The best outdoor activities in Saariselkä

Discover Saariselkä: Outdoor Adventures in the Finnish Arctic

The air is sharp and fresh, snowflakes drift through the forest, and a husky team is ready to dash across the white expanse. Saariselkä, surrounded by rolling fells and endless taiga forest, is one of Lapland’s most beloved outdoor destinations. Known for its variety of activities in every season, it is a place where nature and adventure go hand in hand.

Saariselkä is a small resort village located about 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, within easy reach of Ivalo Airport. Nestled on the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Finland’s largest protected areas, it is a gateway to true wilderness. What makes Saariselkä special is its balance: it offers well-organised outdoor experiences, cosy accommodation, and a lively atmosphere, while still giving access to vast untouched landscapes.

Whether you want to ski under the northern sky, hike across fells, or simply enjoy the silence of Lapland’s forests, Saariselkä is a destination that blends comfort with authentic Arctic adventure.

Outdoor Activities in Saariselkä

Winter Adventures

In winter, Saariselkä transforms into a snowy playground. It is home to one of the northernmost ski resorts in Europe, with slopes for beginners and advanced skiers alike, plus excellent facilities for snowboarding. But skiing here is not only about downhill. The village is famous for its cross-country skiing tracks, stretching for hundreds of kilometres through pristine forest and across frozen lakes.

Snowshoeing is another favourite way to explore at a slower pace, while snowmobiling tours take you further into the Arctic wilderness. Husky sledding safaris are a classic experience, full of energy and excitement, while reindeer sleigh rides connect you with Sámi traditions.

The Northern Lights in Saariselkä are another reason travellers come here. The region has little light pollution, and the surrounding fells offer clear horizons, making it one of the best places in Lapland to watch the aurora.

Summer and Autumn Activities

When the snow melts, Saariselkä reveals a very different side. The fells are covered in fresh green, rivers run fast with melting snow, and the midnight sun shines for weeks without setting. Hiking trails in Urho Kekkonen National Park open up endless possibilities, from short walks to multi-day treks. Cycling and mountain biking are increasingly popular, with marked routes leading through forests and over ridges.

Canoeing, fishing, and berry picking are part of summer life here. The silence of a summer evening on a fell, with the sun glowing just above the horizon, is one of the most peaceful experiences you can have in Lapland.

Autumn is known locally as ruska, when the landscape glows with intense reds, oranges, and yellows. This is a beautiful time for hiking, photography, and spotting wildlife. As nights grow darker, the aurora begins to return, adding a touch of magic to evening walks.

Local Tips

Saariselkä can be busy in high winter and summer seasons, so if you want more solitude, consider visiting in spring or autumn. Dressing properly is essential: in winter, layers, thermal underwear, and insulated boots make all the difference. In summer, insect repellent is useful, especially near wetlands.

Many activities are guided, which not only makes them safer but also helps you learn about local traditions and the fragile Arctic environment. When hiking or skiing independently, always stay on marked trails to protect the delicate tundra vegetation.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Saariselkä depends on the experience you are seeking.

• Winter (December to April): Ideal for skiing, snowmobiling, husky sledding, and Northern Lights.
• Spring (late April to May): Snow lingers but days are long and bright, a quieter time with soft conditions for skiing.
• Summer (June to August): Best for hiking, biking, canoeing, and enjoying the midnight sun.
• Autumn (September to October): Perfect for ruska colours, peaceful hikes, and the return of aurora nights.

Each season offers its own version of Lapland’s beauty, and many travellers return to experience different sides of the Arctic.

How to Get There

Saariselkä is easily reached from Ivalo Airport, just 30 kilometres away, with regular flights from Helsinki and seasonal connections from European cities. Buses and transfers connect the airport directly to the village. If you prefer flexibility, renting a car allows you to explore nearby destinations such as Inari or even drive across the border into Norway.

Nearby Experiences

Saariselkä is well placed for exploring northern Lapland. To the north, the village of Inari offers insight into Sámi culture and the vast beauty of Lake Inari. To the south, you can follow the road towards Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. Within Saariselkä itself, day trips into Urho Kekkonen National Park allow you to experience true wilderness without travelling far.

Saariselkä is more than just a resort, it is a place where the Arctic reveals its many faces. From snowy husky rides to golden midnight sun hikes, and from the stillness of a frozen fell to the shimmering colours of the Northern Lights, every season brings a new reason to visit. If you are looking for outdoor adventures with both comfort and authenticity, Saariselkä is one of the best places in Lapland to discover it all.