Saariselkä (Northern Sámi: Suoločielgi) is a fell area and winter-resort village in the Inari municipality of northern Finnish Lapland, roughly 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. It is the main gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finland's second-largest national park (about 2,550 km²), and is renowned for the aurora borealis, vast open-fell trekking and skiing. In 2026 it remains a year-round destination: an aurora season from late August to April, winter husky and reindeer safaris, and midnight-sun hiking in summer. It suits travellers who want to slow down for a few days in quiet Arctic wilderness.
Kaunispää fell (438 m): reachable by car, ski lift or on foot, with a summit café, panoramic views over Saariselkä and the national park, and Finland's longest toboggan run.
Urho Kekkonen National Park: around 2,550 km² of wilderness reaching all the way to the Russian border, with marked trails and free wilderness huts (autiotupa).
Aurora borealis: minimal light pollution makes Saariselkä one of Finland's best aurora spots — Kaunispää, Iisakkipää and the Kiilopää summit are prime viewing points.
Midnight sun and polar night (kaamos): near-24-hour daylight in early summer, and the sun failing to rise around the December solstice.
Winter activities: downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, husky and reindeer sledding, and snowmobile safaris.
Good to know
SeasonThe aurora is visible only from late August to April (best in the dark months of September–March) and needs clear, dark skies, so a sighting is never guaranteed. In early summer (late May–July) the midnight sun means bright nights — bring an eye mask.
SafetyWinter temperatures typically run −10 to −30°C (record −38.6°C). Dress in warm layers with a windproof shell, gloves and a hat to prevent frostbite, and pack a map, spare clothing and snacks as fell weather changes fast.
SafetyCheck routes and weather at the visitor centre before hiking and share your plans with someone. Mobile coverage is patchy in the backcountry, and wilderness huts are first-come or, in some cases, require booking.
RulesEntry to the park is free but rules apply — light campfires only at designated spots (banned during wildfire warnings), carry out all rubbish, keep to marked trails and leave no trace. Free open huts are shared spaces, so tidy up and replenish the firewood.
MannersReindeer often appear on roads and fells — slow down when driving and never feed or chase wild reindeer. Respect the Sámi Indigenous culture of the Inari region.
CautionFinland is very safe with little petty theft, but aurora, husky and reindeer tours vary widely in price and quality, so book official, licensed operators. Tipping is not customary, so there is no need to overpay.
SeasonIn summer (June–July) mosquitoes are common on the fells and wetlands, so bring repellent.
Practical info
The nearest airport is Ivalo (IVL), about 30 km away and roughly a 26-minute bus ride (operated by Eskelisen Lapin Linjat); you can also drive via Highway 4 (E75). Get park maps and information at Metsähallitus's Kiehinen visitor point in Saariselkä, and a Ski Bus runs during the winter season. Park entry is free, but lift tickets, tours, opening hours and timetables change by season, so check the latest.
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