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North-east Lapland, Finland
Photo: Argus fin, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Saariselkä] (Northern Sámi: Suoločielgi, Inari Sámi: Suáluičielgi, Skolt Sámi: Suâlčiõʹlj) is a largish winter sports centre in the municipality of Inari high up in Finnish Lapland, some 250 km north of the Arctic Circle and nearly 1000 km away from the southern capital Helsinki.
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Customer service point of Metsähallitus
Free exhibition about the nature and hiking possibilities in Urho Kekkonen National Park and other nearby protected areas. Advice on hiking. Maps, bookings and keys, fishing and snowmobile track permits etc.
Memorial stones at the Magnetic Hill, 6 km north of Saariselkä. The national road 4 originally lead to Petsamo (Pechenga), with a winter harbour at the Barents Sea, especially important in 1940–1941. The steep gravel road used to be 5 m wide, and was so hard for lorries, the drivers thought there must be some magnetics involved.
A safari company that offers a wide variety of safaris and is owned by the same people that run the Hotel Laanihovi.
About 6 km from Saariselkä and from Laanila, by marked hiking routes or maintained skiing tracks. The steep and rocky Rumakuru is a product of the Ice Age. One of the two day huts in the Rumakuru valley is from about 1900, probably built by gold diggers. You can choose another route for returning.
For general Arctic scenery, climb (or take the bus) up Kaunispää to take in the view. In clear weather Russian mountains 40 km away can be seen. The fell itself isn't too exciting, as the infrastructure leaves little room for natural beauty.
There is a nature trail (6 km) to the top of Iisakkipää (slightly higher, with a view less disturbed by ski resort structures) and back, telling about traces of the Ice Age. There is also a shorter variant (2.5 km), along the lower slopes. In winter the trails are marked as snowshoe trails.
There are natural trails (1–6 km) and a trail to the fell top also at Kiilopää (546 m; no lifts here), some 15 km south from Saariselkä. If you take the time to roam around, you can enjoy the fell heaths and fell landscapes, not much disturbed by modern development. Gravel roads and footpaths lead further into the national park, such as via Raututunturit to Rautalampi (10 km from the Kiilopää hotel), where you can overnight in an open wilderness hut. The Kiilopää resort has a restaurant, equipment rental etc.
Prospector was the gold mining firm. The trail leads to a mine and a mine hut near Laanila (1 km). The trail (skiing track in winter) continues to meet other trails in the national park (trail description, background story).
Game and fish delicatessen in the Siula shopping centre – including a café which offers one of the cheapest meals in town. Daily "Lounas" (lunch) €9.50 is excellent value.
Snack kiosk in the central square near Holiday Club Hotel. Hamburgers etc.
Like the name reveals, pizza, in the Siula shopping centre.
Offers panoramic views of the mountains around and is a good option for a lunch or just a hot drink. Try the reindeer fillet with peppercorns, worth taking a drive up for a meal.
Restaurant serving à la carte dishes with good beverages. Also possible to book a sauna and outdoor jacuzzi for own use.
Restaurant and pub, good value. Try their savuporoburger, which won't disappoint you.
Most famous restaurant in Saariselkä. Hard to find vacant table – delightful log fires and delicious traditional dishes, a great place to dine.
former Restaurant Linnansali
Expensive and fine. Specialities cod tongue and king crab.
Specialities include reindeer fillet and Lake Inari whitefish. Excellent choice of wines. Also check the 'Petronella' house cocktail (for warming up in winter weather).
Restaurant (and café) – fine dine in exotic Lapland.
The local microbrewery, which does more than just beer: try Jellona Terwasnapsi, the home-brewed tar-flavored schnapps! A very authentically Finnish place in character.
"Loggers' café", also providing lodging.
in the center
Sheets and cleaning not included. Kitchen etc. common with other guests.
Here rooms are available in cabins, snow igloos or glass igloos specially designed for northern lights observation. As of 2023 embroiled in a major controversy regarding their treatment of seasonal workers and repeated violations of Finnish labour laws.
Hotel, youth hostel and holiday apartments and cabins operated by Suomen Latu, the cross-country skiing and hiking association.
In the 1970s, there was a roadside café, now there is a splurge holiday village world famous for its glass igloos. Art gallery, restaurant, saunas, souvenir shop, and numerous activities both for summer and winter visitors.
Hotel. Parking, Wi-Fi and breakfast included. Options of half or full board (mostly buffet), programme services and packages. Good à la carte restaurant open for outsiders.
International conference hotel, many rooms even have their own sauna and internet connection. Nice view towards the fells from most of rooms.
Europe's northernmost spa and the fanciest digs in town, featuring a large swimming pool/jacuzzi/waterfall/etc section. Still, this is more of a family resort than a romantic getaway, so expect to bump into hyperactive kids.
former Hotel Gielas
Four star hotel with 84 rooms. All rooms have own saunas, bath, balcony.
Outdoor equipment.
By plane
The easiest method to get here is to take a Finnair flight from Helsinki(HEL) to Ivalo airport (IVL; 1 hr 40 min, price €100–250 depending on the season), and then a connecting 20-minute bus ride to…
By bus
Direct coaches from the south are cheaper than aeroplane, but involve a laborious 15-hr journey.
By train
An overnight train to Rovaniemi and a coach for the last three hours is a less painful but not particularly cheap alternative; the train is a viable option also if you want to bring your own car.
By bike
Mind the hilly terrain; you will prefer a mountain bike, which will allow using also the many mountain biking trails (many of which are rough and partly steep).
By taxi
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Ivalo · International · IVL
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