Scandic Pohjanhovi is a large hotel in the heart of Rovaniemi, standing by the Kemijoki river within walking distance of the main square, restaurants and shopping streets. It has the facilities of a full-service hotel: a restaurant, a bar, a sauna and meeting rooms, and a range of room sizes for solo travellers, couples and families. Its central position is the main reason to choose it. You can reach Arktikum, Korundi, the riverside paths and the Lumberjack's Candle Bridge on foot in good weather, and tour pickups are easy because many operators collect from central hotels. For visitors who want a reliable base, rather than a remote forest property, it is a sensible and well-located choice.
Location and getting around
The hotel stands on the riverside in the centre of Rovaniemi, so most of the town is on your doorstep. Restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and the bus station are within a short walk, and taxis are plentiful. Santa Claus Village and SantaPark are about eight kilometres away, reached by the Santa Express bus, taxi or organised transfer. The airport is a short drive, and bus and taxi links are straightforward. Walking in winter can be icy, so bring boots with good grip.
Rooms and atmosphere
Expect a classic city hotel with practical, comfortable rooms in several categories. Some rooms have river views, which are a bonus on a clear winter afternoon, and larger rooms and family options may be available. The look of the hotel is more traditional than boutique, and the focus is on convenience rather than design.
The sauna is a welcome end to a cold day outdoors, though opening hours and access rules vary, so check them. A restaurant and bar on site mean you can eat without leaving the building on a very cold evening.
Who it suits and good to know: the hotel is a good match for first-time visitors who want to explore town, travellers on a tighter budget than the Arctic Circle resorts, and groups who need several rooms in one place. It is less suited to guests who want a forest setting or glass igloo for sky watching, and city lights make the Northern Lights harder to see from the building, so book a guided hunt.
Breakfast arrangements and parking vary by rate, so confirm them when you book. December and February fill quickly, so reserve early. If you plan several days of tours, the central location saves time, since pickups, restaurants and the riverside walks are all close by. Ask for a higher floor or a river-facing room if the view matters to you.
Why stay here
- ✓Central riverside location
- ✓Restaurant and bar on site
- ✓Sauna
- ✓Rooms in several sizes
- ✓Walk to shops and cafes
- ✓Walk to Arktikum and Korundi
- ✓Easy tour pickups
- ✓Short drive from the airport
Good questions
Where is Scandic Pohjanhovi?+
It is in the centre of Rovaniemi on the Kemijoki riverside, within walking distance of the main square and shops.
Can I walk to Santa Claus Village?+
No, the village is about eight kilometres away. Use the Santa Express bus, a taxi or an organised transfer.
Is it good for the Northern Lights?+
City lights make the aurora harder to see from the building, so book a guided hunt from the centre.
