, this is a cosy spot to enjoy a warming beverage.

Boutique and Luxury Hotels Rovaniemi