Hotel in Rovaniemi, Arctic Circle, Lapland, Lapland
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel
Perched on a forested hillside on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, this iconic hotel offers treehouse-style suites with floor-to-ceiling windows for Northern Lights viewing. The hotel's Rakas restaurant serves stunning Nordic cuisine using local Arctic ingredients.
Arctic TreeHouse Hotel stands on a forested hillside overlooking the Kemijoki River at the Arctic Circle, within the Rovaniemi resort zone approximately 8 kilometres from the city centre in Finnish Lapland. The hotel opened in 2017 and quickly became one of Finland's most celebrated design hotels, earning international recognition for its bold architecture: treehouse-style suites suspended between pine trees on elevated timber platforms, each with floor-to-ceiling windows facing north to maximise Northern Lights viewing. The Arctic Circle line passes through the property itself, adding a symbolic dimension to a stay.
Each treehouse suite is designed by Finnish architects and features warm timber interiors, a private sauna, an outdoor deck, and a large panoramic window above the sleeping area. The suites sit at treetop height, providing views across the Lapland forest canopy. Several larger suites include private hot tubs on the terrace. Standard hotel rooms in a lower ground-level building are also available for guests who prefer a traditional format at a more accessible price.
Restaurant Rakas, the hotel's signature dining room, has established a reputation as one of the finest restaurants in Finnish Lapland. The menu draws on local Arctic ingredients — wild-caught fish, foraged mushrooms and berries, reindeer, and regional game — prepared using modern Nordic techniques. The restaurant is open to hotel guests and outside visitors alike; reservations are strongly advised.
The hotel coordinates a range of guided experiences including snowshoe and cross-country skiing trails accessible directly from the property. Aurora watches, snowmobile safaris, reindeer farm visits, and husky tours can be arranged through the activities desk. Santa Claus Village is a short drive away, making the hotel convenient for families travelling with children.
Service is personal and design-led; the hotel is boutique in scale and the staff-to-guest ratio allows for attentive assistance. The concierge team is experienced in organising activity itineraries and restaurant reservations throughout the Rovaniemi area.
Amenities
- Northern Lights suites
- restaurant
- sauna
- forest setting
- Arctic Circle location
- guided activities
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +358 16 321 321
Location
Tarvantie 1, 96930 Rovaniemi
66.5430, 25.8475 — View on map
Highlights
- Architect-designed treehouse suites on elevated platforms with floor-to-ceiling Aurora-viewing windows
- Restaurant Rakas — one of Lapland's top dining destinations for modern Nordic cuisine
- Private Finnish saunas in every treehouse suite, with outdoor decks facing the forest canopy
- Situated directly on the Arctic Circle — the geographic line is marked within the property grounds
- Boutique scale with personalised service and an on-site activities desk for Arctic excursions
Tips
- Request an upper-level treehouse suite for the best forest canopy views and maximum distance from ground-level paths.
- Restaurant Rakas books up quickly even for hotel guests; reserve for the evening before or on the day of arrival.
- The hotel is 8 km from Rovaniemi city centre — a taxi takes around 15 minutes; the hotel can arrange transfers from the airport.
- Aurora alerts are available from reception; ask about the overnight Aurora alarm service to avoid missing a display.
- Bring sturdy thermal footwear as the walkways between treehouses are outdoors and can be icy in winter.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Treehouse Suite and a standard room?
Treehouse Suites are elevated wooden cabins in the forest with panoramic Aurora-viewing windows, private saunas, and outdoor decks. Standard rooms in the main building provide comfortable hotel accommodation without the treehouse elevation, at a lower price point.
Is Arctic TreeHouse Hotel family-friendly?
The hotel welcomes families and some larger suites accommodate up to four guests. Children enjoy the forest setting and the proximity to Santa Claus Village, which is a short drive away from the property.
What activities are available directly from the hotel?
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing start from the property. The activities desk can arrange husky safaris, reindeer farm visits, snowmobile tours, ice fishing, and Aurora excursions with local operators.
Is Restaurant Rakas open to visitors not staying at the hotel?
Yes, Restaurant Rakas welcomes outside diners. Advance reservations are recommended as the dining room is small and fills quickly, particularly at weekends and during peak season.
Accessibility
The treehouse suites are accessed via outdoor raised walkways and wooden staircases, which are not suitable for wheelchair users. The ground-level hotel building offers more accessible room options on flatter terrain. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel in advance to confirm room availability and accessible pathway conditions.
When to visit
December to March is peak season for Northern Lights viewing and snow activities. September and October offer early Aurora displays with fewer guests and lower prices.