Saariselkä

Outdoor resort in northernmost Lapland

Things to do in Saariselkä
Easy accessibility & compact village atmosphere
Northernmost ski resort in Finland
Gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park
Adventure hub for arctic activities

Located by Urho Kekkonen National Park, Saariselkä offers an authentic Lapland experience with breathtaking Arctic landscapes, rich Sámi culture, and untouched wilderness. The village’s hotels, restaurants, and activities are all within easy reach, making it a comfortable base for adventure. Whether you seek snowmobile safaris, husky sled rides, or reindeer farm visits, Saariselkä is the perfect place to experience Lapland’s magic year-round.

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Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna facade

A lively village surrounded by stunning fells

The village of Saariselkä is inhabited all year round. Its hotels, restaurants, stores and other amenities are all stone’s throw away from each other. After the day’s activities, locals and travelers occupy the night spots which are often enlivened by musical performances.

As we climb up the fells of the area, the big forest merges into dwarf trees and bushes. Some of the summits are treeless, offering incredible views of the infinite landscape.

Saariselkä is the ideal destination for those looking for an authentic and natural experience in Lapland. A good local infrastructure and a nice selection of hotels provides a comfortable base to explore winter at its best. Highlights include breathtaking snowmobile safaris on the fells, rides with husky sledges in the wilderness around the beautiful Urho Kekkonen National Park and a peaceful and traditional visit to an authentic reindeer farm hidden deep in the forest.

The perfect blend of adventure and authentic Lapland

Saariselkä and its surroundings provide travelers with the opportunity to experience the reality of the North. The glimmer of the gold country, a place packed with legends, as well as the Sami culture and reindeer husbandry are authentic aspects of Lapland.

The untouched wilderness has remained unspoiled for millennia. Numerous rivers, lakes and fells dot the landscape. Lapland’s seasons are full of magic. Both the Aurora Borealis that light the sky during the dark period and the nightless nights of summer set the stage for nature’s own spectacles. The Urho Kekkonen National Park offers great surroundings for outdoor activities. In the summertime you can enjoy the magical Lapland nature and mountain landscape by hiking, cycling, or paddling on the river.

Saariselkä is also well known for its gold rushes. The biggest golden nugget ever found in Finland was found in the Luttojoki and it weighed 393 g. It's safe to assume Evert Kiviniemi was very happy the day he found it. It is still possible to find gold in the Saariselkä area. Many amateur gold diggers come to Lapland, and there are still a few professionals making their living from it.

Rental equipment in Saariselkä

In case you feel like you don’t need a guide, we also offer our equipment for rent. You can rent fatbikes, snowshoes, skis and a wide variety of different camping equipment.

Lapland Safaris Saariselkä location

Directions

Saariselkä is a versatile travel destination in northern Lapland, offering experiences year-round.

  • Ivalo airport: 27 km

  • Rovaniemi: 258 km

  • Santa Claus Village: 249 km

  • North Cape, Norway: 450 km

  • Helsinki: 1068 km to the south

Contact information

Lapland Safaris Saariselkä

Saariseläntie 13
FI-99830 Saariselkä

Phone numberTel: +358 16 3311 280
E-mailsaariselka@laplandsafaris.fi

Opening hours

21.9.-22.11.2026

  • Office: Mon-Fri 9-13, Sat-Sun closed

  • Phone service: Mon-Fri 9-17

23.11.2026-10.1.2027

  • Office: Mon-Sun 8-20

  • Phone service: Mon-Sun 8-20