Cidade Turismo
Finland

Before you go

Your trip to Saariselkä.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Saariselkä – Lapônia Destination Saariselkä and Inari about 259 km from Rovaniemi

How to get there

  • Aeroporto de Ivalo (IVL) Ivalo · 27 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check this before booking. Use IVL airport and continue by road. Long‑distance buses also serve the area; check the stop closest to your accommodation.

How many days

Two nights allow a relaxed arrival and one day for a local loop; other activities require additional time.

When to go

In June and July daylight often extends late into the night. From December to February it is usually cold and daylight hours are few.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Some services are close to the village; Kiilopää requires arranged transport to reach the trailhead and to return from the hike.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Saariselkä
  1. Morning
    Access to Kiilopää

    Arrive at the chosen trailhead and check the trail conditions.

  2. Afternoon
    Forest and uplands

    Do the local route with breaks, and avoid extending it into an unplanned crossing.

  3. Late afternoon
    Return to the village

    Return to Saariselkä and reorganize gear for the next stage.

  4. Evening
    Overnight in the north

    Have your meal near the base; any attempt to view the aurora depends on conditions and is not guaranteed.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Saariselkä the capital of Lapland?

No. The regional capital is Rovaniemi, about 260 kilometres by road.

Can the whole park be seen in one day?

No. A short outing covers only the chosen sector and route.

Can I continue to Inari by bus?

Check connections and stops for your travel date before deciding to change base.

Is Kiilopää within the service center?

No. Access requires a road segment.

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