Saariselkä
Fly away to a peaceful Arctic escape in Saariselkä. This is Lapland for families and nature-lovers who want big wilderness without sacrificing comfort. Chase the Northern Lights from dark, open skies, glide through snowy forests on a husky safari, and explore the fells on skis or snowshoes. With the vast Urho Kekkonen National Park right on the doorstep, Saariselkä offers an enchanting blend of quiet adventure, cosy stays, and unforgettable winter atmosphere. Location
Saariselkä sits in northern Finnish Lapland and is widely known as a gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park. The village is easy to reach via Ivalo Airport and the E75 road, which makes it one of the more accessible remote-feeling resorts in the region.
Nature and Scenery
This is classic fell-and-forest Lapland. You are surrounded by open tundra-like landscapes and snow-laden pine, with plenty of room to escape light pollution. The proximity to a major national park gives the area a distinctly wild edge even though the village itself is compact and well serviced.
Activities
Winter:
Cross-country skiing and winter hiking that start close to the resort and continue deep into the national park.
Snowmobile safaris, husky sledding, reindeer experiences.
Northern Lights trips with minimal light interference outside the village.
Other seasons:
Hiking and hut-to-hut routes within Urho Kekkonen National Park.Midnight Sun experiences in summer.
Accommodation
Saariselkä offers hotels, cabins, apartments, and aurora-style lodging, with many properties geared toward easy access to nature and winter excursions. The resort infrastructure is strong for a village of this size, making it a comfortable base for families. Lapland North+1
Local Culture
While tourism is central, the broader area connects to Sámi heritage and northern wilderness traditions. Visits to nearby cultural sites, including the Inari region, pair well with a Saariselkä itinerary for guests who want a cultural dimension to accompany outdoor activities.
Unique Features
Saariselkä stands out for its blend of genuine wilderness and practical convenience. Few places offer such immediate access to a major national park with this level of accommodation and activity choice.