The Way We Work at Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi
– Commitment to Sustainable Travel Finland
Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi is part of Santa Claus Reindeer, a locally owned company led by reindeer herder Janne Körkkö.
Located in Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle in Rovaniemi, Kotahovi serves traditional Lappish food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Many visitors combine a meal at Kotahovi with a visit to Santa Claus Reindeer, making it easy to experience local flavours, local traditions, and life in Lapland during the same visit.
Santa Claus Reindeer has been awarded the Biosphere sustainability certification and the Sustainable Travel Finland label. These recognitions support the work we do every day and help us continue developing our operations responsibly.
What we do every day
We believe that good tourism starts with respect – for nature, local culture, animals, employees, partners, and our guests. Many of the things we do are quite simple.
We employ local people and work with local partners whenever possible. We serve traditional Lappish dishes and want our guests to experience authentic flavours from the North. We sort and recycle waste, pay attention to reducing food waste, and aim to make sensible choices in our daily operations.
As part of Santa Claus Reindeer, we also share knowledge about Lapland, reindeer and local traditions. We believe that learning something new is an important part of every visit, whether guests join a reindeer experience, enjoy a meal at Kotahovi or spend the day exploring Santa Claus Village.
How you can help
Small choices can make a difference during your visit. You can help support responsible tourism by:
- Choosing local food and learning about local traditions.
- Taking only as much food as you can eat and helping to reduce food waste.
- Using the recycling points available in the area.
- Carrying a refillable water bottle and enjoying Finland’s clean tap water.
- Respecting nature, animals and other visitors.
- Supporting local businesses and services during your stay in Rovaniemi.
Explore more of Santa Claus Village
Santa Claus Village is home to a wide range of local attractions, restaurants, cafés, shops, and activities. We encourage visitors to explore the area and discover the many experiences available within walking distance.
Many guests visit Santa Claus Reindeer, enjoy lunch at Kotahovi, and continue exploring the village throughout the day. By supporting local businesses, you help contribute to the local economy and the long-term vitality of tourism in Rovaniemi.
Consider visiting in different seasons
The Arctic Circle can be enjoyed throughout the year.
While the Christmas season is a special time to visit, Lapland offers unique experiences in every season. If your travel plans are flexible, consider visiting outside the busiest holiday periods. Spring, summer, autumn, and early winter each offer their own atmosphere, landscapes, and opportunities to experience local life at a different pace.
Arriving by public transport
Santa Claus Village is easy to reach from Rovaniemi city centre by public transport. Regular bus services operate throughout the year, providing a convenient alternative to travelling by private car.
For routes and timetables, please visit transportation information page at Visit Rovaniemi – Getting Around
Welcome to Kotahovi – where traditions are served with heart. ❤️