Hotel in Rovaniemi outskirts, Lapland, Lapland
Nova Skyland Hotel
This award-winning boutique hotel near Rovaniemi offers unique cabin accommodations with private saunas and spectacular Arctic views. The soon-to-open Stella Nova restaurant will feature modern Nordic cuisine highlighting northern Finnish ingredients.
Nova Skyland Hotel is a boutique Arctic resort located in the Alakorkalo district on the outskirts of Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland. Positioned in a quiet forested setting close to the Ounasjoki River, the hotel is approximately 8–10 kilometres from central Rovaniemi, offering a balance between natural surroundings and accessible city amenities including the airport and Santa Claus Village.
The resort comprises a collection of private cabin-style accommodations set among birch and pine trees. Each cabin features a private Finnish sauna, a bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows designed for Northern Lights viewing, and a terrace or deck area facing open sky. The architectural approach draws on traditional Lapland building forms while incorporating modern insulation and efficient heating systems to ensure comfort even when temperatures fall well below −20°C in winter.
The hotel's Stella Nova restaurant showcases modern Nordic cuisine with an emphasis on northern Finnish ingredients. Wild-caught fish, foraged berries, cloudberry, and reindeer meat feature prominently on a seasonally changing menu. The intimate dining room and open-kitchen approach complement the cabin character of the wider property, and the restaurant has developed a following among Rovaniemi-area diners as well as hotel guests.
Guided activities at Nova Skyland include snowmobile safaris, Northern Lights excursions, reindeer farm visits, and cross-country skiing. The hotel's activity team runs small-group excursions and can tailor private itineraries. The proximity to Rovaniemi makes it straightforward to combine the hotel stay with city dining, museum visits to the Arktikum, and the Santa Claus Village experience.
The scale and setting make Nova Skyland particularly suited to couples seeking a quiet, design-focused Lapland experience away from the larger resort-village atmosphere of places such as Levi or Saariselkä. The property is small enough that service is personal and responsive to individual guest needs.
Amenities
- private saunas
- Aurora viewing
- restaurant
- forest setting
- guided safaris
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +358 40 765 1234
Location
Alakorkalo, 96900 Rovaniemi
66.5300, 25.8100 — View on map
Highlights
- Private cabin suites with floor-to-ceiling Aurora-viewing windows and individual Finnish saunas
- Stella Nova restaurant serving modern Nordic cuisine based on local Lapland ingredients
- Quiet forest setting on the Rovaniemi outskirts with open sky views for Northern Lights
- Small-group snowmobile and Aurora safaris operated by the hotel's own activity team
- Close to Rovaniemi city centre, Santa Claus Village, and Rovaniemi Airport
Tips
- Ask for a cabin with a north or east aspect, as sky glow from Rovaniemi city affects the southern horizon.
- Reserve Stella Nova at the time of cabin booking; the dining room is small and fills quickly on busy nights.
- A rental car is recommended as public transport to the hotel is limited; the city centre is 8–10 minutes by car.
- Late October and November combines first snowfall, early long darkness, and fewer guests than December peak — a good Aurora window.
- Snowmobile safaris have limited availability on peak winter dates; book at least two weeks in advance.
FAQ
How far is Nova Skyland Hotel from Rovaniemi Airport?
The hotel is approximately 10–15 km from Rovaniemi Airport, with a transfer time of around 15–20 minutes by car. Transfer service can be arranged on request through the hotel.
Are the cabins suitable for extreme winter cold?
Yes, the cabins are fully insulated and heated, designed for Lapland winter temperatures that regularly drop below −20°C. Each cabin has a private sauna to warm up after outdoor activities.
Can the Aurora Borealis be seen from the rooms?
The cabins are designed with large windows facing the sky to maximise Northern Lights viewing. The hotel's activity team can provide Aurora alerts during favourable conditions at night.
What dining options are available near the hotel?
Rovaniemi city centre with a wide range of restaurants and cafés is 8–10 minutes by car. Stella Nova on-site is the primary dining option at the property itself.
Accessibility
The hotel's forest site has natural uneven terrain and snow-covered paths in winter, which may present challenges for wheelchair users. The cabin entrances include steps. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly before booking to discuss available accommodations.
When to visit
December to March for Northern Lights and snow activities; September and October for early Aurora with autumn foliage. Summer offers midnight sun with forest walks and river excursions.