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How to get to Saariselkä, Lapland

Saariselkä is a small village, set in the stunning scenery of Finnish Lapland, approximately 250km north of the Arctic Circle. The Saariselkä region is a fantastic place to visit for a winter experience in Lapland, whether you’re hoping to see the Northern Lights or get involved in some winter sports. Lots of people visit Saariselkä each year as part of package holidays to Lapland and this might be the right option for you. However, if you want to visit Saariselkä independently, it’s absolutely possible. This article will explain all you need to know about how to get to Saariselkä.

Fly to Ivalo

The nearest airport to Saariselkä is Ivalo, situated approximately 17 miles/27km to the north of the village. If you want to get to Saariselkä, Ivalo is the airport which it makes most sense to fly to.

There are other airports in Finnish Lapland, including Kittilä (137 miles/220km) and Rovaniemi (157 miles/252km) but as you can see from the distances, Ivalo is by far the closest. If you fly to one of the other airports, you will have to then rent a car to get to Saariselkä. This is definitely possible, but it’s something that a lot of people want to avoid when travelling to Finnish Lapland. There is a serious quantity of snow in Saariselkä in the winter and unless you are coming from a country where you are used to driving in these conditions and feel confident about negotiating snowy roads, then driving to Saariselkä will feel like a daunting prospect.

For the rest of this article we will therefore assume that you have decided to fly to Ivalo. In order to get to Saariselkä via Ivalo, you will need to first of all fly to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, as this is pretty much the only place from which you can catch a flight to Ivalo. The good news is that getting to Helsinki is easy, no matter where you’re coming from, because the national carrier Finnair has flights to Helsinki from all over the world and particularly strong connections to Asia.

Once you make it to Helsinki, there should be a couple of flights per day to Ivalo. Finnair are the only carrier currently operating this route (information correct as of July 2023). Before the pandemic, Norwegian also offered flights and so there was a bit of competition on the route for prices. The Norwegian route seems to have been cancelled and Finnair now have a monopoly. We therefore recommend booking your Finnair flight as early as you can to get the best possible price. The route is popular with Finns who travel to Saariselkä for winter sports, so flights can get quite expensive.

Bus to Saariselkä from Ivalo airport

The cheapest way to get to Saariselkä from Ivalo airport is to catch the airport bus. The bus leaves from just outside the airport terminal. The airport is tiny – you can’t miss it when you step outside! The timetable adapts to fit with the times of Finnair flights arriving in Ivalo.

This means the timetable changes on a daily basis depending on the flight times. The bus company publishes the timetable a maximum of one month in advance. You can access the latest version here.

There’s no need to book tickets in advance; the shuttle isn’t so popular that it sells out. In fact, last time I took it I was almost the only person on the bus.

When you get to the bus, the driver will help load your luggage then invite you to get on board and take a seat. The first time I took this bus I got very confused by this. I was trying to explain to the driver that I didn’t have a ticket and needed to pay him, all while standing outside in pitch black night and temperatures of minus 20 degrees celsius.

It turns out you don’t need to pay before you get on the bus. Once all the passengers have boarded and are sitting comfortably in the warm, the driver will slowly make his way down the aisle of the bus and sell everyone a ticket. This does take a bit of time, so be prepared to to wait. You can pay either by cash or by card. I’d suggest card is easier and Finland is not a country where you really need to carry cash in 2023.

The bus fare to get to Saariselkä from Ivalo airport is currently EUR 13 for an adult. It’s EUR 6.50 for a child. The child fare is defined as 4 – 11; children younger than 4 don’t need to pay.

Get off at the right stop in Saariselkä

It will take approximately 30 minutes to get to Saariselkä from the airport in Ivalo. The bus makes multiple stops in Saariselkä, so you need to work out in advance which stop is closest to your accommodation.

If you are staying at one of the main hotels in Saariselkä, then you’re in luck. The bus has a scheduled stop outside the Hotel Riekonlinna and Santa’s Hotel Tunturi . Just tell the driver when you buy your ticket that this is where you want to get off.

If you’re not sure where to get off the most central stop is Siula/Neste. This stop is next to the village’s petrol station and supermarket, so worst case scenario you’ll be able to go into one of these and get directions to your ultimate destination.

Other options to get to Saariselkä

If you don’t want to catch the airport bus, you can get to Saariselkä from Ivalo by taxi. There is a small taxi rank in front of the airport in Ivalo. Taxis don’t sit there all day but arrive to meet the scheduled flights.

If you’d prefer to book a taxi in advance, the website of Ivalo airport has an up-to-date list of local taxi companies which serve the airport. Be aware that Finland is not a cheap country. It’s likely to cost EUR 70 to get to Saariselkä in a taxi from Ivalo. That’s why if you’re on a budget, we’d recommend the airport bus.

Alternatively, you can rent a car at Ivalo airport and drive to Saariselkä yourself. All the main rental companies, including Avis, Sixt, Europcar and Budget have a rental presence at the airport but you will definitely need to book in advance. If you’re new to renting a car in Europe, check out our separate article for some top tips .

Have you visited Saariselkä? Did you see the Northern Lights? Let us know in the comments below.

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The Best Saariselkä, Finland Winter Travel Guide

July 7, 2023.

Planning a trip to Lapland and want the best Saariselkä Finland winter travel guide? Having recently visited this very northern part of Finland, I am excited to share with you everything I discovered during my two day visit.

Lapland, Finland lives up to the hype. Just knowing you are wandering around the actual Arctic Circle is mind blowing.

And the snow covered landscape just adds to the magic!

Many visitors to Lapland make it as far as Rovaniemi (where Santa’s Village is) and don’t think to go further north.

But that is truly a shame.

Even if you only spend two nights further north than Rovaniemi like we did – it will be 100% worth your efforts to get there!!

PS – you can read my Rovaniemi travel guide here ;).

Saariselkä Finland Winter Travel Guide

How to get to saariselkä, how to get around saariselkä, how many days you need in saariselkä, currency and plug details in lapland, northern lights village, star arctic hotel, fieno pizzeria, petronella restaurant, see the northern lights, go on a husky safari, participate in winter sports, walk the village streets, what to wear in saariselkä in winter, our full itinerary in a nutshell, the little details.

There are multiple ways to get to this compact village that is the northernmost holiday resort in the world and one of the oldest ski resorts in Finland ;0.

For our entire two weeks in Finland (see full itinerary below) we did not want to rent/drive a car.

And while I was rather nervous planning our trip and how to get from region to region – it was surprisingly easy once we were actually in the country! All that worry for nothing!

Our mode of transportation from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä was the bus!

Now mind you – I am NOT A BUS PERSON.

In fact, while I try to have a reasonable budget for my travels – I tend to lean more to the comfortable and pleasant side of traveling now that I am in my 50’s ;).

As in – I don’t go for the super budget friendly hotels/transportation methods, etc like we did in our 20’s, 30’s, and even into our 40’s when we traveled ;0.

All that to say – I was rather nervous about what being on a 4 hour bus ride in the Arctic Circle was going to be like.

And honestly – my husband and I were pleasantly surprised!

The wifi worked great, our luggage was easy to manage under the bus and the hours went by quickly as we watched the scenery outside roll by.

There aren’t any power plugs on the bus though so be sure to bring a battery pack for your electronics so that you aren’t stranded without power!

This one is my favorite as it is relatively light and can power two devices at once ;).

Just a heads up though – my husband had to use the toilet at one point and came back and told me – nope you shouldn’t go in there – just hold it :\.

So be sure to not drink much before getting on and only use the bus toilet in an emergency situation 😂.

I purchased two tickets on the Matkahuolto website for $102 four months in advance with seat reservations.

They also have a new app called Matkahuolto Trips and Tickets that looks quite user friendly and easy to use (not available when I made our reservation in November 2022).

We asked our Rovaniemi hotel, Arctic Treehouse, to provide transportation for us from the hotel to the bus stop because they easily knew where it is located.

Interestingly enough – the bus stop we were dropped off at was also a post office. So if there is a real full fledged bus station in Rovaniemi, we wouldn’t actually know but this worked all the same ;).

We disembarked from the bus at the Kiveliöntie stop in Saariselkä that is next to a shopping center across the street from the Northern Lights Village where we were staying for the next two nights.

I HIGHLY suggest arranging pick up transportation with your hotel for when you arrive in Saariselkä – something we did not do.

But we were CRAZY lucky that a taxi was sitting in the very parking lot we were dropped off at because the snow was many feet deep this far north and wheeling our suitcases to the hotel even though it was only 350m away would have been a serious challenge 😳.

The other ways of getting to Saariselka are to fly into Ivalo Airport.

If you are going straight to Saariselkä from Helsinki – this is most certainly the best option.

You can easily grab a bus or a taxi to your accommodations from this airport 15 km north of the village.

One of my favorite websites/apps to use in figuring out how to get from one destination to the other is Rome2Rio . It is a great starting point for discovering how to get ANYWHERE in the world!

While I don’t book directly from this app/website – it tells me my options and the correct website to purchase any necessary tickets ;).

The last option would be to rent a car (which as I mentioned above is something we have avoided doing while traveling outside of North America for a myriad of reasons – not the least of which is not knowing what the heck the street signs say!!).

The most popular places to stay in Saariselkä will be able to help you arrange any transportation needs you may have while staying in this Lappish wonderland (if you don’t have a car like we didn’t).

Hopefully you will decide to stay at the same property we did (see below) where all of our activities were based on property and the village is within walking distance ;).

But if you choose to stay elsewhere (and without a car) – there is a very convenient bus system in the area every winter season.

We arrived in Saariselkä after spending 4 nights in Rovaniemi (read that blog post here) and before that 5 nights in Helsinki (read that travel guide here) .

So being that we were well into our Finland adventure and had already experienced a bit of Lapland, we decided two nights with one full day here would fit well into our itinerary.

If your itinerary allows, I would say one additional full day would allow for a leisurely pace.

But if you do not plan on spending any time in Rovaniemi or elsewhere in Lapland, I would say spend 3-4 full days in Saariselkä.

Finland currency is the Euro and their plugs are the same as around mainland Europe with the two round pins.

US hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors use a higher voltage than they do outside of the country which makes it impractical to bring with you when you travel abroad.

When my daughter was studying abroad in London during the summer of 2022, I had her buy a hair dryer for herself in England with the lesser European voltage that I can now use every time I travel outside of the US.

If you travel to foreign countries often, I would highly suggest buying yourself a blow dryer in a different country with their lower voltage so that you can use your own every time you travel as well ;).

Best Places to Stay in Saariselkä

While we only stayed in a glass roofed igloo for two nights here – this is a Lappish experience you should make every effort to have!!

There is a Northern Lights alarm in every igloo that peacefully beeps to wake you up when the night sky is lit up so you can watch them from your warm bed ;).

Being here in winter and watching the snow gently fall right outside your window is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Breakfast and dinner are included in your rate and many winter activities are located right on the property.

At the top of the ski hill is a lovely hotel with stunning views of the valley with beautiful rooms and aurora glass cabins also worthy of a stay for sure ;).

Best Places to Eat in Saariselkä

Because meals were included in our accommodations and we were only in Saariselkä for two nights, we only had dinner in town one night.

However we received recommendations for a favorite restaurant in the village that is listed below (it was closed on the day of the week we were there).

We ate dinner here our second night in the area – it is conveniently located within walking distance of Northern Lights Village .

The service was impeccable and the pizza tasted straight from Italy ;).

This classic Finnish restaurant was recommended to us however was closed when we walked by (thus we continued on to Fieno above).

Top Things to Do in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is known for having aurora displays 200 nights out of the year so your odds are pretty high in this area.

And if you stay in one of the properties above, you will get to enjoy them from your warm bed!!

Now obviously if you are a professional photographer – seeing the aurora borealis through a window and photographed with an iPhone would be unacceptable however for the majority of us – this is magical.

I cannot put into words what it was like to watch the lights dance across the sky for hours.

Sleep was clearly not a priority this night as the alarm told us to wake up around 1:30am and we stayed awake for over an hour til they faded away.

However, we only saw them on our first night in Saariselka as the second night was snowing heavily ;).

If you would rather go on a Northern Lights excursion – there are plenty to be found in the area . I will advise you though, based on my research, there is no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights on these paid excursions so be aware that you may or may not get your money’s worth on something like this.

But if you are going for the experience of being out in the winter night air – I say go for it!!

And obviously if you are lucky to be out on one of the 200 nights a year they are visible here – your photos will surely be amazing ;).

As mentioned above, there are many activities available right on the Northern Lights Village property – including husky safaris and snowmobile rides.

As we often take a winter vacation in the US to a ski destination where snowmobiling is always an option, we opted to do a husky safari on our one full day in the area.

Truly another once in a lifetime experience – and in the Arctic Circle at that!

If you are trying to decide what to do with your limited time in the area as well – I would 100% tell you to do the husky safari ;).

If you will be staying a few days in the Saariselkä area of Lapland, you could easily spend an afternoon on their ski hill, cross country skiing in the surrounding forests, ice fishing with an organized tour outfitter, fat tire biking – the list is truly endless and all dependent on how relaxed you want your days to be ;).

You can find all your options on this list with outfitters to help you enjoy your experiences :).

We actually had a taxi bring us to the parking lot at the top of the ski hill where we proceeded to walk down the empty and snowy neighborhood street into town.

We brought our own winter jacket and snowpants on our Finnish vacation however many excursion companies will provide winter attire if you need it.

As I mentioned in my Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and Tallinn travel guides, our winter parkas kept us very cozy and warm so the temps being in the high 20’s and 30’s for the majority of our trip was perfectly okay for us ;).

THE ITINERARY:

Day 1 Fly San Diego to Helsinki via London on British Airways

Day 2 Arrive Helsinki 9pm local time

Day 3 Helsinki

Day 4 Helsinki

Day 5 Helsinki

Day 6 Day trip to Tallinn, Estonia

Day 7 Fly Helsinki to Rovaniemi on Finnair

Day 8 Rovaniemi

Day 9 Rovaniemi

Day 10 Rovaniemi

Day 11 Bus to Saariselkä (4 hours)

Day 12 Saariselkä

Day 13 Fly Ivalo to London via Helsinki on British Airways

Day 14 London

Day 15 Fly London to San Diego on British Airways

I hope you found this Saariselkä, Finland winter travel guide helpful as you plan your adventures in this remarkable destination.

This destination offers pristine, unspoiled Arctic wilderness adventures that are unlike any other place on your bucket list ;).

As I mentioned above – every time we think about the reality that we saw the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle we both smile and remember how incredible our two weeks were ;).

Did you find this post useful? Pin it to your boards – just click the Pin button in the upper right corner!

Life is short, the world is wide. I want to make some memories. ~Mamma Mia

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I make every effort to reply to every comment below. But if for some reason I missed it – please feel free to contact me here .

Have a wonderful day my friend! I hope something makes you smile today ;).

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Saariselkä travel guide

Saariselkä is a small village in the municipality of Inari in northern Finnish Lapland .

The village, which is only 30 kilometres from Ivalo , is one of the most important winter sports centres in the region.

Things to see and do in Saariselkä

Nature and picturesque scenery are undoubtedly Saariselkä’s main tourist attraction.

Many tourists flock to the town every year to see the Northern Lights , which are most likely to be seen in the colder months.

Urho Kekkonen National Park

Urho Kekkonen National Park covers an area of 2,550 square kilometres, making it the second largest national park in Finland.

The park is home to the remote Korvatunturi Hill , known among Finns as the home of Father Christmas.

The areas closest to Saariselkä tend to have many visitors, especially tourists on day trips . The rest of the national park is much quieter and it is possible to enjoy other trails and wilderness huts.

Kiehinen is a free exhibition about nature and hiking trails in Urho Kekkonen National Park. Here you can get advice on hiking in the area and apply for fishing or snowmobile trail permits.

North Village St. Paul’s Chapel

North Village St. Paul’s Chapel or Pyhän Paavalin Chapel is an ecumenical chapel located in the village of Saariselkä, which was completed in 1996.

The chapel, built mainly of logs, can seat more than 200 people. Its altarpiece has a window from which the forests surrounding the church can be seen.

In addition to holding religious events, Saariselkä Chapel also frequently hosts concerts by some of the country’s most popular singers.

Winter activities in Saariselkä

There are numerous activities that tourists can enjoy during the winter . Reindeer sleigh safaris and snowmobile tours are two of the most popular activities for tourists.

It’s also possible to go snowshoeing in the countryside, ice fishing on one of the area’s lakes or even spend the night in a cabin in the middle of the wilderness.

Winter sports in Saariselkä

The mountains in the area are excellent for all kinds of winter sports , such as cross-country skiing, tobogganing and hiking.

The Kaunispää and Iisakkipää hills, located very close to Saariselkä, are the main winter sports slopes.

If you want to go hiking, there are about 200 km of marked routes and trails around Saariselkä, as well as 250 km of ski slopes.

How to get to Saariselkä

The easiest way to get to Saariselkä is to fly from Helsinki to Ivalo Airport, the closest airport to the village. From there, Saariselkä can be reached by bus in just 20 minutes.

The train is also a good way to get to the town, especially the night train to Rovaniemi . After that, it’s a three-hour bus ride to Saariselkä.

There are also direct bus services from Helsinki and other cities in the south of the country, although the journey time is about 15 hours.

How to get around the town

Saariselkä is a small town, so you can walk everywhere . You can hire a car to visit some of the towns and cities in the area that are a little further away from Saariselkä.

If you need to transport equipment for skiing or hiking, you can use the Ski Bus , which connects the town to the ski slopes with hourly routes.

Where to stay in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is a very touristy town, so you should have no problem finding accommodation to suit your budget and needs.

In addition to hotels in different price ranges, there are some camping areas in Saariselkä where you can stay in a tent or caravan for a fairly cheap rate.

Keep in mind that during the peak winter season you will find the highest prices for accommodation, so we recommend that you compare the different prices before making your choice.

Where to eat in Saariselkä

As in many parts of Lapland, the food in Saariselkä is quite expensive and doesn’t offer much variety. However, we recommend trying reindeer meat , one of the country’s most popular dishes .

Another experience offered by some hotels and restaurants is to dine in a Kota , a traditional Lappish hut, where you can try some of the area’s most traditional dishes.

We hope our guide to Saariselkä will help you prepare for your trip to the town. We invite you to share this article on social media using the buttons below. And if you have any questions, you can use the comments section to ask them.

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Location and traveling

Finnair flies from Helsinki to Ivalo all year round daily. www.finnair.com

Book your flights to Saariselkä today https://www.kayak.co.uk/flight-routes/United-Kingdom-GB0/Ivalo-IVL  

Connections

Each flight landing in Ivalo has a bus connection to Saariselkä, as well as from Saariselkä to reach each flight from Ivalo. Tickets starting from 10€/adult or 5 €/child from Ivalo airport to Saariselkä village. 

You can find the airport bus timetable here:  https://www.eskelisen.fi/en/timetables-and-routes/

You can also catch a taxi from the airport to reach your hotel or cabin conveniently. We recommend this option if you are multiple people or with a lot of luggage.

You can catch a train to Rovaniemi with several bus connections to Saariselkä.  Don’t forget the car-carrier trains and rental car companies!

www.matkahuolto.fi

You can easily reach Saariselkä by following the National Road Four (E75), which travels through Finland.  If you are travelling from Eastern Finland, you can join this highway at Oulu , Rovaniemi or Sodankylä via National Roads Five and Six , and continue straight to North.  The following websites will help you to choose the route:

Google Maps

Via Michelin

Skibus operates in the Saariselkä area

“Hop on hop off” – skibus is driven in the Saariselkä area between Saariselkä village and Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort throughout the season.

The updated Ski Bus timetable will be uploaded here during autumn for the upcoming winter season.

Find accommodation in Saariselkä:

Find accommodation by  saariselkä booking.

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.3 By train
• 3.1 By taxi
• 5.1 Winter tours
• 5.2 Winter sports
• 5.3 Hiking and cross-country skiing
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe
• 11 Stay healthy

Saariselkä (Sámi: Suoločielgi ) is a largish winter sports centre in the municipality of Inari high up in Finnish Lapland , some 250 km north of the Arctic Circle and nearly 1000 km away from the southern capital Helsinki .

Nestled in a valley, Saariselkä is a compact strip of a village with one gas station, one main supermarket, one liquor store and a slew of hotels, shops and restaurants, but it's quite manageable on foot and located only 30 km away from the town of Ivalo and its airport. The neighbouring fells of Kaunispää and Iisakkipää , both equipped with ski lifts, are the primary slopes for winter sports. The hiking trails, skiing tracks, biking routes and snowmobile tracks of Saariselkä also cover the villages of Laanila and Kakslauttanen (3 km and 10 km southward) and Kiilopää (6 km east from Kakslauttanen), which may be regarded as part of the same tourist resort.

Saariselkä is also used as a base for hikers and cross-country skiers going to the Urho Kekkonen National Park or Hammastunturi Wilderness Area .

Understand [ edit ]

A succession of ice ages and their glaciers scraping back and forth has reduced what were once mountains into gentle rounded fells (Finnish tunturi ), barely reaching 500 m. The valleys between them are sparsely forested, but the exposed summits are treeless.

Aside from the occasional Sámi reindeer herder, there wasn't much human activity in these parts until Konrad Planting struck gold at the nearby Lutto River in 1865. The Finnish gold rush started soon thereafter and the first claim in Saariselkä was staked in 1871. Enough gold was found that by 1902 the mining company Prospektor set up its headquarters here and hacked a cart trail down to Sodankylä , some 100 km away.

The gold rush slowly faded away, but in the 1960s the area started to gradually develop into a tourist attraction. Hotels and restaurants were built, skiing lifts were put up, and in 1983 the region stretching from Saariselkä to the Russian border – favourite hunting grounds of former president Urho Kaleva Kekkonen – were turned into the Urho Kekkonen (UKK) National Park . Ten years later Hammastunturi Wilderness Area was established between Saariselkä and the older Lemmenjoki National Park to the west.

Saariselkä is part of the municipality of Inari , which has some 7,700 inhabitants (including some 2,200 Sámi) on 17,321 square kilometres of land, while Kakslauttanen and part of Kiilopää are in Sodankylä .

Get in [ edit ]

Saariselkä is at national road 4 (E75) from Helsinki to Nuorgam , with several buses daily from Rovaniemi . You could come by plane to Ivalo, Kittilä or Rovaniemi or by train to Rovaniemi, and continue by coach.

By plane [ edit ]

The easiest method to get here is to take a Finnair flight from Helsinki to Ivalo airport (1 hr 40 min, price €100–250 depending on the season), and then a connecting 20-minute bus ride to Saariselkä. UK tourists may arrive at the airport of Kittilä, and take a three-hour road trip, via Sodankylä . The airport at Rovaniemi is likewise three hours away by coach.

By bus [ edit ]

Direct coaches from the south are cheaper than aeroplane, but involve a laborious 15 hr journey.

There are several connections daily between Rovaniemi and Inari, with stops in Saariselkä.

Saariselkä is quite well connected with northern Norway , with buses from towns including Honningsvåg (by Nordkapp ), Karasjok , Vadsø and Tana bru , via Inari, Ivalo and Saariselkä to Rovaniemi. Some of these may drive only in summer.

From Sweden , you will probably come via Haparanda and have a transfer in Rovaniemi .

From Russia , you could take the weekly Murmansk service, with a transfer in Ivalo.

By train [ edit ]

An overnight train to Rovaniemi and a coach for the last three hours is a less painful but not particularly cheap alternative; the train is a viable option also if you want to bring your own car.

Get around [ edit ]

Once in Saariselkä, you can pretty much walk anywhere you want to, but if you have gear in tow just hop aboard the Ski Bus , which shuttles between the village and the slopes approximately once an hour (all day ticket €4).

The coaches to and from Ivalo pass Saariselkä, Laanila and Kakslauttanen several times a day, a few coaches go via Kiilopää as well.

By taxi [ edit ]

• Menevä Saariselkä , ☏ +358 50-471-0470 (head of office) , toll-free: 0800-02120 (booking) , [email protected] . Also bookable by app or web. Fixed price based on calculated route and time if destination address given when booking by app or web. ( updated Jan 2021 )

See [ edit ]

The landscape is scenic and many tourists come to Saariselkä to gawk at the aurora borealis . While they occur with a probability as high as 75% every night in season (November to March or so), they are all too often obscured behind a bank of clouds so don't count on it.

• 68.421219 27.427293 1 Kiehinen ( Customer service point of Metsähallitus ), Lutontie 16 , ☏ +358 20-639-7200 , [email protected] . M–F 09:00–17:00, in season also Sa Su 09:00–16:00 or 10:00–17:00, closed 6 Dec and 24-26 Dec . Free exhibition about the nature and hiking possibilities in Urho Kekkonen National Park and other nearby protected areas. Advice on hiking. Maps, bookings and keys, fishing and snowmobile track permits etc.  
• 68.4753 27.432 2 Magneettimäki . Memorial stones at the Magnetic Hill, 6 km north of Saariselkä. The national road 4 originally lead to Petsamo (Pechenga), with a winter harbour at the Barents Sea, especially important in 1940–1941. The steep gravel road used to be 5 m wide, and was so hard for lorries, the drivers thought there must be some magnetics involved. ( updated Aug 2019 )

Do [ edit ]

Saariselkä is more of a Do than a See destination.

Winter tours [ edit ]

In addition to the Northern Lights, there's plenty of standard Lappish tourist fare to keep you occupied during the day as well, ranging from husky safaris and reindeer-pulled sleighs to snowmobile and snowshoe treks through the countryside. There are quite a few operators to talk to. You could also go ice-fishing in one of the local lakes with a private guide, with a snack reindeer lunch cooked in a hunter/fisherman's cabin or spend the night on the treeless fells.

• Top Safaris , Revontulentie 1 , ☏ +358 16 667-033 . A safari company that offers a wide variety of safaris and is owned by the same people that run the Hotel Laanihovi.  

Winter sports [ edit ]

The fells nearby are excellent terrain for cross-country skiing , sledding and hiking , but somewhat puny for downhill since the maximum differential is on the order of 300 meters. Alas, this is about as good as it gets in flat Finland... The ski lifts are one kilometre to north-east from the Saariselkä village, between the fells.

For extreme sledding, the legendary 1.5-km track down from Kaunispää can't be beat. Hold on tight and steer well!

Hiking and cross-country skiing [ edit ]

For hiking, there are 200 km of marked paths, 250 km of skiing tracks and vast areas for backcountry hiking in and by the Urho Kekkonen National Park . Most marked routes are near Saariselkä. For serious backcountry hikers, Tulppio near the south-east end of it is a hundred kilometres away, and to the north-west you can wander through Hammastunturi Wilderness Area, Lemmenjoki National Park and Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area to Øvre Anárjohka National Park of the Norwegian Finnmarksvidda , likewise a hundred kilometres away, with only two road crossings on all the journey.

• 68.3813 27.494 1 Rumakuru . About 6 km from Saariselkä and from Laanila, by marked hiking routes or maintained skiing tracks. The steep and rocky Rumakuru is a product of the Ice Age. One of the two day huts in the Rumakuru valley is from about 1900, probably built by gold diggers. You can choose another route for returning. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 68.4339 27.4439 2 Kaunispää . For general Arctic scenery, climb (or take the bus) up Kaunispää to take in the view. In clear weather Russian mountains 40 km away can be seen. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 68.4118 27.4724 3 Iisakkipää . There is a nature trail (6 km) to the top of Iisakkipää (slightly higher, with a view less disturbed by ski resort structures) and back, telling about traces of the Ice Age. There is also a shorter variant (2.5 km), along the lower slopes. In winter the trails are marked as snowshoe trails. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 68.3414 27.5026 4 Kiilopää . There are natural trails (1–6 km) and a trail to the fell top also at Kiilopää (546 m; no lifts here), some 15 km south from Saariselkä. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 68.3945 27.4243 5 Prospector's trail . Prospector was the gold mining firm. The trail leads to a mine and a mine hut near Laanila (1 km). The trail (skiing track in winter) continues to meet other trails in the national park ( trail description , background story ). ( updated Jan 2020 )

Buy [ edit ]

The Kuukkeli shopping mall with the village's only grocery store, Alko, postal service and some other shops and services including winter sports equipment rental and cottage area front desk burned down in February 2022. The owner opened a temporary shop in the Siula mall, Kelotie 1, until the new premises are built.

• 68.4209 27.4094 1 Partioaitta , Honkapolku , ☏ +358 10-549-4800 . Outdoor equipment.  

Eat [ edit ]

Food in Lapland is expensive and fairly unimaginative, although if you haven't tried reindeer meat yet, then this is your chance. For a more memorable experience, try a set dinner in a Lappish kota tent, offered by a number of hotels and tour operators.

Budget [ edit ]

• 68.42186 27.4106 1 Siulan Riista ja Kala , Kelotie 2 . Game and fish delicatessen in the Siula shopping centre – including a café which offers one of the cheapest meals in town. Daily "Lounas" (lunch) €9.50 is excellent value. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 68.41996 27.41718 2 Muossi Grill , Saariseläntie 5 . Snack kiosk in the central square near Holiday Club Hotel. Hamburgers etc. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 68.42161 27.41061 3 Kotipizza . Like the name reveals, pizza, in the Siula shopping centre. ( updated Jan 2020 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 68.4336 27.4433 4 Kaunispään Huippu ( Atop Kaunispää ), ☏ +358 16 668-803 , [email protected] . 10:00–19:00 . Offers panoramic views of the mountains around and is a good option for a lunch or just a hot drink. Try the reindeer fillet with peppercorns, worth taking a drive up for a meal.  
• 68.4024 27.3927 5 Laanilan Kievari , Sateenkaarenpääntie 9 ( in Laanila ), ☏ +358 400 239 868 , [email protected] . M–Sa 16:00–22:00 . Restaurant serving à la carte dishes with good bevarages. Also possible to book a sauna and outdoor jacuzzi for own use.  
• 68.42011 27.41385 6 Teerenpesä , Saariseläntie 5 . Restaurant and pub, good value. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 68.42044 27.40833 7 Pirkon Pirtti , Honkapolku 2 . Most famous restaurant in Saariselkä. Hard to find vacant table – delightful log fires and delicious traditional dishes, a great place to dine. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• Rakka , à la carte, Rosso Express , pizza and Houseburger , hamburgers at Holiday Club .

Splurge [ edit ]

• 68.42153 27.42554 8 Ravintola Riekonlinna ( former Restaurant Linnansali ), Saariseläntie 13 ( at Hotel Riekonlinna ). Expensive and fine. Specialities cod tongue and king crab. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 68.42087 27.41022 9 Petronella , Honkapolku 5 . Specialities include reindeer fillet and Lake Inari whitefish. Excellent choice of wines. Also check the 'Petronella' house cocktail (for warming up in winter weather). ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 68.41991 27.41144 10 Siberia , Saariseläntie 3 . Restaurant (and café) – fine dine in exotic Lapland. ( updated Jan 2020 )

Drink [ edit ]

There are quite a few possibilities for after-ski ; all the hotels have restaurants and discos, and there is even a local microbrewery with a side line in distilled spirits. However, Saariselkä has a deserved reputation for catering to the middle-aged market, standard musical fare is melodramatic Finnish tango and even the food is all reindeer and snow grouse. Hip snowboarding youngsters tend to head for Levi or Ruka instead.

• 68.4195 27.4177 1 [dead link] Saariselän Panimo , Saariseläntie 10 . The local microbrewery, which does more than just beer: try Jellona Terwasnapsi , the home-brewed tar-flavored schnapps! A very authentically Finnish place in character.  
• Bepop , "Sportbar & Night", pub and nightclub at Holiday Club Saariselkä .

Sleep [ edit ]

• 68.41911 27.41833 1 Saariselän Inn , Saariseläntie 10 , ☏ +358 44-729-0006 , [email protected] . rooms start at €38 in the summer, €79 in the high season . ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 68.4036 27.4099 2 Savottakahvila , Viskitie ( in Laanila ), ☏ +358 400 603 903 , [email protected] . "Loggers' café", also providing lodging. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• There are camping grounds in Saariselkä, where you can stay for a fee in a tent or caravan. Camping with a tent in the wilderness is free. In the nearby parts of the national park camping is restricted to campfire sites and the like.
• 68.4047 27.4109 3 Hotel Laanihovi , Viskitie 1 ( in Laanila ), ☏ +358 16 681-501 , fax : +358 16 668-771 , [email protected] .  
• 68.4162 27.4159 4 Vahtamapään Maja ( in the center ), ☏ +358 50-546-5006 , [email protected] . Sheets and cleaning not included. Kitchen etc. common with other guests. €390–500/week/room (=family/group), depending on season .  
• 68.3344 27.3342 5 Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort , Kiilopääntie 9 ( Kakslauttanen, about 10 km south of Saariselkä along Highway 4 ), [email protected] . Here rooms are available in cabins, snow igloos or glass igloos specially designed for northern lights observation. As of 2023 embroiled in a major controversy regarding their treatment of seasonal workers and repeated violations of Finnish labour laws.  
• 68.3469 27.4622 6 Fell Centre Kiilopää , Kiilopääntie 620 ( Kiilopää, 10 km south along Highway 4 and then 5 km east ), ☏ +358 16 670-0700 , [email protected] . Hotel, youth hostel and holiday apartments and cabins operated by Suomen Latu, the cross-country skiing and hiking association.  
• 68.3335 27.335849 7 Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort , Kakslauttanen , ☏ +358 16 667168 , [email protected] . At 1970s there was a roadside café, now there is a splurge holiday village world famous for its glass igloos. Art gallery, restaurant, saunas, souvenir shop, and numerous activities both for summer and winter visitors. Located 118 km north from the town and 10 km south from the Saariselkä skiing resort. From €135 (summer season), from €313 (winter season) . ( updated Sep 2020 )
• 68.4213 27.4251 8 Hotel Riekonlinna , Saariseläntie 13 , ☏ +358 16 3232 . International conference hotel, many of rooms have even own sauna and internet connection. Nice view towards the fells from most of rooms. Rooms €87 in the summer, €130–150 in the high season. . ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 68.4204 27.4187 9 Holiday Club Saariselkä , Saariseläntie 7 , ☏ 0300 870 966 (premium) . Europe's northernmost spa and the fanciest digs in town, featuring a large swimming pool/jacuzzi/waterfall/etc section. Still, this is more of a family resort than a romantic getaway, so expect to bump into hyperactive kids. Rooms start at €120 off season, €150 in high season .  
• 68.42 27.4272 10 Santa's Hotel Tunturi ( former Hotel Gielas ), Lutontie 3 , ☏ +358 16 681-11 , [email protected] . Four star hotel with 84 rooms. All rooms have own saunas, bath, balcony. ( updated Jan 2020 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Summer hiking in Saariselkä is safe if you follow safety advice and know your own limits. Routes near Saariselkä village are well marked and require only sneakers and clothes accordant with current weather. It's recommended to purchase an inexpensive map from your hotel reception or local market. Don't go alone, at least without informing your hotel reception. Ask for safety advice from your hotel reception if you feel unsure. Don't forget to report to your hotel when you come back. Weather conditions can change a lot even if it's warm and sunny when you leave.

Cellphone networks may not cover many places in between the fells.

Tourists usually never meet any dangerous animals in Saariselkä. There are some bears in the eastern part of the national park, but bears would rather avoid humans if they can. It's recommended to indicate somehow to animals that you are roaming in the neighbourhood.

Crime figures for Saariselkä are very low.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Tap water is potable and of high quality.

In case of emergency call 112 .

• 68.42235 27.41203 1 MedInari , Lutontie 14 , ☏ +358 20-720-5830 . M–Th 08:00–16:00, F 08:00–15:00 . If you need medical consultation less urgently, contact to MedInari health service (nurse and doctor services). It is managed by the Inari municipality and some local travel-related companies. ( updated Jan 2020 )

Connect [ edit ]

Postal code FI-99830 Saariselkä.

• All hotels offer internet to their guests

Go next [ edit ]

• Tankavaara gold village
• Urho Kekkonen National Park
• Hammastunturi Wilderness Area

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Navigation menu

Rovaniemi to Saariselka

Best options, other options, rovaniemi to saariselka schedule, transportation from rovaniemi to saariselka.

• Flights RUB 15,133
• Trains are not available
• Buses are not available
• Ferries are not available
• Taxis are not available
• Vans are not available

Facts about the transport from Rovaniemi to Saariselka

Popular routes, from rovaniemi.

• Rovaniemi → Levi
• Rovaniemi → Helsinki
• Rovaniemi → Kittila
• Rovaniemi → Ivalo
• Rovaniemi → Paris

To Rovaniemi

• Helsinki → Rovaniemi
• Paris → Rovaniemi
• Lulea → Rovaniemi
• Levi → Rovaniemi
• Stockholm → Rovaniemi

From Saariselka

• Saariselka → Helsinki
• Saariselka → Rovaniemi

To Saariselka

• Helsinki → Saariselka
• Rovaniemi → Saariselka

Popular Routes in Finland

• Helsinki → Levi
• Levi → Helsinki

How to get from Rovaniemi to Saariselka?

When you want to get from Rovaniemi to Saariselka, your choices are limited. There is only one option we offer for this route:

How far is Rovaniemi from Saariselka?

The overland distance from Rovaniemi to Saariselka is 2114 miles (3401 km). The flying distance is 2114 miles (3401 km).

How long does it take to get from Rovaniemi to Saariselka?

The travel time from Rovaniemi to Saariselka takes approximately 10 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Rovaniemi to Saariselka?

To get from Rovaniemi to Saariselka prepare to shell out about RUB 15,180 for your ticket.

How many trips per day are there from Rovaniemi to Saariselka?

• 3 by flight from Rovaniemi to Saariselka starting from 00:20 Kittila Airport until 23:00 Kittila Airport

Useful tips for travel from Rovaniemi to Saariselka

While flight is the only option we offer for this route, these simple tips and recommendations will help enhance your travel experience.

Do many travellers take flight from Rovaniemi to Saariselka?

Up to now, 560 booked flight tickets from Rovaniemi to Saariselka through our service. You can check reviews above.

• Transport Options

Getting there & around

Travel information.

Lapland North Destinations are just a few hours from southern Finland and Europe. Lapland is well connected to the world through flights, highways and a railway. Find out here all the necessary travel information and how to get around.  

Flights to Lapland North Destinations

Edelweiss Air flies from Zurich in February and March, Eurowings from Düsseldorf to Ivalo from mid-November until the end of March, Lufthansa flies from Frankfurt and Transavia from Paris from mid-December until the end of March and daily connections via Helsinki-Vantaa airport with Finnair . More details below.

Airport Shuttle

The transport company Eskelinen drives an airport shuttle to each scheduled flight from Ivalo Airport to Saariselkä, Kakslauttanen and Kiilopää. Please note that the timetable may change every month. Tickets can be bought from Eskelinen shuttle with cash or card. You can ask more travel information from Eskelinen´s customer service .

Edelweiss Air

New route for winter season 23/24!

Connecting central Europe to Lapland North Destinations. Accessible route to reach Lapland directly and visit snowy winter wonderland. Stay in beautiful resorts, hotels or cabins and enjoy our best winter activities with northern lights tours, reindeer and husky safaris, snowmobile safaris, skiing and much more.

Eurowings opens a new route from Düsseldorf to Ivalo for winter season 23/24!

Operating every Saturday from 23rd of December 2023 onwards.

Lufthansa flies every Saturday from Frankfurt to Ivalo during winter season 23/24!

Flights begin 4th of November 2023.

Direct flights to Ivalo from Paris (Orly) every Saturday from mid December onwards.

Finnair connects Lapland to the world around the year. Please see the schedule for connections from many worldwide destinations to Helsinki and connecting conveniently all the way to Ivalo airport at the travel region of Lapland North Destinations.

9 destinations

Lapland North Destinations is a vast area in northernmost Finnish Lapland, with many exciting destinations and sights within. Get to know the 9 different villages of the northern region – from the outdoor resort of Saariselkä to the centre of Sámi culture in Inari, and on to the northernmost tip of EU in Nuorgam.

How to reach our region?

Lapland North Destinations is just a few hours from southern Finland and Europe. Lapland is well connected to the world through flights, highways and railways combined with bus connections.

How to get around? Embarking on a journey to Lapland North is an incredible experience that will leave a lasting impact. The journey is an opportunity to to marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty of the Arctic landscape as some distances are longer. The region is well connected by transfer options provided by many resorts.

Image: Tarja Länsman

By plane to Ivalo or to Rovaniemi

You can quickly reach Finland’s northernmost airport in Ivalo from Helsinki with  Finnair . During the winter months, there are also connections from European cities, not to forget the numerous charter flights. You can also fly to Rovaniemi and continue your way up North by bus. Taxis, rental cars and buses are at your service at  Ivalo airport .

By train & by bus

The  train  will take you to Rovaniemi, where you will find various bus connections to Northern Lapland. You can travel to Inari-Saariselkä by bus. The  bus routes  take you through some of the most magnificent scenery, as far as the shores of the Arctic Ocean.

Find all the public transportation options also together in one place

Perille -service has collected all the public transportation options together so you can easily plan your route to your destination. Flight routes, train routes and bus routes at the same place.

Naturally you can also drive to Lapland North region. The roads are in good condition but the weather conditions can change a lot. Car rental is available at  Ivalo airport .

How to get here?

Inari-Saariselkä is far away in the North, yet just a few hours from Southern Finland. You can get to Lapland with multiple ways, and often the trip is an experience in itself.

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How to get around.

When travelling through the arctic hills, you must remember that distances are quite often long. Be sure to enjoy the views while making your way from a destination to another.

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• By bicycle {{cyclingTime.h}}{{cyclingTime.min}}

Transportation companies

Local professional drivers know the vast region inside out and can safely drive you to your destination. Bus charter companies organise trips that will take you through some of the most magnificent scenery, as far as the shores of the Arctic Ocean. A rental car provides you with the freedom to travel wherever you like, according to your schedule.

See the professional reputed taxi operators and other transportation companies below and hop aboard for a journey through northernmost Lapland!

Xwander Nordic

Xwander Nordic offers premium, small group tours into the unspoiled wilderness of Nordic Lapland. Each tour itinerary has been carefully created by our local specialists and includes a wide variety…

Kuukkeli Booking Office

Inari-Saariselkä Central Rental Company operates in Shopping Center Kuukkeli in the heart of Saariselkä. This service and sales office is located on the right side of the main entrance to…

Kuukkeli Taxi

Kuukkel Taxis serve all kind of transportion services. We have two spacious taxis, each of which can accommodate 8 passengers. A covered trailer for transporting goods is available additionally, if…

Taxi Briitta Pajari

Trustworthy taxi service in and around Saariselkä – Taxi Briitta Pajari   Taxi Briitta Pajari offers professional and always friendly service for travellers, groups and companies. High-standard 1+8 seater…

Arctic Agency

We are specialized in creating tailor-made, high-end, all-inclusive Lapland experiences. Accommodation, travel and activities – all are taken care of. All you have to do is show up and enjoy.

Northern Lights Village Saariselkä

At midnight, a white arctic fox dashes up the fells, trailing its tail through the snow shooting flickers into the sky. The aurora borealis burst into flame over the Northern…

Luontoloma Pro-Safaris

Luontoloma Pro-Safaris is the first company in the Saariselkä region arranging activities for tourists. With all our experience, practical skills and unfailing humor, we have been helping thousands of people…

Sixt rent a car

Sixt is one of the world’s leading car rental chains with over 50 branches in Finland. Our branch in Saariselkä is located at the airport and also at Santa’s Hotel Tunturi.

Kukkola Bus service

Kukkola Busses serves companies and individuals in all transport needs for passenger throughout Northern Lapland. Our favorite travels will take you to admire the landscapes of…

More about the area

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Saariselka or Rovaniemi? - Lapland Forum

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Saariselka or Rovaniemi?

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I've been doing some research for a trip with 3 children (9, 6 and 3) at Xmas 2019 but have some key questions.

2) The kids really want to visit Santa but am struggling to find how to book the excursions (am wanting to book independently), again any help much appreciated.

1) I would book a cabin in Saariselkä. It is more north so there is usually more snow in Christmas time, and when the snow is jus outside of your door, it is easier to others to play outside while one goes indoors for toilet / snack / dry gloves / nap ... And, in evenings when you put the small one to bed you can still sit by fireplace, roast sausages and marshmallows and play board games.

2) Both places have good portals, https://saariselka.com/en/. or https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi

If you have read the panic posts from this year, you probably already are planning to come as late as possible (March would be ideal... but at least do not risk November), and for as many days as possible.

Thank you, very helpful! What about the Santa experience?

I like the idea of Saariselka stay as Elena S suggested.

Also must visit Santa Park (theme park 2 kn away from Santa Village). I would plan a day for this place. There are too many things to do there. Also Santa is there to meet again :-)

Advance reservation is requeired for acitivties like husky safaris, snowmobiles etc. But still - there is reindeer short rided next to Santa office without any advance reservation. Husky park 600 m from Santa village with short rides without reservation. With kids I'll do only short rides to get familiar with and try, not 2-3 h long rides.

Can you please elaborate on what do you mean by panic posts from this year as I have just started planning for a Dec 2019 vacation in Lapland

"If you have read the panic posts from this year, you probably already are planning to come as late as possible (March would be ideal... but at least do not risk November), and for as many days as possible"

There were dozens if not hundreds of panicking posts starting with is there snow in... This winter the permanent snow cover arrived quite late. Early in the season the further north you go, the better chances for good snow cover there are.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g677549-i11790-k12103006-When_will_the_snow_arrive-Levi_Lapland.html

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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How to travel from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi, Finland

The distance between Saariselkä and Rovaniemi is around 258km (160 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 3hrs.

2 routes found

We've found 2 different ways to get from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi by bus and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Rovaniemi → Saariselkä if you're planning a return trip.

Take the bus to Rovaniemi Rautatieasema.

• Duration 3h 40m
• Departs every 20 mins
• Typical cost €11 ( $11 )

Drive to Rovaniemi.

• Duration 3hrs
• Distance 258km (160 miles)

Frequently asked questions about travel between Saariselkä and Rovaniemi

Popular questions, how do i get from saariselkä to rovaniemi.

There are several options for getting from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi by bus and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around €11 ($11) and will take around 3h 40m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 3hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €37 ($37).

What is the distance between Saariselkä and Rovaniemi?

The distance between Saariselkä and Rovaniemi is around 258km (160 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 226km (140 miles)

How long does it take to travel from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi?

It takes around 3h 40m to get from Saariselkä and Rovaniemi by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 3hrs to drive there.

What is the fastest way to travel from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi?

The quickest way to get from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi is to drive which takes around 3hrs and will set you back approx €37 ($37).

What is the cheapest way to travel from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi?

The cheapest way to travel between Saariselkä and Rovaniemi, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around €11 ($11) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Is there a train that runs from saariselkä to rovaniemi.

There is no train service that runs between Saariselkä and Rovaniemi. We recommend that you drive to Rovaniemi. instead which will take 3hrs.

Is there a bus that runs from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi?

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Saariselkä and Rovaniemi. It typically takes around 3h 40m and departs once daily.

Is there a direct bus service from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi?

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Saariselkä and Rovaniemi with no changeovers required. The bus runs once daily and takes 3h 40m.

Who operates the bus services between Saariselkä and Rovaniemi?

Onni Bus run regular bus services between Saariselkä and Rovaniemi. Buses run once daily and take around 3h 40m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Can i fly from saariselkä to rovaniemi.

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi. We recommend that you take the bus to Rovaniemi Rautatieasema. instead which will take 3h 40m.

What is the closest airport to Rovaniemi?

The closest major airport to Rovaniemi is Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) (RVN) which is approximately 8km (5 miles) from Rovaniemi. Kittila Airport (KTT) (KTT) and Kuusamo Airport (KAO) (KAO) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Can i drive from saariselkä to rovaniemi and how long does it take.

Yes it is possible to drive from Saariselkä and Rovaniemi. The distance is around 258km (160 miles) by road and it will take around 3hrs in normal traffic conditons.

How do I get from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi if I don't have a car?

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Saariselkä to Rovaniemi is to take the bus which takes, on average, 3h 40m and will usually cost around €11 ($11).

Compare travel options between Saariselkä and Rovaniemi

Top carriers operating between saariselkä and rovaniemi, bus companies.

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Airports near Rovaniemi

The following major airports near Rovaniemi offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Finland and internationally.

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)

Kittila airport (ktt), kuusamo airport (kao), where to next from rovaniemi, arvó is currently in private beta testing.

Follow the link and sign up if you’d like to be added to the waiting list and/or be notified when we go live.

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2 The only travel planner you'll ever need.

Guide on How to Travel from Helsinki to Lapland

A re you heading to Finland and wondering what the best way to travel from Helsinki to Lapland? Did you know that for most visitors to Finland, these are the two most visited areas? It makes sense as most visitors fly into Helsinki, spend a day or two and then head off into the vast wilderness of Finnish Lapland.

In this guide I will help you in your travel research by providing up to date information on how to travel to/from these regions of Finland, whether its by plane, train or even car. 

One of the biggest factors in your decision about how to get from Helsinki to Lapland will be the amount of time you have and your budget. Below I go through the practical details on the three main transport options, providing the positives and negatives for each so you can make the most informed decision. Let get into it!

What are the airports in Lapland?

As I mentioned there are currently 5 airports in Lapland. Below are the airports with the main locations serviced from them.

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)

Rovaniemi is the third busiest airport in Finland and is the most popular of the ones in Lapland. Located in the south of Lapland, just near the Arctic Circle, this airport is seen as the gateway to Santa Claus Village. Given the towns popularity, there are several flights a day between Helsinki and Rovaniemi. This is one of the few that also is international airport accepting flights from several major European cities. 

In general, Rovaniemi can feel a quite commercial and crowded, especially during the peak winter season. This airport also serves as the hub for Pyhä  and  Salla which are popular for their natural beauty and skiing, both downhill and cross country. 

Ivalo Airport (IVL)

Two popular destinations with skiers and snowboarders include Inari and Saariselka , which are both serviced by the Ivalo airport. The airport is within 30 minutes of both destinations and is the northernmost airport in Finland.

Kittilä Airport (KTT)

Kittila is one of the main airports in the northernmost region of Finland, and the only other accepting international flights. This airport services the popular ski area of Levi. Levi is a popular spot for families during the festive season, but is smaller and quieter than Rovaniemi. Additionally, the popular Snow Village can be found here.

Our favorite destination serviced by this airport is Muonio which is a laid back destination offering all the popular touristy activities found in Rovaniemi but without the crowds and is excellent for spotting the Northern Lights. 

Kemi Airport (KEM)

Kemi-Tornio Airport is located on the coast of the Bay of Bothnia, serving travelers heading to Southern Lapland. Kemi has slowly become more popular in the tourist circuits for their magnificent Snow Castle that is built there every winter and for the famous Sampo icebreaker cruise. 

Kuusamo Airport (KAO)

Lastly, the Kuusamo Airport serves one of Finland’s major holiday destinations Kuusamo, attracting almost a million tourists annually. Many of these arrive for skiing at nearby ski resorts, especially Ruka Ski Resort , one of the largest in Finland.

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Flying from Helsinki to Lapland

Domestic flights from the capital Helsinki to Lapland airports are operated by Finnair. While the flights can be reasonably priced if booked well in advance, domestic flights on Finnair do impose an extra fee for checked luggage. Additionally, the new Finnair carry on limits are quite strict with a maximum of 8 kg for all carry on items combined. This means, that for most travelers,  it makes most sense to upgrade to the main fare price which includes both carry on and checked baggage. Once you upgrade your flight, a round-trip flight will cost a minimum of €200.  Note, if you are looking for cheap flights, sign up for Finnair’s email blast and keep an eye out for flash sales.

That said, this is still the quickest way to travel between Helsinki and Lapland. It can be cost effective if you are a solo traveler and/or traveling with extremely light luggage. However, it can be get expensive if you need to check a bag or are traveling in high season with several people

Traveling by Train from Helsinki to Lapland

Next we will move on to traveling by train from Helsinki to Lapland , which is the second most popular option.

I personally find travelling by train in Finland to be a wonderful experience and the most convenient way to get around the country. The trains are clean and reasonably reliable depending on weather conditions of course. Additionally, it is better for the environment and saves you money on accommodation if you can take an overnight train to travel while you sleep. All long-distance trains in Finland are operated by VR Train. 

Day vs. Night Trains

The most popular train that visitors take to Lapland from Helsinki is the Santa Claus Express train which ends in Rovaniemi. It leaves close to midnight and arrives around 11 a.m. the next morning. If you are traveling with children, this train is great as the sleeper cabins are essentially sold as a two person cabin. Prices for an upstairs private compartment sleeper cabin which includes a private toilet run around 300 Euro one way. The train also has a restaurant car for snacks and meals while on the train. Note, Rovaniemi train tickets for the sleeper cars can sell out quickly, so book well in advance to ensure you have a cabin.

Another popular route is to Kolari, which is the northernmost railway station in Finland. Travel here from Helsinki takes approximately 14 hours. Boarding is around 7:45 p.m. in Helsinki with a 10 a.m. arrival.  Even though it sounds like a long trip, it goes by quite quickly once you get settled in your sleeper cabin, grab some food from the restaurant car and then hit the sack. 

If you are unable to secure a sleeper cabin, you can consider a day train. With free Wifi, power sockets and the ability to walk around, an 8 hour train would actually go quite quickly if you can keep yourself occupied! These tickets run around €75 per ticket during high season. 

Take Your Car on the Train

For readers who live in Europe or have a rental car already booked, they can consider putting the vehicle on the train as well! These trains depart from Pasila Station and can be extremely handy if you have brought your car over from mainland Europe, but don’t want to drive all the way to Lapland. This is not cheap, but is a dobale option to ensure you have more access to explore around Lapland.

Train Stations in Lapland

There are many train stations in Lapland that I can’t list them all, but the main ending/starting point for the major lines include Kolari as the furthest north, Rovaniemi and Kemijarvi in the east. 

Kolari is in the far north of Finland, northeast of Rovaniemi, and very close to the Swedish border. This station is perfect for those traveling to Levi or Muonio. You can reserve a shared taxi or bus from the station to both locations. 

Kemijärvi is located east of Rovaniemi and from here you can easily access Salla and Pyhä.

Overall, I personally feel that if you are traveling with others or even on your own that taking an overnight train to or from Lapland is a great option. Train travel is scenic, cost effective if you have a family or a lot of luggage and you also have the option of taking a vehicle. The negatives are that it does take a long time and there are times that the trains leave late at night making it awkward for families with smaller children. 

Driving from Helsinki to Lapland by Car

For many travelers further afield, this would mean renting a car and needing to return it either in Lapland or back to Helsinki which can be quite an expense.

I am not sure I would recommend this option for many, but if you have your car and you are confident on driving on the right hand side of the road, in snow or inclimate weather, you will most likely be fine.

But you must be aware that this journey is at least 800 kilometers and can take around 10 hours. That said, the journey up to Rovaniemi is along one main road and the views will be stunning for much of the way.

In general, I’d only advise driving to Lapland from Helsinki if you’re touring elsewhere in Finland, have your own vehicle and have at least a couple of weeks here to make it worthwhile and cost-effective.

Important Information for Your Finland Trip

When is the best time to visit finland.

In reality, you can visit Finland at any time of the year as there are a multitude of activities to suit any weather condition. That said, in my opinion, the best time to visit Finland is definitely during the winter months between December and February. This is when you will see the most beautiful winter wonderland landscapes and you have a great chance to see the aurora borealis. Note, it is also the coldest time of the year, so you will need to prepare for that!

What is the best way to get to Finland?

Finnair offers direct flights to Helsinki Airport from all over the world, including from here in Los Angeles. The international flights are on newer Airbus A350 planes which have ample legroom, flight cameras and more. Subscribe to their newsletter for deals and special offers if this is a trip you are looking to plan far in advance. 

If you are in mainland Europe, you can also make your way overland to Tallinn and take the Viking Express over to Helsinki for a very affordable rate. Note, this is also a great day trip idea from Helsinki.

Where do you recommend to stay in Helsinki?

There are so many amazing options to stay in Helsinki. I think where you stay is dependent on what you want out of your visit. During my stay in the city I was leaving on an early morning ferry and arriving late at night from the airport so I chose the Noli Studio Apartments which were cheap, clean and convenient to everywhere I wanted to go. There are several of them located throughout the city, so pay attention to the neighborhood that you wish to be in! 

If you want a little more luxury and don’t mind being a little further out, consider the Clarion Hotel which is a favorite for repeat visitors to the city. 

What are the best things to do in Finland?

There are so many amazing things to do in Finland that I can’t list them all here. But a start would be to check out our top experiences in Lapland that you can find all over the region. Winter activities are some of the best on offer here in Finland.

What do I need to pack for Finland?

Layers is the short answer. The longer answer will depend on what time of year you are visiting. Assuming you visit during the high season of winter, you will need to pack a lot of warm breathable layers such as merino wool . Overall, I would say to focus on layers, good boots that have room for several pairs of socks, good gloves or mittens and a warm hat.

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