Saariselka holidays

How to reach Saariselkä

• Flight time: Flights to Saariselkä land at Ivalo Airport, 25km away. Direct flights to Ivalo from London and other major UK airports are available in peak season, but a stopover in Helsinki is more common. Total flight time (via Helsinki) starts at around 5 hours and 10 minutes.

• Transfer time: Once you arrive at Ivalo Airport, the transfer time to Saariselkä is approximately 30 minutes by airport shuttle bus, with taxis slightly quicker.

• Price: The airport shuttle bus to Saariselkä costs €13 per person, while a taxi ride costs approximately €50 to €60.

Weather and best time to visit Saariselkä

The best time to visit depends on the kind of experience you’re after, whether it's winter activities or summer adventures. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect throughout the year:

• December to February is the peak season for winter sports and Northern Lights viewing. Temperatures range from -20°C to -5°C, with frequent snowfall and 3 to 5 hours of daylight. This is the best time for skiing, snowboarding and experiencing the magic of the Arctic winter.

• March to May offers slightly warmer temperatures, from -10°C to 5°C. The days become longer, with up to 10 hours of daylight by May. It’s still possible to enjoy winter activities, but you’ll also see the first signs of spring.

• June to August is perfect for those who enjoy mild weather and outdoor activities. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, with almost 24 hours of daylight due to the Midnight Sun. This is an excellent time for hiking, cycling and exploring the pristine wilderness.

• September to November is the autumn shoulder season, with temperatures dropping from 10°C to -10°C. The foliage is stunning, and it’s a peaceful time to visit with fewer tourists. There’s also a good chance to catch the Northern Lights as the nights grow longer.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Finnish and Swedish are the official languages, but English is widely spoken. The indigenous Sámi language can also be found throughout the area.

• Local habits and customs: Finns tend to be warm and welcoming, but also value their privacy and personal space. It's polite to remove your shoes when entering someone's home, and saunas have their own etiquette to know before visiting.

• Currency: The currency in Finland is the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted methods of payment, but ATMs can be found.

• Getting around: Saariselkä is small and easy to navigate on foot. For exploring the wider area, local buses and taxis are convenient. Bus tickets cost around €3.50 for a single journey. Car hire is also available if you plan to travel further afield.

• Electricity and plug types: Finland uses the standard European 220V plugs with two round pins (type C or F). UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Helsinki is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of GMT, and follows daylight saving time in the summer.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need a valid passport but no visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Best things to do in Saariselkä

Nestled in Finnish Lapland well inside the Arctic Circle, Saariselkä is Europe's most northerly ski resort and a purpose-built holiday destination, offering a mix of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Here’s a roundup of the top sights and activities you can enjoy on your Saariselkä holidays:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kaunispää: This hill (438m) offers stunning panoramic views of Saariselkä and the surrounding tundra, with Russia even visible in the distance. It’s accessible by car, on foot or by cross-country skis, and in winter you can enjoy a thrilling toboggan ride back down.

• Kiilopää: Another fantastic viewpoint (544m) to the south of Saariselkä with breathtaking vistas of the fells and forests. It’s a popular spot for hiking in summer and autumn, and for snowshoeing in winter.

Museums

• Kultamuseo: Visit the International Goldmining Museum to learn about the history of gold prospecting around the world, with fascinating displays on the lives of gold prospectors in Lapland.

• Siida: Located in Inari, a short drive from Saariselkä, this museum and nature centre provides an insight into the Sámi culture and traditions, and is one the best places in Scandinavia to learn about Lapland's indigenous people and their way of life.

Day trips in the area

• Inari: An hour’s drive from Saariselkä, Inari is a pretty little town, known for the clear waters and beautiful islands of Lake Inari. It is also the seat of Finland's Sámi Parliament Inari and the centre of Sámi culture. You can enjoy a boat trip, go fishing or simply relax by the shore, or learn about the history and traditions of Scandinavia’s indigenous population.

• Kakslauttanen: Just south of Saariselkä, this is one of the most enjoyable destinations in the north of Finland, with accommodation in log cabins, snow or glass igloos – offering views of the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. Plenty of arctic activities nearby and one of the world’s largest smoke saunas on-site make a trip here fun, and you may well be tempted to stay here for more than a day.

Activities for families in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of activities that will delight both children and adults:

• Skiing and snowboarding: Saariselkä Ski Resort is perfect for families, with slopes suitable for everyone from beginners up. The resort offers ski schools and equipment rental services.

• Reindeer and husky sleigh rides: Experience the traditional methods of travelling in Lapland by taking a sleigh ride pulled by reindeer or huskies. Both offer a fun way to explore the snowy landscape and a magical experience that kids will love.

• Tobogganing: Head to Kaunispää Hill for some tobogganing fun. The hill has a dedicated toboggan run, and sledges can be rented from nearby shops.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Winter sports: As well as downhill skiing and snowboarding, this region is also a great place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus snowmobiling and dog sledding.

• Northern Lights: Saariselkä is one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights. Join an aurora-hunting tour, where experienced guides will take you to prime viewing spots and share insights about this natural phenomenon. For a more adventurous experience, try an aurora snowmobile safari or a night-time reindeer sleigh ride.

• Hiking: In the summer, Saariselkä becomes a hiker’s paradise. The area offers numerous trails, from easy walks to challenging treks, with spectacular views of the fells and valleys. Kiilopää Fell and the Urho Kekkonen National Park are particularly popular for their stunning scenery and wildlife-spotting opportunities.

• Watersports: The nearby lakes and rivers provide excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and adrenaline-pumping river rafting. You can rent equipment locally or book onto a tour, then spend a day paddling in some amazing scenery.

• Fishing: The rivers around Saariselkä are rich with fish, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. Join a guided fishing tour to learn about local techniques and try your luck at catching species like salmon, trout and grayling.

Wellness in Saariselkä

• Saunas: Experience the quintessential Finnish ritual of sauna, which is deeply embedded in the local culture and believed to have numerous health benefits. Many local options offer a traditional sauna experience accompanied by a refreshing dip in an icy plunge pool or nearby river.

• Yoga and meditation: Join a relaxing yoga session at the Arctic Sky Resort or book onto one of their retreats. Here you can participate in outdoor yoga in picturesque settings, and connect with nature by practising mindfulness activities such as forest bathing and meeting reindeer.

Local dishes in Saariselkä

One of the great delights of holidays to Saariselkä is indulging in the local culinary offerings that reflect the unique flavours of Finnish Lapland. Here’s what you should look out for:

Some typical dishes

• Karjalan Piirakka: Traditional Karelian pastries, made from a thin rye crust filled with rice porridge and sometimes boiled eggs and butter.

• Kalakukko: A chunky bread from the region around Kuopio, typically with whitefish baked inside, or sometimes pork.

• Hernekeitto: A thick pea soup traditionally eaten on Thursdays, served with mustard and black rye bread.

Meat dishes

• Poronkäristys: Sautéed reindeer, a northern Finnish speciality, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. This dish is a true taste of Lapland and highlights the region’s culinary heritage.

• Lihapullat: Finnish meatballs, similar to the Swedish variety, are a classic and comforting dish that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Lohikeitto: A creamy salmon soup made with potatoes, carrots, leeks and dill. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days.

• Silakkapihvit: Fried Baltic herring fillets, typically served with mashed potatoes and a slice of rye bread.

Sweets and desserts

• Runebergintorttu: A cylindrical pastry flavoured with almonds and rum, topped with raspberry jam and icing. It’s traditionally eaten on Runeberg Day in early February.

• Pulla: Cardamom-spiced sweet bread, often enjoyed with coffee. Variants include cinnamon rolls (Korvapuusti) and braided loaves (Pitko).

• Mustikkapiirakka: A blueberry pie that’s a favourite summer treat, often made with a simple crust and filled with fresh wild blueberries. It’s a delicious way to enjoy Finland’s abundant summer berries.

Local drinks

• Lonkero: Also known as “long drink”, this refreshing drink is made with gin and grapefruit soda – a Finnish favourite.

• Sahti: A traditional Finnish beer, often home-brewed, with a unique flavour from juniper berries.

• Koskenkorva: A popular, rough Finnish vodka that’s enjoyed neat or used as a base for various cocktails.

Winter sports and outdoor activities in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is a premier destination for winter sports and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities set against the stunning Arctic landscape. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or simply looking to enjoy the pristine beauty of Lapland, Saariselkä holidays offer something for everyone.

• Skiing and snowboarding: Saariselkä is home to one of Finland's northernmost ski resorts, featuring well-maintained slopes suitable for all skill levels. The resort offers both downhill skiing and snowboarding, with 15 runs and a vertical drop of over 180 metres. Beginners can take advantage of the gentle slopes, while more advanced skiers will find challenging runs to test their skills.

• Cross-country skiing: With over 200 kilometres of well-groomed trails, Saariselkä is a paradise for cross-country skiing. The trails wind through breathtaking landscapes, including the serene forests and open fells of Urho Kekkonen National Park. Whether you're an experienced skier or trying it for the first time, the extensive network of trails offers routes for all abilities.

• Snowshoeing: For those who prefer to explore at a slower pace, snowshoeing is a fantastic way to experience the untouched beauty of Saariselkä’s wilderness. Guided tours are available, offering insight into the local flora and fauna, or you can venture out on your own and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

• Snowmobiling: For an exhilarating adventure, try snowmobiling through the vast Arctic landscapes. Saariselkä offers a variety of snowmobile safaris, ranging from short introductory rides to full-day excursions that take you deep into the wilderness. It’s an exciting way to cover more ground and take in the breathtaking scenery.

• Ice fishing: Experience a traditional Finnish pastime by trying your hand at ice fishing. Local guides provide all the necessary equipment and show you the best spots to drill a hole in the ice and catch fish. This peaceful activity is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the frozen lakes.

• Husky and reindeer sledding: No trip to Saariselkä would be complete without a sledding adventure. Whether you're pulled by a team of energetic huskies or a majestic reindeer, these tours offer a unique way to explore the snowy terrain and learn about the traditional Sami way of life. It's a family-friendly activity that's sure to create lasting memories.

Saariselkä's diverse range of winter sports and outdoor activities make it a top destination for those seeking adventure and natural beauty in the heart of Lapland.