Travel guide to Saariselkä, Finland – Winter Edition (2023-2024): Discover the top things to do!

Saariselkä is a small village located in the far north of Finland, known for its beautiful winter landscape and arctic outdoor activities. It is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience traditional Finnish culture and outdoor adventures.

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10 Best things to do in Saariselkä, Finland (winter)

Here are some of the best things to do in Saariselkä during the winter season.

1. Experience the thrill of sliding down the longest toboggan run in Northern Europe!

Saariselkä has a toboggan run that stretches for 1.2 kilometres, making it the longest in Northern Europe. The snowy track winds through the forest and provides an exhilarating experience for both children and adults.

If you reach the top, the ride is free. However, if you want to use the chairlift, you’ll need to purchase a ticket

Many hotels and guesthouses offer toboggans, or you can rent one from nearby rental shops. You can also purchase a package that includes a chairlift ticket, sledge, and helmet rental.

Enjoy a day of fun racing down the slope!

2. Try ice Swimming (Avanto) and sauna in Saariselkä

Finns are famous for their love of sauna and ice swimming, and Saariselkä offers the perfect opportunity to experience both.

You can rent a traditional smoke sauna and take a dip in the icy waters or try out a public sauna in the village.

At Kiilopää, you can enjoy a traditional smoke sauna and avanto experience. The smoke sauna is available every weekday, Monday to Friday, and costs 15€ per person. If you prefer a private session outside the public shift times, you can reserve the sauna for 400€ per group for 1.5 hours.

3. Downhill skiing and Snowboarding

One of the main attractions in Saariselkä is its ski resort, which offers a variety of slopes for both beginners and experienced skiers. The ski season typically runs from November to May, with the best conditions being in December through April.

You can rent equipment in Saariselkä. The longer you rent, the cheaper the set prices become. Prices for 1 week are 155€ and for 1 day 42€.

4. Northern Lights Hunting

Saariselkä is located in the heart of Lapland, making it an ideal spot for viewing the magical Aurora Borealis.

When is it possible to see the Northern Lights? The Northern Lights can be seen from the last week of August to April. To witness this natural phenomenon, it is important to have dark nights. However, keep in mind that weather conditions also play a role. Clear skies are best for viewing the Northern Lights.

aurora borealis, finland, inari-2163332.jpg

You can join a guided aurora hunting tour or venture out on your own to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon.

There are apps and websites available to help you determine when the conditions are favourable.

However, to increase your chances of spotting them, we suggest considering a tour. Tour guides are knowledgeable about the best places and times to see them.

5. Husky and Reindeer Safaris

For a truly unique experience, visitors can take part in a husky or reindeer safari. These guided tours allow you to explore the snowy wilderness with a team of energetic huskies or gentle reindeer pulling your sledge. Not only is it an exciting adventure, but it also gives you the opportunity to learn about traditional Sami culture.

6. Let’s go bowling!

If you’re looking for a break from the cold weather activities, head over to Saariselkä Bowling for some indoor fun at their bowling alley. This is a great option for families or groups of friends.

The bowling alley has 8 lanes and offers various other games including a Hunting Simulator, Virtual Reality, Billiard, Snooker, Darts, Air Hockey, and Boxing Punch Machine.

Bowling is priced at 29€ from 15.00-17.00 and then 37€ per lane for 1 hour.

7. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

For a quieter and more serene experience, you have the option to try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the surrounding forests and national parks. These activities allow you to truly immerse yourself in the peaceful nature of Saariselkä while getting some exercise.

We didn’t do this and you can also still enjoy the serene beauty of nature by simply taking a walk around the village or exploring the hiking trails.

8. Ice Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts will love the opportunity to try ice fishing on the frozen lakes of Saariselkä. A local guide can take you to the best spots and provide all the necessary equipment for a successful fishing experience.

9. Northernmost spa in Finland

After a long day of outdoor activities, treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience at the northernmost spa in Finland, Holiday Club Saariselkä.

The spa provides a range of saunas, pools, and treatments to help you relax and recharge. It offers the perfect relaxing indoor experience after a chilly day outside.

10. Snowmobile safari

For an adrenaline-filled adventure, take a snowmobile safari through the beautiful winter landscapes of Saariselkä. These safaris are available for beginners and experienced riders, with guided tours ranging from 2 hours to full-day options.

You can also combine your snowmobile safari with other activities such as reindeer or husky sleigh rides for a truly unique experience.

See all tours in Saariselkä

Where to stay in Saariselkä?

Saariselkä has a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. You can stay in cozy Aurora cabin, or opt for a more traditional hotel or apartment.

The Saariselka area in Finnish Lapland offers 6 glass igloo hotels where you can spend a night under the stars in unique accommodations. The hotels in Saariselka include Northern Lights Village, Wilderness Hotel Muotka, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Star Arctic Hotel, and Aurora Village Ivalo.

We stayed at the Star Arctic Hotel, situated on the top of the Kaunispää. Saariselkä’s Ski Centre and the toboggan run are both just a minute’s walk from the hotel. You can easily slide down the hill to reach the village centre. Additionally, there is a ski bus that passes by the hotel. The views from the hotel are breathtakingly beautiful.

Saariselkä view from the Star Arctic Hotel

Northern Lights Village is another popular option for those looking to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. This hotel offers glass-roofed aurora cabins, allowing guests to view the night sky from the comfort of their own room.

Where to eat in Saariselkä?

Saariselkä has a range of restaurants and cafes offering both traditional Finnish cuisine and international dishes.

For a taste of local delicacies, be sure to try reindeer meat, smoked salmon, and Karelian pies.

During our stay at the Star Arctic Hotel, we frequently dined at their restaurant called Kaunis. They offered excellent food choices, although the prices were higher compared to some other restaurants.

Two popular options for dining include Laanilan Kievari and Restaurant Pirkon Pirtti. If you’re looking for an affordable and quick meal, give Muossi Grilli a try.

When should I visit Saariselkä?

The ideal time to visit Saariselkä for winter activities is from December to April. This is when you have a higher chance of experiencing the famous Northern Lights and participating in various winter activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and husky safaris.

During the Christmas and New Year period, it tends to get busy and accommodation prices can rise. Please note that January and February are typically the coldest months, and temperatures can occasionally plummet to -40 degrees Celsius.

How long to stay in Saariselkä?

The length of your stay in Saariselkä depends on your interests and the activities you want to do. For those solely interested in experiencing the Northern Lights, a minimum of 3-4 nights is recommended to increase your chances of catching a glimpse.

If you also want to participate in winter activities, we suggest staying for at least 5-7 nights.

How to get around in Saariselkä?

The most convenient way to get around Saariselkä is by renting a car. This will give you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas and travel at your own pace. TIP! It can be easier and cheaper to rent a car in Rovaniemi and drive to Saariselkä.

Saariselkä village is small and easily navigable on foot, even without a car. If your hotel is located in central Saariselkä, you can conveniently walk around.

Additionally, there is a ski bus that operates during the day in Saariselkä. Taxis are also available but tend to be quite expensive.

How to get to Saariselkä?

The most convenient way to reach Saariselkä is by flying into Ivalo Airport, located just 30 minutes away.

Once you arrive at Ivalo Airport, you can either rent a car or take a taxi to Saariselkä. Alternatively, many accommodations offer shuttle services for their guests.

Another option is to take a train or bus from various cities in Finland, with the nearest train station being in Rovaniemi.

Bus from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä takes between 3-4 hours.

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