The best outdoor activities in Inari

Discover Inari: Outdoor Adventures in the Heart of Finnish Lapland

Imagine standing on the frozen surface of a vast lake, the snow crunching under your boots, while above you the sky dances with green and violet ribbons of the Northern Lights. This is Inari, a remote jewel of Finnish Lapland where nature, culture, and outdoor adventure come together in a truly magical way.

Inari is one of the most authentic places to experience Lapland, far less crowded than the popular resort towns yet just as rich in beauty. Nestled by Lake Inari, Finland’s third largest lake, and surrounded by endless pine forests and fells, it offers a peaceful wilderness that feels untouched. It is also the cultural heart of the Sámi people, the only recognised Indigenous people of the European Union, making a visit here not only about landscapes but also about living traditions.

Outdoor Activities in Inari

If you are wondering what to do in Inari, the answer lies in its unique combination of winter magic and summer wilderness.

In winter, you can head out on husky sledding tours through snowy forests, ride with reindeer herders across the tundra, or explore the silence of the frozen lake by snowmobile. Ice fishing on Lake Inari is a serene experience, where you sit in the stillness and watch the Arctic light change on the horizon. Of course, seeing the Northern Lights in Inari is one of the top outdoor experiences. With little light pollution, the conditions are perfect to watch the aurora borealis flicker across the night sky.

In summer, the long days and midnight sun open the door to a different side of the Arctic. Canoeing or kayaking on Lake Inari reveals countless small islands, many of them sacred to the Sámi. Hiking in Lemmenjoki National Park, Finland’s largest wilderness area, offers trails that lead past gorges, rivers, and waterfalls. You might also try berry picking or foraging for wild mushrooms, a local tradition that connects you to the forest in a sustainable way.

Local Tips

The Arctic climate can be demanding, so dressing in layers is essential. Winters are very cold, and having proper insulated boots, gloves, and hats makes all the difference. In summer, even if the days are warm, mosquitoes can be active near lakes and marshes, so repellent is useful. Respecting Sámi culture is also important. Many activities in Inari include learning from local guides, and you’ll gain deeper insight by listening to their stories and traditions.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Inari depends on the kind of adventure you want. For snow sports, husky sledding, and aurora viewing, come between December and March when the landscape is at its most wintry. If you prefer endless daylight, choose June to August, when the midnight sun bathes the land in golden light and hiking or canoeing is at its best. Autumn, from late September to October, is another hidden gem: the forests glow with ruska, the Finnish word for autumn colours, and the first auroras often appear in the crisp night skies.

How to Get There

Inari is remote, but reaching it is easier than you might expect. The nearest airport is Ivalo, about 40 kilometres away, with connections from Helsinki. From there, buses and transfers take you north to Inari village. Driving is also an option, and although the journey is long, it allows you to take in the vast Lapland scenery.

Inari is not just a destination, it is an experience of true wilderness and living culture. Whether you are chasing the Northern Lights across a frozen lake or paddling under the midnight sun, it is a place that lingers long after you leave.