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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: EUR
- Languages: Finnish, Swedish, English
- Climate: Subarctic
- Timezone: Europe/Helsinki
- Population: Approximately 1,200 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit depends on interests—winter for snow activities and Northern Lights, summer for hiking and midnight sun.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from EU countries do not require a visa to enter Saariselka. Citizens from the US, UK, and many other countries can enter Finland visa-free for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Schengen visa applies for longer stays or other nationalities. E-visa options are not available for Finland. Travelers should have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds.
About Saariselka
Saariselka is a unique destination nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, renowned for its pristine wilderness and year-round outdoor activities. It offers visitors a chance to experience the Arctic environment with its vast forests, fells, and tranquil lakes. The village is especially famous for its winter attractions, including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and the magical Northern Lights. In summer, the landscape transforms under the midnight sun, inviting hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Saariselka’s peaceful atmosphere combined with modern amenities makes it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The area also provides cultural insights into Sámi traditions and Arctic wildlife, enriching the visitor experience. Its accessibility via Ivalo Airport and well-developed tourist infrastructure further enhance its appeal as a top Lapland destination.
Top Attractions
1. Urho Kekkonen National Park – A vast wilderness park offering hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and stunning natural scenery. 2. Kaunispää Fell – A popular viewpoint providing panoramic views of the surrounding fells and forests. 3. Northern Lights Viewing Spots – Designated areas around Saariselka ideal for witnessing the Aurora Borealis. 4. Saariselka Ski Resort – Facilities for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and ski schools. 5. Siida Sámi Museum (nearby in Inari) – A cultural museum showcasing Sámi heritage, traditions, and crafts.
Popular Activities
Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing on extensive trails, snowmobiling safaris, husky sled rides, and ice fishing in winter. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and berry picking. Cultural experiences such as visiting Sámi villages and attending local festivals are also popular. Additionally, guided Northern Lights tours and photography excursions are available.
Saariselka Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Lapland
- Duration Range: Visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing on extensive trails, snowmobiling safaris, husky sled rides, and ice fishing in winter. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and berry picking. Cultural experiences such as visiting Sámi villages and attending local festivals are also popular. Additionally, guided Northern Lights tours and photography excursions are available.
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For: The best time to visit depends on interests—winter for snow activities and Northern Lights, summer for hiking and midnight sun. Pack warm, layered clothing for winter and waterproof gear for summer. Respect local customs and nature conservation rules. Safety is generally high, but be cautious of wildlife and weather conditions. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for remote areas.
Average Tour Price: $65
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $180
24 Available Tour Excursions in Saariselka
With this long snowmobiling experience you can really get practical with the drive and get to landscapes that are accessible only with longer safaris. Warm up during the break with a delicious Lappish lunch cooked by the open fire.
Price: $298.26
Duration: 6 hours
Get a chance to witness one of the most spectacular nature phenomenon in the world - Aurora borealis. We drive to the best spots to see Auroras in the area. With our guide, knowledgeable about northern lights you get the best chances to see the magical show in the sky. Our guide also takes photos that you get via a weblink. During the experience, you will learn about the northern lights, and about how to capture them on camera. Please note that the probability of seeing auroras depends on the weather (clear sky and solar activity).
Price: $139.43
Duration: 3 hours
Search the famous Northern Lights on this small-group safari to Lake Inari from Kakslauttanen and Kiilopää area. Wrapped up warm against the cold, travel deep into the Finnish wilderness by sleigh pulled by snowmobile. Keep watch on the skies for sightings of the spectacular Northern Lights and — with a little luck — marvel at spectacular views of the evening light show around Lake Inari. Owners of this local family company lives in a island, you will visit there in the tour and get glimpse of local lifestyle outside touristic areas. There is friendly reindeers you can meet and feed. Home made dinner will be served by the campfire in lappish teepee. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour limited to 10 people.
Price: $247.06
Duration: 6 hours
Our journey begins with a comfortable Multivan drive to Veskoniemi Marina on Lake Inari. From there, we’ll take a snowmobile and sleigh to a nearby island, set up camp, and light a cozy fire for an Arctic experience. A local guide will teach you ice fishing—even beginners will fish like pros! Between sessions, we’ll grill sausages and enjoy freshly brewed campfire coffee. Spring’s warmth makes it the perfect time to enjoy Lake Inari’s beauty. If we catch fish, we can cook it on the fire and savor the lake’s bounty. Connect with nature and create memories on this unforgettable adventure! ❄️
Price: $235.24
Duration: 5 hours
Snowmobiling in dark wintery nature is once in a lifetime experience! Snowmobile headlights are illuminating our way through nature while we drive through forest, swamps and hills. In the middle we take a break and our guide will make a fire where we get to grill sausages and warm up a little. If we are lucky enough we get to marvel the northern lights above us!
Price: $189.14
Duration: 3 hours
We use our comfortable minivans that seat 6-8 people to hunt the Auroras - the Northern lights - so that we have the possibility to go as far as needed to find the Auroras. We cannot guarantee that you will see the Northern lights, but what we can guarantee is that we will do everything in our power to find them for you. Our Aurora Hunt is organized for small groups to assure the quality of the service for our guests. All our guides are professional "Aurora Hunters" and can answer all your questions about Auroras, Finland, and the culture. The Hunt is always customized by the guide according to weather and the Aurora forecast, but it always includes transportation, English speaking guide, warm drinks, and some snacks.
Price: $164.31
Duration: 3 hours
This is the chance for everyone to try snowmobiling and explore the winter wonderland while driving. During the break, take beautiful pictures and warm up with some hot drinks.
Price: $156.41
Duration: 2 hours
Experience the best of the Lapland wilderness on this 2-hour reindeer safari from Saariselkä. Wrap up against the cold and climb into your sled, then charge off into the snowy forests with a guide. During your 1-hour sled ride, enjoy sweeping views over the Lapland countryside and listen to the rhythmic sounds of the reindeer hooves in the snow. Warm up with a hot cup of coffee, then listen as a guide talks of the reindeers’ role in traditional Lappish culture. This tour includes round-trip travel from Saariselkä.
Price: $187.96
Duration: 2 hours
A husky‑driven sled ride is an unrivaled adventure! You will have the opportunity to try driving a husky sled in the true Klondike spirit. The whole trip will cover approximately 10 km. You will take breaks during the trip to change drivers and take pictures. Finally, you will return to the husky farm to enjoy drinks and snacks by an open fire in an exotic, traditional Lappish wooden dwelling.
Price: $377.09
Duration: 2 hours
Experience Arctic Ice Fishing on this scenic 5 hour trip to Lake Inari. Local experienced guide, unique scenery and Lunch by open fire in warm lappish teepee will make your day memoriable. We will pick you up from your hotel by minibuss. You will get warm thermal clothes and shoes in Ivalo. From there we continue to a small village called Koppelo. Snowmobiles and sledges are waiting for you there, the journey starts to a secret fishing place. You can enjoy unique landscape while you travel in the comfort of a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile. Experienced guide will give you instructions for Ice Fishing. You will receive your own fishing rod and you can start fishing in a true Lappish style. After fishing we will drive to our small island, we have there two friendly reindeers you can meet. 3- course Lunch and hot drinks will be served in a warm lappish teepee by open fire. This is a great trip even if you are not so interested in fishing!
Price: $211.60
Duration: 5 hours
Experience a thrilling, unforgettable trip riding a snowmobile. You may drive or sit as a passenger as the snowmobiles are equipped with a passenger seat, too. This safari is suitable for all people who want to experience the nature and modern snowmobiles. Recommended. In November or early December the snow level might be too low for this activity. In that case we offer similar tour by ATV. If you want to cancel in advance it is possible with full refund.
Price: $176.13
Duration: 3-4 hours
Go in search of the famous Northern Lights in Finland on this small-group to Lake Inari from Saariselkä. Wrapped up warm against the cold, travel deep into the Finnish wilderness by sleigh pulled by a snowmobile. Keep watch on the skies for sightings of the spectacular Northern Lights and — with a little luck — marvel at spectacular views of the evening light show around Lake Inari. Meet and feed Reindeers with your local guide. Savor a warming dinner by the campfire in warm teepee and enjoy personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour — limited to 10 people.
Price: $211.60
Duration: 5 hours
Experience the magnificent landscape, beautiful natural features and peace of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. Pyhä-Luosto National Park is a superb destination for day trips year around.
Price: $235.24
Duration: 7 hours
Join our cultural trip to Inari Sami village and Siida museum. During this day you learn more about Sami culture, visit and interesting museum, see beautiful view over Inari lake and have a chance to buy souvenirs and authentic handicrafts. In Inari village you have a good chance to meet local people while we visit the local village market.
Price: $206.75
Duration: 6 hours
Experience a nice and memorable trip in the dark wilderness by driving a snowmobile. Now you can combine these experiences driving a snowmobile and hunting the Northern Lights. The safari is arranged on the best possible tracks in purpose of seeing Northern Lights. In November or early December the snow level might be too low for this activity. In that case we offer similar tour by ATV. If you want to cancel in advance you can do it for free.
Price: $199.78
Duration: 5 hours
Join the Aurora Experts on our legendary Northern Lights trip to reach the best places and see this great natural arctic phenomenon. The guide shares information about the Northern Lights and the old mythology around them. Listen to the stories about local life and nature by living fire. Experience some Lappish shamanism and see your future with our great Aurora guides! Make pictures by the hints from the Aurora guide. We go to the best site in Rovaniemi area for following the lights, to the mountains.
Price: $154.74
Duration: 5 hours
This 6-hour small-group Ice Fishing safari with a pickup from Kakslauttanen and Kiilopää areas takes you to famous Lake Inari. You will get warm clothing and shoes at the safari office in Ivalo. Your guide will be a local experienced fisherman, with this tour you will get glimpse of authentic lappish lifestyle. Snowmobiles and sledges are waiting for you in our starting point, the journey starts to a secret fishing place. You can enjoy unique landscape while you travel in the comfort of a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile. Your guide will give you instructions for Ice Fishing. You will receive your own fishing rod and you can start fishing in a true Lappish style. You will use either a worm or a maggot to catch the fish. After fishing we will drive to a small island. We have there two friendly reindeers you can meet and feed. 3 course lunch and hot drinks will be served in a warm lappish teepee by open fire. This is a great trip even if you are not so interested in fishing!
Price: $235.24
Duration: 6 hours
Join our snowmobile sleigh ride across the snowy forests and open fells. On this safari you don’t need to drive at all. Just sit and enjoy the unique landscape and make nature pictures or videos.
Price: $128.73
Duration: 3 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
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2. Check Details
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3. Book Online
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4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Saariselka.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Saariselka’s cuisine reflects traditional Lapland flavors, emphasizing reindeer meat, fresh fish like salmon and whitefish, and wild berries. Signature dishes include sautéed reindeer, smoked salmon, and cloudberry desserts. Dining customs are relaxed and welcoming, with many restaurants offering locally sourced ingredients. Noteworthy restaurants include Restaurant Porotupa, known for its authentic Lappish dishes, and Restaurant Rakka, which combines local flavors with modern culinary techniques.
Getting Around
Saariselka is accessible via Ivalo Airport, with regular flights from Helsinki. From the airport, buses and taxis provide connections to the village. Local transportation includes shuttle services, rental cars, and snowmobile rentals in winter. Walking and cycling are common within the village. Costs for local transport are moderate; renting a car offers flexibility for exploring surrounding areas.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit depends on interests—winter for snow activities and Northern Lights, summer for hiking and midnight sun. Pack warm, layered clothing for winter and waterproof gear for summer. Respect local customs and nature conservation rules. Safety is generally high, but be cautious of wildlife and weather conditions. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for remote areas.
Culture & Customs
Saariselka’s culture is deeply influenced by Sámi traditions and Finnish Lapland heritage. Social customs emphasize respect for nature and quiet enjoyment of the environment. Important festivals include the Sámi National Day and winter celebrations with traditional music and crafts. Visitors should be polite, avoid loud behavior in nature, and show respect when visiting Sámi cultural sites.
