Enjoy the winter at Lapland North Destinations
In the Lapland North region the winter lasts well over half a year, so there are plenty of opportunities for snowy winter activities. Try out cross-country skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing – you can learn a different sport every day!
Inari-Saariselkä in the Far North
In Finnish Lapland lies the arctic travel destination of Lapland North Destinations. Welcome to enjoy the winter wonderland offered by Finland’s two largest national parks, vibrant local culture, and numerous wintry outdoor activities amid the majestic fells.
Lapland North is a unique, family-friendly destination with pristine, unspoiled Arctic wilderness and high-quality services.
More about the area
Snow-guaranteed winter
Inari-Saariselkä gets the first snowflakes generally around October when temperatures start to drop and lakes begin to freeze over. Permanent snow cover usually comes around November and it marks the beginning of a snow-guaranteed winter season.
The mystical Polar Night period from December to January is when the sun remains below the horizon, painting the landscape in various shades of blue, pink and purple. In March and April the spring sun provides warmth, days are long and the snow cover is at its thickest at almost a metre deep.
Winter activities & new experiences
Here you can hop on a sleigh pulled by adorable huskies or reindeer and experience the thrill of speed on a snowmobile safari. In the evening you can join an aurora hunting excursion and learn how to photograph the night sky and northern lights.
Inari-Saariselkä is full of activities for the whole family!
Winter activities
Northernmost ski centre
In Saariselkä, one can find the northernmost ski resort in Europe. The centre’s runs on two fells offer multiple choices for skiers and boarders of all levels. The Ski School offers a variety of lessons on various arts of snow sports.
Ski centre also operates Finland’s longest toboggan run, with of length of over a kilometre! The tobogganing slope is beautifully illuminated with aurora-inspired light art.
Saariselkä Ski Resort
Northern lights dance on the sky
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of nature’s most wonderful phenomena. The explosion of Northern Lights across the sky delights visitors from early autumn until late winter.
Northern Lapland is among the best places on earth to witness the Aurora. Maximize your opportunities of seeing the greatest show on Earth, and join a northern light excursion!
Experience northern lights
Explore Sámi culture
Lapland North area is located in the homelands of the Sámi, Europe’s only recognized indigenous people. Sámi culture is a vibrant part of everyday life and you are invited to explore more with local, Sámi-run companies.
The village of Inari is the heart of the Sámi culture in Finland. The Sámi Museum, Sámi Cultural centre and Sámi parliament are all located in Inari. Utsjoki is Finland’s only municipality with a majority of Sámi population. The northernmost Lapland provides an opportunity to experience modern, everyday Sámi culture.
Explore Sámi Culture
Igloo hotels & other accommodation options
Whether you prefer to sleep under a duvet or a starry sky, there is a wide range of accommodation options available. From a high-class villa to an aurora cabin, or an all-inclusive hotel to cozy holiday apartment – you can find it all in Lapland North Destinations.
Aurora accommodation under the starry sky, watching the Northern Lights dancing above your bed is an experience to remember!
Accommodation options
Arctic flavors of the North
Eating is not an insignificant indulgence during a Lapland holiday, quite the contrary! In Lappish cuisine, the meat often comes from the area’s reindeer herders. Fish originates from the clear waters of the Inari region and the nearby Arctic Ocean.
Whether you are in a fine-dining restaurant or on an outdoor lunch during your ice-fishing trip, you can taste the pure northern flavors in every mouthful.
Restaurants of the areaWinter activities in Lapland North Destinations
Put on snowshoes or skis, jump on a sleigh ride or enjoy the arctic atmosphere by an open fire, sipping a cup of berry juice. Book your activities conveniently online.
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How to get here
You can quickly reach Finland’s northernmost airport Ivalo from Helsinki aboard Finnair and during the winter months, there are also connections from European cities. Buses, rental cars and taxis are at your service at Ivalo airport.
The train will take you to Rovaniemi, where you will find various bus connections to Northern Lapland. The bus routes take you through some of the most magnificent scenery, as far as the shores of the Arctic Ocean.
How to get here?
Inari-Saariselkä is far away in the North, yet just a few hours from Southern Finland. You can get to Lapland with multiple ways, and often the trip is an experience in itself.
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How to get around?
When travelling through the arctic hills, you must remember that distances are quite often long. Be sure to enjoy the views while making your way from a destination to another.
Distance
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Arctic destinations of Lapland North Destinations
Lapland North Destinations is a vast area in northernmost Finnish Lapland, with many exciting destinations and sights within. In the villages, you will find the authentic Finnish Lapland.
