Saariselka Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Saariselka featuring religious aspects and a church or cathedral
Experience the pure-white fells of this Lappish valley on skis or by dogsled. You might see clear views of the Arctic tundra and the glimmering aurora borealis.

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 center. 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 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle in Finland’s Inari region. Ivalo Airport is 17 miles (27 kilometers) 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.

Holiday Club Saariselka
Holiday Club Saariselka
3 out of 5
Saariseläntie 7, Saariselka
The price is NZ$174 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
NZ$174
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Saariselka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Saariselkä Ski Resort and Saariselkä ...
7.8/10 Good! (760 reviews)
"The property has everything you need for 2 people, it would be very cramped with anymore than 2 adults and 1 small child, the kitchen is very well equipped. Beds are comfy, it’s warm and clean and the sauna is lovely. What they failed to tell us is that Saturdays is ‘change over day’ which meant ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jan. 2024

Holiday Club Saariselka
Star Arctic Hotel
Star Arctic Hotel
4 out of 5
Ylämajantie 1, Saariselka, Lapland
The price is NZ$376 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
NZ$376
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Saariselka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Kaunispään Tower and Pyhan Paavalin Chapel ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (202 reviews)
"Lovely cabins."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

Star Arctic Hotel
Santa's Hotel Tunturi
Santa's Hotel Tunturi
3 out of 5
Lutontie 16, Saariselka
The price is NZ$165 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
NZ$165
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Saariselka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Pyhan Paavalin Chapel and Saariselkä Ski Resort ...
7.8/10 Good! (508 reviews)
Spacious for solo traveler, but not very clean
"Stayed in Studio with Sauna. The room was spacious enough for solo traveler, and a small kitchen was available which was good. Sauna worked well. But the building was quite old, and the bedroom was a bit cold when sleeping. Looked not very clean, and there was some uncomfortable smell at shower ..."

Reviewed on 23 Dec. 2023

Santa's Hotel Tunturi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Holiday Club Saariselkä Superior Apartments
Holiday Club Saariselkä Superior Apartments
4 out of 5
7 Saariseläntie, Saariselka
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Saariselka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Saariselkä Ski Resort and Saariselkä ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (88 reviews)
"Liked finnish sauna"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2024

Holiday Club Saariselkä Superior Apartments
Holiday Club Saariselkä Apartments
Holiday Club Saariselkä Apartments
4 out of 5
Saariseläntie 7, Saariselka
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Saariselka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Saariselkä Ski ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (109 reviews)
"sauna good"

Reviewed on 15 Dec. 2022

Holiday Club Saariselkä Apartments
Sielikkö Luxury Chalet
Sielikkö Luxury Chalet
4 out of 5
Sielikkö 1, Saariselka
Stay at this 4-star ski chalet in Saariselka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Kaunispään Tower and Pyhan Paavalin Chapel are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6 reviews)
"Our family of 6 spent 5 nights here in January. The chalet was big enough to accommodate us all without it feeling too crowded. Kitchen was well equipped for the nights that we did eat in & the sauna was great after a days skiing. There was access to more firewood when we ran out, but the chalet ..."

Reviewed on 18 Jan. 2024

Sielikkö Luxury Chalet
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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