Rovaniemi Ounasvaara area summertimeRovaniemi Ounasvaara area summertime

Summer in Rovaniemi

Experience summer in Rovaniemi

In Rovaniemi, you don’t have to choose; you can have it all at once—enjoy nature and water experiences by the river, play midnight golf, visit Santa Claus, experience urban culture and taste the flavors of Lapland.

You can experience the best of Rovaniemi’s summer at Ounasvaara, in the midst of beautiful nature and diverse services. Relax in the sauna by the Kemijoki River at the Summer Restaurant Sauna, feel the thrill at the Ounasvaara Ski Resort during the summer season, and savor first-class northern flavors at the Sky Kitchen & View restaurant at the top of Ounasvaara.

Summer favorites: summer bobsleigh track and scenic lift

Experience the summer favorites of Ounasvaara: the summer bobsleigh track and the scenic lift. The incredibly popular summer bobsleigh track starts from the top of Ounasvaara, offering spectacular views for riders. This activity is suitable for everyone, as the track is safe and the speed can be adjusted by each individual. You can reach the starting point either by taking the chairlift from the lower station or by beginning your round from the upper station at Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara. At the top, staff will guide you on how to use the bobsleigh before your first run.

You can take the chairlift in one direction or opt for a round trip to enjoy the scenic ride. Once you exit the lift at the top, feel free to take in the views before your return ride down.

  • Ounasvaara summer
  • Lapland Safaris fatbike Ounasvaara bike park

Ounasvaara Bike Park

Ounasvaara Bike Park features four built downhill tracks. Among them, two are blue and two are red. The lift chairs are equipped with bike hooks, allowing for a short break during the lift ride.

Bike rental

The ski center's equipment rental shop offers enduro and fat bikes. Fat bikes are available in both traditional and electric-assisted versions. Mountain bikes are available for children. The summer offerings for kids are complemented by free-to-use pedal cars that can be driven on the asphalt track in the yard.

Summer Restaurant Sauna is the heart of Rovaniemi's summer

Located by the banks of the Kemijoki River, Summer Restaurant Sauna is just a 5-minute drive from Rovaniemi city center. Nestled within the grounds of Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets, it features Rovaniemi's most famous terrace and public sauna, offering a wood-heated sauna and refreshing swimming in the Kemijoki River. You can expect the genuine flavors and aromas of grilled food, along with the best sauna experience in Rovaniemi!

The area also offers the opportunity to play beach volleyball and rent SUP boards.

Sky Kitchen & View restaurant at the top of Ounasvaara

You can easily reach Sky Kitchen & View restaurant, located at the top of the hill, via the scenic lift. It is known for serving the best food in town, along with the finest views of the area.

Sky Kitchen & View is the panoramic restaurant of Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara, which has been voted among Finland's best restaurants for several years. At Sky Kitchen & View, you can admire the breathtaking nature of Ounasvaara through the panoramic windows while enjoying breakfast or dinner.

Santa Claus Office is open every day of the year

Santa Claus Office is located in Santa Claus Village, on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. The Office is open every day of the year, and there is no admission fee.

Rent equipment for adventures

At Lapland Safaris, we offer gear for both beginners and more experienced adventurers. Our staff will guide you in using all the equipment, giving you confidence as you set out on your hike. Come as you are; we take care of everything, from the necessary gear and route planning to safety applications and thoughtfully planned excursion options—whether your goal is to conquer a mountain or visit a wilderness lake to enjoy the scenery.

Going on a guided tour?

From Lapland Safaris' diverse selection of tours, you can find activities for summer adventures—join a river cruise, hike with huskies, or participate in a Santa Claus safari. Explore our entire range of activities and spend a summer day on our guided tours!