Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Saariselkä offers a magical wilderness experience unlike any other. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Saariselkä is the perfect destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the serene yet adventurous world of the Arctic Circle. Whether you’re seeking winter thrills, quiet walks through snow-covered forests, or an unforgettable chance to witness the Northern Lights, Saariselkä promises an experience filled with wonder and peace.
A hidden gem in the Arctic Circle
Saariselkä is a tiny town in the far northern region of Finland, found in the heart of the Inari municipality, close to the Arctic Circle. While all the more popular Finnish cities like Helsinki and Rovaniemi might be crowded with tourists, Saariselkä remains quite a secret destination—unblemished and peaceful. The town is small but spotted with the high wilderness of Finnish Lapland. The region enjoys virgin nature, icy air, and rich cultural heritage.
What makes Saariselkä truly special is the combination of wild landscapes, deep forests, frozen lakes, and a clear sky that's often lit up with the vibrant Northern Lights in the winter months. It is located in a way that ensures you will experience the Midnight Sun during summer, where the sun never goes away, meaning endless hours of daylight.
There are endless outdoor adventures and also a winter wonderland.
Saariselkä is a dream for lovers of winter sports. With over 15 ski slopes, it is one of the most popular skiing resorts in Finland. A tour here will please all levels: beginners and experienced skiers alike, as the crisp and cold air adds to the excitement of carving through the powdery snow. Similarly, the adventurous can snowboard while others will find trails to be pounded out cross-country.
But skiing is not the sole reserve of adventure in Saariselkä. Lots of winter activities are there to keep you entertained, such as snowshoeing, which is excellent for people who want to walk through the silent forests covered with snow. Vast white areas stretch in all directions, creating an almost magical feeling of isolation from the world. For those seeking an even more unique experience, dog sledding offers a thrilling ride across frozen landscapes, with professional mushers guiding the way.
Northern Lights
One of the most compelling features of Saariselkä is the possibility of viewing the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. The long, dark nights between late autumn and early spring are perfect for viewing these spectacular presentations in light across the shades of green, purple, and pink as they paint the horizon. Watch the Northern Lights dance across the Arctic skies as the stillness of nature surrounds you.
Saariselkä is considered one of the best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights, and there are plenty of Aurora tours available. You can enjoy the phenomenon while resting comfortably in a glass igloo or a luxury cabin—a very magical setting indeed. For the best views of the Northern Lights, tour operators often take groups out to the wilderness where artificial lights are minimal, allowing you to fully enjoy the colorful sky.
Snowmobile Safaris
If you want to inject some speed into your visit to Saariselkä, snowmobile safaris will give you a thrilling experience as you trek through huge tracts of wilderness. Crossing frozen lakes and moving through thick forests on a snowmobile is an unforgettable experience. It will take you to remote areas that are hard to access, and you may see nature as it takes place in its purest form. Professional guides lead the safaris who know the safest routes and routes offering the most incredible scenery.