Saariselkä is an exciting winter destination nestled in a Northern Lapland valley. Bordered by the peaks of Kaunispää and Iisakkipää and the Urho Kekkonen National Park, Saariselkä is the perfect village base for Arctic safaris and cross-country skiing trips. Glide on a reindeer-drawn sleigh, ski two ski fields or ride a snowmobile. When conditions are right, look for the breathtaking aurora borealis brightening the night sky.
The little town began as an outpost during the 1871 Finnish gold rush. It transformed into a hub for tourism and adventures amid the magnificent high, barren landscapes known as fells. Make an exciting sightseeing journey to investigate the landscape. Ride a sleigh or snowmobile through frozen forests past lakes to the gentle treeless peaks of the fells. Cross-country ski, snowshoe, sled and hike around the stunning Kaunispää and Iisakkipää, both served by ski lifts. Climb Kaunispää on foot or catch the bus to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding frozen landscape.
Enjoy plenty of relaxing activities in Saariselkä too. Pamper yourself at a spa or wellness centre. Try restaurants serving traditional Lappish cuisine, including reindeer fillet, snow grouse and Lake Inari whitefish. Try locally brewed beers and distilled spirits at Saariselkä’s bars.
Whether you’re snowshoeing through the trees, snowmobiling over the fells or ice fishing on a lake, look up in the evening in Saariselkä for a chance to see the magnificent aurora borealis overhead. During a visit between November and March, the possibility of seeing the northern lights is quite high.
Saariselkä is located 155 miles (250 kilometres) north of the Arctic Circle in Finland’s Inari region. Ivalo Airport is 17 miles (27 kilometres) away with connections to Saariselkä by bus. A local ski bus serves the village however, it is easy to explore Saariselkä on foot when the weather allows. Choose from a range of hotels and picturesque hut lodgings in Saariselkä or enjoy an unforgettable stay in an igloo village.
