Today @ Saariselka

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@ SAARISELKÄ

WINTER 2019-20

WATCH LIVE VIDEO FROM THE SUMMIT OF KAUNISPÄÄ kaunispaanhuippu.fi LiveWATCH stream LIVE VIDEO from the peak FROM THE SUMMIT of OFKaunispää KAUNISPÄÄ kaunispaanhuippu.fi

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kaunispaanhuippu.fi

SK I BU S TO TH E TO P M ES SKI BUS SI X TI A DAY!

TO THE S SK I BUSIX TOP P KAAMOS JAZZ TO TH E TO TIMES M ES dinner concert November SI X TI25 !

DAY Book tickets: AAyour DAY info@kaunispaanhuippu.fi

THE RESTAURANT HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY

● salad bar with 14 different items ● soups ● steaks ● fish ● sautéed reindeer ● donuts ● crowberryHAS SOMETHING cheesecake ● pies and FOR EVERYBODY lipputoimisto.fi other goodies.

KAAMOS JAZZ Come dine ● salad bar within14Huippu’s different items Finnish declaration of OF dinner concert 25 November THE DECLARATION scenic restaurant. ● soups ● steaks ● fish ● sautéed Book your tickets:24.12 Christmas Peace reindeer ● donuts ● crowberryCHRISTMAS PEACE 14 course salad buffet info@kaunispaanhuippu.fi cheesecake ● pies and 24 December 12 noon.Ski The Ski Bus starting atfrom 12:00.

Bus lipputoimisto.fi soups steaks fish other goodies. will make extra trips for the Declaration of will be running more OFFERS GOOD QUALITY sautéed reindeer Christmas Peace. Don’t forget to try Huippu’s frequently.

Come andOF THE DECLARATION ●doughnuts Northern lights crowberry playing cards own mulled wine. and chocolates ●pies Lappish cheesecake and tryCHRISTMAS some glögi, too!

PEACE souvenirs and gifts ● Unique gold 24 December from 12 noon. The Ski Bus other treats. nugget jewellery from will make TUNTURIBLUES extra trips for the Declaration of Lemmenjoki ● Finnish gems OFFERS GOOD QUALITY 20 January 2018 from 2 pm.toTickets 10 € Christmas Peace.

Don’t forget try Huippu’s Bring gifts to loved ones from The Souvenir Shop.

Table reservations required for dining groups. ● Largelights selection of cards ● Northern playing own mulled wine.

Northern lights playing cards and chocolates. silver jewellery made● in Lapland. and chocolates Lappish KAUNISPÄÄN HUIPPU – Restaurant & Souvenir Shop souvenirs and gifts ● Unique gold Lappish souvenirs and gifts.

Unique gold jewellery Kaunispää, 99830 Saariselkä / tel. +358 16 668 803 / kaunispaanhuippu.fi / info@kaunispaanhuippu.fi nugget jewellery from TUNTURIBLUES OPEN ● 17 Nov – 22 Dec 2017 from 10 am –Lemmenjoki.

4 pm ● 23 Dec 2017 – Finnish 6 Jan 2018 10 am – 5 pm gems and stones.

Lemmenjoki gems from pm.

10Feb € – 1 May ● 24 Dec 10 am – 2 pm20 ● 7January Jan – 16 2018 Feb 2018 102am – 4Tickets pm ● 17 2018 10 am ● – 5Finnish pm Table reservations required for dining groups. jewellery Large collection of silver from Lapland. ● Large selection of silver jewellery made in Lapland.

Cup of glögi keeps you warm! Best glögis come from Kaunispää.

THE RESTAURANT

• THE SOUVENIR • •SHOP • • • • • THE SOUVENIR • SHOP

• • •

•

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KAUNISPÄÄN HUIPPU – Restaurant & Souvenir Shop Kaunispää, 99830 Saariselkä / tel. +358 16 668 803 / kaunispaanhuippu.fi / info@kaunispaanhuippu.fi OPEN ● 17 Nov – 22 Dec 2017 10 am 10:00-17:00.

– 4 pm ● 23 Dec 2017 – 6 between Jan 2018 10:00-14:00 10 am – 5 pm Open 29.11.2019 -2.5.2020 between 24.12 open ● 24 Dec 10 am – 2 pm ● 7 Jan – 16 Feb 2018 10 am – 4 pm ● 17 Feb – 1 May 2018 10 am – 5 pm

ENJOY REFRESHMENTS AT OUR COSY CAFÉ-RESTAURANT WHILE ADMIRING THE BEAUTIFUL WINTER ENJOY VIEWS! REFRESHMENTS AT OUR COSY CAFÉ-RESTAURANT WHILE ADMIRING THE BEAUTIFUL WINTER VIEWS! CAMPFIRE AND DINNER EVENTS by request in advance CAMPFIRE AND DINNER EnjoyEVENTS Huippu’s T RY by request famous OUR FA M O U in advance SA L M O Sdoughnuts N S O U P! T RY OUR FA M O U SA L M O S N S O U P!

Come enjoy Huippu’s famous salmon soup!

Today! @ Saariselkä

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WINTER 2019-20

SAARISELKÄ CENTRE

TO IVALO

SEVETTIJÄRVI

UTSJOKI 96 km KARIGASNIEMI 66 km

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KAAMANEN

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27 INARI

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MENESJÄRVI 33 km LEMMENJOKI 47 km KITTILÄ 193 km

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37 22

9 38

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NELLIM

38km 40km

28 IVALO

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INARIJÄRVI THE LAKELAKE INARI INARI

25km

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14 23

29

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25 21

2

2 km

AIRPORT

32km

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SAARISELKÄ LAANILA

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KUTTURA 38km 11km

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KIILOPÄÄ

KAKSLAUTTANEN

E75

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TO ROVANIEMI

1 HUIPPU RESTAURANT TULIAISTUPA SOUVENIR SHOP 2 IVALO RIVER CAMPING, SEO FUELING STATION 3 RESTAURANT LAANILAN KIEVARI 4 LUOHTIMAJA APARTMENTS 5 HUSKY RANCH & BAR 6 SAVOTTA CAFE / MUSEUM 7 LAANIHOVI 8 SKI-TRAILS START POINT 9 HOLIDAY CLUB SPA HOTEL, RESTAURANTS, ANGRY BIRDS ACTIVITY PARK TOP SAFARIS 10 SIULA - THE YELLOW HOUSE, GABRIEL’S SHOP, SOUVENIRS TEXTILES 11 KUUKKELI SHOPPING CENTRE, RESTAURANT KUUKKELI, POST OFFICE, TAX FREE REFUND, TAXI STATION, BOOKING OFFICE, ALKO LIQUOR STORE 12 KAUNIS JORMA RESTAURANT, LEILA’S SHOP 13 TEERENPESÄ RESTAURANT, DESIGN CENTER SHOP, HIPPUPUOTI 14 PANIMO, BREWERY, SAARISELKÄ INN 15 BOWLING ALLEY, RESTAURANT 16 SANTA’S HOTEL TUNTURI, RESTAURANTS 17 RIEKONLINNA HOTEL, RESTAURANTS ULTIMA JEWELRY SHOP ULTIMA GIFT SHOP LAPLAND SAFARI OFFICE LAPLAND SAFARI SHOP 18 CHURCH OF ST. PAUL 19 PETRONELLA RESTAURANT, 20 JOIKU-KOTSAMO SAFARIS OFFICE, SAFARI BOOKINGS 21 LUONTOLOMA , PRO SAFARIS 22 O’PORO IRISH PUB 23 HUSKY & CO, OFFICE

31 24 SKI SLOPES AND LIFTS 26 SLEDDING HILL 27 SIIDA, SAMI MUSEUM, SAJOS 28 PHARMACY, S-MARKET VASKOOLI, ALKO LIQUOR STORE, K-SUPERMARKET, HOTELLI IVALO, CLUB NORD, KULTAHIPPU HOTEL-RESTAURANT, SPORTIA SHOP 29 AIRPORT 30 PARTIOAITTA SHOP 31 GOLD MUSEUM, TANKAVAARA GOLD VILLAGE 32 NESTE FUELING STATION, LUNCH, SNOWMOBILE RENT, SAFARIS 3 4 RESTAURANT PIRKON PIRTTI, BOOKING OFFICE 35 GIELAS HOTEL, RESTAURANT INFO KIEHINEN 36 KAAMASEN KIEVARI 37 KELOTÄHTI APARTMENTS 38 APARTMENTS KUUKKELI 39 PARAS PAIKKA APARTMENTS 40 NORTHERN LIGHTS VILLAGE, RESTAURANT, SAFARI BOOKINGS, GLASS ROOFED ACCOMMODATIONS 41 ANNE’S GARDEN, GRILL, CAFE, LOBBY BAR

ETELÄRINNE II

TANKAVAARA

1 SKI

ETELÄRINNE

SAARISELKÄ CENTRE

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S LOPES SLEIGH 26 RUN

AND LIFTS 24

8 URHO KEKKOSEN KANSALLISPUISTO (UK) -NATIONAL PARK

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SKI -TRAILS

CHURCH OF ST. PAUL

7 6 The Saariselkä maps: Municipality of Inari

Have a nice holiday!

Today! @ Saariselkä ULTIMA RIEKONLINNA GIFT

ULTIMA JEWELRY

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ULTIMA GIFT

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WINTER 2019-20 ultimaJEWELRY gift ULTIMA

u

riekonlinna TUNTURIGIELAS

Snowflake necklaceand earringS SNOWFLAKE NECKLACEAND EARRINGS

REINDEER PULLOVER, 100% MERINO WOOL

DESIGN: TerhiKoivisto Koivisto Design: Terhi

DESIGN: Kaislakerttu

Des

WIDE COLLECTION OF FINE FINNISH JEWELRY IN GOLD, WHITE GOLD AND SILVER: RINGS, quality gifts and souvenirs from finland: NECKLACES, EARRINGS, AND LAPPISH knitwear, gloves, WATCHES leatherbags, glass, GOLD knives and local handcraft.

QUALITY GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS FROM FINLAND: FUR HATS, KNITWEAR, GLOVES, LEATHER BAGS, GLASS, KNIVES AND LOCAL HANDICRAFTS.

ULTIMA GIFT

LAPLAND HOTEL RIEKONLINNA

shops open

finest finnish des

ultima gift

ULTIMA JEWELRY lapland Hotel riekonlinna daily: Saariselkä • +358 40 728 8448 •HOTEL www.ultimajewelry.fi SANTA'S TUNTURIGIELAS

LAPLAND HOTEL RIEKONLINNA 10.00 - 13.00 Saariseläntie 13 •+358 40 728 8448 www.ultimajewelry.fi Saariselkä • +358 40 728 8448 www.ultimajewelry.fi 14.00 - 19.00

OPEN 10-19

shops open daily: 10.00 - 13.00 14.00 - 19.00

Saariselkä • +358 WELCOME! 400 165 448 • www.ultimajewelry.fi

Husky&Co. Husky, Snowmobile and Reindeer Activities - Join us to explore the Northern Lapland!

Husky Safaris •2-3h 145€ (155€)/person •4h 170€/person (incl. lunch)

Snowmobile safaris •2-3h 85€/person •4h 130€/person (incl.lunch) •Aurora Hunting 130€/person

Also Snowshoe Hike, Ice Fishing Safaris and different tailor made programs. Ask for further details!

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wi in

ultima jewel

ULTIMA JEWELRY finest finnish design

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Reindeer Safaris •2h 110€/person •3,5h 130€/person •Aurora Hunting 135€/person

Husky&Co. Bookings & Information Activities +358 447 290 007 husky@huskyco.fi www.huskyco.fi

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Today! @ Saariselkä

We asked tourists visiting Saariselkä that what drew them to the town from all the other places Lapland has to offer. Has Saariselkä met their expectations? And what has been the most interesting activity in the village?

We wanted to find out what their expectations were, and has the town let them down in any way during their visit. (HS)

WINTER 2019-20

Huskies, sled hill, reindeers and friendly people are Saariselkä’s best assets

Chaeyeong (left) and Subin found the sled hill to be the most exciting part of their trip.

Andrea and Annalisa praise the kindness of the local people.

Cosette is very fond of animals and naturally the husky safari was her favourite experience.

Saariselkä exceeded expectations

Husky safari is the most favoured experience

Andrea and Annalisa, from Italy, were waiting for a bus to Rovaniemi outside Santa’s Hotel Tunturi when they were approached by our journalists. The pair was in good spirits, and explained how they first heard of Saariselkä through an Italian travel agency. They saw pictures of the strange, glass cottages of Northern Lights Village. It was these cottages with glass ceilings that sparked their interested, and the pair decided to travel to Saariselkä. And they were not disappointed.

-We visited Kiilopää as well, where we went to the sauna and swam in the freezing cold pond. That is exactly what we wanted to experience, Andrea says. She also thinks that the locals have been very friendly.

-We have had no disappointments, unless you can complain about the weather. Because of the cloudy skies we could not see any Northern Lights in Saariselkä. We did travel to the Lake Inari, and there they were -- they were not very bright, but pretty anyways.

Cosette, from France, had already spent a week in Inari village when she stopped at Saariselkä for a few hours before her bus continues to Rovaniemi.

From there, her journey continues all the way back to Helsinki. Cosette has come for a visit with Timetravels travel agency, and has come to visit Finland through the Erasmus student exchange programme. She is studying Food Science at the University of Helsinki.

-I am not staying here for that long, but the ski centre looks really inviting, Colette says. She has already gone down the sled hill by the ski centre, and has visited a husky safari as well. Especially the husky puppies made an impression on her.

-Husky safari was my favourite experience, and the large food buffet as well, Colette says. The downside is that Saariselkä might be a bit too expensive, especially for a student budget.

Inari village was very cosy in her opinion, and she had some time to visit a reindeer farm and even experienced a ride in a sledge pulled by reindeer.

Naturally she also visited the Sámi museum Siida in order to learn more about the Sámi culture.

The sled hill is the most exciting experience South Korean Chaegyeong is studying Applied Sciences at the University of Oulu, and was visiting Saariselkä with his friend Subin. Chaegyeong heard a lot about Saariselkä from her Finnish friends, and researched the town on the internet before arriving.

The two friends spent their afternoon in the café at Supermarket Kuukkeli, where a big group of other tourists had just left. Chaegyeong had been living in Finland for a month before her trip to Lapland, and she still has a month of studying ahead at the university.

The friends have already gone cross-country skiing during their trip, but the most exciting experience was the long sled hill that runs from the top of Kaunispää fell down to Saariselkä village. Reindeer safari ride was exciting for the both of them as well.

Both Chaegyeong and Subin have enjoyed their visit but both say that activities and restaurants are a bit too expensive for their student budget.

-There could be a few more restaurants, especially those that are open a bit earlier in the day, Chaegyeong says.

They did have some disappointments during their trip as well: the women did not get to see any Northern Lights.

Silence in Saariselkä took city dwellers by surprise

Valentine and Emma admired the amount of snow and the beautiful polar night.

Emma, from the Netherlands, and Valentine, from France, are sitting in the café inside Supermarket Kuukkeli. Both young women are from big European cities, and have found themselves feeling rather lonely in their accomodation, located at the centre of town. Even in the centre, there are not that many people, or even cars.

Both women have come to Finland as a part of Erasmus European Union student exchange programme.

This trip to Lapland is something Erasmus programme offers to young students through Timetravels -travel agency. Emma and Valentine chose

Saariselkä as their travel destination, since Levi seemed a bit too touristic to them.

-We wanted to visit northern Lapland and we were especially excited to see the northern lights, Emma and Valentine say. They are staying in Saariselkä for five days, from Sunday to Thursday, so they do have plenty of time to explore the area.

-I have never seen this much snow in my life, Emma says. The snow and the silence have made a great impression on her. Both Emma and Valentine find it strange that the polar night darkness sets already in the

afternoon, but it has not bothered them too much.

And it has been surprisingly warm in the fells, since temperatures have only reached a few minus degrees.

That is a lot better than experiencing the icy temperatures Lapland is known for.

They say that the small chapel of Saariselkä was very beautiful, and they especially liked the altarpiece which opens up towards the surrounding nature.

Emma and Valentine were also looking forward to the husky rides, visit to a reindeer farm and a visit to Norway.

Today! @ Saariselkä

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WINTER 2019-20

The most diverse grocery store assortments of Ivalo Food – Clothing – Camping – Fishing S-market Ivalo Petsamontie 2 28 Opening hours mon-sun 7–22

Inari Municipality

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LUOHTIMAJA

Five peacefull apartments at Kiilopää, in the neighborhood of Saariselkä e Inexpensivtion a d accommo ersons p 4 r fo x a m

See more pics and information of Luohtimaja www.akujarvi.fi Reservations: +358 400 693 862 or mauno@akujarvi.fi or Saariselkä Booking office tel: +358 20 310 000 or keskusvaraamo@saariselka.fi A municipality is a local unit of public administration, the smallest unit with a democratically elected administration. In line with the Local Government Act, the function of a Municipality is to maintain wellbeing and to foster sustainable development.

The Municipal Board is

responsible for the administration and financial management of the municipality and for preparing, executing and watching over the legality of Council decisions. The Municipal Board safeguards the interests of the municipality and generally represents the municipality and exercises its right to speak.

Inari is the largest municipality in Finland and it was established in 1876.

It has a surface area of 17,321 km², of which 2,148 km² is covered by water and 15,173 km² is land.

Inari has a population of around 7.000, of which about one-third are Sámi, the indigenous people of

Finland. About 400 people in Inari speak Inari Sámi as their native language.

The largest employers are the Municipality of Inari, the Finnish Border Guard, and Metsähallitus, which administers state-owned land and water areas. Tourism is also a major employer.

The accommodation businesses in the area register around 400.000 overnight stays every year; there are around 16.000 beds in the district, 14.500 of them at the Saariselkä Holiday Resort, which is the northernmost ski resort in Europe.

Today! @ Saariselkä

6 Welcome to Tankavaara and Gold Prospector Museum, which is also the only international Gold Museum in the world!

The Gold Museum was founded in 1973 to save, preserve and present the heritage of Lappish gold prospecting and it locate about 25 min. south from Saariselkä Tourism Area. A less than two decades later people in Tankavaara got an idea to have an international exhibition presenting different stories of gold history around the world. And what could have been more suitable model for a building than gold pan. That is why our international exhibition, Golden World, reminds gold pan turned upside down with 20 different countries telling the history of human and gold.

Tankavaara gold was discovered many decades before the museum was founded. A local Sami person, Mr. Aleksanteri Peltovuoma, nicknamed crutch-Aslak, found it. He saw a very vivid dream that led him to the place he found gold. (Sami people are the Native People living northernmost parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Kola Peninsula in Russia).

Gold prospecting is only one layer of history in Tankavaara area. The oldest signs left by humans are 3000-4000 years old near here and in southern part of Urho Kekkonen National Park the prehistory goes further back to 9000 years. Sami history is part of the area as long as you can remember. As reminder of dark heritage, you can see some remains of WWII in the area. The most recent layer of history is the one for tourism and travelers starting in 1970 when the gold panning site was opened by couple of legendary prospectors, Mr. Niilo Raumala and Mr. Yrjö Korhonen.

WINTER 2019-20

Photo: Heikki Sulander

The Colorful history of Gold

Gold itself is an element and metal.

As metal it is the first one humankind has used, as it is soft and easy to work compared to other metals. Gold is soft but also very malleable and it does not break easily. It is also very heavy so the technique in gold panning is based on the fact the gold in the pan is much heavier than normal sand or gravel. For

INARI-SAARISELKÄ AREA – TOP PLACES TO WITNESS THE AURORAS Inari-Saariselkä area is one of the top places on Earth to witness the Auroras. Locating some 250 km above the Arctic Circle, Inari positions right under the Aurora oval. For this reason, it is possible to see Aurora display almost every evening from autumn until late winter, providing that it is dark and the sky is clear. On average, the Auroras can be seen in northernmost Lapland up to 200 nights a year. Sounds quite amazing, right? (www.inarisaariselka.fi)

instance, half a litre bottle of Coca-Cola with gold would weight almost 10 kg!

The Gold Museum’s exhibitions

First part is so-called domestic part introducing you the colorful gold history of Finnish Lapland. After that you’ll go thru a short tunnel-

looking entrance to our international exhibition, Golden World. In the exhibitions, it is allowed to take photos, which you can also share in social media. If you do so, it would be nice if you use hastag “goldmuseumlapland”. See you at The Gold Museum, Tankavaara.

Welcome to the Inari Weeks 17–26 July 2020 Summer festival in Finland’s largest and most beautiful municipality inariviikot.fi

Today! @ Saariselkä

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WINTER 2019-20 Over

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years ing ser ver elkä s i r in Saa

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| APARTHOTELS | SUITES | ROOMS |

Booking office in Kuukkeli Supermarket.

Book your accommodation and activities in Saariselkä!

Accommodation tel. +358 16 668 741 Rooms fromwww.accomodationkuukkeli.com 98€/night/room Apartmenthotel from 109€/night/apartment Saariseläntie 1 99830 Saariselkä Suite from 190€/night/suite Activities • Husky safari 2h from 145€/person • Snowmobile safari 2h from 85€/person • Reindeer farm visit with snowmobile 3h from 120€/person • Aurora tour by minivan 3h from €/person • Snow shoe trip to National park 2h from 55€/person Taxi and transfer service • Minivan • Tesla model x Book now phone: +358 (0)600 302 700 Email: kuukkeli@saariselka.fi Street: Saariseläntie 1

www.accommodationkuukkeli.com

Also Asian Food!

KUUKKELI 购物中心，位于萨利色尔卡 全年每日营业 9-21点 700 Saariselantie 1 Tel. +358 +358(0)600 (0) 16302 668 741 Posti - Reception

Kuukkeli

百货商店，超市 拉普兰特产，酒庄 烘培坊，私房菜 热食外带

】 】 】 】 】 公寓别墅客房 预定 】 www.accommodationkuukkeli.com 】 tel. +358 (0) 44302 36 36 972 】 +358 (0)600 700

ENTRANCE

萨利色尔卡最佳购物点 一站式购物，应有尽有！ 礼品，纪念品，纺织品 户外用品，明信片，地图 药局，邮局，互联网，博彩 啤酒，葡萄酒，威士忌... 各色美酒 披萨，汉堡，欧亚美食自助 特制驯鹿汉堡/披萨！中国菜！

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Today! @ Saariselkä

How do you say it in Finnish?

WINTER 2019-20

Travel safely in the Arctic nature of Lapland!

Wear the correct clothing

Taking part in a guided excursion is always a safer option than hiring a car to reach the destination yourself.

During the winter months you should wear many layers of clothing according to the prevailing weather conditions.

The fell highlands are often cool in the summertime (May– September) as well.

English is understood and spoken, to some degree by the locals in Saariselkä, Ivalo and Inari.

If you wish to surprise the locals and your friends back home, you should try to learn a few key Finnish words.

My name is – Nimeni on [nee-men-ee on] Good morning – Hyvää huomenta [hew-vaa who-o-men-ta] Good afternoon – Hyvää päivää [hew-vaa pie-va] How do you do – Hyvää päivää [hew-vaa pie-va] Good evening - Hyvää iltaa [hew-vaa ill-taa] Good night – Hyvää yötä [hew-vaa ew-er-ta] Merry Christmas – Hyvää Joulua [hew-vaa yo-ou-lou-ah] Happy New Year – Hyvää Uutta Vuotta [hew-vaa ew-t-ta vou-oh-t-ta] Welcome -Tervetuloa [tear-vey-two-lo-ah] I would like to have – haluaisin: [ha-lou-ah-e-sin] a cup of coffee – kupin kahvia [cuu-pin ca-ha-fee-ah] a cup of tee – kupin teetä [cuu-pin tey-tah] a beer – oluen [oh-lou-in] a class of wine – lasin viiniä [la-sin vee-nee-ah] a menu – ruokalistan [ruu-oh-ca lee-stan] to pay for the bill - maksaa [mack-saw] Thank you – Kiitos [key-toes] Please – Ole hyvä [oh-le hew-va] Where is ?– Missä on? [miss-sa on] How much is it? - Paljonko maksaa? [pal-e-on-co mack-saw] What time is it ? – Paljonko kello on? [pal-e-on-ko cal-low on] I love winter – Rakastan talvea [raw-cast-an tell-vey-ah] Specific names for reindeer based on their age and gender: reindeer -Poro [pour-row] reindeer calf- Vasa [vah-saw] a reindeer calf in winter - Kermikkä [care-mick-ah] a 2 yr. old reindeer - Vuonelo [vew-oh-nell-oh] a 2 yr old male reindeer- Urakka [er-rack-ca] A female reindeer older than two years Vaadin [vah-d-in] A male reindeer older than three years Hirvas [hear-vass]

Driving in winter conditions

Read accommodation instructions

Don’t forget about visibility

Get the best enjoyment of your accommodation by always taking waste to the designated waste collection shelter, keeping all windows shut in winter and by using the fireplace correctly.

If you don’t own any reflectors, make sure you purchase one from the local shop

Getting ready for an excursion

Travel safely

Take care of nature Make sure you fully in the Arctic nature of Lapland! charge your mobile telephone and take with you a map and Reisen Sie in die arktischen compass, as sometimes signals can be weak in the terrain.

Take all rubbish with 在拉普兰享受北极风光 you – do not leave in nature.

Please take all rubbish to the bin and sort waste whenever possible.

Natur Lapplands sicher!

Sledging downhill

请别忘了您的安全！

Stay on marked routes

Sledging is most fun and safest on designated sledging hills

Always use the routes intended for certain activities. There are special routes intended for snowmobiling, snowshoe hiking and cycling.

Ride a snowmobile responsibly Snowmobile safely on a guided snowmobile safari.

Provide help for

Respect the locals

Respect the privacy of local inhabitants.

Public walking routes and nanational park.are ! Please stay on the marked trails and do not disturb plants growing in theture trails Take part in a guided excursion or at least tell the reception of your accommodation what good and safe route you plan to take. routes of travel. those needing ! Bitte bleiben Sie auf den markierten Wegen und beschädigen Sie die im Nationalpark assistancewachsenden Pflanzen nicht. Nehmen Sie an einem geführten Ausflug teil oder teilen Sie zumindest der Rezeption Ihrer Unterkunft mit, welche Route Sie planen.

Stop and help if 请勿损伤国家公园内的植物。建议参加有向导的远足， ! 请勿离开标记的步道， someone needs as或至少将您的计划线路告知您的住处的接待人员。 sistance. The emergency number in Finland is

Have a nice holiday!

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Arctic Outdoor

Drawings: Lee Rodgers

Today! @ Saariselkä

Gifts-Souvenirs

Siula-house, Saariselkä, Kelotie 1

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WINTER 2019-20

Gabriel’s Shop 10

Slippers and sandals, lambswool, rubber sole.

Pure kuksa cups and other wooden articles, name engraving free of charge

Large assortment of Lappish knitwear, 100% wool.

Beautiful fleece overalls and hats for children.

High quality camping axes

by Kareasuando Knives, now in gift packaging.

Fur caps made of reindeer leather, blue fox, seal and wool. The exellent pink one for ladies.

Gloves and mittens for the whole family.

Made of reindeer leather.

Cute soft toys: Lappish animals and much more!

Good-quality t-shirts by Shaman Designs, several Lappish prints and colours

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Colourful ponchos with Lappish themes.

Fine knives and jackknives, perfect for yourself or as a gift Welcome, find out more in Gabriel’s Shop !

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Today! @ Saariselkä

WINTER 2019-20

Arctic cars Most vehicles here are fitted with metal-studded tyres that give excellent grip during Lapland’s six-month winter season. Nobody drives using regular, so-called summer tyres in the winter. Anyone who does is either a rally driver or a thrill seeker and will be fined if the police notice. In Lapland, we change tyres twice a year, every year. When there is no more snow and ice on the roads, around May, people change their tyres for regular summer tyres.

In November, they change back to winter tyres. When driving here, remember that Lapland has more reindeer than people and they wander freely, also in traffic. Rudolf and friends have no traffic sense at all.

Plugging in Many parked cars are plugged into a post with a metal casing on top. These cars are not electrically powered, it’s a special system that keeps the engine warm. This makes it easier to start the car, even if temperatures fall below -50 degrees Celsius, it is better for the engine as well, and the car heats up faster. If you leave things in your car, remember it will probably freeze before you get back, as temperatures in Lapland can be up to three times colder than your freezer.

If you go on an excursion with a safari company, you are usually given winter outfits.

(Kaksama Reindeer Farm)

Surviving Arctic Lapland

Windows don’t open In Lapland, windows don’t open.

The triple or quadruple-glazed windows are rather cumbersome, so opening them would be awkward, and snow and ice cause even more problems, but you probably don’t want to open windows in the winter anyway. Most rooms are fitted with machined ventilation, but if you want to air your accommodation quickly, open the latch or small window for a couple of minutes. You may also notice that the small window is covered in mosquito mesh, don’t worry, Lapland only has mosquitos in the summertime!

Snow is dry Air is usually very dry in Lapland. This means that snow is also relatively dry. If you have

In Lapland, we change tyres twice a year snow on your clothes, simply brush it off before going inside and you won’t get wet. People also stamp their feet before entering a building. I recommend you do the same, as the indoor warmth will quickly turn the snow on your shoes into ice. Ice is much more slippery than snow. People remove their shoes when entering someone’s house, so snowy shoes would also cause a pud-

If you have snow on your clothes, simply brush it off before going inside and you won’t get wet. dle and wet socks for everyone. Because snow is so dry for most of the winter, making snowmen or snowballs isn’t easy. If you feel you really need to make a snowman, just add water, or come back at Easter.

Local fashion Dressing in warm and comfortable clothes is vital for enduring Lapland’s winters. People

here pay less attention to how good you look in the winter, but they might stare at you if you are not wearing sensible clothing. If you go on an excursion with a safari company, you are usually given winter outfits. If you feel your clothing isn’t warm enough, Saariselkä and Ivalo have outdoor clothing shops that will also advise you on how to dress properly. It’s not the amount of clothing, it’s all about choosing the right clothing and layering. You may feel like a sumo wrestler at times, but it’s better than freezing.

Freezing babies Laplanders put their babies outside in a pram to sleep, even though the temperatures outside are well below freezing.

Don’t worry, these sleeping babies are wrapped up well enough to endure the Arctic, and they are inhaling the cleanest air of the inhabited world.

A stay in Lapland is not complete without a sauna visit.

(ScanStock Photos)

Sauna A stay in Lapland is not complete without a sauna visit. There are plenty of places to experien-

ce it, like the spa or just about any hotel, or perhaps your cabin has one. Temperature in the sauna is 80–110 degrees Celsius.

Throw water on the stones, relax and enjoy. Some people sit in the sauna for a few minutes before rolling in the snow naked, or take a dip in a hole made in a frozen lake or river, returning to the sauna to warm up. Others like whipping each other with bundles of birch twigs, and many just sit there in silence and sip beer. How you enjoy bathing in the sauna is up to you.

Northern Lights What you need to increase your chances: less light pollution, clear skies and constantly looking up at the sky.

Further multiply your chances by asking about the Aurora Alert service that alerts your mobile when the Northern Lights are visible, or book a trip with a safari company.

Peter Culley Photos: PasiR

Today! @ Saariselkä

11

WINTER 2019-20

Relaxing by a campfire The beginning of winter is always a powerful experience. The great shift in atmosphere is seen in nature and in the human mind as well. When summer creates its specific tasks, winter brings different chores. The snow makes the ground softer and quieter, and it turns the sunlight even brighter. The snow on the branches of trees and on the ground work as a protective blanket from the harsh winter.

Early winter is the best time to ’tulistella’ – to sit around the fire place and do nothing.

The best spot is by a lake or a stream, so you can easily get more water. Dry branches on the ground can be used as firewood, or you can use tree stubs. Nothing compares to the feeling of the warmth of the campfire, and the smell of smoke and tar in your nostrils.

I give myself permission to just sit in quiet, admiring the frosty scenery before me. I can see where a hare has snooped around the shore, or where a willow grouse has been walking long after I heard it singing. It is as if a friend has left its mark here. Behind the pond I can see a small esker, that is surrounded by lone pine trees, as if it was forming a shield. The pond is surrounded by light moss, where little birches growing here and there. The wind swings the branches, dropping some snow on the ground. The sunset paints the tree branches orange.

The fire rustles, and dances together with the wind. Its warmth spreads from fingertips to cheeks. Water boils in the pot, and the smell of fresh coffee mixes with the scent of fire and smoke. The horizon has changed into a shade of purple.

This is how our ancestors have been sitting ever since humans learned how to use fire.

This is how we have lived, and this has been good. And this is how it should be in the future as well, so that we can understand better who we are, and where do we come from. Sitting by the fire it does not matter if you are rich or poor, or what your status is. Here, everyone is equal, everyone can be who they are.

The orange glow disappears, the Sun is setting. The light breeze of wind settles down.

A flock of tits can be heard singing somewhere near.

Twilight sneaks in. Previous purple light slowly turns into strawberry red. First visible star can be seen above the trees. It is quiet – the sound of twilight. The fire lets out a muffled rustle. Mind is clear of thought. It is a surprisingly good feeling, like a step into something more meaningful.

Fire, human and the sky.

Vesa Luhta

15

The World´s only y International

proudly dl exhibits hibi the h hi history off gold ld iin Fi Finland l d and d around d the h world. ld Only 25 minutes south from Saariselkä.

OPEN: Mon-Fri 10 am - 4 pm Closed in public holidays

TICKETS: 12€/ 10€/ 6 € tel. + 358 16 626 171 www.kultamuseo.

info@kultamuseo. 99695 TANKAVAARA

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Today! @ Saariselkä

12

WINTER 2019-20

New international restaurant at Ivalo village bought directly from the local fishers and reindeer herders. And the restaurant will surely offer fresh vegetables and good quality vegetable dishes, since Kalinowski himself follows a vegan diet.

Bistro will also be serving alcohol, and keep their doors open for long, depending a little on their licence. They are open Monday to Thursday between 09-23, Friday and Saturday between 09-04 and on Sunday 10-22.

After lunchtime is over, Bistro will offer a great variety of foods in their À la Carte list. They will offer a good sortment of soups, appetisers, mains and delicious desserts.

Pelc and Kalinowski plan on changing the list three times a year.

Krzysztof Pelc has been

living in Finland for 13 years already, and has become a citizen in that time. He is a fluent Finnish speaker, and has worked in restaurants all around Finland and Lapland, even as an assistant manager at Hotel Ivalo restaurant.

Wojciech Kalinowski came to Finland last May, and he has previously worked at Hotel Ivalo as well. Before coming to Ivalo he studied restaurant management and marketing at the University of Warsaw. Both Kalinowski and Pelc have fallen in love with Finland and the Lappish nature, and are ready to live there.

Kalinowski is looking forward to learning some more Finnish, and enjoys the quiet life in Finland. (HS)

The new business owners are trained professionals, despite their young age.

-We are looking forward to bringing a new type of res-

taurant to Ivalo. Good quality international food, as well as local delicacies, say Krzysztof Pelc and Wojciech Kalinowski.

They are opening Café and Restaurant Bistro in the middle of December, during the busy tourist season. Their Bistro is conveniently located in the same

building as Ivalo Supermarket.

Kalinowski and Pelc originate from Warsaw, Poland, and have both been in the restaurant business for a long time already. Their future menu was already planned while they were renovating the kitchen and the dining room. They will serve classic local reindeer, salmon and fish dishes, prepared in a

variety of ways. And of course they will offer a good selections of desserts, coffees, home baked goods and small sandwiches.

-When it is cold outside, nothing is better than a hot soup. Especially one made with chicken stock. Or even better, a traditional Polish sausage soup, Pelc says.

Fresh fish and reindeer is

The owners are creating new and exciting flavours from around the world.

Flights to Ivalo are as popular as ever The Ivalo airport will see approximately one hundred charter flights this Christmas, which is almost the same amount as last year. The busy Christmas season at the airport began at the end of November, as always. Most of these charter planes are coming from the United Kingdom, keeping the airport busy.

-Last year we got exactly 107 Christmas charter flights, says Jarmo Pyhäjärvi, the manager of Ivalo airport. On the busiest days of December this year, some 10 to 13 flights land at this remote airport, which has just been expanded.

-We really needed the new space, and all the equipment has been working perfectly, Pyhäjärvi continues..

Now that the airport ramp has been expanded, there is now nine spaces for Airbus and Boeing planes. The expansion of the arrivals hall started in April 2019, and was already finished in September. This has had a big impact on the airport, that is now 1 200 square metres bigger, and the airport now have two luggage carousels.

The airport now has eight passport control points for arrivals, and four in departures. United Kingdom’s Brexit plans have not had an impact on Ivalo Airports flights, at least not yet.

United Kingdom is still a member of

the European Union in December 2019, and since it has never been a part of the Schengen area, British passengers will continue to walk through the passport control. Because of this, it is difficult to how Brexit will affect Ivalo airport.

In the spring of 2020, there will continue to be direct charter flights to Ivalo from Paris and Amsterdam.

Lufthansa’s weekly flights from Frankfurth will continue, as well as Finnair flights from London-Gatwick.

Norwegian Airlines will fly to Ivalo three times a week, from December until the end of March.

In the summer 2020, the amount of flights to Ivalo airport will stay the same as during last summer.

Finavia has almost 40 employees at the airport. Finavia is in charge of maintaining the runways, parking spaces and refueling the aircrafts.

They are also in charge of fire safety and other emergency services.

Finavia’s subsidiary, Airport Ground Handling, has approximately the same amount employees as its parent company. Airport Ground Handling are in charge of loading the planes, and taking care of other maintenance on ground.

The Ivalo airport employs approximately 100 employees, if you add up shop, restaurant, customs and border control workers. (HS)

Lapland and Aurora Borealis are calling...

Today! @ Saariselkä

Saariselkä

13

WINTER 2019-20

Come and enjoy great food and warm atmosphere at Restaurant Pirkon Pirtti.

Pirtti is known for its tasty food and friendly service. Pirkon Pirtti has maintained its place as one of the most popular restaurants in Saariselkä for years. All because of the warm atmosphere and delicious food.

Welcome to Pirkon Pirtti!

Restaurant Pirkon Pirtti Honkapolku 2, 99830 Saariselkä +358 16 668 050 mail@pirkonpirtti.fi 34 Open every day 15-23

Welcome to the renewed Neste Saariselka!

Now offering even better services

ve -We ha our d e increas and built s, service ore room m even tomers! for cus

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Lunch buffet every day between 11-15

11

90 €

Juicy hamburger meals and delicious pizzas, kebab and wings. To eat in or take away.

We rent top quality, reliable Lynx brand snowmobiles

Our own bakery offers sweet and savoury treats, come in and enjoy

Neste Saariselkä +358 (0)16-668 691 Opening hours Mon-Sat 8-20, Sunday 9-19

jari.tiainen@kangastintti.inet.fi www.nestesaariselka.fi

-Welcome!

14

Today! @ Saariselkä

WINTER 2019-20

Kuukkeli Sales and Customer Service - all services under one roof All visitors will find Saariselkä’s services a lot easier to find now, since Kuukkeli Sales and Cutomer Service is working as a booking centre for taxi services, activities and accommodation around the town. The service desk is located close to the entrance of Kuukkeli Supermarket, but they will also service online in accommodationkuukkeli.com.

Kuukkeli’s accommodation services are located in the same area.

-Our clients can choose between nine different activities providers, says Karun Khanal, who is in charge of the international sales at Accommodation Kuukkeli. If booked in advance via email, there are four more providers. But for these Kuukkeli Sales and Customer Service needs to know the group size, timetable and what activities they wish to take part in. But for the other nine, you can simply

walk up to the front desk.

The partners of Kuukkeli Sales and Customer Service offer a large selection of different activities for every taste. You can go hunting for the Northern Lights or visit safaris with huskies, reindeer or snow mobiles. Some popular activities include visits to Santa Claus and a variety of outdoor sports such as snowboarding and ice fishing. You can also get to know the local culture and local wellness services. Why not visit a sauna, do some yoga or having a nice walk in the wilderness! All clients will be picked up from Kuukkeli Sales and Customer Service, where visitors can also rent out fatbikes and sleds.

-Visitors can easily get to know local culture by visiting Sámi Museum Siida or the Amethyst Mine is Sodankylä. Brand new experiences are cooking courses, where visitors get to know local cuisine and how to prepare it, Khanal says.

Activities also include trips to Northern Norway, either by car or by bus. The visitors will travel to Varangerfjord where they can take part in King Crab safari and enjoy delicious crab dishes of Norway.

And since visitors are not always completely prepared for the Lappish weather, Supermarket Kuukkeli rents out warm clothing for those who were a little underprepared.

Supermarket Kuukkeli offers taxi services as well, and they even got a new, electric Tesla. You can book taxi journeys from Kuukkeli Sales and Customer Service front desk, or even online. Taxis operate between Saariselkä, the Ivalo airport, Laanila and Kakslauttanen.

If you have a lot of luggage or heavy skis, the taxis can pull a light trailer behind it, so there will definitely be space for everything. (HS)

The booking office has a comfy sofa, where you can read through their brochure in peace.

Kuukkeli’s taxis will drive you safely to any location, near or far.

Rent a Tesla and experience something unique!

In Kuukkeli’s Booking Office you can book your husky, snowmobile and reindeer safaris

Today! @ Saariselkä

WINTER 2019-20

Salmon soup is the most popular dish at Restaurant Huippu Year after year, salmon soup and crowberry cake keep their place as the most popular dishes at Restaurant Kaunispää Huippu.

These meals are enjoyed by both locals and tourists, and they are made using only the best local ingredients, to guarantee the best taste.

Salmon from the Arctic Ocean is delivered to the restaurant twice a week, which means that the salmon soup is always fresh. The berries for the crowberry cakes and delicious crowberry juice have not travelled far either – all the berries have been picked from the local forests by the restaurant staff. And so are the lingonberries, bilberries and the famous cloudberries.

Kaunispää restaurant buys its reindeer meat from a nearby village of Tolonen, and whitefish is caught from chef Jorma Lehtinen’s own fishing area. Only the meat of willow grouse is sourced a bit further away – from Enontekiö, a few hundred kilometres West from Saariselkä. The restaurant also uses false morel mushrooms and delicious cep mushrooms, which are collected from the nearby village of Nellim. It does not get much more local than that.

Declaration of Christmas peace is traditionally read at the peak of Kaunispää, in English and in Finnish. It gathers together hundreds of people to sing Christmas carols and enjoy the Christmas spirit. If you cannot make your way there on a car, remember that the Ski Bus can take you to this event as well.

Doughnuts and crowberry cake are the hit foods of Kaunispää The famous cake made from black crowberries lures in so many customers that you could call it the number one product of Kaunispään Huippu restaurant. Some other hit products include the famous doughnuts of Kaunispää.

The cheesecake, flavoured with wild crowberries, is done using a special, secret recipe. But Jorma Lehtinen, chef and host of Hippu restaurant, does reveal that the filling of the cake is made from cold pressed crowberry juice which is

Huippu is located at the top of the fell. then coagulated. The base for the cake is made from Finnish cookies, and is topped off with crowberry glaze. Sugar is used in moderation.

Lehtinen developed the crowberry cheesecake a few years ago because he wanted to invent a Lappish version of the Finnish summer treat, strawberry pastry. But the cake turned out to be so popular that there is now a demand for it constantly – during both summers and winters.

-In the fall many tourists

come all the way up to the summit of Kaunispää just to have this crowberry cake, Lehtinen laughs.

Another one of the hit foods is Hippu’s signature treat: a large doughnut that smells slightly like cardamom.

Something about its popularity is told by the fact that this doughnut even has its own tshirt design.

-I think over a thousand doughnut t-shirts have been sold, Lehtinen counts. But he has no idea how many dough-

nuts are baked every year in the kitchen of Huippu restaurant.

You can try to add up how many doughnuts comes from six litres of dough, if one litre makes 20 pieces. But when they are baked every day for 300 days in over a six litre container, it is inevitable that you lose count.

-On the busiest days we have made 21 litres of dough, Lehtinen explains.

He does not even begin to guess that how old the reci-

pe used in the doughnuts is, or who invented it originally.

But the doughnuts are still baked in the traditional way, by using the same recipe as Ella Tanhua used for many years in Huippu.

The doughnuts of Kaunispää have definitely earned their reputation, and are also made gluten-free!

Next to the Huippu Restaurant, under the same roof, is the Huippu souvenir shop, which has a vast selection of good quality products for every taste. From this souvenir shop you can easily find gifts and souvenirs for yourself, or gifts for someone back home. The cosy room of the souvenir hut is an experience in itself, and the amount of great products will impress anyone.

Lappish wooden cups and knives are useful products for hikers but they also make nice gifts, and you can also get your name engraved in them.

The shop also offers a large range of jewellery made from reindeer antlers and bones as well as utility articles and souvenirs, all crafted by different artisans in the area.

The shelves of the souvenir shop are filled with warm mittens, gloves and jackets. The selection also includes woollen products from Tornio, as well as hand knitted garments, Finnish fleece-shirts, t-shirts, socks and knit caps as well as bodysuits for babies.

You can also find souvenirs such as dolls, reindeer mascots or Lappish literature: poetry with Lappish themes, fiction or history books, literature of the gold mining times, books of hiking and even recipe books of Lappish delicacies.

You can also find Lappish art from the souvenir shop: collectible plates with Lappish themes by Andreas Alariesto, oil paint works by Vesa Junttila and artistic postcards and posters by Merja-Aletta

Ranttila, a famous artist based in Inari.

Lappish gold is presented in many different forms.

In addition with the unique gold nugget jewellery from Lemmenjoki, the souvenir hut has many Finnish gemstones: garnets from Lemmenjoki, amethyst from Luosto, beryls from Luumäki, together with Finnish ornamental stones, for example snow quartz, jasper, epidote and spectrolite.

Silver collection includes Lappish jewellery and jewellery with nature themes. The majority of the silver jewellery sold in the souvenir hut is made in Lapland.

The shop also offers Moomin products, like warm beanies, mittens and socks.

The Northern Lights products are a perfect gift back home,

especially the Northern Lights chocolate has been a hit.

There are also Huippu’s own Aurora playing cards, where each picture in the cards has been taken in Saariselkä.

Newest addition to the shop is the variety of nature cosmetics: shampoos and conditioners made with cloudberry, crowberry, lingonberry or garden angelica have proven to be very popular. Bar soaps made with local berries, pine or heather made excellent gifts. And let’s not forget about the wonderful foot baths made with wild herbs and nature’s flowers.

Note that you can easily ride the Ski bus up to Kaunispää Huippu to do some souvenir shopping.(HS)

Traditional Glögi -with (or without) alcohol -With raisins and shredded almonds

Helena Sahavirta

Souvenirs and gifts from the Huippu’s souvenir shop

From kurniekka to hot drinks

Huippu Glögi

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Kaunispää Huippu also offers other berry pastries: cloudberry pie and bilberry-raspberry pie. Huippu serves gluten-free cloudberry muffins and small breads too.

All the pastries are home made from scratch and are served fresh daily.

Of course, Huippu also serves delicious savoury pastries and other salty snacks. Huippu’s Kurniekka is developed from the traditional

Skolt Sámi fish pie that does not contain animal fat. Kurniekka is baked with oat dough and stuffed with white fish, salmon and cold smoked salmon and is served warm with a bit of butter.

The restaurant’s selection includes stuffed sandwiches, as well as lightly salted gravlax sandwiches. Pizza slices are also prepared in Huippu’s own kitchen.

You can also buy any of the pas-

tries to take away.

Huippu’s selection offers a variety of hot drinks to drink in or take away. Crowberry is used to give flavour to hot juice as well as to drinks with something stronger: Huipun Huikka is a good aperitif and a Hot Toddy warms you up nicely. The delicious Sangria of Huippu is only served in spring, summer and fall. (HS)

Today! @ Saariselkä

16

WINTER 2019-20

Enjoy the quit nature while riding a reindeer sleigh In the silent forest one can hear only the soft rustle of the sleigh skids against the pure snow. The line of reindeer moves steadily and calmly through the pine forest. The line of reindeer is reined by a guide wearing the traditional Sámi clothing.

In the reindeer safaris of Joiku-Kotsamo there is no rush. The tranquil atmosphere and peacefulness of the wilderness is a mystical experience for many guests coming from big cities.

-We leave our watches at home when we go on these

trips, says Timo Palonoja who is the host of Joiku-Koutsamo reindeer farm. Palonoja is a Sámi reindeer herder who has been organising reindeer safaris for 25 years.

The guests of Joiku-Kotsamo will be picked up from their accommodation and then dressed warmly, whether they are going to reindeer, husky or snowmobile safaris. The company’s reindeer safaris lasts for either two or four hours.

At times the line or reindeer will stop and the guide will light up a campfire, so everyone can sit around and drink

everyone can enjoy a coffee over the campfire as well.

-The arctic cold and darkness are big experiences for many travellers, Palonoja says.

The guides will take care that all customers have enough

coffee. For three hour safari lunch is also included. While sitting by the fire the guide will tell more about the reindeer and about life in Lapland.

If a group makes a reservation Joiku-Kotsamo arranges shorter rides around the large yard of the company.

-When the northern lights light up the sky it is like a massive theatre in the fells, Palonoja says. When the northern lights are visible the customers will be taken to northern lights safaris by snowmobiles or by reindeer sleighs. During the trips

warm clothes. For reindeer safaris the customers get overalls, shoes, woollen socks, hats and gloves from the JoikuKotsamo office in Saariselkä.

Joiku-Kotsamo has two base points in the wilderness. The biggest one is called Joikun Kota, and it is approximately 12 kilometres away from Saariselkä. Kota is a traditional Sámi dwelling which is similar to a tipi. One can get there either by a car or by a snowmobile. In the same area with Joikun Kota there is also the reindeer farm and a smaller dwelling called Urupään Kota.

Joikun Kota is built from dead pine trees, and up to 140 people can sit comfortably around the open fire place of the building. Many functions are held in Joikun Kota, from dinners to weddings and birthdays.

Joiku-Kotsamo also takes guests to the fells and wilderness with snowmobiles.

Snowmobile safaris run through the fell areas of Saariselkä.

These trips last for three hours and lunch will be provided.

Joiku-Kotsamo also organises ice fishing trips and husky safaris. (HS)

Timo Palonoja and his reindeers have served the visitors almost 30 years.

Hop on the Ski bus to explore the town The Ski bus is not only convenient for skiers, but a great way for anyone to explore the Saariselkä and its many attractions.

-Ski bus runs through many different locations around Saariselkä area. Tourists can use it to get to restaurants, hiking routes and other locations that are not easy to reach. For example Kakslauttanen Gallery or the top of Kaunispää fell are some popular destinations, says Inari-Saariselkä Tourism Ltd’s Marketing Director Marja Kumpuniemi.

A day ticket costs only 5 euros, and you can buy the tickets straight from the busdriver.

Just hop on and hop off whenever you feel like it -- just keep an eye out for the timetable.

Kumpuniemi is glad that more and more people are using the Ski bus, and it is not predominantly for skiers, despite its

name.

-We have planned the Ski bus route together with a few local business owners, and some businesses have supported the bus financially as well, Kumpuniemi says.

Ski bus is ideal for skiers and tourists, but plenty of locals have started using the service as well. Especially in the mornings, the bus is full of commuters and local skiers. The bus is especially busy during ski season, when local skiers take the morning bus to Saariselkä, and return in the evening.

Ski bus is convenient for many people’s commutes during weekdays. It is used by school children and workers as a daily form of transportation. The children making their way to school do not have to pay for their trip, and the workers pay the regular price.

The busiest route for the Ski bus is the route between Kiilopää and central Saariselkä, taking visitors to the Ski centre and back. Cross-country skiers often take the bus from Kiilopää to Saariselkä, and then ski their way back to Kiilopää.

-Ski bus employs two full time drivers each season, says Tapani Kukkola, the CEO of Kukkola Buses. Ski bus is currently operating on a three year contract, which ends in 2021. It is financed by some local businesses, Inari-SaariselkäTravel Ltd and the municipality of Inari.

HS

Ski Bus has been operating in Saariselkä for 27 years. Ahti Similä has been the driver since the beginning.

Today! @ Saariselkä

Inari 17

WINTER 2019-20

Welcome to K-Supermarket Uusi upea K-supermarketIvalo!

Ivalo sat-sun

Opening -22 TILAA ostokset 8 Ruokaostokset myös 7 -2 2 hours:valmiiksi lomakohteeseen ja verkkokaupasta: NOUDA kaupasta tai www.k-ruokakauppa.fi valitse KOTIINKULJETUS mon-fri

Avataan torstaina 1.9.

Herkkutorimme tarjoaa aina pyyntituoreet kalat ja mureat lihat.

Grillistämme saat valmiit herkut niin lihasta kuin kanastakin.

Uusi upea K-supermarket Ivalo illistä

Kuumana omasta gr

Herkkutorimme tarjoaa serves you always aina pyyntituoreet kalat ja mureat lihat.high quality fresh, Grillistämme saat valmiit fish herkutand meat. Also take away food. niin lihasta kuin kanastakin.

Our desk of delicacies

Avataan torstaina 1.9.

Seuraa ajankohtaisia tarjouksiamme facebookista!

Tuoretta ja raik

Baker’s corner and a Grill stasalataitylihmeat igad hauk qu La Aina raHik aa sh

Laadukasta li haa stapland mpiLa froLa s ja ieku acrk DelicHe

asta

K-supermarket Ivalo

Drinks

for pista kujaaLaost erkulo oksille!

TerHvet everyone!

FRESH COFFEE: AMERICANO, LATTE, ESPRESSO, Palvelemme € joka päivä CAPPUCCINO 1€/cup

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I VA LO

I VA LO

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www.k-supermarket.fi

Ivalontie 17, 99800 Ivalo kari.lohiniva@k-supermarket.fi Palvelemme joka päivä klo 8-21.

www.k-supermarket.fi

Palvelemme joka päivä klo 8-21!

Ivalontie 17, Ivalontie 99800 17,Ivalo 99800 Ivalo kari.lohiniva@k-supermarket.fi kari.lohiniva@k-supermarket.fi

Palvelemme joka päivä klo 8-21.

28

Uusi

New

BISTRO CAFE IVALO Lunch Buffet on weekdays between 11-15

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Come in and enjoy!

Mon-Thu ..9-23 Fri-Sat ......9-04 Sun .........10-22

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Today! @ Saariselkä

WINTER 2019-20

Hunting for bears at Saariselkä Bowling Have you ever wondered what kind of hunter would you be?

Would you be able to hunt for wild boars or willow grouse, if you had the chance?

And what about trying out some clay pigeon, to test how quick of a shooter you are?

Who knows, maybe you’d be good enough for the Olympics!

...but you can also try your skills in a 3D shooting game!

You can also play pool, snooker or a game of pyramid pool.

Other options include table curling, darts and virtual reality.

Pekka Laakso, the owner, shows how to play.

The main attraction is bowling, of course…

Luckily, you can now test your hunting and shooting skills at Saariselkä Bowling Alley, where you can try the new 3D hunting simulator. This praised new simulator has been said to be the most versatile in the world, with over 100 different options for simulated hunting.

The game lets you choose between different guns, such as a rifle or a shotgun. And if you wish to play a cowboy, you can

choose a revolver – just for fun!

And let’s not forget about the bowling. The alley has 8 tracks, which means that everyone can have their turn to play. The bowling alley is suitable for kinds of all ages, and it is a great place to introduce the younger ones to the world of bowling.

They have special-equipped lanes for children, which makes bowling a bit easier.

The bar also offers a variety of arcade games, such as table curling, and some board games as well.

Saariselkä Bowling Alley really has a lot of activities for the whole family. You can enjoy the warm atmosphere with friends or family any time.

Bowling in glow lighting, 3D hunting and great company guarantees a great night out.

Aurora sled hill starts from the top of Kaunispää fell The aurora sled hill in Saariselkä slides down Kaunispää fell for over 1 800 metres.

-You can easily reach the top of Kaunispää fell with a chairlift or the Ski bus.

-The Ski bus drives up the fell many times a day, from many different locations in Saariselkä village. Please check the timetables for further information.

-The chairlift leaves from Saariselkä Ski Resort. One time ticket costs 7 euros, and the resort offers a variety of sled hill activities. For example, a package with a guide, sled and a helmet are popular.

-When you reach the top, follow the signs leading you

past slope 2, to the beginning of the Finland’s largest sled hill. The hill is easily recognisable from the light art surrounding it.

-The sled hill has three different routes. Route 1 takes you to the Saariselkä chapel. Route 1.1 is illuminated, and intermediate in difficulty. This route takes you back to the chair lifts. Route 1.2 will take you there too, but it is easier than the other two routes.

-Wearing a helmet is not mandatory on the sled hill, but highly recommended.

-Riding the sleds on the ski slopes is absolutely forbidden -- the slopes are too steep and dangerous for a sled.

Rent a sled!

-Saariselkä Ski Shop and Ski Rental offers Terhi-sleds, which have been designed for more bumpy sled rides.

-You can also rent sleds from Kuukkeli Sales and Customer Service and Booking Saariselkä. Sleds are also sold in Supermarket Kuukkelin.

-Many hotels offer sled loans, but you might need to place down a deposit. Most hotels will rent sleds for their guests.

-Saariselkä sled parking space is situated at the bottom of the hill, close to the chapel. You can rent a sled from here as well. (HS)

Have a nice run!

The light art installation at Saariselkä sled hill has won the main prize of London’s Darc Awards. The installation design is done by Finnish lighting design agency, WhiteNight Lighting. The jury of Darc Awards consists of over 1400 lighting professionals from around the world, who gather together to choose the winners each year. The Aurora Experience art installation by WhiteNight Lighting won the main prize of the event. The installation runs for 1800 metres and resembles the northern lights, mimicking the colours and movement of the Aurora. The installation was set up in December 2018.

Today! @ Saariselkä

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WINTER 2019-20

The Siberian Jay – A good-luck bird of the forest wanderer

A group of happy backpackers are relaxing around a campfire near a log cabin.Water is boiling over the flames as smoke billows in the sky above.

A greyish brown colour bird sings in a cat-like voice as it swoops down into the middle of the group of backpackers.

It locates an unattended sandwich and quickly flies away to the nearest pine tree with a piece of cheese in its bill.

materials which are insulating. Adult Jays are visible only during dawn when chicks are hatching, and for a few days thereafter.

Logging practises endanger Siberian Jays

Siberian Jays are typical of old growth coniferous forests. In the municipality of Inari, Siberian Jays are common, however, in southern Finland their numbers are scarce. The current estimate of the total population of Siberian Jays in Finland is approximately 25% less than from the 1940’s.

The endearing forest gnome

The Siberian Jay is a very social forest dwelling bird of pine forests. Wherever you may go, deep into the wilderness, you can almost be sure that the first bird to follow your smoke trail is the Siberian Jay. With a humour of its own and high pitched calls, the ‘camp robber’ can convince even the greediest of man to share their lunch.

Siberian jays are omnivorous. They will eat berries, and insects, and can even find worms from poisonous mushrooms. Meat and grease are their favourites. Siberian Jays are remarkably fast at homing in when a hunter is disemboweling his catch. They give the impression that their stomach is a bottomless pit, but in fact the birds repeatedly fly off to nearby trees to hide their

Today!

winter food cache in hollowed trees or bind it with saliva to arboreal lichens in old growth pine forests.

Siberian jays keep home territories

In practice Siberian Jays spend their entire life in the area of forest in which they were born. Immature Jays seeking their own territories will however wandering short distances. The maximum distance travelled by Siberian Jays is 60 kilometres. That is why it is plausible

@ SAARISELKÄ

that man may find Jays in the same location year after year. The territory of a pair of Siberian Jays is about one square kilometre. Their life span may exceed ten years.

After May 1st, female birds lays 3-5 eggs per nest, which is strategically constructed in a large tree. Siberian Jays hide nest building materials in caches similar to the way in which food is stored over winter. Nests are normally lined with down and other high loft

Publisher: InariNet Producer and editor: Pasi Ruotsalainen, Ivalo +358 40 5745 310 pasi.ruotsalainen@pp3.inet.fi Printed in Kaleva Print, Oulu Finland

The esoteric relationship between man and Siberian jay is ancient. According to northern beliefs, Siberian jays provide good-luck to forest dwellers, like the soul of the coniferous forests itself. We can only hope for that the Siberian Jay will persevere in northern Lapland as a symbol of mankind’s long cohabitation with wilderness.

Vesa Luhta Edited by JTHL Photos: Pertti Turunen perttiturunen.fi

Text: Ritva Savela, Helena Sahavirta, Vesa Luhta, and the press officiers of the companies.

Photos: PasiR, Juha Kauppinen, Pertti Turunen Translatings: Saara-Maria Kristiina Salonen, University of Brighton, UK.

Happy Holidays to Everyone!

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Today! @ Saariselkä

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WINTER 2019-20

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Restaurant

Teeren

In the heart of

Delicious Lappish meals

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Pub

pesä

Saariselkä

Open every day

12-04

Kitchen 12-23

Village Pub

Sport programmes live on two screens • Billiards • Darts

Wide range of different beers

Club & Pub

Free entrance every day!

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Теl. +358 (0)16-668 001 teerenpesa.fi