Saariselkä
A vibrant village with a conspicuous Sámi and Lapp presence.
Located in northern Finnish Lapland, Saariselkä is one of Finland’s most established Arctic holiday destinations. Situated about 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, the village sits on the edge of vast wilderness areas and serves as the gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Finland’s largest protected landscapes.
Saariselkä is known for its wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year. In winter, visitors can enjoy downhill skiing, extensive cross-country trails, snowshoeing, reindeer sleigh rides and husky safaris. The dark Arctic nights also offer excellent opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.
During the summer months, the region transforms into a hiking and cycling paradise. Trails lead through open tundra, forests and fells, while visitors can also try gold panning, fishing and canoeing in the surrounding wilderness areas.
Saariselkä is also closely connected to the Sámi culture of northern Lapland. The nearby village of Inari, located about an hour north, is home to the Sámi Parliament and the Siida Sámi Museum, which provides insight into the traditions and history of Europe’s only recognised indigenous people.
Ivalo Airport (IVL) lies about 30 minutes south of Saariselkä and provides regular flights from Helsinki, making it the main gateway to the region. From here travellers can explore destinations across northern Lapland, including the Inari region and the remote wilderness areas of Finland’s far north.
