Hotel in Saariselkä, Finland
Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna
Ski-in/ski-out hotel at Saariselkä ski resort. Comfortable rooms, Lapland-style restaurant, spa facilities, and excellent base for Northern Lights hunting and Urho Kekkonen National Park.
Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna is a ski-in/ski-out hotel at Saariseläntie, 99830 Saariselkä, set within the Saariselkä resort village in the far north of Finnish Lapland, approximately 30 kilometres south of Inari and 20 kilometres from Ivalo Airport. The hotel is operated by Lapland Hotels, one of Finland's leading Arctic hospitality groups, and serves as the primary accommodation hub for the Saariselkä ski and wilderness resort. The resort includes approximately 15 downhill slopes alongside an extensive network of cross-country ski tracks and snowshoe trails that extend directly into the adjacent national park wilderness.
The hotel's ski-in/ski-out access allows guests to transition from their rooms to the slopes without any transport, a convenience that makes Riekonlinna the preferred choice for active winter visitors. The surrounding landscape is defined by its exceptional wilderness character: Saariselkä sits at the southern boundary of Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Finland's largest protected areas, which begins essentially at the resort's edge and offers some of the country's finest Nordic skiing, wilderness hiking, and aurora-viewing environments.
Guest rooms and suites are appointed in the warm, timber-accented Lapland style characteristic of the Lapland Hotels brand, providing the practicalities and comfort needed for extended cold-weather stays in the Arctic North. A spa facility with saunas, pools, and wellness treatments offers recovery and relaxation after days on the slopes or wilderness trails. The hotel's restaurant serves Lapland cuisine with emphasis on local and regional ingredients including reindeer and traditional Finnish preparations appropriate to the Far North setting.
Saariselkä's position at roughly 68°N latitude — well above the Arctic Circle — makes Aurora Borealis sightings frequent on clear winter nights from September through April. The hotel team can organize or recommend Northern Lights excursions into the surrounding national park landscape. Ivalo Airport is approximately 20 kilometres from the hotel with regular connections to Helsinki via Finnair.
The hotel suits skiing families, aurora hunters, wilderness trekkers, and anyone seeking immersive Arctic Lapland hospitality beyond the busier tourist hubs of Rovaniemi. Room rates range from around €130 to €320 per night depending on season and room type.
Amenities
- ski-in/ski-out
- spa
- restaurant
- sauna
- aurora viewing
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +358 16 668 551
Location
Saariseläntie 1, 99830 Saariselkä
68.4189, 27.4086 — View on map
Highlights
- Ski-in/ski-out hotel in Saariselkä, directly adjacent to Urho Kekkonen National Park wilderness
- Operated by Lapland Hotels, one of Finland's premier Arctic hospitality groups
- Spa with Finnish saunas and pools for recovery after skiing or wilderness excursions
- Prime Northern Lights location above 68°N latitude with frequent aurora sightings September–April
- Lapland-style restaurant serving reindeer and regional Far North cuisine
Tips
- Ivalo Airport is approximately 20 km away; pre-arrange a hotel transfer as taxis may be limited at this remote location
- Pack thermal layers rated to -30°C or lower, as deep winter temperatures at Saariselkä can be extreme
- The Urho Kekkonen National Park visitor centre near Saariselkä provides maps and guided excursion bookings for wilderness treks
- Northern Lights excursions by snowshoe or snowmobile can be arranged through the hotel or local operators in Saariselkä village
- Late March and early April offer the best combination of extended daylight hours, reliable snow cover, and continued aurora visibility
FAQ
Is Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna suitable for families with children?
Yes, the hotel is family-friendly with facilities and activities suited to children, including beginner ski slopes at the Saariselkä resort, snowshoe walks, and reindeer experiences arranged through local operators.
What skiing is available at Saariselkä?
The Saariselkä resort has approximately 15 downhill slopes of varying difficulty and an extensive cross-country ski network extending into Urho Kekkonen National Park. The resort is well suited to beginners and intermediate skiers.
How far is the hotel from Ivalo Airport?
Ivalo Airport is approximately 20 km from Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna. Transfers can be arranged through the hotel; the drive takes around 25 minutes by car.
Is the spa available to all hotel guests?
Yes, the hotel spa including saunas and pool is available to all guests. Some wellness treatments require advance booking; the hotel reception can provide current treatment options and availability.
Accessibility
Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna is a modern hotel with lift access between floors. The surrounding Saariselkä resort terrain involves snow-covered outdoor areas that may be challenging for guests with significant mobility restrictions. Guests requiring adapted rooms or specific assistance should contact the hotel prior to arrival to confirm availability.