Inari-Saariselkä EXPLORE THE AUTHENTIC LAPLAND
INARISAARISELKA.FI
EXPLORE THE AUTHENTIC LAPLAND. The Arctic Inari-Saariselkä region is located in northern Finland. A stay in the far north offers an adventure packed with surprising experiences amid Lapland’s spectacular nature and enchanting culture.
ARCTIC NATURE AND NATIONAL PARKS
LOCAL FOOD AND WELLBEING
AUTHENTIC AND VIBRANT LOCAL CULTURE
ACTIVITIES ALL YEAR ROUND
Nature, culture and memorable experiences. inarisaariselka.fi
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Numerous ways to discover the authentic Lapland Whether you are interested in Arctic nature or year-round activities, you can find your own magical adventure in northern Lapland. The midnight sun and the mythical Northern Lights cast a spell on visitors and the unique local culture takes you back in time. This is Lapland at its most authentic.
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Inari-Saariselkä Experience several destinations Explore the authentic villages in northern Lapland and enjoy the hospitality of local services. In the Inari-Saariselkä region, visitors can enjoy Lappish and Sámi cultural attractions and unique nature destinations. .
INARI is located on the shore of the large and beautiful Lake Inari. The village is the centre of Sámi culture and a vibrant village that hosts events all year round. Offering a wide range of activities, SAARISELKÄ makes a high-quality setting for your holiday. With its location next to Urho Kekkonen National Park, this centre makes n ideal spot for enjoying the area’s numerous highquality services. In Saariselkä, you can explore a network of hiking and cycling routes that travel across fells and forests, and in winter, the area offers about 200 km of well-maintained ski trails. Downhill skiers have 15 slopes on two fells to choose from.
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IVALO is the Inari region’s administrative centre and largest village, with northern Lapland’s most extensive selection of services. Ivalo has Finland and the EU’s northernmost airport. Ivalojoki’s best sandy river beach can also be found in the area of Ivalo. UTSJOKI is Finland’s northernmost municipality and its only municipality where Sámi make up the majority of the population. The Ailigas fell stands guard over the village of Utsjoki, from where you can reach Norway by crossing the Sámi Bridge, which runs across the Tenojoki, famous for its salmon.
Explore northern wilderness and villages The villages of northern Lapland sit amid the most magnificent Arctic landscapes. The Inari-Saariselkä region is home to Finland’s two largest national parks, the Kevo Nature Reserve, six wilderness areas and the Inari hiking area. You can opt for guided hikes or marked routes, or explore
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the pristine natural surroundings independently.
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READ MORE:
i narisaariselka.fi
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luontoon.fi
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INARI
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URHO KEKKONEN NATIONAL PARK
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IVALO
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LEMMENJOKI NATIONAL PARK
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KAAMANEN
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KEVO NATIONAL PARK
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KARIGASNIEMI
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INARI HIKING AREA
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LEMMENJOKI
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HAMMASTUNTURI WILDERNESS AREA
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NELLIM
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TSARMITUNTURI WILDERNESS AREA
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NUORGAM
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MUOTKATUNTURI WILDERNESS AREA
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NÄÄTÄMÖ
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VÄTSÄRI WILDERNESS AREA
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SEVETTIJÄRVI
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KALDOAIVI WILDERNESS AREA
10. SAARISELKÄ
10. PAISTUNTURI WILDERNESS AREA
11. TANKAVAARA 12. UTSJOKI
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DID YOU KNOW?
Finland’s northernmost region ◆ The
longest period of midnight sun and the longest polar night in Finland
◆ Finland’s
longest Northern Lights season; more than 200 days
◆ Snow
TWO MONTHS OF MIDNIGHT SUN
typically from October to May
◆ More
than 100 fells that have been named
◆ More
reindeer than people
◆ Inari
is the largest municipality in Finland
◆ Nuorgam, ◆ Ivalo,
the EU’s northernmost village
Finland’s northernmost airport
Surrounding nature as the year-round scene ◆ Inarijärvi,
Lapland’s largest lake
◆ The
largest in Finland – Kaldoaivi Wilderness Area and Lemmenjoki National Park
200 DAYS OF NORTHERN LIGHTS
◆ Urho
Kekkonen National Park, home to the most extensive network of wilderness huts and huts available to reserve, and Korvatunturi Fell, where Father Christmas lives
◆ Saariselkä,
Europe’s northernmost ski centre, and Finland’s longest sledging route
◆ More
SNOW TYPICALLY FROM OCTOBER TO MAY
than 200 km of cycling and skiing trails
◆ The
Tenojoki & Näätämöjoki, with abundant salmon stocks
Unique local culture ◆ Inari,
the centre of Sámi culture, and Siida, Finland’s only museum for Sámi culture
◆ Utsjoki,
Finland’s only municipality where Sámi make up the majority of the population, and the Skolt Sámi areas of Sevettijärvi and Nellim
◆ Tankavaara,
the world’s only gold prospector
museum @exploreinari Inari-Saariselkä #exploreinari
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◆ The
Lemmenjoki and Ivalojoki, legendary gold prospecting areas
Hammerfest
Nervei
Batsfjord
Veidnes Lebesby
Ham
Olderfjord Ifjord
Skaidi
FIND MORE MAPS: inarisaariselka.fi
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Kunes
E6
Tana
NORJA NORWAY
E6
E75
Pajukoste
970 E6
Porsangermoen
Vadso
Nuorgam
Lakselv
Rafsbotn
Skall
Varangerbotn
Jääräjoki
Bugøynes
Vetsikko Kaava
Köngäs
Gárnjárga
E6
Arola
Utsjoki
Paatus
Skoganvarre 970
Patoniva Kevo
Nuvvus Paistunturin Dalvadas erämaa-alue Paistunturi Aittijoki Wilderness Area Nuorpiniemi Paistunturit
E6
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Outakoski Akukoski
Karasjok
Vetsijärvi
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Kenestupa
Rovisuvanto
Jääjärvi
Kirakkajärvi
Sevettijärvi
UTSJOKI
Petsikko
Iijärvi
NORJA NORWAY
Kielajoki
Aslakkala Ranttila
Nitsijärvi
Paksumaa
INARI
E75
Huutoniemi
Tirro Riutula Koskenniska
Paatari
Maarestatunturit
Lemmenjoen kansallispuisto Lemmenjoki National Park Vipustunturit
Pöyrisjärven erämaa-alue Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area
ENONTEKIÖ
Kalmankaltio
Puljun erämaa-alue Pulju Wilderness Area
Nunnanen
Sikovuono
Nellim
Solojärvi
Sarmijärvi
Rahajärvi
Menesjärvi
Ivalo Kyrö
Hammasjärvi
E75
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Saariselkä Laanila Kaunispää
438
Kakslauttanen
Purnumukka
Nilipirtti
Tankavaara Sompion luonnonpuisto Vuotso Sompio Strict Nature Reserve
Porttipahdan tekojärvi
Kurkkio Ruskisrova
Tepasto
955
Kiilopää 546
Tankapirtti
Pokka
KITTILÄ
Raja-Jooseppi
Repojoki
Repokaira
Kaalimaa
Lompolo
Tsarmitunturin erämaa-alue Tsarmitunturi Wilderness Area Ruohokangas
Palkisoja
Salanki
Raattama
Keväjärvi
Akujärvi
Rajankangas Huuhkaja 4 Törmänen
Hammastunturin erämaa-alue Hirvassalmi Hammastunturi Wilderness Area
955
Yli-Kyrö
Pallastunturi
Torassieppi
Koppelo Siskeli
Kiiloselkä Pulju
VENÄJÄ RUSSIA
969
Veskoniemi
Ketomella
las-Yllästunturin kansallispuisto las-Yllästunturi National Park
Rajakoski Virtaniemi
Ivalon Matti
956
Pir
Inarijärvi
Lisma
957
Pallastunturi 807
Nammijärvi
Inari
Kuttura
Peltovuoma
Liepimäjärvi
Nyrud
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955
Lemmenjoki Njurklahti
Pöyrisjärvi
Keräs-Sieppi
Partakko
Kaamanen
Mutusjärvi
Pyhäjärvi
uri
885
Vätsärin erämaa Vätsäri Wilderness Area
Paloniemi
Angeli
etta
Supru Suolisjärvi
Väylä
Jokiranta
Vuontisjärvi
Vätsäri
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Palomaa
Geavgnávuolle
älä
Pautujärvi
Suojanperä
Kaamasmukka
Muotkatunturit Muotkatunturin erämaa-alue Muotkatunturi Wilderness Area
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Rautaperä
Iijärvi
Säytsjärvi
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Kamiljoki
Hesseng
Näätämö
Mieraslompola
Karigasniemi
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Kirkenes
Villavaara
Kaldoaivin erämaa-alue Kaldoaivi Wilderness Area
Leppälä
Kevon luonnonpuisto Kevo Strict Nature Reserve
Piesjoki Masi
E75
Korpela Tieva
Roivainen 4
Sokosti 718
Urho Kekkosen Talkkunapää kansallispuisto 633 Urho Kekkonen National Park
Korvatunturi 483
THE EIGHT SEASONS OF NORTHERN LAPLAND Midnight sun
light summer nights bring the nature and people to life
Thaw
Harvest
the snow melts, nature comes to life and reindeer calves learn to stand
berries ripen and nature’s offerings are preserved for winter
Early spring, with hard snow cover
Changing colours of autumn
days are full of light but nights are still dark and cold
nature’s fireworks before winter’s long sleep
Sub-zero winter
First snow
the silent winter days are illuminated by the Northern Lights that dance across the sky and reflect off the snow, which transforms the landscape
the days shorten and the ground is covered by ice and frost, followed by snow
Polar night the polar night offers time for rest and brings people together to celebrate Christmas
In Northern Lapland, you can find a season that suits you, whether you like winter or summer. The Sámi traditionally divide the year into eight seasons. Northern Lapland offers numerous opportunities for exploring the wonders of the changing seasons.
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NORTHERN LAPLAND OFFERS
ACTIVITIES ALL YEAR ROUND Magical fells, fascinating gold prospecting lands and exciting Arctic culture In the Inari-Saariselkä region, you are surrounded by Arctic nature and Sámi culture. The region’s eight seasons offer a magical setting for your holiday, allowing you to enjoy the nature and culture of Northern Lapland in numerous ways all year round.
Find activities all year round: inarisaariselka.fi Reindeer
Huskies
Fishing & hunting
Hiking & outdoors
Biking
Paddling & watersports
Boat trips
Motorsports
Cross country & downhill skiing
Snowshoeing
Snowmobiling
Gold
Wellbeing
Culture and local life
Food experiences
Berry picking and foraging tours
Transportation & Bus Tours
Photography tours
Midnight sun tours
Northern light tours
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Things to see and do
EN ROUTE
Explore the vibrant villages and interesting attractions of the Inari-Saariselkä region. Here, you can experience the magical fells, fascinating gold prospecting lands and exciting Arctic culture.
CATCH FROM THE PRISTINE WATERS
FELLS, HIGHLANDS, LAKES AND RIVERS
AUTHENTIC VILLAGES AND ANCIENT TRADITIONS
GOLD AND CULTURE
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Small miracles
The beauty of pristine waterways
PIELPAJÄRVI WILDERNESS CHURCH Built between 1752 and 1760, this historically and culturally important church was in active use until the late 19th century. IVALO’S KULTALA was built in 1869 as a base for the state to monitor and govern the gold prospecting operations in the area. UTSJOKI CHURCH COTTAGES include 14 cottages that were built in the 18th and 19th centuries to serve visitors to the nearby church. FINLAND’S MOST BEAUTIFUL ROAD, route 970, is worth lingering on.
INARIJÄRVI is a beautiful, clear-watered lake with 3,318 islands and vast open areas. It is the third largest and the second deepest lake in Finland, and it has the cleanest and clearest water. Known for its stunning scenery, the IVALOJOKI is ideal for canoeing and fishing, as well as snowmobiling in winter. Gold is still prospected in the river and the streams that branch off it. the TENOJOKI is the river that marks the border between Finland and Norway. Well known for its abundant salmon stock, it is among the most productive natural salmon rivers in Northern Europe.
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The Northern Lights and Lapland
GO TOGETHER
The aurora borealis is something that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime. The Inari-Saariselkä region offers an ideal location for admiring this magnificent natural phenomenon throughout autumn and winter. The areas of Utsjoki and Inari are entirely situated within the aurora oval, an area where the Northern Lights occur, making the likelihood of catching a display high.
Mythical Northern Lights The Northern Lights most commonly occur along a belt that is centred on the magnetic North Pole and covers the Inari-Saariselkä region. The Aurora Borealis can be regularly seen in Inari, Saariselkä and Utsjoki on dark and clear nights. According to local folklore, the Northern Lights appear when the fire fox runs so fast that its sides brush against the trees or its tail touches the snow, causing sparks to fly across the sky. Indeed, the Finnish word for the Northern Lights, ‘revontulet’, translates as ‘fox fires’. The aurora borealis may appear as bright colours or paler lights. The Northern Lights occur all year round,
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but they only become visible from August when the evenings draw in. The ideal time for hunting the Northern Lights is autumn and winter, up until April.
Enjoy the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis above your bed Have you ever considered accommodation that is an experience in itself? Spend a night in an igloo with a glass ceiling or a cabin with large windows under the star-lit sky, and enjoy the stunning nature and the dance of the aurora borealis from the comfort of your own room.
Many ways to experience the northern lights: on northern lights cruises on photography excursions in an northern lights cabin under a glass ceiling on a snowshoe trek on a reindeer safari on a snowmobile safari by a campfire on an ice-fishing trip in an aurora borealis sauna in a hot tub swimming in a frozen lake
Read more about guided tours and make a booking at inarisaariselka.fi
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WINTER The magical winter paints the landscape white Northern winter begins with the mystical polar night, when the sun never rises above the horizon. This is the best time to spot the Northern Lights and enjoy winter activities. Lapland’s winter wonderland offers snowy fun until late spring. The snow cover is at its deepest in late March/early April, when snow may be up to a metre deep. The late winter is an ideal time for outdoor activities: the sun feels warm and days are long.
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CROSS COUNTRY AND DOWNHILL SKIING
REINDEER AND HUSKIES
SNOWSHOEING AND CYCLING
SNOWMOBILE SAFARIS
SUMMER The bright sun brings the nature to life Lapland’s summer begins suddenly, when nature wakes up after the long winter. Summer in Northern Lapland is short but light. For more than two months, the sun never sets, lending its golden glow to the nights and gentle warmth to the days. Here, you can enjoy the fresh breeze on the fells and the beauty of the pristine Arctic rivers and lakes.
WALKING AND HIKING
CANOEING AND BOAT TRIPS
FISHING AND BERRY-PICKING
BIKING
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At the heart of Sámi culture
Sámi culture is vibrant in the Inari-Saariselkä region. Learn more about the Sámi history, culture and lifestyle. Here, northern traditions come to life.
Traditional livelihoods in the modern world The traditional Sámi livelihoods include reindeer husbandry, fishing, hunting, gathering of natural produce, handicrafts and small-scale farming. They are all strongly linked to the natural surroundings and ensure that the Sámi language remains part of a vibrant cultural environment. Even though not all Sámi people engage in reindeer husbandry, this trade holds the most prominent position among the traditional Sámi livelihoods.
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A source of inspiration to modern designers and artists, traditional Sámi handicrafts, duodjia, are still made using old techniques.
In the footsteps of Sámi culture The Inari-Saariselkä region is the best place to explore Sámi culture. The Siida Sámi Museum and Nature Centre, which is open all year round, invites
Savour pure Arctic flavours
Lappish cuisine offers pure northern flavours. Here, every meal is special. Experience a Sámi meal in a traditional Lappish kota hut in the light of an open fire, enjoy a lunch prepared from fish you caught yourself on an ice-fishing trip, or head to the Arctic Sea for a king crab safari. Berries, wild mushrooms and herbs ripened by the midnight sun can be found in local forests.
visitors to learn about the fascinating Sámi culture and unique Lappish nature. In Sevettijärvi, visitors can explore the Skolt Sámi Heritage House, which offers an introduction to the cultural heritage and lifestyle of the Skolt Sámi. In Neiden, over the border with Norway, you can learn more about Skolt Sámi traditions at the Ä’vv Skolt Sámi Museum.
Learn more about culinary experiences and restaurants: inarisaariselka.fi
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AURORA VILLAGE IVALO
IN THE FAR NORTH
Sleeping under the Northern Lights Whether you like to sleep under a down duvet or a starry sky, the Inari-Saariselkä region offers a wide range of accommodation options. Here, you can find a place to stay that suits your taste.
In a glass igloo, you can enjoy the Northern Lights.
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Wide range of accommodation inarisaariselka.fi
FINLAND’S NORTHERNMOST HOTELS
COTTAGES AND HOLIDAY APARTMENTS
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
CAMPSITES AND WILDERNESS HUTS
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Utsjoki
Inari
Ivalo
Saariselkä
Arctic circ le
Rovaniemi
FINLAND Helsinki
By plane
Train
Buss
Taxi
Car
Welcome to explore authentic Lapland! INARISAARISELKA.FI TOURISM SERVICES INARI: Tourist Information, Nature Centre Siida Inarintie 46, 99870 Inari • +358 206 39 7740 • tourist.info@inari.fi IVALO: Tourist Information, Ivalo Customer Service Ivalontie 10, 99800 Ivalo • +358 206 39 7701 • tourist.info@inari.fi SAARISELKÄ: T ourist Information, Kiehinen Customer Service Lutontie 16, 99830 Saariselkä • +358 206 39 7200 • tourist.info@saariselka.fi