Saariselka Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Saariselka featuring religious aspects and a church or cathedral
Saariselka showing forest scenes and cuddly or friendly animals
Saariselka showing signage and a hotel
Photo by John Tanner
Photo by Maria Lamadrid
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 AU$188 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$188
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
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! (775 reviews)
"Excellent room, Spa and Breakfast! Better if kettle is bigger though. Sad the pool was closed over my stay."

Reviewed on 23 Feb. 2025

Holiday Club Saariselka
Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna
Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna
Saariseläntie 13, Saariselka
The price is AU$242 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$242
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Saariselka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Pyhan Paavalin Chapel and Saariselkä Sport ...
8/10 Very Good! (338 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on 10 Jan. 2025

Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna
Star Arctic Hotel
Star Arctic Hotel
Ylämajantie 1, Saariselka, Lapland
The price is AU$291 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$291
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Saariselka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kaunispään Tower and Pyhan Paavalin ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (219 reviews)
Great stay
"The hotel is in a fantastic location and the glass rooms are done really well. We were unlucky to not see the northern lights but we still had a great time."

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2025

Star Arctic Hotel
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 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (133 reviews)
"Throughly enjoyed our visit. The apartment came fully equipped with everything you would need to make meals and feel right at home. We had a fabulous view from the balcony. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Will be staying here again. Couldn’t recommend enough."

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2025

Holiday Club Saariselkä Apartments
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (102 reviews)
"Great budget accommodation for family trip. Everything was fairly modern, crisp and clean and well equipped overall. Loved the sauna and hot cupboard for turning around wet snow gear. Beds could have been bigger / more comfortable."

Reviewed on 8 Dec. 2024

Holiday Club Saariselkä Superior Apartments
Villas Karhunpesä
Villas Karhunpesä
3.5 out of 5
Koivutie 15, Mäntytie 12, Saariselka
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Saariselka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Kaunispään Tower and Pyhan Paavalin Chapel are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"This cabin was amazing! So clean and ready to provide a wonderful stay. The hostess Natasha was really sweet and welcomed us to the villa. Don’t hesitate to stay in these villas. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 29 Sep. 2019

Villas Karhunpesä
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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