Rovaniemi’s famous social media island to close for renovations

Rovaniemi’s Kotisaari, a popular island in the Kemijoki River known for its social media fame, will undergo renovations next spring, forcing its smoke-sauna restaurant Savurafla to close after this summer, Yle reports.

The restaurant, operated by Lapland Hotels, has been running for five summers, using historic log-driving buildings since 2022. Its lease expires at the end of October.

Juha Välitalo, head of Rovaniemi’s facility services, said the city plans to repair the museum and restaurant buildings’ roofs, facades, and windows. Detailed plans will be announced later.

Kotisaari, a former log-driving base, has become a key part of Rovaniemi’s public image, featured in countless social media posts and international media like CNN and The Guardian. Before Savurafla opened, few locals had visited the island.

Savurafla’s concept—pre-selling seats at long tables—proved instantly popular. “The first month was sold out a week before we even opened,” said Tero Mäntykangas, the restaurant’s founder and head chef. Demand remained high, though tourist numbers grew as local novelty faded.

Mäntykangas, unfazed by the closure, said he was happy to have brought joy to so many. The restaurant’s season runs from this Friday until the autumn venetsialaiset festival. He expects the smoker oven to reappear elsewhere in Lapland, possibly in Ylläs.

Rovaniemi will tender a new operator for the island once renovations are complete next summer.