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guided tour will give you a first class understanding of the Arctic Ocean’s significance and impact on the northern wilderness and its people. Those who want a truly unforgettable experience visit the area in the winter – on the back of a snowmobile! Three Days and 500 Kilometers You are in for three memorable days when the snowmobiles head north from Saariselkä. The destination is the legendary Arctic Ocean. While on this journey, you get to take in the big picture of the Arctic Ocean, with wintry arctic nature as its frame. And there is plenty to take in on this safari. Along the way, the animals of the north are a more common sight than your fellow man. The landscapes represent Lapland at its finest, mostly surrounded by the snow-covered wilderness. Starting at Saariselkä, our route heads toward Ivalo with enchanting fells and forests on each side. River Ivalojoki will be our next leg before reaching the glowing white plain of the frozen Lake Inarijärvi. The lake’s 3,000 islands and its tree-covered shores border our northbound caravan. Being the third largest lake in Finland, Lake Inarijärvi is made for snowmobiling. Eventually the snowmobiles will reach the small village of Sevettijärvi, known for its Skolt Sámi people. The road to the village was only finished in the late 1960s. Next up after Sevettijärvi is the village of Näätämö, and across the border you can soon see Neiden, our destination for the first night. The successful first day is crowned by a warm sauna and a dinner with great ambiance. It’s nice to go over the most memorable sights along the way together, and you will have no problems catching a good night’s sleep. The Caravan Rides Again The next day, our journey continues on the Norwegian side of the border. As the snowmobile trail becomes narrower, we zigzag among rivers, fjords, and a landscape shaped by birch-covered fells. Finally, the most eagerly awaited sight is in front of us, and we stop on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Because of the tide and milder weather conditions, the bays and fjords do not freeze over during the winter. The open sea and the breathtaking scen-
INARI – SAARISELKÄ
ery paint pictures with perfect contrast in both our minds and our cameras, creating memories of this unique encounter and the whole journey there. Our route back takes to the eastern side of Lake Inarijärvi, and our accommodation for the second night will be in the comforts of the wilderness hotel and its log cabins. On the third day, the return to Saariselkä awaits us with shimmering snow, beautiful landscapes, and a good variety of nature’s different shapes as our travel companions. At last, the line of snowmobiles takes its final curve back to Saariselkä. “Tired, but happy” is a fitting description of the feelings at the end of three days of snowmobiling. Big smiles are seen on the faces of the whole party. The guide thanks you for a wonderful trip and asks who wants to go again. Everyone raises their hands. An unforgettable experience. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ARCTIC OCEAN AND SNOWMOBILE SAFARIS IN THE AREA
Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? The Arctic Ocean awaits. Almost entirely surrounded by coastlines, the Arctic Ocean is the smallest, shallowest, and northernmost of the oceans of the north, and its significance is easily sensed all around northern Lapland. For example, the most central bodies of water in the Inari-Saariselkä tourism area, River Ivalojoki and Lake Inarijärvi, both eventually join their streams with the Arctic Ocean. The nature in the area is rugged in the arctic sense and beautiful in its own way. Snowmobile safaris to the Arctic Ocean are organized from January to March by Lapland Safaris, Lapin Luontolomat, and Visit Inari. The safaris include gear, guide(s), food, and accommodation. Daily legs are 100–240 kilometers, so the safaris are better suited for more experienced snowmobile riders who enjoy riding. More snowmobile safaris with varying levels of difficulty are organized in the area. The good amount of routes and trails also provides an excellent setting for individual snowmobile rides without a guide.
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