Hotel in Ivalo, Lapland, Lapland
Hotel Ivalo
A comfortable full-service hotel in Ivalo town, conveniently located near Ivalo Airport and the road to Saariselkä and Inari. The hotel serves as an excellent base for Northern Lapland explorations with a cozy restaurant and full sauna facilities.
Hotel Ivalo occupies a prime position in the market town of Ivalo, the largest settlement in Northern Lapland, situated along the Ivalojoki river in Finnish Lapland. Located at Ivalontie 34, the hotel sits approximately two kilometres from Ivalo Airport, making it one of the most conveniently placed northern accommodations for fly-in travellers. The town of Ivalo serves as the primary service hub for the vast Northern Lapland wilderness, positioned roughly 40 kilometres south of Inari village and 30 kilometres north of the Saariselkä fell resort, placing guests within easy striking distance of both major attractions.
The hotel presents a low-rise building in a practical Finnish hotel style, designed with function and comfort rather than architectural drama. Its character is defined by its utility as a solid base: guests receive professional, efficient service without the frills of resort-style luxury but with all the essentials that allow extended exploration of the region.
Accommodation spans standard double rooms, single rooms, and family configurations, all furnished in a clean, contemporary Scandinavian style. Rooms offer private bathrooms, satellite television, free WiFi, and central heating appropriate to the extreme northern winters. The hotel's sauna facilities, available to all guests, represent the quintessential Finnish experience, particularly welcome after a day of Northern Lights hunting or fell hiking.
The hotel restaurant serves as the social heart of the property, offering a daily menu anchored in Finnish and Lapland cuisine. Reindeer dishes, local fish preparations, and hearty winter soups feature prominently on the seasonal menu. The bar provides a warm gathering point for travellers swapping tales of Northern Lights sightings. Breakfast service is included for hotel guests.
A fitness room allows guests to maintain their routines, while ample parking accommodates rental vehicles essential for exploring the wider Northern Lapland region. The front desk assists with local activity bookings including snowmobile tours, reindeer farm visits, and Northern Lights excursions departing from Ivalo.
Amenities
- restaurant
- bar
- sauna
- gym
- parking
- airport proximity
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +358 16 661 801
Location
Ivalontie 34, 99800 Ivalo
68.6571, 27.5395 — View on map
Highlights
- Two kilometres from Ivalo Airport — ideal fly-in access for Northern Lapland explorations
- Central position linking Saariselkä, Inari, and the Northern Lapland wilderness within easy driving distance
- Full-service restaurant serving reindeer, local fish, and hearty Lapland cuisine
- Finnish sauna facilities available to all guests for post-expedition recovery
- Front desk assistance with snowmobile tours, reindeer farm visits, and Northern Lights excursions
Tips
- Book early for November–March peak season; room rates rise sharply during the Northern Lights viewing window
- Rent a vehicle at Ivalo Airport before reaching the hotel — public transport in Northern Lapland is extremely limited
- Ask staff about current road conditions when planning drives north to Inari or east toward the Norwegian border
- The hotel restaurant is one of the most reliable dinner options in Ivalo — reservations are recommended on busy winter evenings
- Arrive by afternoon in winter to maximise the limited daylight hours available for outdoor exploration
FAQ
Does Hotel Ivalo provide airport transfers?
The hotel does not operate a dedicated shuttle service, but Ivalo Airport is approximately two kilometres away. Taxis connect the airport with the town centre in around five minutes, and rental car desks are available at the terminal.
Is the hotel open year-round?
Yes, Hotel Ivalo operates throughout the year, catering to winter Northern Lights visitors from September to March and summer midnight-sun travellers from June to August.
What are the Northern Lights viewing conditions near Ivalo?
Ivalo's position above the Arctic Circle at 68°N gives it excellent Northern Lights potential from September to March. Hotel staff can advise on local viewing spots away from town light pollution.
Are there vegetarian dining options at the restaurant?
The restaurant menu includes vegetarian alternatives alongside traditional Lapland meat and fish dishes. Guests with specific dietary requirements are advised to notify the kitchen in advance.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Hotel Ivalo accepts pets in designated rooms. Confirm pet-friendly room availability when booking and note that a pet fee may apply.
Accessibility
Hotel Ivalo has accessible ground-floor rooms with wider doorways suitable for guests with reduced mobility. Guests with specific wheelchair or mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly to confirm room availability and facility access.
When to visit
November through February for Northern Lights and winter activities; June and July for the midnight sun. December and January represent peak season with highest demand and lowest natural light.