Hotel in Saariselkä, Lapland, Lapland
Saariselkä Camping Cabins
Simple but atmospheric self-catering cabins at the edge of Saariselkä fell, offering the most affordable way to sleep in this incredible wilderness location. The cabins are basic but have wood-burning stoves and direct fell access.
Saariselkä Camping Cabins provide the most affordable self-catering accommodation in the fell village of Saariselkä, offering guests a direct and elemental connection to the Arctic fell landscape of Finnish Lapland. Located at Saariselänkuja 5 at the edge of the Saariselkä village area, the cabins occupy a position close to the subarctic birch and pine treeline, with immediate access to the fell trails leading into the Urho Kekkonen National Park — one of Finland's largest and least-visited wilderness areas, covering nearly 2,600 square kilometres of open fell, mire, and ancient pine forest. The Saariselkä fell rises to approximately 550 metres and the surrounding landscape is protected wilderness where reindeer, wolverine, and Arctic birds inhabit terrain sculpted by glaciers and millennia of Arctic weather.
The cabins are simple, solidly built timber structures in the tradition of Finnish wilderness accommodation. Each cabin is equipped with a wood-burning stove — both the heat source and the atmospheric centrepiece of a Lapland fell cabin experience — and a basic kitchen with cooking facilities and utensils for self-catering. Interiors are modest in their furnishings but functional, prioritising the elemental experience of fell living over resort-style comfort. Sleeping configurations typically span two to four berths in double or bunk arrangements.
Guests share a communal sauna facility — a prerequisite for any serious fell cabin experience in Finland — and make use of shared sanitary facilities. The site provides parking for guests arriving by car, which is the principal means of reaching Saariselkä given the limitations of public transport in northern Lapland. Ivalo Airport, 31 kilometres to the north, is the closest air gateway.
The cabin complex sits within walking distance of Saariselkä village's services, including the ski lift base stations, restaurants, and shops. In winter, cross-country ski trails depart from near the cabin area and the alpine ski network is accessible on foot or by the resort shuttle. In summer, marked hiking trails lead from the vicinity onto the open fell and into the national park, with multi-day wilderness routes accessible for experienced hikers.
Amenities
- wood stove
- basic kitchen
- shared sauna
- parking
- fell access
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +358 16 668 700
Location
Saariselänkuja 5, 99830 Saariselkä
68.1625, 27.4025 — View on map
Highlights
- Most affordable fell accommodation in Saariselkä with direct access to Urho Kekkonen National Park trails
- Traditional wood-burning stove in each cabin — the authentic Lapland fell cabin experience
- Fell-edge location for cross-country skiing in winter and wilderness hiking in summer
- Shared communal sauna for the essential Finnish restorative experience after a day on the fell
- Self-catering independence at a fraction of resort hotel costs while remaining central to Saariselkä village
Tips
- Stock up on groceries in Ivalo before arriving — Saariselkä's village shops have limited range and resort-level pricing
- The wood stove needs 60–90 minutes to fully heat the cabin in extreme cold; start it well before you want warmth
- Book the shared sauna for a preferred time slot in advance, particularly during busy winter weekends
- Dress in full windproof layers for fell hiking even in summer — Saariselkä's exposed fell terrain sees rapid weather changes
- Combine a cabin stay with a day trip to Siida Sámi Museum in Inari village, 45 kilometres to the north
FAQ
Do the cabins have indoor toilets?
Cabin facilities vary — some units have their own toilet while others share facilities nearby. Confirm the specific cabin configuration at the time of booking.
Is there electricity and hot water in the cabins?
The cabins have electrical supply for lighting and cooking appliances. Hot water availability varies by cabin; wood-heated water is available as part of the shared sauna facility.
How close are the cabins to the Saariselkä ski area?
The cabins are within the Saariselkä fell village area, with the ski lift base accessible on foot or by the resort's shuttle service. Cross-country ski trails connect directly from the cabin vicinity in winter.
Is the site open in summer?
Yes, Saariselkä Camping Cabins operate year-round. Summer visits offer fell hiking, midnight-sun experiences, fishing, and access to the national park trail network for day and multi-day routes.
Can guests see the Northern Lights from the cabins?
Saariselkä's position above 68°N latitude and its distance from significant light pollution make it one of Lapland's finest locations for Northern Lights viewing. The open fell above the cabin area provides excellent sky visibility from late August through April.
Accessibility
The cabin complex terrain includes natural fell-edge ground with unpaved access paths that may present challenges for wheelchair users. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the site directly to discuss suitable cabin allocation and access.
When to visit
November through March for Northern Lights and fell skiing; September and October for autumn colours and early aurora season. June and July for midnight-sun fell hiking into the national park.