Saariselkä
Saariselkä welcomes you to the northern edge of Europe, where soft fells, pure Arctic air and endless outdoor possibilities meet. Just steps from the village centre, vast wilderness opens into Urho Kekkonen National Park. Whether you come for skiing, hiking, auroras or the midnight sun, Saariselkä offers unforgettable Lapland moments year-round.
Today:
24,5km Skiing tracks
0 Open pistes
3 Open lifts
Travelers tips for Saariselkä
Saariselkä, located 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, is one of Europe’s northernmost and most accessible outdoor resorts. The village combines high-quality accommodation and services with the tranquillity of Arctic wilderness just steps away. Visitors come here to enjoy year-round outdoor adventures framed by smooth fells, pure air, and vast open landscapes. Saariselkä also serves as the gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finland’s second-largest protected area.
Accommodation in Saariselkä
Experiences in Saariselkä area
Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort
Saariselkä Ski Centre brings downhill adventures to the heart of the fells. As one of the northernmost ski resorts in Europe, it offers wide, well-groomed slopes, gentle family runs, terrain parks and plenty of space for both beginners and experienced skiers. The crisp Arctic air, long winter season and stunning fell scenery create a unique skiing atmosphere. Finland’s longest toboggan run starts right next to the lifts, adding fun for all ages. With easy access from the village, modern services and a relaxed, welcoming vibe, Saariselkä Ski Centre is a must-experience highlight of winter in Lapland North.
Our partners in Saariselkä
Gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park
Urho Kekkonen National Park stretches east from Saariselkä all the way to the Russian border. The northern section consists of untouched wilderness, highland fells rising over 500 metres, deep valleys and crystal-clear rivers. The park features Finland’s densest network of wilderness huts, day cabins and marked routes. From Saariselkä, Kiilopää, Kakslauttanen and Laanila, you can access themed day trails, multi-day trekking routes, mountain biking trails and winter ski tracks. This is one of Finland’s most beloved hiking regions.
Year-round experiences
Saariselkä is a true four-season – even eight-season – destination.
Autumn: Ruska colours, foraging, paddling and peaceful hikes.
Under the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights, outdoor life feels even more magical.
Winter: 200 km of well-maintained cross-country ski tracks, a downhill skiing resort, Finland’s longest toboggan slope, winter biking, snowshoeing, reindeer and husky safaris, snowmobile tours and aurora watching.
Summer: Hiking, trekking, mountain biking, trail running, paddling, SUP-boarding, fishing, berry picking and more.
Fells, culture and local treasures
Saariselkä’s surroundings include several iconic nature and culture sites. Kaunispää Fell, easily accessible by foot, car or ski lift, offers sweeping views across the national park and hosts Finland’s longest toboggan slope. Kiilopää Fell, one of the region’s highest peaks, rewards hikers with panoramic views and year-round trails.
Nearby, the region’s gold-mining history comes alive along the Laanila Golden Route and at the historic Kultala Gold Village on the River Ivalojoki. The Prospector Mine tells its own story of early 1900s mining dreams.
Accommodation, food and local life
Saariselkä offers a wide range of accommodation — from aurora igloos and glass cabins to hotels, apartments and traditional cottages. Restaurants combine local ingredients, wild flavours and Sámi cultural influences. Whether you stay in a cosy cabin or a modern hotel, the wilderness is always close.
You can follow local news from Saariselkä and nearby areas in the newspaper Saariselän Sanomat.
Arriving to Saariselkä
Saariselkä is easy to reach via Ivalo Airport, Finland’s northernmost airport, with daily flights from Helsinki and winter connections from several European cities. Airport shuttles operate for every scheduled flight, and the village is only 25 km away. Saariselkä is located directly on the E75 highway, making it convenient to reach by car or bus. Multiple daily bus connections operate from Rovaniemi railway station, and nearby destinations such as Ivalo and Inari are close by.
