Hotel in Saariselkä, Lapland, Lapland
Saariselkä Inn
A premium wilderness resort in Saariselkä offering Aurora cabins and hotel rooms with direct access to Urho Kekkonen National Park. The resort provides comprehensive Arctic adventure packages including Northern Lights safaris and wilderness treks.
Saariselkä Inn is a wilderness resort situated in the Saariselkä fell area in Inari municipality, Finnish Lapland, at one of the highest inhabited elevations in Finland. The resort address on Lutontie places it within Saariselkä village, which sits at the edge of Urho Kekkonen National Park — the largest national park in Finland and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The surrounding landscape of open fell, ancient birch forest, and treeless tunturi provides some of the most dramatic scenery in Finnish Lapland.
The accommodation mix spans hotel rooms and Aurora cabins. The Aurora cabins are self-contained units positioned for Northern Lights viewing, with large windows and secluded fell-side locations. Hotel rooms in the main building provide comfortable facilities with easy access to shared amenities. The overall design draws on the fell environment, using natural materials and simple Nordic lines that complement the landscape rather than competing with it.
The resort's sauna complex is a highlight of the stay: multiple Finnish saunas, outdoor hot tubs, and an ice swimming option are available to all guests. The facilities are positioned to maximise the wilderness ambience, with views across the open fell or into the surrounding birch forest. Evening sauna sessions are a core part of the Saariselkä experience.
The on-site restaurant serves traditional Lappish cuisine incorporating reindeer, Arctic game, freshwater fish, and foraged ingredients in menus that change with the seasons. Guided dinner experiences combining outdoor activity with a hot meal are offered in winter.
Saariselkä Inn's position bordering Urho Kekkonen National Park is its defining strength for activity guests. Guided wilderness treks range from half-day introductory routes to multi-day fjeld traverses. Cross-country skiing, Northern Lights safaris by snowmobile or on foot, and reindeer sleigh rides are among the most popular winter offerings. Summer brings hiking, berry picking, and the extraordinary light of the Lapland midnight sun.
Amenities
- Aurora cabins
- sauna complex
- restaurant
- national park access
- guided safaris
- ski trails
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +358 16 668 801
Location
Lutontie 3, 99830 Saariselkä
68.1617, 27.4017 — View on map
Highlights
- Direct access to Urho Kekkonen National Park — Finland's largest national park at the doorstep
- Aurora cabins in the high fell landscape designed for Northern Lights viewing on dark nights
- Sauna complex with outdoor hot tubs and ice swimming overlooking open Lapland wilderness
- Extensive groomed ski trails and fell hiking routes directly accessible from the resort
- Guided snowmobile and on-foot Northern Lights safaris into the fell landscape
Tips
- Saariselkä's high elevation brings extreme cold — bring clothing rated to at least −30°C for outdoor activities.
- Book Aurora cabin accommodation at least six months before Christmas and New Year dates.
- National park hiking trails can be accessed without a guide in summer; collect trail maps from the resort reception.
- Ivalo Airport, 30 km south, has frequent flights from Helsinki; airport transfer can be arranged through the resort.
- Reindeer herding is active in the area in autumn (September–October); stay on marked trails and respect reindeer encountered on paths.
FAQ
Is Saariselkä Inn close to Urho Kekkonen National Park?
Yes, the resort borders the national park and guests can walk directly from the property into the park's trail network. Guided excursions deeper into the park are available through the resort's activity desk.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights at Saariselkä?
The Northern Lights season runs from late August to mid-April. September through November and February through March offer the clearest conditions. Saariselkä's elevated position and minimal light pollution make it one of Finland's top Aurora viewing locations.
Can guests cross-country ski directly from the resort?
Yes, a groomed cross-country ski trail network is accessible from the resort area. Ski rental and trail pass information are available in Saariselkä village.
How do guests travel from Helsinki to Saariselkä?
The fastest route is to fly from Helsinki Vantaa to Ivalo Airport, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. Ivalo is 30 km south of Saariselkä; transfer buses and taxis connect the airport to the village.
Accessibility
The resort's fell-side location involves uneven natural terrain and snow-covered paths in winter. Some paths between accommodation units and facilities may be challenging for wheelchair users. Guests requiring accessible rooms should inquire directly with the resort before booking.
When to visit
September to March for Northern Lights and winter activities; February and March offer good snow combined with increasing daylight. Summer brings midnight sun hiking in the national park.