Nova Galaxy Village is a new addition in Rovaniemi. The hotel belongs to the the same owners as Nova Skyland Hotel, but it is in a completely different location and also a totally different experience. Nova Galaxy opened its doors in November 2023 and ran its first season in the winter of 23-24.
Nova Galaxy Village is located almost 20 kilometers from Nova Skyland Hotel and Rovaniemi city center. Its location is truly amazing, in the middle of nowhere and right on the Ounasjoki River.
Be ready for a unique experience! Nova Galaxy Village is definitely a great addition to the long list of amazing places to stay around Rovaniemi.
This blog was written by travel writer and Traveltomtom team member Ashley. She stayed at both Nova Skyland Hotel and Nova Galaxy Village, on behalf of Traveltomtom, and wrote this blog about her experiences.
Table of Contents
Location
If you are looking for off the beaten path accommodation in Rovaniemi you won't find any better. The Nova Galaxy Village is located in the woods, right on the Ounasjoki River.
Imagine you were a bird then this would be your view, admiring the gorgeous landscapes of Finnish Lapland.
Aurora Hut
Nova Galaxy Village has only one type of accommodation, the Aurora Hut. These Aurora Huts can accommodate up to two people and has a panoramic window all around. Every Aurora cabin also has a private sauna building for guests to use throughout their stay.
In summer, a number of Aurora Huts are moved to the river and become the Aurora Hut on the river. Yes, these river font huts are very unique place to stay in summer and autumn, very special!
The summer huts on the river don't have the sauna next to it. But the river views are worth a million!
The Nova Galaxy Village cabins have a comfortable double bed, but the cabin is otherwise quite small. Since we also had two big suitcases it was all a bit challenging to fit in everything. So keep that in mind when booking the Aurora Hut at Nova Galaxy Village.
In the Aurora Hut has a composting toilet and a small kitchen with running water. Please be aware, this running water is not drinking water. All huts also have an air conditioner and heater inside the hut. Perfect to warm the hut in the cold winter months and keep it cool in summer.
Check out the nightly rates of Nova Galaxy Village on Booking.
During the winter season these Aurora cabins actually move back on land and are scattered around the village and are set far enough from each other in order to respect guests' privacy and comfort.
Back to Basic
Staying at Nova Galaxy is absolutely a unique thing to do. The Aurora Huts are something new and worth to be experienced at least once. However, it can feel like you're going back to basics. The Aurora Huts and the village do not offer showers. Only in the main building can you find decent toilets for more convenience. Partly due to the lack of showers, we recommend a maximum stay of two nights in the Aurora Huts.
It is an adventure for sure and the river front views are making up for sacrificing a little comfort.
Kota Restaurant
Winter is the absolute high season in Lapland and summer and autumn are off season. Although the Aurora Huts on the river also have a summer variant, the other facilities in the village are closed. This also applies to the Kota Restaurant. At the Kota Restaurant you can normally experience authentic Lappish cuisine in an authentic Finnish environment.
Nova Safari activities
Nova Safari activities are also at Nova Galaxy Village exclusively for guests. Being located at the river you can book slightly different experiences here than at Nova Skyland Hotel. In winter you can actually walk this river as the ice becomes thick enough to walk on.
In summer for example you can go on a jet ski adventure or you can give fishing a go.
We had never fished before and were able to do so for the very first time at Nova Galaxy Village. What a wonderful, special and relaxing experience. Unfortunately we didn't catch anything, but the experience was definitely not any less because of that.
Overall thoughts on Nova Galaxy Village
Of course, Nova Galaxy offers a completely different experience. Not near the busy and lively Santa Claus Village, but in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of nature and right on the river. It is truly amazing to wake up on the calming Ounasjoki River and have those amazing river views from the moment you open your eyes.
Check out the nightly rates of Nova Galaxy Village on Booking.
We hope this travel blog and review of Nova Galaxy Village makes you excited to travel to Rovaniemi. May you have any questions then please leave us a comment below.