Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The bustling, touristy village of Saariselkä (Sámi: Suolocielgi), 250km north of the Arctic
Circle, makes a great spot to get active from. It's a major winter destination for Christ-
massy experiences, sled safaris and skiing, and in summer serves as the main base for trek-
kers heading into the awesome Saariselkä Wilderness. You could hike for weeks here;
there's a good network of huts and marked trails. Saariselkä itself is basically a collection
of enormous hotels and holiday cottages, more resort than community, but has plenty of
accommodation and shops to stock up on trekking supplies and equipment, and high-qual-
ity souvenirs.
Activities & Tours
Saariselkä is bristling with things to do year-round. Things are most active in winter, with
numerous snowy excursions organised by the many companies in town. Husky- and
reindeer-sledding are popular, with trips of a couple of hours starting at around €120.
Snowmobiling is a little cheaper, and there are combination excursions, as well as multi-
day safaris. Snowshoeing, aurora-watching trips and ice-fishing are other options.
In summer options include visits to Tankavaara, reindeer farms, canoeing on the Tanka-
joki, fishing, whitewater rafting in Inari, whole-day rafting on the Ivalojoki, and various
guided walks. All these can be booked at the tourist information desk within Kiehinen or
via the hotels. The best hiking is in the Saariselkä Wilderness.
See www.saariselka.fi for a list of activities and operators. Most operators offer a com-
plete winter and summer program and also rent mountain bikes, skis and snowshoes.
Some recommended providers include Husky & Co ( 016-667-776; www.saariselka.fi/
huskyco ) , Lapland Safaris ( 016-668-901; www.laplandsafaris.com ;Riekonlinna hotel, Saar-
iseläntie 13) , which rents and sells camping gear, and LuontoLoma/Pro Safaris (
016-668-706; www.luontoloma.fi ; Tunturi hotel, Saariseläntie 14) .
Skiing
Ski Saariselkä SNOW SPORTS
( www.skisaariselka.fi ;admission day/week €37/132; mid-Nov-early May)
There are 15 downhill slopes served by five lifts; the longest run is 1300m and the vertical
drop is 180m. There's also a freestyle park and some 240km of cross-country trails, some
lit. Saariselkä is known for snow-kiting; lessons are available.
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