Lapland’s food culture in Rovaniemi
The pure tastes of Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi restaurant scene is anything but humble! We have everything from award-winning fine dining to authentic, local cuisine, from Rovaniemi city centre bistros to the charming kitchens of the Arctic Circle. Foodies in Rovaniemi get to enjoy the fresh and pure Lappish cooking beyond comparison.
Arctic and world flavours from nature
Arctic and world flavours from nature
Lapland’s food culture is directly linked to its pristine nature, and Rovaniemi is a great place to explore the fresh produce of northern forests and waters. The Arctic Capital offers not only unique restaurants and relaxing places to dine but also local specialties and urban flavours from around the world. Rovaniemi is home to numerous cafés and restaurants, as well as restaurants available for private dining for groups and events.
From pure nature to your plate
From pure nature to your plate
Lappish cuisine is simple and rugged, just like the landscapes it stems from. Fresh seasonal ingredients play a key role in preparation. Bringing out the ingredients’ authentic taste is held in high regard. In Rovaniemi, Lappish food tastes equally delicious in a fine dining setting as well as by a campfire in the wilderness.
Rovaniemi offers a world of flavours
Rovaniemi offers a world of flavours
Beyond the tastes of Lapland, Rovaniemi restaurant scene is mouth-watering with flavours from all corners of the globe. From the Mediterranean herbs and delicacies to authentic Vietnamese, and from original and hot Mexican to contemporary and vegan Nordic – we offer the world on a plate in the Arctic Capital.
Read more about Lappish treats
A definite must eat on any trip to Rovaniemi is the dessert known as bread cheese (“leipäjuusto”), a type of soft cheese fried after initial preparation. Served with fresh cloudberries or cloudberry jam, it is a hearty dessert with a distinct, sweet taste. Some call it squeaky cheese due to the sound it makes when chewed.
Finns love their baked goods, and it would be a shame not to have a taste! A local Lappish staple pastry is a soft barley flatbread called “rieska”, usually enjoyed with butter. Several types of sweet pastries are also characteristic to Lapland, one of the most recognizable being the “kampanisu” that directly translates to “comb scone” due to its comb-like shape.
Reindeer husbandry is a form of livelihood that dates back centuries in Lapland, and the animal is an essential part of Lappish cuisine. Sautéed reindeer served with mashed potatoes and fresh lingonberries or lingonberry jam is the most classic dish, but no parts of reindeer go unused: the meat is served as fillets, cold cuts, jerky, mince and sausages, just to name a few examples.
The forests of Lapland are abundant with wildlife, and the natural areas around Rovaniemi are no different. Game birds, waterfowls, and the kings of the forest: elk and bear all make mouth-watering dishes with seasonal wild produce.
Hunting in Finland is regulated and based on respecting nature, and Finnish hunters recognize their responsibility by adhering to the rules.
Lapland is famous for its pure waters and the amount of fish in them, making it a popular destination among fishermen. Rovaniemi is situated at the confluence of two major rivers, and consequently has long fishing traditions.
Salmon, trout, pikeperch, and arctic char among others are the fish commonly found on plates in the north. The iconic fish dish of Lapland is salmon soup, available in several restaurants in Rovaniemi.
From late July until September, quite a few cars are parked on the sides of roads around Rovaniemi and Lapland; that’s locals gone berry picking in the forests and on the bogs. The cloudberry is the crown jewel of Lapland’s berries, but bilberry (northern blueberry), lingonberry and cranberry are all wildly healthy and desired catches.
The most common side dish in Lapland is definitely potato prepared in a number of ways. Surprisingly to some, Lapland has its own potato variety, the oval-shaped almond potato. Other typical root vegetables used as side dishes are carrots and turnips. The herb angelica found in Lapland is used as flavour for pies and ice cream.
Restaurants in Rovaniemi
Combine Food experience with arctic activity
Visiting package: Chill and Dine at Ice Restaurant
Dine in a restaurant where tables and benches are made of ice!
Magic of the Forest and Log Sauna, 4 hours (Private Tour)
Feel the healing effects of the forest, herbs and log sauna with herbal bath for feet or treatment for hands. After the sauna we’ll serve you traditional Finnish dinner.
Lapland Winter Park Lunch
Experience delicious Lappish flavors in our atmospheric Kota restaurant
Apukka Snow and Fun
Huskies, reindeer, snow fun and mini snowmobiles for children! You can have it all! Apukka Snow and Fun is a great way for families to have a taste of the best experiences at the Arctic Circle! Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat at 10:00
The Best of Lapland : Sauna, ice swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights*
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about traditional Finnish adventure? Northern lights hunting, Finnish sauna, or traditional Lappish dinner in a cozy wooden cottage away from the city buzz? Correct! On this tour you will get all of
Arctos Winter Spa – Evening session (Private)
Spa experience in a magical setting. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub surrounded by cosy candles and ice-dipping. Price: 179€ per person
Visiting package: Food by the Fire at Kota Restaurant
Great chance of seeing the northern lights in the evening! Visit also Arctic SnowHotel where everything is made of snow and ice
Lappish Lunch Break – Snowmobiling, ice fishing and tasty food
Today we do what the locals do on their day offs: snowmobile to a frozen lake for ice-fishing!
Lunch & Kennel Tour at Korvala
Come and enjoy Korvala’s delicious lunch highlighting Lapland’s pure flavours, made from healthy, versatile local ingredients, followed by a tour of our Siberian husky kennel. Starts at 13:00 Mon-Tue & Thur-Sat.
Horse riding whole day at wilderness area (advanced only)
Experience an unforgettable full-day horse riding adventure with lunch!
Arctos Winter Spa for 2 persons – Day session (Private)
Idyllic spa experience in a winter wonderland setting, just for the two of you. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub and ice-dipping. Total price: 399€
Traditional Lappish Evening in the Wilderness with Dinner
Experience the traditional Lappish firewood sauna next to a cozy cottage and take a dip in the private Arctic lake! Blow off some steam and enjoy a peaceful night in the authentic Finnish sauna. End the night with a tasty dinner cooked over an open fire.
Arctic Animals Adventure – huskies, reindeer and lunch
What a perfect option for those who want to see and experience sleigh rides with reindeer and huskies, but don’t have time to spend a whole day in the wilderness! You won’t go hungry on this excursion as a delicious lunch is served during the day.
Arctos Winter Spa for 2 persons – Evening session (Private)
Spa experience in a magical setting, just for the two of you. Includes wood-heated sauna, hot tub and ice-dipping. Total price: 499€
Traditional Finnish Christmas Eve with Santa Claus and Sauna, 4 hours (Private Tour)
Experience a traditional Finnish Christmas Eve with Sauna, Christmas Dinner and meet Santa Claus in private.
Authentic Lapland Experience: Private Sauna, 3-Course Dinner & Northern Lights at Korvala
Combine these Lapland essentials for the ultimate Arctic experience at Lapland’s oldest tourism business! Price: €145/person, min 2 people, max 6 people.
Finnish Christmas with Santa Claus, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Experience a traditional Finnish Christmas Dinner and meet Santa Claus in private.
Dinner at Ice Restaurant and entrance ticket
Includes Entry tickets and dinner at Ice Restaurant.
Explore more Tips for your Rovaniemi holiday
A guide for responsible Northern Lights -experience in Rovaniemi
Find your Northern Lights -activity
10 Northern Lights activities
Aurora Borealis are visible from late August until end of March or beginning of April
Finnish Sauna Culture
There are over 3 million saunas in Finland – that’s more than passenger cars. It’s safe to say we love our saunas! For an absolute Rovaniemi experience one must try sauna.
Romantic holiday in Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle – the most magical romantic getaway
