Saariselka vacation packages

How to reach Saariselkä

• Flight information: Flights to Saariselkä arrive at Ivalo Airport, about 15 miles away. Direct flights from major cities are available during peak seasons, but a layover in Helsinki is common. The total travel time, including the Helsinki stopover, starts at approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes.

• Transfer details: Once you land at Ivalo Airport, the transfer to Saariselkä takes around 30 minutes via airport shuttle, with taxi options being slightly faster.

• Cost: The shuttle bus to Saariselkä costs around $14 per person, while a taxi ride is approximately $53 to $64.

Weather and best time to visit Saariselkä

The ideal time to visit depends on your preferred activities, whether winter sports or summer adventures. Here's what you can expect throughout the year:

• December to February: This is the peak season for winter sports and Northern Lights viewing, with temperatures ranging from -4°F to 23°F. There's frequent snowfall and 3 to 5 hours of daylight, making it the perfect time for skiing and snowboarding.

• March to May: Offers slightly warmer temperatures, from 14°F to 41°F. Days become longer, with up to 10 hours of daylight by May. Winter activities are still available, and you can also experience the onset of spring.

• June to August: Ideal for those who enjoy mild weather and outdoor activities, with temperatures between 50°F and 68°F. Enjoy nearly 24 hours of daylight thanks to the Midnight Sun. It's a great time for hiking, cycling, and exploring nature.

• September to November: This is the autumn shoulder season, with temperatures falling from 50°F to 14°F. The foliage is breathtaking, offering a quieter experience with fewer tourists. There's also the chance to witness the Northern Lights as nights become longer.

Practical information

• Languages spoken: Finnish and Swedish are the official languages, but English is commonly spoken. The indigenous Sámi language is also prevalent in the area.

• Local customs: Finns are typically warm and welcoming but value privacy and personal space. It's polite to remove shoes when entering homes, and knowing sauna etiquette is important.

• Currency: Finland uses the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are available.

• Getting around: Saariselkä is small and easily navigable on foot. Local buses and taxis are convenient for wider exploration. Bus tickets cost around $4 for a single trip. Car rentals are available for longer travels.

• Electricity and plug types: Finland uses the standard European 220V plugs with two round pins (type C or F). Travelers from the US will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Helsinki is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of GMT and observes daylight saving time in summer.

• Travel documentation: For stays up to 90 days, travelers need a valid passport, with no visa required.

Best things to do in Saariselkä

Nestled in Finnish Lapland well inside the Arctic Circle, Saariselkä is Europe's most northerly ski resort and a purpose-built vacation destination, offering a mix of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Here’s a roundup of the top sights and activities you can enjoy during your trip to Saariselkä:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kaunispää: This hill (at 438 meters) offers stunning panoramic views of Saariselkä and the surrounding tundra, with Russia even visible in the distance. It’s accessible by car, on foot, or by cross-country skis, and in winter, you can enjoy a thrilling toboggan ride back down.

• Kiilopää: Another fantastic viewpoint (at 544 meters) to the south of Saariselkä offers breathtaking vistas of the fells and forests. It’s a popular spot for hiking in summer and autumn, and for snowshoeing in winter.

Museums

• Kultamuseo: Visit the International Gold Mining Museum to learn about the history of gold prospecting around the world, with fascinating displays on the lives of gold prospectors in Lapland.

• Siida: Located in Inari, a short drive from Saariselkä, this museum and nature center offers insights into Sámi culture and traditions, making it one of the best places in Scandinavia to learn about Lapland's indigenous people and their way of life.

Day trips in the area

• Inari: An hour’s drive from Saariselkä, Inari is a charming little town known for the clear waters and beautiful islands of Lake Inari. It also hosts Finland's Sámi Parliament and is a cultural center for the Sámi people. You can enjoy a boat trip, go fishing, or simply relax by the shore while learning about the history and traditions of Scandinavia’s indigenous population.

• Kakslauttanen: Just south of Saariselkä, this popular destination offers accommodations in log cabins and snow or glass igloos, providing views of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. With plenty of arctic activities nearby and one of the world’s largest smoke saunas on-site, a visit here is fun, and you may be tempted to stay longer than a day.

Activities for families in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of activities that will delight both children and adults:

• Skiing and Snowboarding: Saariselkä Ski Resort is perfect for families, with slopes suitable for everyone from beginners upward. The resort offers ski schools and equipment rental services.

• Reindeer and Husky Sleigh Rides: Experience traditional methods of travel in Lapland with sleigh rides pulled by reindeer or huskies. Both offer a fun way to explore the snowy landscape and create magical experiences for kids.

• Tobogganing: Head to Kaunispää Hill for some tobogganing fun. The hill has a dedicated toboggan run, and sleds can be rented from nearby shops.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Winter Sports: In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding, the region is also great for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding.

• Northern Lights: Saariselkä is an ideal location to witness the Northern Lights. Join an aurora-hunting tour, where experienced guides take you to prime viewing locations and share insights about this natural phenomenon. For a more adventurous experience, try an aurora snowmobile safari or a night-time reindeer sleigh ride.

• Hiking: In the summer, Saariselkä becomes a hiker’s paradise with numerous trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks, offering spectacular views of the fells and valleys. Kiilopää Fell and the Urho Kekkonen National Park are particularly popular for their stunning scenery and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

• Watersports: The nearby lakes and rivers provide excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and exciting river rafting. Rent equipment locally or book a tour to spend a day paddling through some stunning scenery.

• Fishing: The rivers around Saariselkä are filled with fish, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. Join a guided fishing tour to learn about local techniques and try your luck at catching species like salmon, trout, and grayling.

Wellness in Saariselkä

• Saunas: Experience the essential Finnish ritual of sauna, which is deeply embedded in local culture and believed to offer numerous health benefits. Many local options provide a traditional sauna experience accompanied by a refreshing dip in an icy plunge pool or nearby river.

• Yoga and Meditation: Join a relaxing yoga session at the Arctic Sky Resort or book one of their retreats. Here, you can participate in outdoor yoga in picturesque settings and connect with nature through mindfulness activities such as forest bathing and meeting reindeer.

Local dishes in Saariselkä

One of the great delights of vacations to Saariselkä is indulging in the local culinary offerings that reflect the unique flavors of Finnish Lapland. Here’s what you should look for:

Some typical dishes

• Karjalan Piirakka: Traditional Karelian pastries, made from a thin rye crust filled with rice porridge and sometimes topped with boiled eggs and butter.

• Kalakukko: A hearty bread from the region around Kuopio, typically with whitefish baked inside, or sometimes pork.

• Hernekeitto: A thick pea soup traditionally eaten on Thursdays, served with mustard and black rye bread.

Meat dishes

• Poronkäristys: Sautéed reindeer, a northern Finnish specialty, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. This dish is a genuine taste of Lapland and showcases the region’s culinary heritage.

• Lihapullat: Finnish meatballs, similar to the Swedish variety, are a classic and comforting dish beloved by both locals and visitors.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Lohikeitto: A creamy salmon soup made with potatoes, carrots, leeks, and dill. It’s a comforting dish perfect for chilly days.

• Silakkapihvit: Fried Baltic herring fillets, typically served with mashed potatoes and a slice of rye bread.

Sweets and desserts

• Runebergintorttu: A cylindrical pastry flavored with almonds and rum, topped with raspberry jam and icing. It’s traditionally eaten on Runeberg Day in early February.

• Pulla: Cardamom-spiced sweet bread, often enjoyed with coffee. Variants include cinnamon rolls (Korvapuusti) and braided loaves (Pitko).

• Mustikkapiirakka: A blueberry pie that’s a favorite summer treat, often made with a simple crust and filled with fresh wild blueberries. It’s a delicious way to enjoy Finland’s abundant summer berries.

Local drinks

• Lonkero: Also known as “long drink,” this refreshing beverage is made with gin and grapefruit soda – a Finnish favorite.

• Sahti: A traditional Finnish beer, often home-brewed, with a unique flavor from juniper berries.

• Koskenkorva: A popular, robust Finnish vodka that’s enjoyed neat or used as a base for various cocktails.

Winter sports and outdoor activities in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is a top destination for winter sports and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a variety of activities set against the stunning Arctic landscape. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or simply looking to enjoy the pristine beauty of Lapland, Saariselkä vacations offer something for everyone.

• Skiing and snowboarding: Saariselkä is home to one of Finland's northernmost ski resorts, featuring well-maintained slopes suitable for all skill levels. The resort offers both downhill skiing and snowboarding, with 15 runs and a vertical drop of over 590 feet. Beginners can enjoy the gentle slopes, while more advanced skiers will find challenging runs to test their skills.

• Cross-country skiing: With over 124 miles of well-groomed trails, Saariselkä is a paradise for cross-country skiing. The trails wind through breathtaking landscapes, including the serene forests and open fells of Urho Kekkonen National Park. Whether you're an experienced skier or trying it for the first time, the extensive network of trails offers routes for all abilities.

• Snowshoeing: For those who prefer to explore at a slower pace, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to experience the untouched beauty of Saariselkä’s wilderness. Guided tours are available, offering insight into the local flora and fauna, or you can venture out on your own and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

• Snowmobiling: For an exhilarating adventure, try snowmobiling through the vast Arctic landscapes. Saariselkä offers a variety of snowmobile tours, ranging from short introductory rides to full-day excursions that take you deep into the wilderness. It’s an exciting way to cover more ground and take in the breathtaking scenery.

• Ice fishing: Experience a traditional Finnish pastime by trying your hand at ice fishing. Local guides provide all the necessary equipment and show you the best spots to drill a hole in the ice and catch fish. This peaceful activity is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the frozen lakes.

• Husky and reindeer sledding: No trip to Saariselkä would be complete without a sledding adventure. Whether you're pulled by a team of energetic huskies or a majestic reindeer, these tours offer a unique way to explore the snowy terrain and learn about the traditional Sami way of life. It's a family-friendly activity that's sure to create lasting memories.

Saariselkä's diverse range of winter sports and outdoor activities make it a top destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty in the heart of Lapland.