As the daytime adventures wind down, you’ll find a diverse array of options to enjoy your evenings. The city is home to a dynamic community of students and young professionals, creating an atmosphere buzzing with energy. Cozy cafés and lively bars provide the perfect settings to unwind after a day of exploring Lapland. Given the cold weather, nightlife in Nordic countries tends to take place mostly indoors. You can also always download our Rovaniemi e-book (for free) for more information about your stay in Lapland.

Ice hockey was born in Finland in the early 1920s, quickly becoming the national sport. For Finns, hockey is even more than just a sport, it’s a precious part of the culture.

Rovaniemi’s official club, RoKi, is the biggest and most followed club in Finnish Lapland. The locals love to go and support the team at the Lappi Areena. Games are often played in the late afternoon around 17:00 or 18:30.

Learn more about the team on their website. You can buy your ticket online on lippu.fi or from RoKi Hockey Office. 

After an enriching day filled with Arctic activities, take a moment to relax in a bar. Local pubs often feature live music, where you can enjoy everything from traditional Finnish folk tunes (mostly metal music!) to contemporary hits. The city offers a variety of places that mix locals and visitors, creating a unique atmosphere. Many bars, such as Oliver’s Pub, feature energic environment and sports games. It’s important to note that the minimum age to enter bars in Finland is 18, but each bar sets its own age policy. In many places, children are not allowed after 19:00, except for Bull Bar & Grill and the HOOK, which operates as a restaurant as well. This makes it a great option for families and friends, as they also offer live music.
Music plays an important role in the lives of the people, so Karaoke is a popular activity for locals, and many bars offer it, such as the Roy Club or Kansan Pub. A must-go in the city!

Picture – ©Oliver’s Bar

The Northern Lights are an undeniable part of the Lapland experience. Many companies offer aurora hunting tours by bus, minibus or as private excursions, often taking you beyond Rovaniemi to escape light pollution and maximise your chances of spotting this magical phenomenon; but be careful with which company you book your experience as many are part of mass tourism and will not drive you to the most promising spots! With real-time weather updates and expert advice, our excursions are designed to help you chase the aurora in the most promising directions.

And why not make the experience even more unique?

Dive deeper into nature with a snowshoeing adventure by night, where you can walk through serene forests under the northern lights. You can also take part in a guided night ski trek tour, exploring winter wonderland far from the lights and noise of the city. Your guide will not only lead you to the best viewing spots, but will also share with you fascinating information about the surrounding area and local culture.

Feeling adventurous? Rent an E-fatbike and embark on a night-time ride through the city, challenging yourself to spot the aurora in total freedom! Check our E-Fatbike circuits!

This indoor mini golf course is the perfect place to spend a fun evening with your partner, family or friends. The courses are glowing in the dark and the venue is modern. The facility features 14 mini golf courses and you can have a drink and snack on site. Conveniently located in the city center, the facility is easily accessible on foot. The place happens to offers student discounts.
You can find more information on their website!

Picture – ©Sampokeskus

Where to Eat in Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi’s city center offers a good variety of cafés, bars, and restaurants to suit every taste. While Finnish culture isn’t particularly known for its gastronomy, you’ll find plenty of establishments serving local and international cuisine. However, discovering authentic Lappish dishes at reasonable prices can be challenging.

A Taste of Lapland Cuisine

Traditional Lapland cuisine is shaped by the region’s harsh conditions, relying on local ingredients such as reindeer and moose meat, salmon, potatoes, and berries like lingonberries and blueberries. Here are some recommendations for experiencing both local and international flavors:

• NILI RESTAURANT: The rare restaurant with traditional cuisine in the city centre, with service in a very charming setting. The only negative point is that it is overpriced (very touristy) and very busy in the high season (make sure you have a reservation!).
  
• ROKA STREET BISTRO: A small but popular establishment serving simple but good food. We recommend the salmon soup (for one or two people). Its cousin, the Roka restaurant, offers a more elaborate menu and menu card, perfect for a dinner.
• CAFÉ 21: A very cozy café where you can enjoy, among other things, very good pastries, generous waffles (sweet or salty) and salads. It is associated with the YUCA restaurant, which offers delicious burritos.

Other Recommendations:

• Pure Burger: The best burgers in town, served in a retro decor. This is a great way to try reindeer meat without spending too much money!
• Gustav Kitchen & Bar: A great choice for elaborate menu and drinks.
• Santa’s Salmon Place: Their speciality and only offer: salmon cooked on a wood fire, in the middle of a wooden hut.

Whether you’re craving a traditional Lappish meal or an international bite, Rovaniemi has something to offer!

Picture – ©Nili Restaurant

Few experiences capture the essence of Finland like a traditional sauna. More than just relaxation, it’s a cultural ritual that every visitor to Lapland should try. Step into a warm, dry room to sweat out the day’s adventures, then cool off with an invigorating dip in cold water – a routine locals swear by for glowing skin and a stronger immune system.

Experience Finland’s most iconic tradition in the heart of nature – a traditional wilderness sauna. Far from the city of Rovaniemi, you’ll step into a warm, wood-heated sauna by a frozen lake, deep in the forest, where steam, silence and snowy landscapes create an unforgettable atmosphere. After a session of soothing heat, dare to take a refreshing dip in icy waters (avanto: hole in the ice in Finnish!) or roll in the powdery snow!

Step into a world of ice and snow with a visit to the Ice Bar, where everything – from the walls to the glasses – is carved from frozen water. This shimmering setting offers a true bucket-list experience, with sub-zero temperatures adding to the thrill.

Located inside the Arctic SnowHotel, the Ice Bar is open daily from December 15th to March 31st. Join a guided tour to make the most of your visit – your guide will share fascinating insights about the hotel’s construction and icy artistry, before you enjoy a drink served in a glass of ice. You can also extend your experience with a unique dinner at the Ice Restaurant. And if you want to warm up after your visit, why not enjoy a wilderness sauna?

Picture – ©Visit Rovaniemi

Have a fun evening bowling! A pleasant activity for everyone after an exciting day out. On Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, enjoy glow bowling! The entire bowling hall comes alive with vibrant lights and great music, creating an amazing atmosphere. The bowling alley is located in SantaSport, on the slopes of the Ounasvaara mountain. Check prices and book a bowling evening here.

Picture – ©Visit Rovaniemi